Beyond the Build - Page 61 of 63

Pre-planning for Commercial Renovation: Only One Chance To Get It Right the First Time

Several years ago, we worked with a non-profit community organization to construct their new headquarters and campus. Their chair was the second-generation head of a very large family business and a successful company with offices in about 30 countries. As were finishing up a design meeting, he shared some wise words: “We only have one …

Community Service

Churchill’s Advice Can Pull You Through the Recession; Make You Stronger on the Flip Side

I’ve always been a believer in reading history, as it often repeats itself, or at least offers a case study for how to do (or not do) things. A recent trip to London seemed like a good time to pay tribute to a wise Brit, so I dropped into a local shop and purchased a …

Leadership

How to Make Family a Priority When Traveling for Business By Robbie Cather

When work and family time intersect and you have to be away from home for a couple of days because of a business obligation, there are ways to minimize the impact your absence has on those around you. • Minimize the overnight stays – In today’s high-speed world, there is often a way to …

Conservation

What You Can Learn From a Trailblazer’s Use of Social-Justice Architecture

We’ve all heard the saying, “everything old is new again.” At our place, we’ve challenged ourselves to find inventive ways to repurpose materials that might have otherwise left behind. As a result, our ceilings, parts of our deck and even our conference table are crafted from wood that would have otherwise been left at our …

Leadership

How to Innovate Your Organization Through Design

Recently, one of our long-term client relationships sponsored a forum in New York City on innovation of company culture through design. While I wasn’t able to attend, I did get my hands on some great notes from a friend. Design of function has evolved to be much more in the center of technology, business and …

Customer Relationships

Now Is the Time to Prepare for Future Business: Use Recession Downtime to Streamline Practices

When business is good, it’s far too easy for leaders to get busy, ignore their company’s weaknesses and forget to brainstorm ways to improve. It’s an easier focus now since business is down and we all have a little more time. As a company, we are using the lull to evaluate and reevaluate every aspect …

Tips from the Field

A Primer on Elevated Slabs for Mixed-Use Projects

Over the last few years, our team has been involved with several mixed-use projects using composite slab construction. Working together, we’ve been able to formulate some solid practices with concrete slabs. I asked Heath Cather, a senior project manager in our office, to share on the flatness and levelness of these slabs and have included …

Conservation

The Easiest Donation You’ll Ever Make: A Simple Gift of Space Can Preserve Natural Treasures

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” That adage has stayed with me for many years. Our company is fortunate to have a nice corporate campus, and I feel that in order to be a good steward of the land, I should invite others to enjoy our place. In the last few months, the …

Leadership

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch: What Rounding Up the Herd Taught Me About Business Prospects

In previous posts, I’ve shared with you how important it is to me take time away from the office to clear your mind, opening it up to see new possibilities. You’ll be amazed at the clarity you find when you take a step back and focus on the bigger picture. My annual visit to the …

Local Craftsmen

How a Maine Furniture Maker Taught Me to Make Time for My Passion

As business leaders, we often get so immersed in our vocation that we forget all about our avocation. I was reminded of this a few years ago when I took a trip to New England. I was driving through Freeport, Maine and happened to see a sign for the Thos. Moser shop in town. The name …

Conservation

9 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Build for Energy Savings

I recently attended a U.S. Green Building Council presentation where architect and professor emeritus Norbert Lechner, a noted Fulbright senior specialist and energy expert, presented his thoughts on the field of efficient building energy design and sustainability, a topic often considered the foundation of green philosophy. I learned that reduced energy goals are in many …

Tips from the Field

Advances in Concrete Flooring Require a Full System Approach

From time to time, I like to share construction industry tips I pick up. Heeding advice on field advances has saved my team tons of time and money, and hopefully you’ll find the same is true for your business. A few of us recently attended the Birmingham chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute monthly meeting …

Receive our newsletter

Pre-planning for Commercial Renovation: Only One Chance To Get It Right the First Time

Churchill’s Advice Can Pull You Through the Recession; Make You Stronger on the Flip Side

How to Make Family a Priority When Traveling for Business By Robbie Cather

What You Can Learn From a Trailblazer’s Use of Social-Justice Architecture

How to Innovate Your Organization Through Design

Now Is the Time to Prepare for Future Business: Use Recession Downtime to Streamline Practices

A Primer on Elevated Slabs for Mixed-Use Projects

The Easiest Donation You’ll Ever Make: A Simple Gift of Space Can Preserve Natural Treasures

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch: What Rounding Up the Herd Taught Me About Business Prospects

How a Maine Furniture Maker Taught Me to Make Time for My Passion

9 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Build for Energy Savings

Advances in Concrete Flooring Require a Full System Approach