Sorry for the delays in posting new material, afraid that I've been busy studying for the LEED NC exam the past couple of weeks. Hear that it will be entertaining to take. Will be taking the exam at 9:00am Thursday October 16.
Have several posting started just need to check them one last time and post. Will be back up to speed on postings week of October 27.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Letter to fellow Interior Designers in Mississippi;
Over the past few days there are a couple of issues which have come to light which affect your ability to practice as an Interior Designer, as well as management of your practice. Over the past couple of months the Governors Tax Study Commission has issued a draft report of their findings. Note that before these items can take effect, they must be passed by both the House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor.
In 6.6.7 ADD ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO THE LIST OF TAXABLE SERVICES such as the following:
- Motor Vehicle Towing
- Mini-Warehouse
- Interior Design Services
- Graphic Design Services
- Pet Grooming
- Nail Services and Tanning Services
- And so on, this item is included for your reference
Under Mississippi Code Chapter 07 Design, Engineering and other Professional Services, these services are exempt from tax when not related to sales of tangible property Section 27-65-17, services Section 27-65-23 or activities taxable by Section 27-65-21. All of these items are included for your reference. Upon review of the various sections mentioned above, it would follow logic that professional services would be exempt. But at the state level we are not legislated or recognized as such.
Interior Designers generally practice one of two methods; the first of which only professional services are provided as the instrument of service delivery. A second method is a combination of professional services along with retail sales.
Where tangible personal property has changed hands, the appropriate taxes have been collected and remitted to the state. Under the proposed changes, you would now have to pay taxes on professional fees collected from your clients. It appears that this would also be the case for architectural firms on their portion of fees collected for interior design services. Unless such services are not promoted or billed as such services. In general this would provide an additional level of burden on the firm’s, owners and business managers with regards to record keeping and filing on these taxes.
While this material is only from a draft report of the Governors Tax Study Commission, it should reemphasize to us the importance of active involvement in the political process. These findings have a long road ahead before they can be signed into law, but they demand our attention now.
As design professionals, you’re aware of how important the protection of the public’s health, safety and welfare is. On a daily bases you are entrusted to make decisions based on your education, training and interpretation of codes which affect our state’s major assets-its citizens. From youngest to oldest, we are entrusted to safeguard their well being, by providing spaces which ensure that their lives are enhanced.
For those of you whose practice includes tenant build-out projects, your ability to perform such services has been greatly reduced. On May 23, 2008, the Mississippi State Board of Architecture issued an opinion to Mississippi Building Officials outlining those who can and cannot provide such services.
If a tenant space is within a building and less than 5,000 sq. ft. in scope, and the building itself is larger than 5,000 sq. ft., it must be designed by an architect licensed by the State of Mississippi. For those of you who have not heard about this, a copy of the board’s letter and brochure are attached for your review. So unless it’s 5,000 sq. ft. or less for both, and unless you work for an architectural firm, you’re out of business.
As a group, it’s time for us to take control of our profession and our destiny. Are we going to let the select few dictate what we can and cannot do? True, we have to work with them to reach our end goal, the protection of the public’s health safety and welfare, but when one or both sides of this equation is saying one thing and doing another something has to give.
Over the past few years we have reached out to the design community in our state, AIA and The Mississippi State Board of Architecture. We have informed them of our thoughts and shared with them our legislation. We have met with them, received their verbal comments but to date we have yet to receive any written comments. (These are the colleagues in the design profession which we work with on a daily bases to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the public is protect.)
At this point, it appears that we were strung along to slow down these legislative efforts in hope that we would lose interest and go away. For those who don’t know, AIA national position holds that those who are qualified, through education and training to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, are architects and engineers.
As a unified group, we are going to have to inform and educate the public and elected officials with regards to this legislation. Or let a select few continue to dictate the direction of those who are the “chosen ones”.
This past legislative session, there was legislation introduced by a House member. This was done on their own initiative seeing the need for such legislation. Though we got credit for it, and not doing what we said we would do and hold off of legislative efforts in 2008.
Remember the old saying “timing is everything”? That is true now. We can say that with the approach of the 2009 legislative session, we will be there, have sponsors to introduce legislation in both chambers and will move this cause forward.
It will also be our position that if the state during these tough financial times needs the additional tax funds on a short term, we will gladly support the Governor’s Tax Study Commissions report but only if it’s equal taxation among all design professionals.
Take a moment, take a stand for what you feel is right and join us in this effort to protect health, safety and welfare of those close to us and those who will follow us in the future.
In 6.6.7 ADD ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO THE LIST OF TAXABLE SERVICES such as the following:
- Motor Vehicle Towing
- Mini-Warehouse
- Interior Design Services
- Graphic Design Services
- Pet Grooming
- Nail Services and Tanning Services
- And so on, this item is included for your reference
Under Mississippi Code Chapter 07 Design, Engineering and other Professional Services, these services are exempt from tax when not related to sales of tangible property Section 27-65-17, services Section 27-65-23 or activities taxable by Section 27-65-21. All of these items are included for your reference. Upon review of the various sections mentioned above, it would follow logic that professional services would be exempt. But at the state level we are not legislated or recognized as such.
Interior Designers generally practice one of two methods; the first of which only professional services are provided as the instrument of service delivery. A second method is a combination of professional services along with retail sales.
Where tangible personal property has changed hands, the appropriate taxes have been collected and remitted to the state. Under the proposed changes, you would now have to pay taxes on professional fees collected from your clients. It appears that this would also be the case for architectural firms on their portion of fees collected for interior design services. Unless such services are not promoted or billed as such services. In general this would provide an additional level of burden on the firm’s, owners and business managers with regards to record keeping and filing on these taxes.
While this material is only from a draft report of the Governors Tax Study Commission, it should reemphasize to us the importance of active involvement in the political process. These findings have a long road ahead before they can be signed into law, but they demand our attention now.
As design professionals, you’re aware of how important the protection of the public’s health, safety and welfare is. On a daily bases you are entrusted to make decisions based on your education, training and interpretation of codes which affect our state’s major assets-its citizens. From youngest to oldest, we are entrusted to safeguard their well being, by providing spaces which ensure that their lives are enhanced.
For those of you whose practice includes tenant build-out projects, your ability to perform such services has been greatly reduced. On May 23, 2008, the Mississippi State Board of Architecture issued an opinion to Mississippi Building Officials outlining those who can and cannot provide such services.
If a tenant space is within a building and less than 5,000 sq. ft. in scope, and the building itself is larger than 5,000 sq. ft., it must be designed by an architect licensed by the State of Mississippi. For those of you who have not heard about this, a copy of the board’s letter and brochure are attached for your review. So unless it’s 5,000 sq. ft. or less for both, and unless you work for an architectural firm, you’re out of business.
As a group, it’s time for us to take control of our profession and our destiny. Are we going to let the select few dictate what we can and cannot do? True, we have to work with them to reach our end goal, the protection of the public’s health safety and welfare, but when one or both sides of this equation is saying one thing and doing another something has to give.
Over the past few years we have reached out to the design community in our state, AIA and The Mississippi State Board of Architecture. We have informed them of our thoughts and shared with them our legislation. We have met with them, received their verbal comments but to date we have yet to receive any written comments. (These are the colleagues in the design profession which we work with on a daily bases to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the public is protect.)
At this point, it appears that we were strung along to slow down these legislative efforts in hope that we would lose interest and go away. For those who don’t know, AIA national position holds that those who are qualified, through education and training to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, are architects and engineers.
As a unified group, we are going to have to inform and educate the public and elected officials with regards to this legislation. Or let a select few continue to dictate the direction of those who are the “chosen ones”.
This past legislative session, there was legislation introduced by a House member. This was done on their own initiative seeing the need for such legislation. Though we got credit for it, and not doing what we said we would do and hold off of legislative efforts in 2008.
Remember the old saying “timing is everything”? That is true now. We can say that with the approach of the 2009 legislative session, we will be there, have sponsors to introduce legislation in both chambers and will move this cause forward.
It will also be our position that if the state during these tough financial times needs the additional tax funds on a short term, we will gladly support the Governor’s Tax Study Commissions report but only if it’s equal taxation among all design professionals.
Take a moment, take a stand for what you feel is right and join us in this effort to protect health, safety and welfare of those close to us and those who will follow us in the future.
Is it possibly to take something controversial, and make it a leader within the community?
Some building type provide great concern and opposition within communities such as detention facilities. Over the pas several years, I've worked on a County Adult Detention Center (ADC). This facility will replace one which was built in the early 1970's, and has sense outlived its usefulness. There has been some opposition to the project and its proposed site.
A concerned citizens group has come out in opposition to the proposed project site. The local municipality has approved the site which has lead to court action by the citizens group. After an extended process and change of venue for the hearing, the court system has finally ruled in favor of the county's proposed site.
Site is located just outside the central business district west of the existing ADC on what was once an elementary school site. Site is one block off a main east west corridor and adjacent to a major north south corridor. An one point the site was just south of a private elementary school which was destroyed during hurricane Katrina, with no current plans of rebuilding.
One of the difficulties with any site selection for this type of facility, state law requires county detention facilities to be located within the county seat. Couple of years ago there was local private legislation introduced to relocated the ADC into the county, but a local legislator blocked the measure thinking that the county was wanting to put the facility in town, which they are now forced to do.
County seat is basically land locked by water on two sides and other communities surrounding its other sides. Within city limits selection is very limited due to several factors of which flooding is the major one. Being a coastal community a major consideration to take into account is elevation above sea level and storm surge.
As with most things in life, we must look for the good which can come from something which is even controversial. The location and type of structure could allow the facility to become a leader within the community by thinking outside the box with this type of facility.
From what I understand it’s not necessarily the ADC but the community work center (CWC) which has caused the most objections. One of the things which I’ve always heard was passers-by do not like traveling down Telephone Road and seeing them outside weight training and playing basketball. To screen the ADC from the street, the inmate exercise yards are surrounded by a twelve foot high masonry wall at the perimeter, and then within this defined space, inmate exercise yards are separated by twelve foot security fence.
One thing which we can do is create a landscape buffer between north south corridor and the ADC. This buffer zone would also include an area in front of the CWC. This “Park” is seen as a natural setting, not necessarily a public spot, although it could be utilized by those families visiting or waiting at the ADC. Vegetation and trees would be species indigenous to the area. This would create a setting at a smaller to the natural river system which exists just a little ways from the site. The water feature would serve two functions. It would act as storm water retention, but would also allow some water to slowly filter through the ground and assist with the recharging of the local aquifer.
An issue/opportunity we have will be the two+/- acre roof scape. This provides an opportunity to address a couple of issues which would benefit the County and Citizens long range. As we are well aware, energy costs are now taking more of a toll on everyone’s budgets and there seems to be no end in sight. The structure is in place to support it and we should consider making the roof a vegetative roof. Life expectancy of this type of system is about thirty years.
This would benefit the County by reducing the equipment required to heat and cool the ADC by some where in the range of 20% to 30%. This would reduce the energy demand of the facility. Reduce heat island effect of facility on its surroundings. The technology behind the system (from deck up) is well developed and proven.
Another issue which will have to be addressed will be storm water run-off. This system also acts as a retention basin and would reduce the time of run-off entering the system. A portion of the water would be retained by the roof for irrigation of the vegetation on the roof.
With this option, and the incorporation of the landscape buffer, we could create an “avian sanctuary” within the city limits.
Some early thoughts on a work in progress.
A concerned citizens group has come out in opposition to the proposed project site. The local municipality has approved the site which has lead to court action by the citizens group. After an extended process and change of venue for the hearing, the court system has finally ruled in favor of the county's proposed site.
Site is located just outside the central business district west of the existing ADC on what was once an elementary school site. Site is one block off a main east west corridor and adjacent to a major north south corridor. An one point the site was just south of a private elementary school which was destroyed during hurricane Katrina, with no current plans of rebuilding.One of the difficulties with any site selection for this type of facility, state law requires county detention facilities to be located within the county seat. Couple of years ago there was local private legislation introduced to relocated the ADC into the county, but a local legislator blocked the measure thinking that the county was wanting to put the facility in town, which they are now forced to do.
County seat is basically land locked by water on two sides and other communities surrounding its other sides. Within city limits selection is very limited due to several factors of which flooding is the major one. Being a coastal community a major consideration to take into account is elevation above sea level and storm surge.
As with most things in life, we must look for the good which can come from something which is even controversial. The location and type of structure could allow the facility to become a leader within the community by thinking outside the box with this type of facility.
From what I understand it’s not necessarily the ADC but the community work center (CWC) which has caused the most objections. One of the things which I’ve always heard was passers-by do not like traveling down Telephone Road and seeing them outside weight training and playing basketball. To screen the ADC from the street, the inmate exercise yards are surrounded by a twelve foot high masonry wall at the perimeter, and then within this defined space, inmate exercise yards are separated by twelve foot security fence.
One thing which we can do is create a landscape buffer between north south corridor and the ADC. This buffer zone would also include an area in front of the CWC. This “Park” is seen as a natural setting, not necessarily a public spot, although it could be utilized by those families visiting or waiting at the ADC. Vegetation and trees would be species indigenous to the area. This would create a setting at a smaller to the natural river system which exists just a little ways from the site. The water feature would serve two functions. It would act as storm water retention, but would also allow some water to slowly filter through the ground and assist with the recharging of the local aquifer.
An issue/opportunity we have will be the two+/- acre roof scape. This provides an opportunity to address a couple of issues which would benefit the County and Citizens long range. As we are well aware, energy costs are now taking more of a toll on everyone’s budgets and there seems to be no end in sight. The structure is in place to support it and we should consider making the roof a vegetative roof. Life expectancy of this type of system is about thirty years.
This would benefit the County by reducing the equipment required to heat and cool the ADC by some where in the range of 20% to 30%. This would reduce the energy demand of the facility. Reduce heat island effect of facility on its surroundings. The technology behind the system (from deck up) is well developed and proven.
Another issue which will have to be addressed will be storm water run-off. This system also acts as a retention basin and would reduce the time of run-off entering the system. A portion of the water would be retained by the roof for irrigation of the vegetation on the roof.
With this option, and the incorporation of the landscape buffer, we could create an “avian sanctuary” within the city limits.
Some early thoughts on a work in progress.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
First Class:
This is the syllabus and class schedule for the first class I assisted with. An yes the students treated us the same way that I have done before class. This was a nice learning process got to help develop the course material and see how the other side (educational) works. Class had twenty-four junior level design students.
If it were to work-out again, I believe that it would be a nice challenge to teach another class. A small way of giving back to the profession, and the future professionals.
If it were to work-out again, I believe that it would be a nice challenge to teach another class. A small way of giving back to the profession, and the future professionals.
"Have we forgotten the lessons we learned in kindergarten?"
In 1986 Robert Fulghum published a book “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten” in which he pointed out those things which he learned in kindergarten:
- Share everything.
- Play Fair.
- Don't hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don't take things that aren't yours.
- Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
- wash your hands before you eat.
- Flush.
- Warm cookies and mike are good for your.Live a blanced life-learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
- Take a nap every afternoon.
- When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
- Wonder. Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we re all like that.
- Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup-they all die. So do we. - And remember the Dick and Jane books and the first word you learned -- the biggest word of all -- Look.
- Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule, and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and quality and sane living.
- Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or your government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.
- And it is still true, no matter how old you are-when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.
I've been looking for a format to coninue my practice study, so I think that it should follow loosely this format, in story form, until I get sidetracked.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Edifice to the Double Wide Trailer
We have this edifice which represents sound management practices; it’s a concrete sidewalk which leads to nothing. It leads to nothing now but at one time it leads to a double wide job trailer which was going to house a component of the firm.
This was not a grand double wide, but one like most which had seen better days. With it’s broken windows and duct tap on the walls. Like most things there was a grand vision behind the idea, but was it wise management decision?
Much like war, business decisions are based on sound decisions, based on analysis of market data, demand, planning, long range business plan and execution. Not like firing a scud missile and then trying to aim it once it’s in flight.
As you may now guess, the double wide trailer was not clearly thought out or a success. Once you have the trailer in place with its walk, there are still many things which need to be put in place to support it. Utilities have to be installed to support life functions of those who will inhabit it. They will also need access to the tools which they to use to perform their task to keep things moving forward. And, as you may now also guess, that was more expensive than thought.
We all make decisions on a whim, not to say that some are not good ones, but more likely than not they fall short of the mark. Now technology is viewed in the same light as the double wide trailer.
To be on the technology edge and not still using stone tablets and chiseled is a tough decision for anyone to make. This shooting from the hip should not be the same management process for making decisions about this.
For a period of time (around eight years) the most production was put out on the oldest and slowest computer in house. Pressed into service in the summer of 1999, this machine served loyally and faithfully until fall of 2007. At which time it was replaced with a newer old machine.
With the rage of the latest bim software, (a little behind the time for some) and all that it will do, informed decisions still need to be made on how to implement this into the work place. Resources have been used to acquire, train and implement its use. But, they have fallen short of the goal even with the younger generations.
Between the generations there seems to e some misunderstanding about what it will do. Boomer’s think that it will turn the tide of battle and will boost the momentum forward. It will do more with less, and anyone can run it. Gen X & Y understand it and all it will do. They will be able to work much the way they have grown up-in a digital, three-dimensional world.
There is one factor that escapes all the generation’s, you can have the fastest machine with latest software, and when operator sits down in front of it, it is only as good as the knowledge of it’s operator. Integration needs to be a uniform process where a knowledge base comes along also.
Least we forget the lessons learned, knowledge and continued training are what shape our future. Unless we continue to invest in those resources and assets which day-in and day-out has gotten us through the battle and on to the next one? We are doomed to repeat lessons from the past.
Let us not forget our sidewalk which leads to no where.
This was not a grand double wide, but one like most which had seen better days. With it’s broken windows and duct tap on the walls. Like most things there was a grand vision behind the idea, but was it wise management decision?
Much like war, business decisions are based on sound decisions, based on analysis of market data, demand, planning, long range business plan and execution. Not like firing a scud missile and then trying to aim it once it’s in flight.
As you may now guess, the double wide trailer was not clearly thought out or a success. Once you have the trailer in place with its walk, there are still many things which need to be put in place to support it. Utilities have to be installed to support life functions of those who will inhabit it. They will also need access to the tools which they to use to perform their task to keep things moving forward. And, as you may now also guess, that was more expensive than thought.
We all make decisions on a whim, not to say that some are not good ones, but more likely than not they fall short of the mark. Now technology is viewed in the same light as the double wide trailer.
To be on the technology edge and not still using stone tablets and chiseled is a tough decision for anyone to make. This shooting from the hip should not be the same management process for making decisions about this.
For a period of time (around eight years) the most production was put out on the oldest and slowest computer in house. Pressed into service in the summer of 1999, this machine served loyally and faithfully until fall of 2007. At which time it was replaced with a newer old machine.
With the rage of the latest bim software, (a little behind the time for some) and all that it will do, informed decisions still need to be made on how to implement this into the work place. Resources have been used to acquire, train and implement its use. But, they have fallen short of the goal even with the younger generations.
Between the generations there seems to e some misunderstanding about what it will do. Boomer’s think that it will turn the tide of battle and will boost the momentum forward. It will do more with less, and anyone can run it. Gen X & Y understand it and all it will do. They will be able to work much the way they have grown up-in a digital, three-dimensional world.
There is one factor that escapes all the generation’s, you can have the fastest machine with latest software, and when operator sits down in front of it, it is only as good as the knowledge of it’s operator. Integration needs to be a uniform process where a knowledge base comes along also.
Least we forget the lessons learned, knowledge and continued training are what shape our future. Unless we continue to invest in those resources and assets which day-in and day-out has gotten us through the battle and on to the next one? We are doomed to repeat lessons from the past.
Let us not forget our sidewalk which leads to no where.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tex-Mex Part II
Following photo's were taken August 17, 2008. Day before they had a strong thunder storm go through town and mess things up a little. Project site on South Frontage Road along I20, go visibility from interstate and frontage road. Sets back off of frontage road on a slight rise.
Photo shows framing of porch dining area.
Photo shot from Dining Area C looking towards Dining Area B. Dining Area B is located in tower area. Creates a two story dining area.
Photo shot in the direction of Dining Area A.As photo indicates, contractor needs to get building dried in.
This is a continuation of July 26 post.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Starks Residence:
Site is a narrow long sires of small lots in the at the corner of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue in Historical District of Columbus, Mississippi. Property is within walking distance to downtown shopping, dining and various church denominations, and within four blocks of the owners office.
Ground floor consists of main public/family areas of the home.
Second floor consists of the private areas of the home
West exterior elevation facing 7th Street.
Exterior elevation facing west 7th Street. Original plans were to elevate the ground floor on a base. Due to escalating construction cost (25% in the past six months) the base was omitted from the plans.
Exterior elevation at the corner of 7th Street and 3rd Avenue.
South elevation facing 3rd Avenue.
The Amzi Love home and garden is on the south side of 3rd Avenue from the Starks Residence. Amzi Love was built in 1848. This is typical of the historical homes which are spread throughout this area.Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Generations at Work
Currently there are four generations at work in the firm as follows:
In keeping with national trends, over half of the workforce is Generation X and Y.
The approach each of these generations brings to the work environment varies with respect to expectations, capabilities, and loyalty. Raised by the Greatest Generation, the Schwarzkopf Generation is duty first. This group has lived through the Great Depression and World War II or was raised by parents who did.
This generation considers duty to be a primary value and security is very important to them. Their reward or praise is receiving their paycheck on time. They plan to stay with their firm for the long-term.
Earlier this year we lost one from this group who had always said that they would take him out feet first. He walked out one day, saying that this wasn’t the firm he went to work for.
This is the generation who’s parents wanted to given them a better way of life with respect to theirs, with education as a primary value and freedom of expression and independence very important to them. Much like the generation before, Boomers tend to be loyal to a firm and plan to stay for the long term.
Growing up with mass media and television, this is the first generation which has seen and lived through massive changes in the workplace and been very adaptable to change. With that said, this is also keeping them in leadership roles longer than others, it’s their experience and willingness to learn and change which had led to this.
Accomplishment is the reward of choice, thus leading to the title “Workaholic”. Thus far this year the bell has told for two of this generation.
The first of two generations by Boomers, Generation X is attracted by life balance. This is the first generation where both parents worked and were most likely to divorce. Security is the primary value and self reliance is very important. They have seen their parent s outsourced and down-sized so loyalty to any firm is not there.
They are free agents who find security in managing their own careers and not relying on a firm or others for long term support. They are the considered to be the Bridge Generation with regards to technology and being comfortable with it.
As a whole, they understand and usually adopt the work ethic of Boomers, but connect with Generation Y and their views and culture. Typically Generation X will stay with a firm as long as it meets their needs. They don’t plan to stay with a firm long term. A key value to them is work-life balance. Those who have moved on account for one this year.
Generation Y, the second for the Boomers, was born with technology practically in their hands. This generation will have the greatest effect on our future, based upon their shear number over Generation X, and extreme difference in values and outlook.
Growing up with technology they are capable of much and are very self-focused, been told that they are the best since childhood, and they expect praise and feedback continually.
Capacity to work is very high, on the flip side they are very high maintenance, and need constant stimulation and praise. As a whole, this is the first generation which is more comfortable working in a team environment and is less competitive personally than for generations before them.
For this generation, a long-term commitment is considered to be a couple of years, work-life balance plays a key role for them, and they pride themselves on community involvement and making the world a better place. Greener pastures have taken three thus far this year.
To recap thus far this year, those who have left are as follows:
Those not taken into account during this period are part-time interns who have left to continue with school. Note that over half those who have left are in Gen X and Y.
Next installment will look at managing the generations.
In keeping with national trends, over half of the workforce is Generation X and Y.
The approach each of these generations brings to the work environment varies with respect to expectations, capabilities, and loyalty. Raised by the Greatest Generation, the Schwarzkopf Generation is duty first. This group has lived through the Great Depression and World War II or was raised by parents who did.
This generation considers duty to be a primary value and security is very important to them. Their reward or praise is receiving their paycheck on time. They plan to stay with their firm for the long-term.
Earlier this year we lost one from this group who had always said that they would take him out feet first. He walked out one day, saying that this wasn’t the firm he went to work for.
This is the generation who’s parents wanted to given them a better way of life with respect to theirs, with education as a primary value and freedom of expression and independence very important to them. Much like the generation before, Boomers tend to be loyal to a firm and plan to stay for the long term.
Growing up with mass media and television, this is the first generation which has seen and lived through massive changes in the workplace and been very adaptable to change. With that said, this is also keeping them in leadership roles longer than others, it’s their experience and willingness to learn and change which had led to this.
Accomplishment is the reward of choice, thus leading to the title “Workaholic”. Thus far this year the bell has told for two of this generation.
The first of two generations by Boomers, Generation X is attracted by life balance. This is the first generation where both parents worked and were most likely to divorce. Security is the primary value and self reliance is very important. They have seen their parent s outsourced and down-sized so loyalty to any firm is not there.
They are free agents who find security in managing their own careers and not relying on a firm or others for long term support. They are the considered to be the Bridge Generation with regards to technology and being comfortable with it.
As a whole, they understand and usually adopt the work ethic of Boomers, but connect with Generation Y and their views and culture. Typically Generation X will stay with a firm as long as it meets their needs. They don’t plan to stay with a firm long term. A key value to them is work-life balance. Those who have moved on account for one this year.
Generation Y, the second for the Boomers, was born with technology practically in their hands. This generation will have the greatest effect on our future, based upon their shear number over Generation X, and extreme difference in values and outlook.
Growing up with technology they are capable of much and are very self-focused, been told that they are the best since childhood, and they expect praise and feedback continually.
Capacity to work is very high, on the flip side they are very high maintenance, and need constant stimulation and praise. As a whole, this is the first generation which is more comfortable working in a team environment and is less competitive personally than for generations before them.
For this generation, a long-term commitment is considered to be a couple of years, work-life balance plays a key role for them, and they pride themselves on community involvement and making the world a better place. Greener pastures have taken three thus far this year.
To recap thus far this year, those who have left are as follows:
Those not taken into account during this period are part-time interns who have left to continue with school. Note that over half those who have left are in Gen X and Y.
Next installment will look at managing the generations.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Breath of Air
The past two weeks have been tough, guess that it builds character. Now that phase of projects and submittals are now behind me, it’s time to do some things for me. I’m a little behind on my writings and post so I plan to catch up, have a lot of things floating around in my mind. I also need to catch up studying for the LEEDS exam, would like to take it by the end of August. As sort of the odd man out in the office, I’m already started incorporating some of the process into project.
It's time to do some things for myself!
It's time to do some things for myself!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Things to do in the next seven days:
Following are various things which need to be completed by August 5, 2008:
CD submittals:
Emergency Generators for MDPS
-Guntown
- West Point
- Newton
District 6 Substation - Lauderdale
DD sumbittal:
District 2 Substation - Greenwood
and as things change and grow the following was added late Monday:
SD Submittal:
Yazoo County Regional Detention Facility
Let's have fun!
CD submittals:
Emergency Generators for MDPS
-Guntown
- West Point
- Newton
District 6 Substation - Lauderdale
DD sumbittal:
District 2 Substation - Greenwood
and as things change and grow the following was added late Monday:
SD Submittal:
Yazoo County Regional Detention Facility
Let's have fun!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Little Tex-Mex:
This project was the first freestanding location for a local mexican resturant chain. One thing about this type of project if you ever wanted to do it, textures, materials and colors your imagination is the only thing which will hold you back. Construction was started in early spring. will have to see about getting to photo's to post.
Business of Architecture:
Like most business, architectural firms follow a similar business life cycle as indicated in the following chart:
A work in progress:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Exploration & Learning:
As part of my continuing development in the profession, there are a couple of issues which I would like to look at an explore a little more in depth. One of those is the practice of architecture through the firm. I will be using my current employer as the case study.
The Architectural firm was formed in 1985, and has been in business for twenty-two years. On November 18 of this year, I will celebrate my seventeen year anniversary with them. Just seems like yesterday when I started. Which has allowed me the unique opportunity to see the various phase of growth which a firm experiences. Over this period of time, I have seen many changes in the firm and people who have come and gone through the firm.
This past Friday July 18, we had evaluations at the office, these were not necessary employee evaluations they were office evaluations. Everyone was given the opportunity to speak with the two partners in our office. There is a second office about sixty miles away, there is little interaction between the two locations with the exception of the three partners. The firm today is note the firm which I started at just a few years ago. Sense the first of the year, we have seen the lost six employees for various reasons, and with the current economic situation the firm is not going to replace those employees in the near future.
There have been some issues within the firm which need to be addressed and a new fresh attitude adopted towards the profession to insure that the firm moves forward. What it also needs to do to be able to attract and keep the future of the firm.
Over the next several weeks or months, I’m going to take a close look at where the firm is today, what it has done right and those it things which need improvement.
The Architectural firm was formed in 1985, and has been in business for twenty-two years. On November 18 of this year, I will celebrate my seventeen year anniversary with them. Just seems like yesterday when I started. Which has allowed me the unique opportunity to see the various phase of growth which a firm experiences. Over this period of time, I have seen many changes in the firm and people who have come and gone through the firm.
This past Friday July 18, we had evaluations at the office, these were not necessary employee evaluations they were office evaluations. Everyone was given the opportunity to speak with the two partners in our office. There is a second office about sixty miles away, there is little interaction between the two locations with the exception of the three partners. The firm today is note the firm which I started at just a few years ago. Sense the first of the year, we have seen the lost six employees for various reasons, and with the current economic situation the firm is not going to replace those employees in the near future.
There have been some issues within the firm which need to be addressed and a new fresh attitude adopted towards the profession to insure that the firm moves forward. What it also needs to do to be able to attract and keep the future of the firm.
Over the next several weeks or months, I’m going to take a close look at where the firm is today, what it has done right and those it things which need improvement.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Planning:
This was a planning project I work on during winter of 2001. Started out as a mental exercise for myself. Later this was presented to Tunica County as a scheme for a multi-use development. One thing about the county, a large percentage of the land is owned by a few families, an large tracts of land for the right price are easy to obtain.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Recent Project:
This was a project which was started before Katrina in 2005. Cleint wanted to replace a faciltiy which had been built in the late 1950's. In prespective with the City of Pascagoula, this on e be one of the first major projects in the central business district in over ten years.The courtyard area is where the orginal facility stood.
Notice site context in upper right corner of photo.
What I'm working on:
Programming:
- Hancock County Annex Building
- Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility
Schematic Design:
-District 2 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Substation
Design Development:
- Jackson County Adult Detention Center
Construction Documents:
- Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Emergency Generator
District #4 - Guntown
District #5 - West Point
District #6 - Newton
- District 6 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Substation
Bidding:
- Scott County Adult Detention Center
Construction:
- Women's Detention Facility
Kemper-Neshoba County
Regional Correctional Facility
- District 4 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Parking Lot
- District 8 Mississippi Department of Public Safety Complex
Value of Projects in progress:
-$88.2 m
Professional:
- Working becoming LEED accredited professional
- Hancock County Annex Building
- Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility
Schematic Design:
-District 2 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Substation
Design Development:
- Jackson County Adult Detention Center
Construction Documents:
- Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Emergency Generator
District #4 - Guntown
District #5 - West Point
District #6 - Newton
- District 6 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Substation
Bidding:
- Scott County Adult Detention Center
Construction:
- Women's Detention Facility
Kemper-Neshoba County
Regional Correctional Facility
- District 4 Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Parking Lot
- District 8 Mississippi Department of Public Safety Complex
Value of Projects in progress:
-$88.2 m
Professional:
- Working becoming LEED accredited professional
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Mayberry to Mayfield
Construction Inequality
City Spaces and the Architecture of Citizenship
By: Susan Brickford
I agree in principle with what she put forth in her article to improve the built environment for the benefit of all. Being from a small rural state, and one which has suffered damage to portions of the state, now more than ever we as a profession must step forward and take the opportunity to improve these conditions.
Much of the article, I’ve seen several presentations from various groups on rebuilding which incorporates may of these thoughts and issues into great master plans which will effect the quality of life for those who live there. But before these projects can be successful their must be the inclusion of the whole social spectrum, which a portion of it is missing. We are hindered by the constraints of time, manpower and funding. These types of plans are spread out over several years.
I’ve worked with clients who are opening minded and civic orientated, but we reach a point where what they want and what they can afford are two different things. And most cities/towns don’t have the fiscal means to sustain these projects. There has to be a blinding of the two to produce the whole.
We all want to return to the days of Mayberry and Mayfield but we are stuck in Fairview. Where we cannot seem to look beyond our own current desires, much less those of who have no control. The images of people walking along the streets tree lined streets, interacting with their neighbors, strangers, and children at play. Even in a little town you can cause confusion and stop a stranger in their tracks by just saying good morning.
As someone once said “You’ve got to get rid of the stinking thinking”, we as a population have a bad case of stinking thinking, which holds back our progress. We must regain control of ourselves with whom and what we are. Then maybe we as a population can stimulate, foster and nurture the environment which will do these things. We must regain the trust and respect for each other, and block out or minimize the negative things.
In general we can and we must start this process in small scale projects which afford the opportunity to bring people together and create a social desire to improve our environment. This to me is not something that government or other similar types of institutions are good at doing.
The two greatest hindrances are cost and available trades and craftsmen to do the type of work which would make the project stand the test of time.
City Spaces and the Architecture of Citizenship
By: Susan Brickford
I agree in principle with what she put forth in her article to improve the built environment for the benefit of all. Being from a small rural state, and one which has suffered damage to portions of the state, now more than ever we as a profession must step forward and take the opportunity to improve these conditions.
Much of the article, I’ve seen several presentations from various groups on rebuilding which incorporates may of these thoughts and issues into great master plans which will effect the quality of life for those who live there. But before these projects can be successful their must be the inclusion of the whole social spectrum, which a portion of it is missing. We are hindered by the constraints of time, manpower and funding. These types of plans are spread out over several years.
I’ve worked with clients who are opening minded and civic orientated, but we reach a point where what they want and what they can afford are two different things. And most cities/towns don’t have the fiscal means to sustain these projects. There has to be a blinding of the two to produce the whole.
We all want to return to the days of Mayberry and Mayfield but we are stuck in Fairview. Where we cannot seem to look beyond our own current desires, much less those of who have no control. The images of people walking along the streets tree lined streets, interacting with their neighbors, strangers, and children at play. Even in a little town you can cause confusion and stop a stranger in their tracks by just saying good morning.
As someone once said “You’ve got to get rid of the stinking thinking”, we as a population have a bad case of stinking thinking, which holds back our progress. We must regain control of ourselves with whom and what we are. Then maybe we as a population can stimulate, foster and nurture the environment which will do these things. We must regain the trust and respect for each other, and block out or minimize the negative things.
In general we can and we must start this process in small scale projects which afford the opportunity to bring people together and create a social desire to improve our environment. This to me is not something that government or other similar types of institutions are good at doing.
The two greatest hindrances are cost and available trades and craftsmen to do the type of work which would make the project stand the test of time.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
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