The following is a list of words and phrases that I have assembled over the past few years. I use it to remind myself what is most important in terms of success. They are in no particular order; simply a random, continuous brainstorm. What have I missed? Post your thoughts in the comments. Courage Execution […]
Edit and Amplify
This month’s Fast Company magazine cover story… A very interesting article about Nike CEO (and former star designer) Mark Parker. Certainly worth reading.
It Pays to be Nice
Tonight I met with a couple to discuss plans for their home’s renovation. Following a warm welcome and a quick introduction, I was told that I was called to this meeting because of my mother. If you are a regular reader of my Living Well in Westchester blog, you know that my Mom and Dad […]
Survival: How’d YOU do it?
The year 2009 was a very tough time for business. As we move our way past first quarter 2010, we’re starting to see a bit of improvement; a few rays of sunshine among the clouds. We are not yet seeing 2007 numbers, but things are certainly moving in the right direction. I have discussed how […]
Fear
Fear. I think there’s lots of this stuff floating around lately. Personally, I feel that most of our current economic woes can be tied directly to “fear of the unknown” and “fear of the different”. When the politicians in Washington want the economy to recover, they’ll delay making changes that will forever alter society as […]
How Many Business Plans Have YOU Started?
I started at least a dozen business plans for Fivecat Studio, before I finally finished one. The task is overwhelming. Executive Statement? Financial Reports? Fun stuff… The trick? Keep it fun, follow your passion and start with one simple page. Below are five questions. Answer each question with three sentences (no more – no less). […]
Will Lower Fees Save Your Firm?
Have you reduced your fees, with the intent of obtaining more work? The economy dumps and projects vanish. In reaction, the architect drops her fees. Revenues plummet and the firm shutters its shop. Sound familiar? Do you fall somewhere in that scenario? I hope not. Reduced fees will not save your practice. It will kill […]
Recruit Your Clients to Help you Better Serve your Clients
Starbucks Coffee Co. has built a website dedicated to the interaction with their customers. It’s called My Starbucks Idea. Have an idea that will improve the Starbucks customer experience? Drop them a line at their website. The best ideas are actually implemented in Starbucks stores throughout the world. Check out the website here: mystarbucksidea.force.com How […]
Architects Can Learn Much from Other Industries
What can we learn from other industries to make the traditional architectural and construction processes better? Hospitals are filled with checklists and other systems to make sure that every step of a procedure is done correctly. NASCAR racing teams also use checklists and directives from multiple layers of team members, each with their own specialty. […]
Fivecat Studio: Interviewed on WVOX 1460AM
Last week, Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, invited me to join her at WVOX 1460AM in New Rochelle, NY. I enjoyed speaking with her about Fivecat Studio, the business of architecture and our annual campaign to support local animal shelters, Pillows of Puppies. [soundcloud url=”http://soundcloud.com/fivecat/wvox020110″]
Too Many Choices?
When performing our Design Development phase with clients, we typically assist them in selecting all their finishes, plumbing fixtures and lighting. This process is completed most efficiently when we discover and learn, through questionnaires and images, what our clients like and what they dislike. Then, with thorough knowledge of their taste, we offer a limited […]
Are You Remarkable?
Becky Shankle (@ecomod) is thinking out of the box… the IKEA box to be more specific. Becky is the founder and lead designer at eco-modernism. In addition to designing and installing custom kitchens and baths in the Raleigh, NC region, she has launched an innovative IKEA kitchen services. By promoting her firm as IKEA specialists, […]