Looking to network with some of Westchester’s future business superstars? Click here and register to attend the Business of Westchester’s Rising Stars Awards. Each year the Council honors forty young men and women who exemplify leadership, foresight and vision for the future of Westchester County. Click here for a complete list of this year’s winners, […]
LEED AP… Just Good Business
With almost every prospective client I meet, the subject of green building is raised. Sustainable architecture is quickly becoming a top priority for clients. Architects need to listen carefully and respond with services meeting owners’ expectations. It’s just good business. This thursday and friday, I am attending a LEED accreditation workshop provided by AIA […]
Icon Custom Masonry
Annmarie’s brother James moved from New York to Charlotte, NC about a decade ago. Since then he has built his company from a dump truck and some labor to one of the top custom masonry contracting companies south of the Mason-Dixon Line. This month’s Southern Accents magazine features the Homestead Preserve in Hot Springs, Virginia. […]
CRAN Symposium Focuses on Business Planning
From AIA National: Full Spectrum Practice: AIA CRAN Symposium October 19–21, 2007 Hotel Allegro Chicago Conference Information Online Registration Registration Form (PDF) The AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is hosting a national one-day symposium, titled Full Spectrum Practice, at the Hotel Allegro in Chicago. The symposium will focus on the essential techniques of business […]
Back to School
Being a dad of two young boys, Sunday mornings are never available for watching TV. Pre-kids, one of my favorite programs was Small Business School on PBS. It currently airs in the New York City region on NJN, Sunday mornings at 7. Lucky for me though, I can still get my weekly fix online at […]
Beyond Your Website
I enjoyed participating as a panelist today, discussing How Businesses Can Use “New Media” to Grow. The event was coordinated by the Westchester County Association. Nancy Shenker, founder and President of The ON Switch, did a superb job as moderator. My fellow panelists, both much more knowledgeable of the subject than I, were Lena West, […]
Organic Growth
Over at Brand Autopsy, John Moore has a preview of the new book, The Road to Organic Growth by Edward Hess. From Hess’ book: “Growth achieved through a commitment to customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and core profitability—organic growth—is a smart long-term strategy for any company. Organic growth represents the underlying strength and vitality of the […]
Business Success by Design
I am not the only one who thinks the Apple store on Fifth Avenue is a great example of business success meets remarkable architecture. This past summer it was awarded with the BusinessWeek / Architectural Record Award. According to a BW/AR jury member, “it’s mesmerizing as you approach and descend into a beautiful glass bubble — an […]
Lessons Learned from Apple
If you have not been to the new Apple store on Fifth Avenue, do it soon. In a city where everything is big and loud, the Apple store stands out by being small and quiet. It is simply genius. When you are there, take a good look at Apple as a business. The Apple […]
Why the Web?
At the last few meetings of the AIA Westchester / Mid-Hudson Practice Management Committeee, we discussed websites and how they could benefit our practices. I just wanted to share some of the work I’ve done online for my firm, Fivecat Studio. I thought it might be helpful for your own practice. Fivecat.com We built our […]
The Pain Level Chart
A trip to Northern Westchester Hospital Center today (everyone is fine now, thanks – a story for another day) got me thinking about systems and how important they are to a successful business. Whether that business is helping patients feel more comfortable or designing a home for a young family, properly designed systems can ensure […]
Patience, Promises and the Power of Being Centered
Seth posts How to Succeed in Business (to Business). He writes about the importance of patience, not overpromising and finding one thing that clients need, then being the very best at that one thing. I think its pretty good advice for us architects as well. Anyone practicing architecture for more than a few months knows […]