This month's Fast Company magazine cover story... A very interesting article about Nike CEO (and former star designer) Mark Parker. Certainly worth reading. … [Read more...]
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. Toyota uses their Product Development System, also known as Lean Manufacturing, to make every subsequent product better than the last. At … [Read more...]
The Process of Architecture?
At Fivecat Studio, our process of delivering architectural services includes a very highly developed set of construction documents. Every possible decision is made. Every product is specified. Every fixture is scheduled, ready for purchasing. Our intent is to obtain very competitive bids from general contractors, minimize change orders and reduce construction time by eliminating delays caused by slow or incomplete decisions. Most of the time, this focus on detail pays off in an appreciative … [Read more...]
Building Design that Builds Businesses
Building Design that Builds Businesses - BusinessWeek. BusinessWeek magazine announced the winners of their annual BusinessWeek/Architectural Record Awards this week. Of all the awards programs, this one is one of my favorites. I appreciate the promotion that great architecture helps build great businesses. … [Read more...]
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 extremely popular retail space with very high sales per square foot. It's beautiful, functional, and profitable.” In fact, it's Apple's highest volume outlet. … [Read more...]
Building Wright
Apple.com has a profile of Thomas A. Heinz, AIA, the architect commissioned to reverse-engineer and complete a Frank Lloyd Wright house being built on Petra Island at Lake Mahopac, New York. The article is mainly focused on Heinz's use of Archicad and Apple computers. It describes the process he used to develop the design and communicate his ideas to the crew executing the construction. Don't miss the trailer for the documentary, Building Wright, in the sidebar. It gives you a … [Read more...]
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 brand is all about design. From the glass cube above the plaza, to the structural glass stair (patent pending by Apple) leading down to the simple, clear layout of the store below. Everything says Apple. The employees … [Read more...]
Corporations Seek MBAs with Design Skills
The February issue of Contract magazine includes an article titled, Design Business. In addition to the prerequisite MBA, top corporations are seeking candidates with empathizing, problem-finding and creative design skills. Many business schools are integrating design courses with their MBA curriculum. Design schools are finally getting the message as well. Business skills are an important ingredient in the future success of design and architecture students. The Illinois Institute of Technology … [Read more...]