Thank you all so much for your support and reading my blog. We are now closing in on 80,000 views – not bad for a small architectural firm locating in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Here are the top 10 blogs that have been viewed in 2015.
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As you know, it is a difficult decision to hire a design professional. Before you start the process there are limited ways to figure out who will do a good job. The best way for me to sustain my business is by you telling people about us in your own words. Thanks in advance for your time. Here are some places where you can help me gain future clients:
Can one person make a difference? In all honesty, I am not sure anymore. The world seems to be a crazy mixed up place to live, work, and play. If you state an opinion that is slightly controversial you will be attacked on social media. There is venomous hatred being spouted by leaders of religious universities in our state. Statements that once would seem outrageous and never said in public are now on the top of my SM feeds every time I sign on. Fear is overcoming common sense at every turn. Overcoming fear together should be our next priority.
In this day of extremes, I am frustrated. I am frustrated that it seems hatred and bitterness is so much easier to spread than compassion and empathy. I am frustrated that it seems no matter how hard you try, the mountain seems too large to move. I am frustrated that it seems we can no longer hear each other if we don’t 100% agree with each other. I am frustrated.
However, my frustration does not make me want to stop doing my part. I think it may even push me to work harder to make positive change for the future. I am focused on continuing to grow and learn new ways that I can improve my community. I do not want to let fear and hatred win. Can one person make a difference? The good news is that we don’t have to find out because there are many people who will not allow hate to win. If these people join together, overcoming fear and standing up against the bullies that are using fear and hatred as their weapons, we will win, but not until we stand up against the hate and fear.
We are getting close to the finish line now with less than two months of work to be done on the Harmony Square Dairy Queen Project in Harrisonburg. Tile is being installed, HVAC is finishing, high performance insulation is done. The store it taking shape and is shaping up to be one of the most energy-efficient Dairy Queen Grill and Chill restaurants in the area if not in the country. The building features spray foam insulation thermal envelope system that will provide a comfortable working and dining experience to occupants. The HVAC system is sealed with mastic and wrapped in thermal protection to get the air distributed to the appropriate locations. There are multiple solatubes bringing daylight throughout the restaurant. However, the most unique feature is the solar array on the roof. If will provide 5kWh of energy to this building – Blizzards made by the Sun anyone?
I am atjust another boring industry conference this week. You get up early to go to class. You stay out late networking. People email and call from your office wondering why you have not responded faster. You meet the industry leading experts in everything from building science, specifications, concrete, historic preservation… You probably don’t want to attend – nothing to do really.
It is #Construct Show time again, so I am heading to St. Louis to learn the latest from the best in the construction industry. I look forward to this conference each year as our firm tries to stay on the cutting edge of the industry. The Construct Show is a gathering of CSI professionals from around the country. It is the only national trade show and educational conference for the commercial building teams that spec and source building products.
CSI Swag
This year I am participating in the panel discussion on blogging, serving as a mentor for a young professional, and giving a presentation on execution. The exhibit hall will feature hundreds of the latest innovations in the commercial building industry. There are mini seminars on the show floor, experts in every construction industry sector, and plenty of networking opportunities. I will attend sessions on sustainability in historic renovation, Robotics used in construction, specification development, moisture management, energy efficiency, and business leadership. It will be an amazing week!
