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Put your design skills to use elsewhere
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesFor many designers, the idea of doing something other than interior design is unthinkable. It is not just a job. It is their passion. It speaks to how they perceive and relate to the world around them. I get that. I also know there are designers who are struggling to keep their firms afloat because there just isn't enough business. At some point, some of them may need to consider applying their skills in other industries if they wish to continue working.
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For the love of the city: Transforming a community by connecting people
Brie Ragland Construction & Building MaterialsArchitects and city planners tend to think of cities and towns in terms of form, functionality and safety. Does this space provide what it’s intended to provide? Does foot traffic adequately flow and allow convenience and ease of use?
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We are designers, not healers
Leslie LaskinReese Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesMy client said something remarkable to me yesterday. We were standing at the counter of her building department, waiting our turn to speak with the head of building. We needed him to grant her a retro permit. In her jurisdiction, any work done without a permit is flagged during the resale process and requires permitting.
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Design on demand: Just a matter of time?
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesUntil recently, living the good life was about having it all: the clothes, the jewels, the cars, the house, the yacht, the private jet — whatever. All that is changing. Today, living the good life is not about possessions but about possessing, having what you want when you want it, but not owning it. Status now comes not from what you have but who you are and what you do. It is a trend that is already driving a decline in the purchase of luxury goods and reshaping services catering to wealthy consumers.
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Homebuyer sentiment reverses course amid mixed signals
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHomeowners looking to sell are enthusiastic about the continued rise in housing prices. Prospective homebuyers not so much. Even with mortgage rates remaining near rock bottom, those who would like to purchase a home are feeling the pressure of having to strain too much financially to meet market demands. The past two months have seen a gradual decline in buyer interest that could linger throughout the remainder of the year.
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Does the smart kitchen have a future?
Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesWhile still in its infancy, smart technology has made tremendous strides within a short time. Today, smart products are available for nearly every room of the home. The kitchen, in particular, has received a great deal of attention as an area where smart appliances can offer harried consumers new levels of convenience and control to save them time and ease their stress.
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Statoil’s headquarters: Sending a message through office design
Lucy Wallwork Natural ResourcesAfter a quick-fire 20-month construction period, the Oslo headquarters of Norwegian state oil and gas company Statoil opened in 2012. It has been described as the "office of the future" and potentially one of the world's best offices. What message does it send about the future at the cutting edge of national oil companies (NOCs) and energy corporations?
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Multifamily gains as single-family home sales stall
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHomebuyers took a small vacation from the market in August, with both new and existing single-family homes reporting weaker sales. Housing starts also declined last month after two months of gains. A shortage of affordable inventory and seasonal factors kept buyers away.
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2 for the price of 1: The benefits of a merger
Lloyd Princeton Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesEach designer has his or her own unique vision and talents. Design businesses, on the other hand, have a lot in common, especially the back office operation. Why duplicate efforts? Share the load with another designer. That allows you — both — to spend more time doing what you do best.
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4 keys to growing a multimillion dollar painting business
Rick Holtz Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesI was honored to present at the national PDCA Residential Forum in San Diego earlier this year. Because our family-owned business is experiencing growth in terms of revenue, profits and reputation, the organizers asked me to share my insights with the other attendees.
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