GS&P DIALOGUE - "Corporate and Urban Design"

How to Choose a Design-Build Teaming Partner

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:51:32 GMT

Have you seen the television show The Amazing Race? I always find it entertaining to watch the dynamics of the teams as they compete in challenges that take them to cities and countries around the world in the quest to win $1 million. You can almost predict at the start of the season which teams will be strong contenders, and which ones will provide the most entertainment due to their bickering, overall antics and inability to efficiently complete the tasks.

Forgive the leap, but thinking about how I'd choose a partner to go on the Amazing Race drew parallels to how I go about selecting a Contractor partner to successfully win and complete a design-build project. When delivering a project using the Design-Build delivery method, just like any other project, you want to have a team of qualified design and construction professionals. But, what differs with D/B is that this team is operating under a single contract with a single source of accountability and responsibility to the Owner. Just like in the Amazing Race - you are in this together, and no matter how strong one member is, the project's success will rely on how well the entire team can work together.

Utilizing Workplace Strategies to Stay Relevant

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:12:40 GMT

At a dinner in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago with other design leaders from nationally recognized Interior and Architectural firms, the question was posed "What keeps us up at night?". One of my answers was "Staying Relevant."

As we continue to deal with clients who have vast differences in knowledge about, experience with, and opinions of approaches to workplace, it is becoming more and more challenging and at the same time more important to stay relevant to their reality. We cannot assume that everyone is looking to incorporate the next technological advancement in workplace or to match the "Google" world of working. Some are considering options that are considered cutting edge, while others are barely thinking about laptops and wireless networks.

No Boundaries: Technology & Connectivity In Design

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:54:22 GMT

As architects and designers, we often ask: What's the catalyst for open, collaborative offices becoming so popular so fast? And what's allowing us to successfully create these spaces for our clients?

We talk plenty about workplace design theories and practices, but now let's discuss the role of technology in motivating and facilitating the workplace design revolution.

There's an App for Everything

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:42:29 GMT

There really does seem to be an app for everything these days. With so many tools available that are designed to help our lives move more efficiently, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and inefficient trying to weed through them all. Through trial and error I have found several that I use nearly every day in my work as an Interior Designer and Workplace Strategist that help me in the office but also keep me organized when I'm on-the-go.

Furniture, Finishes and Fixtures Holiday Wish List

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:42:05 GMT

Is it just me, or does the Holiday rush keep inching earlier and earlier every year? Stores have Christmas decorations up before Halloween and Black Friday sales are creeping into Thursday. However, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I'm officially ready to join the masses and gear up for the Holiday season!

I put a lot of thought into the gifts I purchase for friends and family - hoping when they open the shiny packages, they find something perfectly suited for them. Along those lines, I thought it would be fun to put together a "wish list" of some new (and some not so new) items that I would love to specify for just the right client in the coming year.

Designing to Improve Workers' Health

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:49:53 GMT

We have all read the news articles and heard the radio reports that our nation is getting heavier and that the obesity epidemic is growing exponentially. My home state of Tennessee is one of America's most unhealthy: it currently ranks 46th in adult obesity (and was 48th in 2010!). Other States where GS&P has office locations are nearly as unhealthy. Go here to see how your state measures up: http://healthyamericans.org/report/88/

So what can we as designers do to make healthy choices easier and more obvious? The design of the built environment (in architecture, interior design and urban design) can greatly increase daily users' physical activity in order to promote these regular instances of physical activity. According to research, workers spend as much of 90% of their time indoors, engaged in sedentary occupations. Providing opportunities to use the stairs, to walk to the copy machine, or to workout without leaving the building break up long periods of inactivity and provide easily accessible ways to engage in physical activity.

What's Driving Change in Workplace Design

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:57:31 GMT

Up until the last 10 or 15 years, design for workplaces had not significantly changed. A combination of closed offices, open work stations, conference rooms, a reception area, one break room, file room and a work/copy room were the predominant space types within the typical office. The ratio of closed offices to open work stations fluctuated as the trend pendulum swung back and forth. So what has happened in the last 15 years that has led to the evolution of the workplace? And how exactly have we evolved?

Does Office Design Affect An Employee's Mood?

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:45:05 GMT

Does the design of your office affect the mood of your employees? The Wall Street Journal and NPR recently reported on research studies conducted by a variety of institutions that support an answer of "yes" to architecture and design not only influencing our mood, but also our thoughts and our health.

I've been an interior designer for more than 25 years, and I live for this type of information. Our job as designers is to translate this research evidence into the design solutions we develop for our clients each day - creating a smarter office space that helps them to achieve their unique goals. The news coverage got me thinking of examples of how our team has utilized research evidence in recent office designs.

The Gas Station of the Future

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:46:23 GMT

As construction of the new GS&P-designed solar-assisted vehicle charging stations at Nissan's facilities in Smyrna, TN comes to a conclusion, I was asked if we are looking at the "gas station of the future". At first glance, it certainly looks the part: several Nissan Leafs lined up beneath a futuristic PV panel-covered canopy and connected to a series of phase 2 chargers by cables.

The case for electric vehicles could be pretty strong. A previous GS&P Dialogue post (Electric Cars: Environmental Boon or Bust?) discussed the impact the movement towards electric vehicles will have on our electricity infrastructure, but what about the changes it may bring to our neighborhoods and streetscapes? Will fuel stations in the form of ubiquitous, multi-vehicle facilities with convenience store appendages occupying convenient and often prominent locations (read valuable real estate) on our cities' main boulevards continue to be the model for serving an electric vehicle fleet?

VanderbiltHealth at One Hundred Oaks is a {Green} Star!

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 08:28:27 GMT

There was a great turn out for the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the USGBC's recent Green Star Awards event. The recognition event was held downtown just around the corner from our Nashville office at the Rymer Gallery. While the peer to peer event was about celebrating this year's award-winning local projects that have had a positive impact on the environment, there was a true sense of respect among those in attendance for the impact we are making on our community through our collective efforts.

Five projects were honored with awards in varying categories – and I was proud to represent GS&P for our work on VanderbiltHealth at One Hundred Oaks (OHO) which was awarded in the Existing Building category. Bobby Otten, Vanderbilt's project manager, and I made a short presentation to the group which hit on the highlights of the project, while also paying special attention to the details the jury (comprised of members of the East Tennessee USGBC Chapter) noted in their selection of the project to receive an award.

Lessons Lived and Learned on Designing Our Tenant Office Space for LEED Certification

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:55:53 GMT

In reviewing your real estate portfolio, have you ever questioned the importance or significance that LEED Certification might have? Is it just a fad that has already seen its peak? Is the process simply too much to endure? If you don't have a budget to renovate much, is Certification out of reach?

We asked ourselves all of these questions and more before GS&P's Jacksonville office went through the LEED-Certification process and I'm proud to say I've lived to tell the tale. It was an eye-opener to see the employee excitement and engagement as we went through the process. We were surprised by the interest and participation from our landlord and we couldn't have predicted the impact of the intangible benefits we've experienced since the completion.

The Sustainable Development Conversation is Changing

Wed, 11 May 2011 11:33:37 GMT

The conversation regarding sustainable development has evolved to include more than just what LEED is and what sustainability might mean for a project's budget. At some point in the last two years we’ve passed a tipping point where most clients who are about to invest substantial money in construction of a new or expanded facility expect that sustainability will be a key component of that investment.

According to the USGBC LEED database, there are more than 60 LEED certified projects and well more than 200 projects currently registered in Tennessee. While this by no means represents market saturation, it seems to me that this level of activity indicates that the conversation has become quite common.

Individual workspaces are shrinking! But, is that bad?

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:00:39 GMT

Yes, it's true. Our offices and cubicles are getting smaller. But if companies are planning their workplaces correctly, we might be losing a little personal space, but we're gaining access to a wider variety of places to work.

Work stations or cubicles are getting smaller because the things that used to occupy space within them are getting smaller. Smaller computers convert to shallower work surfaces, less paper transcends into the need for less work surface and file storage. New technologies in seating translate to smaller more comfortable task chairs.

The Evolving Workplace – How to Meet Expectations of Millennials at Work

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:10:14 GMT

When organizations consider their future, they will be looking forward to the day when growth is steady, and they can begin to hire new employees. It will happen. It’s just a matter of time.

Now is the time to ask - Is your workplace attractive to your next hire(s)?

That new hire will likely be a Millennial – born between 1980 and 2000. Within the Millennial generation; approximately 50 million are between the ages of 18-29. A recent report from the Pew Research Center shows that of these 50 million, about 37% (or ~18.5 million) have been underemployed or out of work during the recession - the highest share among the age group in more than 30 years. Despite this fact, Millennials are still upbeat. Most notably, they are on track to become the most educated generation.

Leveraging Form-Based Codes

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:26:52 GMT

The competition among regions, cities and neighborhoods to attract and retain employers, residents and visitors has arguably never been greater. And, this in turn is driving many communities to reexamine their planning policies and regulations. Whether it’s greenfield development or urban redevelopment, a corridor or a neighborhood, cities and towns across the nation are increasingly asking, “How can we implement our community’s vision and compete in today’s economy?”

Empowering a Mobile Workforce

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:49:05 GMT

Why do many of us work at one location all day long? What ties us down? What if you could choose where you wanted to work each day? Would it be the same space in the same office? Would you choose a different location in or out of the office to complete different tasks? Would you prefer a closed space sometimes and an open space at other times?

Good Design is Good Business

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:53:30 GMT

Sometimes it seems so obvious to me...but then again, I’m biased. Why don’t companies pay more attention to the design of the office environment?

Reduce Office Space Needs While Enhancing Work Conditions

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:57:35 GMT

In times of economic uncertainty there is typically an increase in scrutiny on corporate expenses and organizations begin to look for ways to create greater efficiencies. When reviewing overhead expenses, real estate line items are likely to rise to the top. Tenants are looking for ways to operate with fewer square-feet, while landlords and developers look for ways to remain competitive in the market to draw and retain tenants.