architecture tips

Very few people ever consider the quality of the design when looking at buildings. When we think about quality and buildings, we typically think about construction. Is it "well built?" Is the detailing precise? Are the materials "high quality" (what does that mean, anyway)? Will it last?

Now granted, these are all important observations to make about the construction of a building, but none of them have any bearing on the building's success, or the quality of the design. So I have taken it upon myself to generate some criteria that, in my opinion, are exhibited in Architectural Design of the Highest Quality.

1. The architecture correctly identifies and responds to the problem statement.
2. The architecture is tailored to the site.
3. The architecture tells a story.
4. The architecture is placed in the context of the current times.
5. The architecture exhibits examples of original thought.
6. The architecture clearly expresses the skill of composition in both two- and three-dimensional reference.
7. The architecture contains personal meaning to the owners/users.

THE ARCHITECTURE CORRECTLY IDENTIFIES AND RESPONDS TO THE PROBLEM STATEMENT
Design of the Highest Quality (DHQ) starts with the architect's ability to listen, think, organize, analyze, prioritize and reach conclusions against which all subsequent alternatives will be measured. This exercise starts with thorough (and sometimes numerous) discussions with the client regarding lifestyle, ideas, goals, and individual perceptions of the intended result(s) of the design. It demands that the architect take the time to think through these requirements, and correctly identify areas of conflict, harmony, mutual benefit, dependencies, etc. The architect then exhibits the ability to clearly see the analytical road map that will guide and inform the development of the building.

THE ARCHITECTURE IS TAILORED TO THE SITE
All building sites, no matter how small, contain clues to the proper location of buildings, rooms, and uses. As the sites grow in size, so do the options. The number of factors that come into play will vary, as well. A small, rectangular infill lot may yield as few clues as the shadows cast by an adjacent structure, or the need to make certain that adjacent neighbors not be able to see directly into large windows being contemplated. On larger sites, everything from environmental factors, to views, circulation, and issues of sustainability will all be assessed as options are developed and judged for their response to the site. DHQ will only be achieved if all valid site development alternatives have been identified and analyzed so that the final solution never leaves one pondering, "if we had only... "

THE ARCHITECTURE TELLS A STORY
Good architects are always contemplating the meaning of their architecture. Architectural metaphor has been a valid informant of design for several decades. Most are familiar with the metaphor of "the outdoor room," "the house as street," "the industrial campus," and "the building as a machine for living." Yet the notion of the architect(ture) telling a story can be much more personal, and can be brought down to very specific levels, in order to create a building of note. Typically the architectural elements, devices and design direction used to tell the story create very noticeable visual signatures for both the building and, possibly, the architect. Understanding this phenomenon, and successfully exploiting it, is a component of DHQ.

THE ARCHITECTURE IS PLACED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT TIMES
While there is no denying that an historically referential building, if executed properly, is a welcome departure from otherwise meaningless "theme" architecture, for a building's design to be of the highest quality it must exhibit the architect's understanding of the contemporary culture and the ability to respond to its clues and stimuli. For, much as we read books by Dickens and plays by Shakespeare to glimpse historically cultural slices of England, we can look to the buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry for an understanding of the American 20th Century.

THE ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITS EXAMPLES OF ORIGINAL THOUGHT
An original idea successfully executed is an architect's "payback" to the profession and to the culture. Ultimately, it is what separates the leaders from the pack. These original thoughts occur at all levels of design. Some architects solve problems by looking at new ways to organize spatial relationships. Some architects create new engineering solutions. Some invent details to solve problems generated by a changing environment or society. Whatever the problem, whatever the solution, it is these individuals that "move the ball down the field," guaranteeing that architecture remains a dynamic and important part of culture and history.

THE ARCHITECTURE CLEARLY EXPRESSES THE SKILL OF COMPOSITION IN BOTH TWO- AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL REFERENCE.
Composition is the only purely visual criteria for design of the highest quality. In order for it to be achieved, the architect must have education, training, and experience in two- and three dimensional studio art. The composition of the architecture has nothing to do with "curb appeal," as it involves a much more serious analysis of form, proportion, and balance, whereas mere curb appeal can be achieved with popular stylistic themed vocabulary. Two-dimensional composition requires analysis and organization between the elements of the floor plan, the section, and the elevations of the building. Its process is akin to solving a puzzle. Three-dimensional composition is more intuitive, as there are fewer "process of elimination" steps by which a successful three-dimensional composition is created. Additionally, three-dimensional composition is perhaps more subjective than its two-dimensional counterpart.

THE ARCHITECTURE CONTAINS PERSONAL MEANING TO THE OWNERS/USERS
In order for an architect, who possesses all of the aforementioned skills, to also instill in the building a sense that it belongs to its owners and/or users, a final professional character trait must exist. That trait is humility. The architects of Designs of the Highest Quality take their work very seriously, but do not view themselves in kind. In the final analysis, they know that they provide a service, and the true owners of the architecture are others. Sometimes it is a mere individual. Sometimes it is a family. Many buildings are for the employees who will spend their careers inhabiting the structure. Maybe it is for art patrons, or school children, or worshipers or politicians. The ability to flesh out the symbols of meaning for these end groups and users, and to make concrete and integrate these symbols into the building, is the final evidence that the edifice has gone from a mere structure to a work of architecture of the highest quality, and has become a building of note.

Find more articles on residential and commercial design by Tobias Architecture at our blog: Malibu Architecture + Design

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Today's business environment is highly complex, challenging and competitive.

This is making it increasingly difficult for companies to stay ahead of the pack, as many of these factors are out of their control. However, business leaders often underestimate the positive influence that their workspace can have on the company's bottom line - and this, of course, is something which they have complete control over.

We have identified four aspects of the workspace that can give your business that crucial competitive edge:

Innovation:
Companies need to constantly innovate in order to survive. Coming up with new ideas and continually redefining strategies takes huge amounts of collaboration and team work. This is what allows companies to grow. In order to innovate you need to bring out the best in your employees. They need to feel stimulated and creative. They must have a "can do" attitude" and want to rise above the rest. The office environment needs to allow and encourage this. Innovation requires group work, the input of a team vs. an individual, and allowing many more ideas to arise and be expanded upon. An office needs to support collaboration and harvest areas that allow teams to meet and work together with ease. Interaction is vital to collaboration and the space needs to allow individuals to easily engage with one another. Although collaboration is vital it can also become quite taxing. People need time out to recharge and achieve a balanced "workstyle". A place to focus and do work that requires quiet and concentration is vital. Flexible workspace that can allow for these different functions is ideal. Workers can work how they want, and when they want.

Technology:
Collaboration = connectivity. With the fast-paced lives we live, we need an office that has cutting-edge technology. Today's workers demand instant connectivity. Having fast and reliable connectivity encourages one to come to the office and work, rather than at the local coffee shop. In addition, virtual communication has become an important and integral part of the working culture. It is no longer necessary to hop on a plane for a meeting, but rather through Skype and video conferencing you can interact with staff and clients all over the world. Technology also enables us to work faster and to spread information almost instantaneously using platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Space:
Space influences every aspect of a business. It affects how people interact and behave. It influences business performance, and defines the culture of a company. Interestingly, space is probably the second biggest expense in a business after labour costs. It has also become a major strategic asset of every business. Therefore when designing office space, one needs to take into account the culture of the company, not just where a desk fits best. Attention needs to be given to how best to support the people that work there. Staff are an organisation's most important resource, so it is vital to give them the space that they need and plan it properly.

Leading organisations understand the importance of space and the power it holds over the success of their businesses.

Wellbeing:
The final piece of the pie is Wellbeing. People flourish in environments where their wellbeing is enhanced. Wellbeing is linked to every aspect of a person's job, from the space they sit in to the chair they work in to how they interact with their fellow colleagues. It is about allowing your staff to have a sense of purpose and belonging to a workplace. Even if they have a relatively small space to work in, if they can personalise it as their own it can change their view on work. Wellbeing is created through designing space where one has control and flexibility - working when and how one wants to. In order to design for control, the workspace designer needs to understand how the organisation functions and what it requires. Every organisation has a different set of requirements. Giving people control and flexibility over their space doesn't mean a company needs to take more space. Space, as we know, equals expense. It is about planning effectively and efficiently with the right type of work zones and furniture.

If you can get these four critical elements right, you are well on your way to creating a great workspace - and a successful business.

Giant Leap

Giant Leap are work style interior architects who believe that everyone works, feels and plays better in well-designed places. With an unrivalled passion for excellence in design, delivery, and finish, they provide superior interiors using world-class materials, technology, logistics and people. These interiors are uniquely designed to inspire innovation, creativity and comfort, simultaneously energising both the organisation and the marketplace.

By creating better places to work, rest and rejuvenate, Giant Leap enhance the quality of life and work, in keeping with their belief that 'when work is a pleasure, life is a joy!'

http://www.giantleap.co.za/
27 11 880 1490

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The Bourbon and Beefsteak was a lively fixture of King's Cross in Sydney before closing its doors in 2010. Now this cherished piece of Sydney history is slated to open its doors again, thanks to the investment of Christopher Cheung of the Coogee Bay Hotel. Not a simple restoration, the new Bourbon and Beefsteak design is a complete reinvention of The Bourbon. A fresh, contemporary design will transform The Bourbon into a dining and entertainment destination of unforgettable luxury.

First opened in 1967 by U.S. Air Force veteran Bernie Houghton, The Bourbon originally catered to soldiers on leave during the Vietnam War. The Bourbon and Beefsteak Bar and Restaurant, as it was then called, was designed to satisfy the needs of men enduring the rigors of war far from home. Host to celebrities, visiting U.S. government officials, tourists and local residents, The Bourbon provided countless guests with a place to relax with dancing and drinks in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

The Bourbon's original interior was populated with a large, eclectic mix of memorabilia and Americana, from helmets and uniformed mannequins to a jukebox and Native American headdress. This decor, along with The Bourbon's familiar French colonial architecture, provided a sense of comfort to visiting American soldiers. In addition to appealing to American visitors, The Bourbon's distinctive French colonial design brought a dramatic taste of New Orleans style to King's Cross.

For decades, The Bourbon enjoyed a successful, vibrant life in King's Cross. As a deeply rooted and internationally known piece of the city's history, The Bourbon was a well known and beloved landmark until a roof collapse forced its closure. The reinvention and revival of The Bourbon promises to capture the enormous success and lively spirit of the original while updating the design to reflect contemporary trends. This modern take on a successful classic will allow the Bourbon to become one of Sydney's newest entertainment hot spots.

A dynamic fusion of existing and modern elements will breathe new life into The Bourbon. The original French colonial facade will remain to act as a foundation for the new design, allowing the venue to retain the classical beauty for which The Bourbon has long been known. New interiors inspired by the styles and trends of New York promise a luxurious atmosphere of elegant sophistication. This innovative, fresh approach to the Bourbon and Beefsteak design will offer guests an authentic experience of approachable luxury.

With this dramatic transformation, The Bourbon will once again become a lively presence in King's Cross. Timeless and exciting, the Bourbon and Beefsteak design promises to continue the site's long history of success, drawing guests from around the world and infusing King's Cross with new energy. With The Bourbon's rebirth, an exciting new chapter of Sydney's history will begin. Sydney eagerly awaits the unveiling of The Bourbon's new design, holding on to memories of days gone by while looking to the future and the cherished memories to come.

Paul Kelly

Be prepared to visit The Bourbon in the near future just to admire the design. Go to http://www.paulkellydesign.com.au/ to view a very realistic impression of the Hotel.

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Color can say a lot about an office space to both employees and clients. If you choose off-white walls for ease and affordability, staff might have less interest in their work environment and, in turn, their work. Clients may also view the space (and your business) as less impressive. Office design is important, and it's remarkable what a little color on the walls can do to alter a person's perception of a space. An office interior designer can help. Where once drab colors left employees feeling uninspired, colorful and interesting wall coverings can really wake up and energize your staff. Utilize the tips below during the office design process and make your office space worth working in.

1. Accent walls can highlight important areas of your business. Although painting a room entirely red to match your logo may not be the most enjoyable environment, choosing a wall or two for a pop of color can really add importance to a space. Whether you want to create a fun break room or a professional conference room, accent walls that reflect your business culture or brand can do the trick.

2. Color themes are a great way to create cohesion throughout the office or designate certain areas for different branches of your business. Many multi-level businesses will incorporate different color themes for different floors so that when an employee or client steps off the elevator, they can immediately recognize where they are.

3. Make your office design reflect the company. If you have a snazzy logo, show it off! Incorporating those colors on the walls or decor will show that you have really made the space your own. Perhaps your business has a great tag line or impressive set of values. Displaying those words in a graphically interesting way on the walls of a common space can really strengthen your corporate identity and leave a positive impression on clients.

4. Don't forget about corporate art! Selecting artwork that fits the theme of a room can really invite people into the space. Corporate art consultants are skilled at picking the right pieces for your vision or even creating custom pieces upon request. If your walls, floors, and artwork exude innovation and professionalism, so will your business!

5. Consider wall textures as well. If you have the money to spend, using wood installations or textured wallpaper as an accent wall can really up the sophistication of your space. If your business has arrived, and you're ready to show off, unique textured walls are a great, subtle way to show that off.

If you're ready to upgrade your office space to up employee morale or prove your professionalism to clients, implementing one or more of these office design tips is a great way to start. Make sure to consult with an office interior designer, architect, or corporate art consultant as well, as these experts have the experience and tools to help implement your vision!

For more design tips, check out http://www.Movemybiz.com//design/office-design.

http://www.movemybiz.com/ also has free resources, checklists, and more on topics like Commercial Office Space, Office Furniture, Branding Your Business, and more!

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Far too often executives make decisions purely on costs rather than considering the loss of productivity, or the hassles they cause to the consumer or customer. One such example I'd like to cite at this point is the use of LED lighting. Indeed, it is very noble to save energy and money, as that is a wise thing to do. However if it is being done at the expense of productivity or if it is causing health issues in factories and office buildings then it needs to be entirely reconsidered. The color of the LED lighting, and the frequency which is used does affect the human bio system and brain - okay so let's talk shall we?

At the LED symposium for "Strategies in Light 2013" there will be several workshops, in workshop number four they will discuss "Color Science for Lighting" and in workshop six "Human Factors for Lighting and Design" where they will discuss some of these issues. Now then, let me ask you a question; have you ever been to a Wal-Mart store and noticed that your mood had changed after entering the store and walking around within just a few minutes? There is a reason for this, and the lighting definitely has something to do with it.

In McDonald's stores they used to have unpleasing bright colors for the chairs in the lobby. This caused the tables to turn faster so that they could serve more guests in a very short time period during the lunch rush hour or morning breakfast rush. Many corporations use elevator music, pastel colors, and special lighting for increased productivity and mood enhancement. Many smaller companies are unsure of these things, and they don't use these tricks of the trade when it comes to lighting, but they should.

Many small business people put in LED lighting to save money on the electricity bill and for that I say; good for them, as it's environmentally friendly smart thing to do. But it is not so smart if it is challenging the immune system of your employees, or challenging the psychological composure of your customers. You want your customers to be in an upbeat and happy mood, and the human bio system throughout its evolution has become rather fond of UV light, as it comes from the sun. That is why that frequency of light is more pleasing to the eye than other types of lighting.

If you are saving money on your LED lighting, but customers are spending less time in your store because perhaps they feel uncomfortable, even if they don't even understand why, then you are losing sales. There are reasons why you should use soft lighting, LED lighting, neon lighting, or the regular UV lights. It all makes a difference, so maybe you should do some research before you go strictly LED just to save money. Saving money is great, but it shouldn't be the only imperative in making that decision. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Business Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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Today many successful businesses relocate their offices not only because of company growth, but also to create more efficient and enjoyable workspace for their employees. The basic thinking goes, if you are going to spend a great deal of time and money preparing these new offices, why not make them into workspaces that actually invigorate your staff? If you're a business owner or office manager thinking along these lines, then you're already on track to a successful office relocation and a bright future for your business. I just have one more idea to add to your modern thinking-outdoor space.

If the new commercial space you leased comes with a bit of green space, why not dress it up a bit? In the warmer months, this space can be enjoyed by clients and employees alike, boosting morale and encouraging fresh ideas. Businesses that thrive on creative thinking often have contemplative spots that spur employees' eureka moments, but even if your business is not in creative a creative field, it can benefit simply from happier employees who more eagerly do their jobs.

You may also want to consider an outdoor space or courtyard for practicality sake. Most businesses have employees who smoke. Rather than have smokers congregate in the front of your business or near some sort of entryway, you can create a designated, private outdoor space that is set back from the public eye.

Whatever the intended use of your outdoor space, you'll want to make sure it is designed according to its function; otherwise, it will not be worth the effort. If your space is meant to be a gathering place for outdoor meeting or lunches, make sure there are plenty of seating, tables, and trash and recycling receptacles. If this space is meant as a smoking area, some seating is likely required as well as plenty of ash urns. No matter what the function of the space, you will need to ensure that it observes all fire codes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This means including ramps, seating, and other entry-points that are wheel-chair accessible as well as designating clear emergency exit routes.

Once the functionality is in order, you can dress up the place by planting a small garden, installing a statue or fountain, or accenting the courtyard with decorative tiles. However you want to decorate the outdoor space, you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money. Employees will already be appreciative of this added space, so even planting just a flower bed or two will suffice on a smaller budget.

The point to take away from all this is that office design is not simply about interiors. Office design should affect the entire lot that you lease or own. After all, if you're paying for all that space, you should use every square foot to your clients and staff's advantage. For a few extra bucks, those added benefits are definitely worth it!

For more office relocation and design tips, check out http://movemybiz.com/design/office-design

Or if you have other questions about your office move, you can download free articles and resources at http://movemybiz.com/article/elibrary.

Good luck on your office renovation or move!

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Typically, amusement parks are designed with a strong overall character which can include unique architecture, strong colour schemes, signage, furniture and other various methods of branding.

Plant selection provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen and further define character and establish a design that compliments the overall theme to create a striking result. Because there is so much going on visually in a theme park, a strong landscape character requires careful thought.

A rigorous process should be employed to decide what species best represent the desired theme. This involves a bit of creative licence, as a particular plant may fit the desired character perfectly but be totally unsuitable to the climate and site conditions.

People do not go to Theme parks for an ecology lesson. Rather, it is the place for fantasy and creativity to be let loose so the focus must remain on character building.

Plants with unique or striking features are required and they also need to meet a range of other constraints such as maintenance, growth habit, climate and poison considerations. Many common garden plants are poisonous to varying degrees, so consideration needs to be given to locating such plants only in inaccessible places, if at all.

Appropriate Use of Plants

Planting space may often be limited to odd shaped 'dead' space between rides, stalls, and service areas etc - places you don't necessarily want to draw attention to. Planting plays a significant role in screening or disguising these 'back of house' areas. In these instances, it may be best to use only a few plant species that are not attention grabbing to more or less create a backdrop. At the same time, high profile opportunities for large feature specimens should be maximised to act as 'keystones' of the landscape character.

Typically, individual precinct design or individual ride themes also allow opportunities to strengthen characters through their landscape setting. For instance, a common precinct theme is Midwestern America, where you would expect to see a predominantly desert landscape comprised mostly of rocks, cacti and perhaps a tumbleweed. The transitional area between different themed zones requires specific attention in terms of views and entry feature to avoid clashes of character.

Water Filtration and Stormwater

Incorporation of water filtration devices early on in the design process is essential when addressing character. The success of such devices depends on suitable plant species, most of which are native grasses - a character that is somewhat at odds with fairytale castles and tropical jungles. Strategic site planning is therefore crucial to avoiding serious clashes and achieving a great end product.

Read More about this topic at this website.

Theme Park Planting Design

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If you're planning an office move or a renovation of your current space, you've undoubtedly begun thinking about aesthetics-wall accents, new flooring, artwork, the works. While this may seem like a task for an interior designer, you should consider adding a few more experts to your team to make a truly impactful change, one that can improve your business. After all, the whole point of revamping or relocating an office is to create greater efficiencies, cut overhead costs, and increase profits, which is exactly what a full design team can do.

First things first, you need to analyze the space that you have and decide if you are using it to the fullest. A space planner is a great expert to consult on this. He or she can analyze the current functions of your space and suggest how those functions can be enhanced by knocking down a wall, moving around furniture, or simply opening up some cubicles. The end goal with a space planner is to decide exactly how your office space will be laid out and function. Although you want a beautiful and inspiring space, employees won't feel very inspired if there is a modern art installation blocking access to their desks. Functionality should always be a top priority for any office design.

As you begin working on the layout of your space, you will want to bring in an architect and get their input on improvements that can be made. Perhaps the space planner and architect agree a wall should be knocked down to create greater work flow. If that's the case, it is the architect who is responsible for organizing and executing that demolition and any other structural enhancements the space might need. The architect will also help create the vision of the space and work with the interior designer, art consultants, and all other design experts to make sure that that vision is consistent in every aspect of the design. Think of your architect as your project leader. They oversee much of the project and create the overall aesthetic of the space.

Once the planning is finalized with your space planner, architect, and interior designer, it's time to execute your vision. This is where the contractors come in and your business is suddenly in the hands of someone else. With that in mind, you want to make sure you find the most competent, reliable, and ethical contractors you can. Word of mouth is actually a reliable way to find a trustworthy outfit. Ask architects, commercial real estate owners, and other business that have relocated who they have worked with in the past and who they would recommend. You'll get a pretty clear idea what contractors have a solid record, and which will delay your move-in plans or deplete your budget.

Also remember to consult with your selected contractors before any construction begins. It's a good idea to meet with your head contractor to make sure your budget and timeframe for the project are realistic. Often these design goals are not realistic, which can lead to major delays and unforeseen expenses. Save yourself the stress by consulting with your contractors and making sure your design and construction teams are on the same page.

With these tips in mind your dream office design will become a reality, leading to happier, more efficient employees and a more successful, profitable business. Not too shabby for a few of design enhancements!

For more helpful design tips and advice for your business, check out the design section of MoveMyBiz.com at http://www.movemybiz.com/design/office-design

Or check out our full library of free resources at http://www.movemybiz.com/article/elibrary

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Not long ago, I was talking to a friend of mine about the idea of driving your car onto a train, just as you might drive into a parking structure, and then parking your car. And letting the train drive you to your location, and then driving your car off onto the loading ramp and into the city were ever your intended destination was. Interestingly enough, a company called TTX owns tens of thousands of rail cars that are three stories high and they ship all the new cars for all the automobile manufacturers to the ports so they can be loaded on ships and sent all over the world.

They also take cars from all over the world which are offloaded from ships and deliver them to all the dealerships in our nation. We could use something like that. Each one of those railcars is 100 feet long and can easily hold 12 modern automobiles. 12 cars might have 20 people that go along with them, and each railcar could have a bathroom, some snack machines, it would be very similar to taking a ferry. Now then, with this same concept in mind could we have main streets in large Metro cities with some sort of a similar parking system? Let me explain this concept.

As you pull up to where you want to go, park your car, select on the meter how long you will be in the store, and then get out of your car, secure it, and walk away. There would be a rail going along the closest lane to where you parallel parked, which would come along grab your car, and take it around the back into a parking structure, or off to a side rail where would wait until it was time for you to come out again. When you went back to the parking meter you would simply press a button, and your car would be delivered back along that rail.

This would allow 10 or 12 or even 15 cars to park in the exact same spot, at the exact same parking meter, and the robotic mechanism on the rail would valet park their cars for them until they were needed again. It would alleviate all of the challenges with parking in the city, and it would solve endless other problems. If you'd like to discuss this further, or the concept of robotic parking structures with this sort of system built in conjunction with that methodology, then I hope you will please shoot me an e-mail so we can talk about it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new series of eBooks on the Mobile Auto Services Business. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a The Oil Change Guys, a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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The entrance to your office reflects a lot about you as an entrepreneur as first impressions do count and can often influence customers in the most unlikely manner. This part of your office assumes great importance for it gives the visitors a glimpse of what your office has to offer. It does not matter whether you are a manufacturer or a service provider, the entrance of your office plays a very important role in attracting clients. The design of the entrance of your office should set a visitor thinking of what they can expect from you. Whenever, a visitor enters an office space, he/she expects it to be easy to access and friendly. The ambiance that a visitor experiences at the entrance of an office often decides whether they would do business with you or not. So, the correct aesthetics about the design of the entrance of your office are of paramount importance. Be it access, transparency, color combination or the artwork, everything has to be in perfect harmony with a visitor's expectations.

The 5 keys to having a great interior design for your office entrance are:

1. Color combination: It is the color combination of the entrance to your office that first captures the attention of a visitor since it is well-known that colors strongly affect the psychology of emotions. The creative use of colors at the entrance of your office can set the mood of a visitor. Therefore, it very important that you choose the colors of the entrance very carefully. The color combination should reflect the kind of products or service that you offer. Unless you are the owner of a pub or a discotheque, choose colors that are easy on the eye.

2. Furniture: Just like the right color combination, the selection of appropriate furniture is also very important regarding the entrance of your office. The furniture at the entrance or the waiting area should be well laid out, with an eye on comfort and beauty. The choice of furniture at the entrance may range from lavish to ordinary; you may choose anything as long as it is comfortable and is in harmony with your overall office design.

3. Reception area: Special emphasis should be given on the design of the reception area in in your office. Every bit of space in this area should reflect the kind of services your visitors are going to get. The reception area should make the visitors feel comfortable and not anxious. You should make sure that the reception area is not cluttered with unnecessary things. Having some greenery can be a great touch.

4. The Artwork used: The kind of paintings, wall hangings and artwork that is used at the entrance of your office make a lot of difference to the overall ambiance. Whatever artwork or paintings you choose for this area should be in good condition and should be well lit. Make sure that the artwork does not give an unkempt look to the entrance.

5. Lighting: Lighting is another important attribute that sets the tone of any interior, be it a jewelry shop or any commercial office. Every nook and corner of the entrance should be well lit to create a soothing ambiance and give a feeling of confidence to the visitors. Any badly lit corners give a dingy feeling to the visitors and in turn can adversely affect your business prospects.

By taking care of all these interior designing attributes, you can give a great look to the entrance of your office.

Shaunvir Singh Mahil, Founder of OutsourceEngineeringService.com. He aims to introduce innovations in Engineering Outsourcing Services by providing clients their own talented engineering professionals from India in diverse Outsource engineering domains.You can find out more information about architectural design services Please visit our cad design services website

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A floor plan is very important. It will largely determine how your house will turn out. While hiring an architect is required in some states prior to the construction of a house, you may still want try to design a house floor plan yourself. You will find lots of software programs on the market that can help you with designing a plan layout. Once you have finished your design, you can seek the services of an architect or building designer to help you improve on the beginning stages of your concept.

First and foremost, you should first consider how big your house is going to be. Determine what square footage you plan to max out at. Big houses used to be trendy; but ever since Sarah Susanka started a trend with small houses, homeowners are now choosing smaller houses over big ones. The key is maximizing the available space within your set amount of total square feet. Even if your house is small, you can still make it comfortable and cozy. You just have plan traffic flow and know about correct furniture placement. Position your things in a way that they do not hog space.

Next, you should consider your geographic location. A busy street or the size of your lot may put limitations to your options. Nevertheless, you should also consider any features that you would be able to take advantage of such as trees. Do not forget to consider the shape of your house as well. Keep in mind that more square footage can be achieved with a square shape than with a rectangle. Although you can have the most square footage with a circle, building a circular home may be difficult.

In addition, you should also consider how long you plan to live in your house. You should design a floor plan based on your current or future plans. For instance, if you plan to stay in your house for decades, you may want to add extra bedrooms for future children. If you intend to use it as a vacation place, you may want to choose a simpler design. If you are currently suffering from health conditions, perhaps you may want to avoid adding stairs to your floor plan.

Finally, you should determine whether you prefer to design a floor plan that is closed or open. With a closed floor plan, the kitchen, dining room, living room, and family room are all separated from one another. With an open floor plan, the kitchen, dining room, and living room occupy one huge space. If you want to have a more flexible option, however, you may choose to use room dividers so you can easily switch from a closed plan to a open room plan.

With a very basic floor plan design, you can move to interviewing and eventually hiring an architect or building designer to take your initial design concept and expand upon those ideas. Other options to designing your home may include modifying a pre-designed house plans or working with a builder who may have plans that you can modify. In the end, go with what's best for your design needs.

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If you are thinking about opening a restaurant, or thinking about doing a renovation on your existing restaurant, but have a very limited budget, there are lots of creative and affordable ways that you can make a big change without spending big money.

A few simple ideas can help you transform your restaurant operation into a brand new place. The ideas below are also all DIY, so there is no need to have to deal with the headaches of hiring a contractor.

1. Clean it up

First and foremost, a complete detailing of your restaurant should be done before any big or small renovation jobs are done. Wash and clean each and every single wall, corner, countertops, display shelves, drawers, cabinets, table, chair, window, washroom, etc. in your entire operation. When things are clean, they can look new again.

2. Paint

A good paint job can change the dynamic of any operation drastically. It is the easiest and most inexpensive way to make an instant change to the interior design of your restaurant. Choose colors that are related to your brand, and the type of food that you serve. Paint your bulkheads in bright colors to attract attention. If your tables, chairs, cabinets and counters are looking a bit shabby, repaint those as well.

3. Make deals with artists

Can't afford to buy expensive artwork for your walls? Why not help local artists in your community get some exposure instead? Use your restaurant operation as a gallery for new and upcoming artists. If a piece sells, the artist can give you a percentage of the sales. This way, artists have an outlet to display their work to the public, and you get to have beautiful pieces of art in your restaurant for free.

4. Avoid restaurant supply stores

Restaurant suppliers tend to charge a fortune for shelving units, display props, food display ware, cookware, smallwares, etc. Consider shopping for these items at stores like IKEA, Pier 1 Imports and other inexpensive home décor stores that offer such items at a much lower price.

5. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add texture, color and depth to your operation. Today, you can buy wallpaper with any type of print imaginable. For example, if you want to give your operation a wood feel, but can't afford to use real wood, use a wood-themed wallpaper instead. Contrast your painted walls with strips of wallpaper to make your walls more interesting. Wallpaper can also help you relay to your customers the atmosphere of your restaurant.

6. Laminate flooring

New floors can get quite pricey. Wood floors cost a fortune, and carpeting always needs to be cleaned. Laminate floors are ideal for restaurants as they are easy to clean and can withstand a lot of traffic. It can also be DIY, thereby saving on the need to hire a professional installer. Laminate floors come in a huge variety of colors, patterns and designs, and cost a lot less than wood or carpet.

7. Use natural elements

Instead of spending money on expensive décor items, consider going outdoors to find pieces of nature. Fill clear glass vases with sand, rocks, seashells or gravel, and add a small tealight inside for an inexpensive tabletop light. Use leaves, twigs, flowers and plants to add more fresh, natural and environmental elements to your restaurant.

8. Look online for free stuff

Check often online at websites like Craigslist or Kijiji to see what people are giving away for free. Someone else's garbage may be your treasure. Keep your eyes out for light fixtures, shelving units, tables, chairs, coffee tables and other items that could be cleaned and easily refurbished, and fit well into your restaurant operation.

Diane Chiasson, FCSI, president of Chiasson Consultants Inc., has been helping restaurant, foodservice, hospitality and retail operators increase sales for over 30 years. She is recognized as one of the best restaurant consultants in Toronto. Her company provides innovative and revenue-increasing foodservice and retail merchandising programs, interior design, branding, menu engineering, marketing and promotional campaigns, and much more. Contact her at 416-926-1338, toll-free at 1-888-926-6655 or chiasson@chiassonconsultants.com, or visit http://www.chiassonconsultants.com/

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What is the most important instrument that shapes the atmosphere of a room or interior space? Is it the furniture? Is it the flooring? Some people may be surprised to find out that it is even simpler than a paint brush. When it comes to planning out fantastic interior design the colour wheel is an interior decorator's most important tool. No matter how well decorated or cosy a room may be designed if the colour is uninviting or simply not attractive it can completely off balance the entire space. For most home spaces, every room will possess their own unique colour scheme which reflects the qualities of that room. For example, a living room is typically bright and inviting while a kitchen is typically darker in colour tones to promote closeness and proximity between parties. Bright colours that decorate a child's room or a play room may not be as appropriate in a master bathroom and vice versa.

The colour wheel is made up of six separate and unique archetypes which each have separate impacts upon the interior design and atmosphere of a space: primary colours, secondary colours, tertiary colours, cool colours, warm colours, and whites. Primary colours are made up of what one would assume such as red, yellow, and blue. The secondary colours are the combinations of the primary colours such as purple and green. Cool colours, such as hues of blue and green, as considered to be passive which have an effect of making a room seem larger than it really is; on the other side of that coin are warm colours, such as reds and yellows, which are well suited for living spaces which make them seem much more inviting. Finally, white colours (also known as "neutralizers") are commonly utilized to bring out the brilliance of surrounding colours by providing a contrast and augmentation which can bring vitality to a room that would remain quite plain if it was simply composed of a single solid colour.

When applying this in practice bear in mind that soft and light schemes are set to play an important role in interiors, with considered textural and tonal pairings creating a timeless finish that celebrates intricate details and beautiful materials. Presenting a collection of textured and hand-painted wallpaper designs that featured soft metallic shades and traditional artisan wall finishes that are applied directly to the paper makes good use of this interior design technique. Playing around with luxurious materials through a rich selection of drapes, woven paisleys, liquid velvet fabrics and accessories will assure an appeal to high end interiors.

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While glass has been used as a building material for centuries, developments in glass production throughout history have made possible structures and designs that were never before imaginable. Even recently, technological novelties in the world of architectural glass have allowed designers to manipulate exterior glass to dazzling effect in masterpieces such as the Bayern State Opera in Munich and the Novartis global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

The type of glass installed in a work of architecture will depend on several factors, among them appearance, levels of strength, and thermal qualities. The following are a few contemporary choices used today for exterior glass:

Decorative Glass in Design

The term decorative glass can refer to the warped or accentuated appearance through a variety of different techniques in order to apply a certain texture or color to the glass. Decorative glasses can exhibit a wide range of characteristics, including various degrees of opaqueness, and they display designs or images, such as the stained glass traditionally seen in churches and cathedrals.

Solar Glass in Design

With today's rampant concern for energy savings, solar glass has been created to increase heat retention in an architectural structure and thereby cut down on energy bills. This is done with a low-emittance coating that obstructs the transfer of radiant heat. Such a coating is usually composed of a metal or a metallic oxide and is placed between layers of exterior glass. They have been devised for both warmer and colder climates, with glasses with high solar gain being used for colder climates and lower solar gain for warmer climates.

Smart Glass in Design

A glass is considered a "smart" if the way it transmits light is changed when electricity is applied to it. Also known as "switchable", smart glass works through either a suspended particle, liquid crystal, micro-blind, or electrochromic device that allows the look and function of the glass to be changed with the flick of a switch. Smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, or the amount of heat allowed to pass through can be controlled as well.

Additionally, designers sometimes decide on a smart glass merely for visual effects, as in the Magira LightPoints LED glass placed in the World Expo Pavilion in Shanghai.

New techniques in exterior glass constantly present designers with more options. Innovators continue to create glasses that allow architects ever greater freedom in terms of both aesthetics and energy efficiency.

Hopefully this breakdown will help you understand the variance in materials.

Learn more about the different applications of exterior glass as it may help with your commercial undertaking.

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Moving your business to a new office space can be an opportunity to create a work environment that reflects current ideas, trends, and innovations. You don't have to spend a lot of money or fall prey to short-lived fads, but incorporating the latest design concepts can revitalize your space, impress visitors, and attract new talent to your company. Check out these 5 design tips now trending:

1. The very open workspace. Relocating businesses can take inspiration from collaborative floor plans that allow creativity to flow. On the extreme side is the contemporary space with no closed perimeter offices, where workstations are clustered out in the open. If privacy is your thing, you can still opt for plenty of communal spaces that allow workers to gather. One thing office space experts are emphasizing: the fewer walls, the better.

2. The eco-friendly workspace. There's more to the green workspace than a recycling bin in the break room. Office design is an area where environmentally-conscious practices and products shine. Green paints reduce harmful emissions, while skylights and other sources of natural light brighten your office and reduce energy use. In fact, some of today's hottest office products and trends are good for the earth. (See Natural Materials).

3. Citrus colors. Tangerine, lime, and similar shades energize and invigorate workers. If these hues are too bold for your walls, try to incorporate brightly-colored upholstery, art, and signage. Office color trends may be fleeting, but citrus accents should stay fresh for years to come.

4. Natural materials. Think hardwood or bamboo floors, earthy wall coverings, corkboard, and more. Bringing the outside in is the goal of many forward-thinking interior designers today. (Glass walls are great for this.) Plus, naturally-sourced, sustainable materials can be a green option for environmentally-conscious companies.

5. Glass walls. Forget thick drywall, which keeps natural light from flowing through a workspace. Frosted glass can add a little privacy while still letting in the sunlight. The best part: natural light keeps workers happy and healthy.

Whether you're searching for a new office space or renovating your current location, an office makeover can give your company a fresh face and a new start. The key is to share your goals with your office design team early on so you'll have time to implement the projects you had in mind. With some creativity and enough planning in advance, companies can customize their new office space to reflect changing brand identity, employee needs, and the latest innovations in the marketplace.

http://www.movemybiz.com/ is a great resource for office design tips, office moving checklists, and other helpful info. You can even get free quotes from vendors of office design products, services, and more.

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Not long ago, I was at Starbucks and I was talking to a young gal who was taking photography courses at the local college. She was going after her prerequisite classes so she could start her degree program. I asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up, and she said she would like to do something in the art world, become an artist, or perhaps an interior designer. She realized that she didn't have enough experience to get a job right now doing something like this, and she would need to get a degree to get on with one of the larger firms in our area.

Indeed, I thought this was quite noble because she was seeking a career in something that she enjoys and has passion for. Good for her. I wondered if she should start her own business in the interior design profession, but she did indicate to me that the competition was tough, and it would be difficult to build a customer base when she didn't have any referrals coming in, and no clients willing to pay her money. Still, it is my contention that you should do something you have passion for, and if you do chances are the money will follow, provided you are doing most things correctly in your own small business.

Let's say you like to do interior decorating, and make everything look perfect. Maybe you have one of those perfect eyes for detail, good spatial reasoning, and perhaps you are a little compulsive and obsessive need for perfection. If so, being an interior designer and pursuing that profession might be right up your alley. Consider if you will your options;

1.) Interior Business Design
2.) Real Estate Home Staging
3.) Interior Decorating and Design
4.) Architectural Consulting and Interior Design
5.) Retail Marketing Displays and Branding Programs

Do you see yourself doing any of those things? These are all solo professional type small businesses that you can start, build, and in the process you will be doing something you love, something you're good at, and of course the most important thing; something you have passion for. You should ask yourself; "what do I like to do?" And if your answer is interior design, then why not look into some of these things, maybe this is your future career and it might make a great entrepreneurial business for you. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Small Business Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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