21 December 2011

Be of Good Cheer



Are you annoyed by people who:
  • call cabinets “cabinetry”?
  • try to show their commitment to sustainable design, referring to “Leeds”?
  • say “nucular”, not “nuclear”?
  • pronounce “accessible” as “assessable”?
  • call columns “columes”?
  • call masonry “masonary”?
  • say “virtually” when they mean “actually”?
  • say “literally” when they mean “figuratively”?
  • think “irregardless” is a word?
  • spell “fluorescent” as “flourescent”?
  • call concrete cement?
  • “reveal” their work on TV, without showing all the shortcut slipshod details?
  • think “historical” is better than “historic”?
  • have a tough “road” to hoe?
  • ask ‘You know?”  at each breath?
  • ask “You know what I mean?” after each statement?
  • ask “You know what I’m sayin’?” after each explanation?
  • say “Hey”, not “Hi” or “Hello”?
  • think most things in life are “awesome”?
  • capitalize their profession, but not others?
Well, then you too are a curmudgeon.  My current resolution is to, perhaps, be more forgiving.  Some people find me annoying.

Happy Holidays!

01 December 2011

Excuse Me

  OR

Which one seems more like a belch?

So here I am, a consultant selling services to improve the management of your organization.  I even use the phrase "enterprise management" in the About Me byline of this blog.  It was as close as I was willing to get to the currently faddish acronym.

Wikipedia claims the Gartner group coined the term in 1990.  Actually, that's somewhat too long ago to fairly call it a fad.  I suspect, however, that it won't stick forever.  How much do we talk about TQM these days?

The name game is brought on us by those who want to have some way of characterizing what we do.  I have had marketing consultants tell me that I must reduce the description of my practice to no more than seven words.  This remains an on-going challenge.  I have yet to see that the reduction is warranted, but I'm working on it.

How's this: WWAD?  What would Arch do?  Ask me, and I'm going to tell you.  Assuming I think I know, of course.  I'll try to speak in plain english.  It's what I do.

20 November 2011

Human Capital?

Human Capital Management Trends and Innovations

Yuk.  If you're like me, you get lots of newsletters and email from industry vendors.  One recent one simply rubbed me the wrong way.  The lead was the text at the top here.


The email was a promo for a Webinar, sponsored by none other than ADP, the company in the payroll services business.  In fairness to ADP, they didn't invent the phrase.  Apparently (according to Wikipedia, at least) use of the term dates back to the mid 1950's.


Sure, there are definitions that explain what it's supposed to mean.  Warning - they don't all quite concur.  Regardless, in my view there are two annoyances: It falls into the trap of being less than plain-spoken; and, more importantly, it neuters the very real value of people.  Yes, humans are people.


It's bad enough that my scheduling program, has me categorize living beings as 'Resources'.  I want, for the most part, to stay connected to my coworkers.  Why use such management mumbo-jumbo?

19 October 2011

Women

Women Managers, to be more precise.

Yesterday, I was was cleaning out some old files; and came across the handbook I wrote for novice architectural project managers.  The copyright date is older than I care to admit, and I thought it might be interesting to see how badly the concepts might apply to current circumstances.

To my surprise, a high percentage holds up pretty well.  Upon reflection, this possibly has to do with the fact that good management has much to do with appropriate personnel relationships, and not so much about the current 'tools of the trade'.  A few sentences, however, jumped off the page as utterly inappropriate.  I referred to project managers as "men".

The context left little wiggle room for interpreting that I intended to be even-handed in the acknowledgement of women in the profession.  I'll blame two factors: 1. That was then (meaning that women were less prevalent), and 2. That was me then (i.e., less aware).

Bias is a bad thing.  I think, I may be a better person now.  Are you?

05 October 2011

A Most Sad Passing

For the third time in recent months, I find myself writing about the glorious impact of Steve Jobs.

Character, in every good sense of the word.  He will be missed.

A brief retrospective and eulogy in the blog format is pointless.  Brevity would be an injustice.  May he rest in the peace he has earned.

21 September 2011

An Alternative to LEED

Last night I attended a dinner and panel discussion hosted by the Connecticut chapter of Professional Women in Construction.  The panelists, all higher education facilities leaders, talked about many things, including their commitment to LEED certification.

One representative, like many others in Higher Education, talked about what they see as the overly prescriptive approach of the USGBC in its LEED certification program.  It was suggested that a more ethical and innovative approach is offered by the International Living Future Institute in its Living Building Challenge Certification Program.

The level of awareness of this program amongst the attendees was limited.  Perhaps it was who we were, or more likely it was the industry-wide dominance that has been afforded to LEED.  In any event, a Living Challenge building project has much to offer.  Check it out at https://ilbi.org/lbc

Are you carbon neutral?

05 September 2011

Homage

I'm in 'management'.  I know that many of you are too.  All too often, we fail to acknowledge the fact that our 'creations' are usually only made possible by the creative efforts of others.

Go to the Department of Labor (of all places), and this is what you see: "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

A little hyperbolic perhaps, but the sentiment is valid.  Those of us who trade in words and concepts often should have a better appreciation for the skill, perseverance and commitment of our tradespeople at work.  True craftsmanship is a joy to behold.  The holiday is well earned.

Now, can I have one just for me?

26 August 2011

Character

If you're on my newsletter mail list, you've perhaps read what I think Steve Jobs adds to Apple.  My comments were made in the context of a 'light read' description of what makes for unique, effective organizations.  I posited that Steve's character would likely endure his eventual departure.

What did I know?  No more than virtually anyone else.  If fact, I was describing something I thought might start to happen a few years from now.  Steve Jobs business influence has been defined and analyzed by observers much more capable than I.  My point was that his character, both real and imagined, will likely symbolize the image of Apple for decades to come.  On that point, I remain convinced.

What I suspect will happen now is that, as Steve redefines his role at the company, the full image of the man and Apple will be refined and solidified.  It will be interesting to watch.  I wish all well, as this maturation transpires.

PS, If you're interested, you can subscribe to the periodic No Left Turn newsletter, also called Notes From The Road by clicking this link.  See the latest newsletter here.

18 August 2011

Woe is I

I live in an old house.  1913 - lots of original details.  Unfortunately, the vintage work includes nice historic clay pipe sewer lines.  As originally constructed, the roof drain leaders connect to the waste line out to the city main.

Every few years, enough roots grow through the joints of the clay pipe that I have to snake the line to get proper drainage.  This summer was that special time.  Heavy rains were more than the root-restricted pipes could handle.  It was quite a sight to see the water welling UP out of the basement toilet!

Long story shortened: Contractor one snakes, loses video camera in pipe, digs up front yard, replaces part of original pipe, leaves behind a front yard that I have to restore.  Landscape contractor repairs groundwork done by contractor one.  Water STILL backs up.  Contractor one comes back, water-jets the line.  Water backs up AGAIN - and AGAIN.

What would you do if you were me?  I called some construction friends; and found contractor two, who fixed the sewer problem - for now.

Now I'm trying to get some cost back from contractor one.  He says I didn't give him the chance to honor his 'Warranty', and says no.  So here I sit, unresolved.  At least the basement is dry.

So, this time I REALLY want comments.  Should contractor one pony up?

08 August 2011

Powerhouse

My brother and I are very different people.  I'm GDI, he's frat.  I'm east coast, he's heartland.   (not exactly - but something similar)

Based in Midland, Michigan, he's been employed by, or affiliated with, Dow Chemical most of his adult life.   When with Dow Corning, he worked on the process engineering of many products which found their way into construction.  On that we could relate.

Now, with the 'mother ship' (Dow), he's got a loose association with a new product coming to market later this year - Dow's Powerhouse Solar Shingle.  Last week, I got a chance to see the test panels inside the company compound, as well as the prototype house erected nearby to display this and other energy-saving products.  This new product bears watching.

It's a good idea that makes photovoltaic more of an option than ever before.  The shingles - actually the size of a pair of conventional three-tab roofing shingles - are laid up in the field of the roof with no added structure.  The orientation may not be ideal - that depends on the building design; but the installation could not be any more straightforward.

Price and efficacy will be important to the ultimate success.  I know I'll be watching with interest.  And not just because of my brother.


01 August 2011

Oh, Canada!

So, here I sit in the guest bedroom of my friend in Toronto.

Two things to admire:

Canada, largely by virtue of it's cautious financial system, has weathered the international fiscal turmoil much better than the U.S.

The metric system which makes measurements infinitely more logical.

On both issues - What were we thinking?  Will the U.S. ever come around?

One can only hope.  All together now ... ay?

20 July 2011

I'm Not Special

A few weeks ago I wrote on the nature of 'special' interview presenters.

I had just finished counseling a Construction Manager on how best to appeal to a University as it was considering a short list of candidates.  Shortly thereafter, I too was in the pageantry business as part of a larger team going after a University Planning project.  How ironic.


We knew the competition well - all respectable candidates; and we considered ourselves the dark horse in the race.  We formulated what we thought would be a distinctly different approach to the presentation, because we were after all 'different'.
  What we didn't know is that the client was susceptible to promises that, to us, seemed unwise.  We lost.

Dark horse or not, this stung.
  In the debriefing, our approach was complimented; and we were assured of future consideration. Here's the dilemma. Often in the past when I've lost out on a commission I wanted, I would eventually find some element of the project which would have been impossible had the job been landed.  Money loser, indecisive client, conflict of interest, anything that might seem awkward.  So now, with potential future work on the line, what's the recovery time with the potential client who let you down.

Is this anything like what goes through Britney Spears mind?  Nothing seems to stop her.

06 July 2011

Angie to the Rescue?

Darn, she's tempting.  Angie, that is.

Here I am consulting on multi-million dollar capital programs, and I can't get a competent contractor to work on my house.  Or so it seems.

The house is old - 98 years, but its 'bones' are good.  It's the other things that are creaking, or even missing.  Getting concrete into the original dirt basement was a hilarious boondoggle.  Most recently, the vitrified clap pipe sewer line gave up.  Now I'm into the second contractor to restore the torn up bluestone walkway.  Wish me luck.

Luck is what it seems to take.  Even the big CM's tell me they have trouble finding residential contractors who will call them back.  Actually showing up is an uncommon bonus.  How could this possibly be?  It's simply not conceivable that they're too busy in this economy.  Maybe it's me.

In any event, Angie seems to have much to offer the hapless homeowner.  I haven't sprung just yet, still relying on my 'poor boy' network.  How 'bout you?  Is salvation there just for the asking?

22 June 2011

You want it WHEN??

Contractors and Construction Managers live, eat and breathe detailed project scheduling.  It's a mandatory survival skill.  Architects are not nearly as adept.

The other day, I listened to a CM rant about an Architect who had activities he had to incorporate into a detailed preconstruction services schedule.  "They couldn't even tell me what their tasks would be within the standard defined design phases!  How could they possibly know they're on schedule if they can't name the activities?"  His comments fell on sympathetic ears, but I felt inclined to defend the hapless Architect.

"Fact of the matter," I said, "most Architects have an intuitive sense of where they are in terms of completion within the Phases".  They certainly know how much time they've spent against budget. (At least, usually)  Architects just don't have the experience of CM's to fall back on, with their emphasis on critical timing.

So, now here I sit just having prepared a qualifications submittal to a State agency looking to hire an on-call scheduling consultant.  Will I be stereotyped because of the AIA on the letterhead?  Time will tell.

08 June 2011

Are You Special?

A former co-worker liked to call them 'Beauty Contests'.  Apply the right makeup,  Wear the most fashionable clothes.  Answer the test questions with apparent ease.  Luck into some endearing quirk.  Do any of these; and maybe, just maybe, you'll be picked as the Architect or Contractor for the plum commission offered up by the latest Owner's Rep.  The conversation relates to the parade of candidates during short-list interviews.

The allusion to pageantry was his way of saying how superficial the process can be, and particularly (in his mind) how unreliable the conclusions might be.  While I believe there are ways a cautious Owner can mitigate these possibilities, there's no denying the risk of enticement.

Architects, many of whom see themselves as great communicators, often revel in the moment at an interview.  Their self confidence is not always justified, of course; but they can be at ease much of the time.

The poor Contractors and CM's, on the other hand, have a tougher row to hoe.  Whether it's genetic or simply experiential, the performance is far from second nature.  As much as I coach them in their preparation, I do so with a faint hesitation about how unfair it may be.

What do you think?  Is there a better way?

25 May 2011

Contractors

Whenever a sentence starts "Some of my best friends are ...", I prepare myself for the opinion of a bigot who attempts to cloak their bias with illusions of open-mindedness.

Alright, now I'm going to do it; and, I swear, there is not a scintilla of bias.  Some of my best friends are Contractors.  I like them, I like what they do, I like what they know, I like the pride they show in their craftsmanship, and I like collaborating with them.

But ...

I can't figure out why so many institutions are infatuated with Contractors when it comes to hiring for leadership positions in their facilities organizations.  Perhaps, more accurately, I think I know why; but wonder how effective the preconceptions are in practice.  By and large, Contractors are perceived as being "tough negotiators", with the training and experience to get the most value for virtually any contract.  They're seen as focused, no-nonsense managers who extract performance from those who work for them.  Actually, in my experience, much of this is true.

But then they commonly get thrown into an arena for which they have scant background.  Whether it's facilities operations (very different from construction), or negotiating with academics at a College or University, or a myriad of other activities for which they struggle to relate; they often have performance issues.

The goods ones, the smart ones, figure out how to adapt; but where does this leave the institutions which has those who struggle?  Adrift, I would venture.

Is this a business cycle that will shift at some point?  I wonder.

17 May 2011

Standards?

For the last few months I have been working on the development of Design Standards for a Northeastern College.  While there is no denying the satisfaction of the work, I am intrigued by the lack of consistency from place to place of such documents.

In preparing for this series of documents, not only did I have my own work to recall; but there were any number of accessible precedents for this work.  No two were alike, or even similar in format.  How very odd.

The Construction Specifications Institute has format examples, and MasterSpec will guide you through a specification writing procedure (selling you their proprietary software to make this happen); but neither are on-target for the sort of guideline that good owners should have documenting their facilities expectations.

I suppose I shouldn't be too upset by this, since it presents a vacuum for my consulting practice to fill.  Good for me, and good for those who hire me.  But I have this vague sense that I'm missing something.  Comment, please, if you think I've missed the point.  Set me straight.  Thanks!

26 April 2011

Poetry Woman

Architecture, it has been said, is frozen music.  Right now that analogy rings hollow.  Music when performed by a consummate talent has intellectual and emotional content so far in excess of any pile of bricks and mortar that the comparison fails on multiple levels.

When was the last time you would sit with your eyes closed, tapping your foot subconsciously?  When did walking into a space compel you to dance, even though you have two left feet?  Did a building ever bring you to tears?  Or could a room, by itself, symbolize your love for another person?

Today the world lost a spectacular talent.  Singer Phoebe Snow succumbed to complications from a brain hemorrhage suffered last year.  With a vibrant dynamic voice, she imbued all that she touched with her unmistakable idiosyncratic style.  In the early and mid 70's she took the music industry by storm with many vivid and personal interpretations, not just her iconic "Poetry Man".  But then she faded away, while she took care of her daughter who had been severely brain damaged at birth.  I was lucky enough to be there for one of the last live performances before Ms. Snow's hiatus.  Phoebe refused to let her career take priority over her daughter.

But Phoebe Snow came back to public performances after her daughter's eventual passing.  She had, in fact, never been totally silent, doing the occasional commercial vocal and studio-recorded album.  Now she too is gone.

This blog is intended to be about our business - and trust me, this is.  We should all aspire to touch people by our work.  We should do so with thorough commitment and ethical purity.  We should do so with fervor, seriousness, and - yes - humor.  We should learn from the example of others, who inspire us by their wholesome contributions.

We now live on a planet made better by Phoebe Snow.  We owe it to her to honor the experience she has given us.




 

06 April 2011

Who's more nuts?

Construction Managers or Owners?

Over the last year or so, many Construction Managers have been caught up in a downward spiral of ever reducing fees?  (Architects have been doing the same thing - but that's a topic for another day.)

Conventional wisdom is that, with a routine CM contract, fees of between 2 and 3 % are needed to spin off enough profit to maintain the business.  How can it be that many proposals are now coming in at 1/2 of that?  What the heck is going on?
  • Are Owners now rationalizing some sort of retribution?
  • Are CM's buying work to keep staff occupied?
  • Have some accounting changes made conventional wisdom invalid?
  • Is risk getting reassigned?
  • Are there hidden profits not fully disclosed by CM's?
Does any one really know?  What do you think?

19 March 2011

Madness March

It's that time of year again.

I seem incapable of watching tournament basketball without thinking back to the 2004 Olympics.  Wikipedia refers to the US men's team of that year as "The Nightmare Team".  Why?  Because they lost in the semi-finals to Argentina of all countries.  This, in spite of some real hot shots (at least in their own mind) on the roster.

I can't shake the memory of the interview of Argentina's captain, when he made the simple observation that "Basketball is a team sport".  Something our collection of prima donnas apparently failed to grasp.

In my No Left Turn newsletter of January 2010, I made the same observation about how this notion bears repeating to Design/Build team members.  Teamwork, I think, improves virtually any endeavor.  Will the men's and women's final four contenders demonstrate this capacity?

I'm glued to the TV.

07 March 2011

How Many Bars?


Is it possible there has been a turn in our dismal economy?

In the last three months I have seen more RFP's and RFQ's than in the previous 18.

One posting service for jobs that I see every day shows 327 openings with the filter "Facilities".  There were times at the beginning of 2010 this same service had less than 50.  The latest unemployment rate is under 9% for the first time in eons.

Is money for construction becoming available?

In short, have we passed the nadir?  What's the signal strength in you cell zone?  We'd all like to know.  It's sure a more appealing thought than shoveling water.  I'm tired of that.


12 January 2011

Shoveling Water


Patience is a virtue, right?

Then why is it that we are compelled (sometimes by law) to shovel snow from our sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm, when all you have to do is wait long enough and it will literally melt before our eyes?

I sometimes can't decide if I'm invigorated by the diversion of the activity and the karma of it all, or annoyed by the imposed pressure to get it done before it becomes a block of ice.

I guess there  are consolations.  It is pretty (if only for a while).  There is a sense of accomplishment once it's done.  And my wife can take record photos to show friends wintering in Mexico.

I'm reminded of the enthusiasm of the guy cleaning up after the elephants in the circus.  He'd never give up show business.  Me neither. 

PS, If you look closely, you might be able to appreciate why the business is called No Left Turn.

01 January 2011

Balls Out!


Which do you like?

Personally, I'm partial to the old one.

Following on the theme of 'Tradition', I wonder how others feel about the new incarnation of the venerable Times Square New Year's Eve Ball.

When you honor a ceremony that's more than 100 years old, are you doing it justice when you add expensive crystal, computer controlled colorizers, and flashing strobes?  Maybe that's what it takes for the image to register on your cell phone.

Four middle aged men with their ropes and pulleys did pretty well for decades.  After all, if you're fortunate, at the critical second you might be kissing someone.