There is an interesting article by Thomas Friedman in this Sunday’s edition of the New York Times. It is entitled Mother Nature’s Dow and is about the rising rate of climate change and our need for an appropriate policy response.
In the article Mr. Friedman suggests that we need a climate bailout to go along with our economic bailout. He quotes Hal Harvey, the CEO of ClimateWorks, who is focused on accelerating legislative policy to promote low-carbon prosperity through diminished climate change. Mr. Harvey believes that there must be five pillars of any effective climate control policy, and the first one he cites is energy efficient building codes.
Here in Massachusetts we have an opportunity to accelerate our own sustainable design policy. On April 14, the BBRS (the Board of Building Regulations and Standards) will vote on the adoption of the stretch code as an integral part of the 7th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code. The stretch code is an appendix of cost effective design provisions to reduce energy consumption and was developed from the Core Performance Guide of the New Buildings Institute. It embodies many of the characteristics (adjusted for our Boston-based climate) of California’s energy efficient building code which is now saving their residents an estimated $6B annually. While the stretch code may require some upfront costs for developers, builders, and property owners, the long term benefits of lower operating costs and reduced emissions are compelling, and the code has generally received broad support.
The Boston Society of Architects will soon publish an article urging adoption of the stretch code. The BSA’s endorsement of the stretch code is just one more example of the rising tide of support for visionary and prudent climate control policy change in our state.
Let’s hope that’s the only rising tide we see!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Century of Inspired Design
2009 is the 100 year anniversary of the founding of our firm.
I was reviewing the Modern Healthcare Magazine survey of design firms today (TRO JungBrannen is ranked number eight for those of you who follow that national publication) and discovered that of the 100 firms that were listed, only five have been in business longer than we have. Now, there are literally thousands of firms currently in practice in this country, many of whom are single practitioners, and although the AIA may not keep records regarding the longevity of design firms, it is very probable that those with a record of continuous practice of 100 years or more make up less than one percent of our profession!
Now, I usually don’t make a big deal about our firm’s one hundred year legacy simply because it has never before seemed like a highly important issue to our clients. But, I am rethinking that premise because these are unusual economic times, and many design firms are under unprecedented financial strain. Our clients, of course, are looking for stable, viable business partners with sustainable practices. They make significant investments in our professional services and they have a right to expect us to be there from the beginning to the end of their projects - a timeframe that often encompasses several years.
Our firm’s stability is reinforced in many ways. We have over 140 clients with whom we have active design commissions, and they represent the very best their respective industries have to offer. Our repeat business rate is among the highest in the design profession – over 90%. Of the more than 70 Principals and Senior Associates who share ownership of the firm, the majority have been with us for more than 15 years. Finally, we are broadly diversified in the services we offer, in the regions we practice, and in the markets we serve.
Design firms are a bit like restaurants…..they come and go. But the ones that offer extraordinary service, value, and quality endure.
Happy 100th birthday, TRO JungBrannen!
I was reviewing the Modern Healthcare Magazine survey of design firms today (TRO JungBrannen is ranked number eight for those of you who follow that national publication) and discovered that of the 100 firms that were listed, only five have been in business longer than we have. Now, there are literally thousands of firms currently in practice in this country, many of whom are single practitioners, and although the AIA may not keep records regarding the longevity of design firms, it is very probable that those with a record of continuous practice of 100 years or more make up less than one percent of our profession!
Now, I usually don’t make a big deal about our firm’s one hundred year legacy simply because it has never before seemed like a highly important issue to our clients. But, I am rethinking that premise because these are unusual economic times, and many design firms are under unprecedented financial strain. Our clients, of course, are looking for stable, viable business partners with sustainable practices. They make significant investments in our professional services and they have a right to expect us to be there from the beginning to the end of their projects - a timeframe that often encompasses several years.
Our firm’s stability is reinforced in many ways. We have over 140 clients with whom we have active design commissions, and they represent the very best their respective industries have to offer. Our repeat business rate is among the highest in the design profession – over 90%. Of the more than 70 Principals and Senior Associates who share ownership of the firm, the majority have been with us for more than 15 years. Finally, we are broadly diversified in the services we offer, in the regions we practice, and in the markets we serve.
Design firms are a bit like restaurants…..they come and go. But the ones that offer extraordinary service, value, and quality endure.
Happy 100th birthday, TRO JungBrannen!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Political Science
I don’t understand political science!
Today I received an email from a friend who wanted to share with me the opinions of Czech President Vaclav Klaus, who is also the President pro-tem of the European Union. Speaking at the Second International Conference on Climate Change in New York recently, President Klaus said “environmentalism and the global warming alarmism is {sic} challenging our freedom”. He further suggested that such “alarmists” are only interested in profiting from doing research, writing, and speaking about the subject. “They want to change us and our behavior. Their ambition is to control and manipulate us”. He went on to say “there is no fixed and stable relationship between measured temperature and CO2 emissions”.
As CEO of TRO JungBrannen, it is incumbent upon me to be as well informed on the subject of global warming as possible, since buildings have such a significant impact on energy consumption and are major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Although I have never been particularly adept at science I have tried my best to read and understand the relevant scientific studies, and I am thoroughly convinced that there is, indeed, a direct correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures. Moreover, I believe that our behavior as occupants of this planet significantly contributes to that warming. One of the reasons I became a LEED accredited professional was to encourage the design of environmentally sustainable building - a “behavior” professionals like me have willingly embraced because we think it will make a positive difference in our world.
Contrary to President Klaus, I do not do so because of a profit motive, and I am certainly not trying to manipulate anyone. And if by “freedom” he is suggesting that everyone should be allowed to pollute our environment without accountability, then I want no part of such a “free” society. While it may be true that some businesses are inclined to support global warming as a selfish path to easy profit, I believe that such businesses are in the distinct minority. I assure you, President Klaus, the nearly three hundred professionals in my firm practice sustainable design because they believe it is the right thing to do. Our professional conscience compels us to act responsibly. Given the overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, it is thoroughly irresponsible for world leaders like you to deny that climate change is influenced by mankind.
It is vital that we set politics aside and dispassionately assess the true science, not the political science, when discussing this vital issue.
Today I received an email from a friend who wanted to share with me the opinions of Czech President Vaclav Klaus, who is also the President pro-tem of the European Union. Speaking at the Second International Conference on Climate Change in New York recently, President Klaus said “environmentalism and the global warming alarmism is {sic} challenging our freedom”. He further suggested that such “alarmists” are only interested in profiting from doing research, writing, and speaking about the subject. “They want to change us and our behavior. Their ambition is to control and manipulate us”. He went on to say “there is no fixed and stable relationship between measured temperature and CO2 emissions”.
As CEO of TRO JungBrannen, it is incumbent upon me to be as well informed on the subject of global warming as possible, since buildings have such a significant impact on energy consumption and are major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Although I have never been particularly adept at science I have tried my best to read and understand the relevant scientific studies, and I am thoroughly convinced that there is, indeed, a direct correlation between greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures. Moreover, I believe that our behavior as occupants of this planet significantly contributes to that warming. One of the reasons I became a LEED accredited professional was to encourage the design of environmentally sustainable building - a “behavior” professionals like me have willingly embraced because we think it will make a positive difference in our world.
Contrary to President Klaus, I do not do so because of a profit motive, and I am certainly not trying to manipulate anyone. And if by “freedom” he is suggesting that everyone should be allowed to pollute our environment without accountability, then I want no part of such a “free” society. While it may be true that some businesses are inclined to support global warming as a selfish path to easy profit, I believe that such businesses are in the distinct minority. I assure you, President Klaus, the nearly three hundred professionals in my firm practice sustainable design because they believe it is the right thing to do. Our professional conscience compels us to act responsibly. Given the overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, it is thoroughly irresponsible for world leaders like you to deny that climate change is influenced by mankind.
It is vital that we set politics aside and dispassionately assess the true science, not the political science, when discussing this vital issue.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Partnership
During one of my earlier blog posts I spoke about the importance of core values in defining who we are as a firm, and one of our five values is PARTNERSHIP. Recently, TRO JungBrannen was honored to share the NEWIRE (New England Women in Real Estate) Networking Award for our work as Architect of Record on the W Boston Hotel. This award is a timely reminder of the power of partnership.
Our definition of PARTNERSHIP begins with the statement: “we value the synergy of interdisciplinary collaboration,” and in no project has this tenet been more evident than in the W Boston Hotel. There were seven NEWIRE members from six different collaborating firms on the team, each with a vital role to play in the permitting, design, and construction of this elegant 28 story hotel and residence project, designed by William Rawn Associates and built by Bovis Lend Lease.
Partnership…..perhaps Congress could try that approach for a change!
Our definition of PARTNERSHIP begins with the statement: “we value the synergy of interdisciplinary collaboration,” and in no project has this tenet been more evident than in the W Boston Hotel. There were seven NEWIRE members from six different collaborating firms on the team, each with a vital role to play in the permitting, design, and construction of this elegant 28 story hotel and residence project, designed by William Rawn Associates and built by Bovis Lend Lease.
Partnership…..perhaps Congress could try that approach for a change!
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