Business Architecture of Hospitals - Part 12

Organizational policies in the healthcare sector are a difficult area to manage. The reason is that these policies have a generic character but should serve a specific application.

Policies are the translation of the hospital strategy but are detailed for a certain domain. So there are pure medical policies, ICT, human resources, infrastructural policies.

Policies are derived from corporate values. One of such a value could be that the hospital operates on an evidence based way. This is often for the smaller hospitals that have limited space for research and development and follow the trends in the market. Academic or university hospitals can combine such a principle with a more innovative directive to pioneer in certain areas for which the hospital has specialized.

As there are more corporate values, there are also more policies that have to be managed in combination. Innovation and research may be a driver for an academic hospital; "patient safety" is a policy that overrules all other policies in the situation of a conflict.

Policies can be developed "on-the-job." Basically a policy is formed after events and conflicts have already occurred. At the operation start of a new organization there are no policies yet and as things happen, a pattern raises of recurring issues. Policies are like the jurisprudence of law; many things that have happened resemble previous situations. Policies make sure that the decision taking process will be speed up. It is no use to dedicate time to issues that you have dealt with before. Just do what you have done before where the measure seemed to have worked out.

This works until there is a real change, a new conflict or a change in the environment where a new measure is required. And a new policy will be "established" as more of these new cases pass the management agenda.

Business Architecture of Hospitals - Part 10

Infrastructure is an organizational component that is often taken into account at the tail of projects. Infrastructural solutions require planning and offer the basic support for the rest of the organization.

In hospitals the main infrastructure is physical oriented. The route patients and visitors have to take (part of the logistical process) are long and depend on their treatment. Now, as the organization changes, the physical locations of surgery units, laboratories, care-units and consulting areas change frequently, the paths visitors have to select will also change. This is much like a supermarket where sometimes the fresh fruit products are at the end of the market, and sometimes the organization changes these to the entrance of the market.

In a hospital a change of locations of where the various specialists "operate" has to be signaled to clients. This is to avoid visitors asking: "where do I find the department of ..."

One way of doing this is my setting up navigation which displays where the specialists rooms are to be found. If these change however, all the signs need to be changed too and this requires a lot of work. It is also possible to change the medical name plates to numbers. Now when there are changes in locations only the main navigation "menus" must be updated which is a minor job.

This is all part of infrastructure, and it is only one element; the physical space and the communication. Other elements of infrastructure are: the communication network, the phone infrastructure, the Interactive voice response that is used at the reception and many more...

When organizing infrastructure an organization must think about requirements. These are not functional like those for the radiologist, gynecologist or surgeon, but these requirements are more general and they support the whole hospital organization.

Thinking about these general requirements is thinking about adjectives like: flexibility, security and availability. The above mentioned example of path indicators is a result of a requirement for flexibility. Then what is only missing is to define these requirements and match them to the infrastructural components. Taking in mind that some set of requirements may cause conflicts; more flexibility (mobile internet, mobile communication) may have a negative impact on the overall security.

Using Commercial Interior Designer to Transform Your Business Interior

Success in business often depends on how well you treat your customers in your office. Your employees also generally spend most of their working hours within the four walls of your office. So it is important to keep the working environment aesthetically pleasing and comfortable not only for the visiting customers, but also functional and conducive to effective performance for the employees. That's where the commercial interior design comes in.

The commercial interior designer decorates the interior of commercial buildings or businesses, be it corporate offices, showrooms or business establishments - large or small. With a variety of visual tools such as specialized interior planning and design software, the work of a professional designer in space planning and communication to their clients is made easier. An experienced designer will know to enhance the look of the office from the reception area to the conference room and other areas in conventional as well as contemporary styles.

Based on the ideas of the clients, the designer can create a feel for the room by selecting wall paintings in appropriate color scheme, fabric, furniture, fittings, lighting, flooring, artwork and other accessories and also find the solutions to transform the interior working environment within the existing architecture.

Individuals who have a flair for design and decoration can become Certified Interior Designers by undergoing a professional course in commercial interior design - be it diploma, graduation or post graduation degree program. In United States, registration is mandatory to practice in this design discipline design in most states. Qualified designers who meet government certification requirements - passing score on NCIDQ (National Council for I.D. Qualifications) examination - are eligible to acquire a licensure from the a professional body called ASID.

The interior design professional who practices in the commercial sector needs to possess some in-built and some acquired skills - the ability to conceive a balance between the client's needs and the ideas he suggests, excellent design sense to prepare drawings, coordination skills, keen observation skill for detail and color, communication skills, management skills and the necessary skills to work together with contractors and architects.

With the help of commercial interior designer you can transform your business premises benefiting your clients, workforce and ultimately your business.

Business Architecture of Hospitals - Part 9

Hospitals are organization with the highest information density. This means that information is highly wrapped-up in the business process, or what is about the same: the business is organized by computers or information systems.

This is the example.

In a traditional hospital the patient will be cured and consecutively be cared for a while before he gets fired. To do this a doctor or medical specialist will have to visit the patient, check whether all is ok and authorize him to leave.

In an information-dense hospital this procedure is more or less the same, but there is one difference and this is make clear by answering the question: when does the patient leave? When the doctor has visited him or when he is cured.

This seems like the chicken-or-egg problem, but there is indeed a difference.

A information system may control the time the patient has spend at the hospital and may program a planning for doctors to visit patients that are likely to have cured. In this case, the process is optimized by the client (patient) needs and not by the availability of the specialist.

As said this is only one example. The uniqueness of the hospital complexity is not so much the different kinds of specializations that are required to cure patients, but the interaction between these specialists and between computer systems and medical equipment.

Information systems in hospitals are more complex than other information systems and require a special training or degree to build them. Yet the types of information systems that are required in a hospital are no different than systems in normal organizations. There are a few categories and the integration between them is the biggest challenge.

Business Architecture & The Formula One

Another view on the importance of business architecture, different than The "Da Vinci case (1)," comes from the Formula One (Grand Prix).

The Formula One offers a different but very interesting case as a parallel for business management.

The Formula One is different from other sports much because of the vehicle. In Cycling, the vehicle does also matter and even in ice-skating the equipment has an influencing role in the sports results, but not as much as Formula One.

In business the human resources are always seen as the decisive component in the results of the company, and that is including the management and their applied method. But human resources not only affect the results, they do so by building "vehicles" that are used for the same production. Examples of these are: information systems. It is possible to build these or to buy them in the market, but the quality of the information systems and their use define the success of the organization too. As much as human resources do. Other vehicles are: the buildings itself - modern designed buildings may positively influence the working climate and indirectly improve the performance of the organization.

The best business architecture is that where not only the employees, management and methods are solid and successful, but where the other business components are also influencing, like the mentioned information systems.

Now back to the formula One races. Those who watch the Grand Prix regularly know that there are some good pilots. An example of a good pilot and a personal favorite is Fernando Alonso. Why is he a good pilot; well, having won two F1 World Championships should be a sufficient criteria to tell so. He is currently the only driver with two World Championship titles.

Unfortunately, the vehicle he is using is not the best in town. Best vehicles are those from brands like Ferrari and Mercedes-McLaren. Than there is the influence of fuel-providers. Ferrari works together with Shell, Renault is partner with Elf. One is a global brand of the first league (Shell is #93 in the top 100 of global brands), ELF doesn't occur amongst the top brands.

The Warren-Buffets of these world are looking to invest in companies that are the Ferraris of the F1 (business) in combination with drivers (management) like Alonso. Business architecture is like that. In that case, change the vehicle for the business and the driver for management.
Solid business with high possible growth rates and the best management is obviously what makes perfect business architecture. Great management but poor business, will not end up in Warren's portfolio.

It is not hard to manage a great business. A lot more difficult is it to manage a business in decline or a business that is not passionate. Really great managers are those that make something good out of a lousy "vehicle".

Business Architecture - The MS Yahoo Merger

If Microsoft succeeds in the takeover of Yahoo, what will that mean for business architecture of the new company?

Microsoft is a unique company -- like so many others you would say -- but the uniqueness of MS lies in its legacy power. An example will make this clear. If you surf to the Microsoft Site for the annual report (1) you are offered this report. Now comes a unique MS feature. You can download this report but it is not in pdf -- everybody would agree that pdf is the STANDARD format for offering an annual report.

Instead. Microsoft offers the report in .doc (Word) format (Yahoo offers the report in both PDF and HTML).

What this indicates about the business architecture of the company leaves no questions: "We have set the standard and others have to keep on following us."

But the world changed and the possible takeover of Yahoo can be read as a catching-up with the markets, that have moved into another direction.

Possibility one: there is no change. Microsoft and Yahoo remain separate entities but yahoo profits are consolidated with those of Microsoft. Minor changes are needed and are concentrated in the head-quarters.

Yahoo's mission is "to connect people" The Annual report opens with a feature of the Flickr application in which the word "Yahoo" is spelled by consecutive photo's.

From the annual we read about the customer-centric culture and capabilities. "we have organized our services around audience segments ... rather than around products."

This shows a main difference with the organization of MS that is centered around product-groups (Microsoft business division, entertainment division are all product centered units. With a traditional (development) structure: product development, distribution, marketing and sales, etc.

On a very high level, the business architecture of both companies offer the theoretical possibilities of business synergies. MS could be seen as a software company with some search and community services (80/20) Yahoo is the other way around a company with some software developing parts and a dominating search and community service (20/80). The advertisement market is what both have in common and where both compete with Google.

Possibility two: Yahoo is bought only to get rid of the competition. But this is not very likely, it could even harm the image of Microsoft.

Any other option is some kind of an integration of both companies. The shown resistance of Yahoo is understandable, because a of the mentioned differences between both organizations.
The biggest challenge is the required cooperation of employees with such a different background. The questions has practical implications on the level of the search-engine. What will happen to these search-engines: will they integrate into one new back-end search-engine with two (yahoo, Live) front-ends? And which system is superior?

Decorating Your Italian Restaurant

Decorating your Italian restaurant is nearly as important as what is on your menu. When people dine out they are doing so for a couple of different reasons. Often they don't want to cook and clean but still desire a delicious meal, and they want a pleasant atmosphere.

Creating an atmosphere is one of the main elements of decorating. The atmosphere that you create will greatly depend on what type of food you will be serving. If your main specialty is pizza, and your target patron is that of the younger generation and families, you would probably decorate your restaurant differently than you would if you were going to be opening a very upscale café.

Restaurants with themes are becoming increasingly popular. For an Italian restaurant you may want to have a street café theme, or an old world theme. Both of these are wonderful for setting the atmosphere in an Italian eatery.

Once you have a general idea of what theme or atmosphere you hope to create, start from the ground up. Your walls and floors will have to be an appropriate color to help you create that atmosphere. Earth tone colors are very popular in Italian restaurants.

Next on the list is your furniture. Decide what types of tables and chairs will help to set off your décor. You can choose anything from medium to dark wood, or even tables that depict classic Italian art. There are specialty tables available from some distributors that include those with a specific Italian theme.

Now you will want to add to your atmosphere by choosing just the right artwork. One of the obvious choices would be a replica of famous sculptures, and artwork from Old Italy. Maybe you don't want anything that fancy and would prefer art that depicts Italian country life, or an Italian kitchen. Your options are many and varied but it basically comes down to personal preference and the atmosphere that you hope to create.

Greenery is very important in an Italian restaurant, especially if you are going for the "old world garden" atmosphere. Silk plants can be placed in strategic locations to not only compliment your décor, but to give the patrons of your restaurant the feel of semi- private tables.

No matter how you ultimately decide to decorate your Italian restaurant, keep atmosphere in mind. Providing an environment that allows your customers to lose themselves for the duration of their meal is as important as the quality of food that you serve.

Jessica Ackerman is a senior staff writer for Padrino's Pizza and Pasta - one of the best pizza places in Seattle. There are countless options for late night food delivery in Seattle but make sure to order from our pizza - Voted the best pizza in Seattle by Seattle Magazine.

Business Architecture of Hospitals - Part 3

Hospitals are complex organizations and that is mainly because of the complexity of the business. This article elaborates on this topic by focusing on a single element of the hospital business: the dialysis treatment.
Dialysis is needed for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. These patients can only be cured by kidney transplantation or they otherwise need a frequent dialysis that emulates the function of the kidney. Estimations of the ESRD patients fluctuate. The company Rockwellmed that offers dialysis services made a taxation of about 2 million ESRD patients.

The business is concentrated around the required treatment (and previous diagnosis) of these patients. This obviously requires first of all active participation of the patient. Different kinds of treatment (hemio or peritoneal dialysis) require more or less involvement of the patient. This requires information or brochures about the treatment and formal acceptance of the patient.
Then, this business (process) must be organized, and that involves at least the following actions and resources:

* a medical / nursery assistance
* space to accommodate the treatment
* medical equipment
* medicine
* information systems to update the treatment with the patient dossier and general clinical databases.

There are a large number of issues that requires a management decision for this specific client group. To name a few issues, just think of the following:

* Should we execute these treatments in-house or are more specialized centers a better solution for both the client and the hospital?
* From what kind of supplier do we buy the dialysis equipment or the medicine)?
* How is the information updated when the treatment is outsourced?

Now, the architectural element lies in the fact that these apparent singular issues are interrelated. Not only amongst them, but also with other issues from other business areas of the hospital. For example: if the treatment is outsourced there is no need of equipment, but there is need of information about the treatment.

Business Architecture of Hospitals (1)

Before entering the business architecture of Hospitals, this article recapitulates some basics about business architecture, with a single reference to a previously published article.

Business architecture is concerned with the way a business (as offered by a company) is build-up. The idea is that in order to foster a business, an organization is to use resources.This can be organized for operational activities which have a behavioral or dynamic characteristic, but there are also resources that will be used to build and rebuild structures. Like, the structure of organizations which change often, or information systems to support a business process, and there are management systems -- like a balanced score card -- that have to be setup first before they can be used.

There are so many ways in which this can be done that, especially for more complex businesses -- like that of a hospital -- an overview is indispensable to make sure that the different parts support the same kind of goals and that the whole is more than the sum of the individual parts. Other differences are that some architectures are more open than others.

Business architecture is also about preventing to reinvent the wheel. There are so many businesses that are dealing with more or the less similar issues that one business could learn from another. These "patterns" are generic and solutions that are implemented in one sector can serve as an example for another.

Also in the area of sales management there are mechanisms that work irrespectively of the business environment it is used in; every organization is dealing with the challenge of teamwork.

Business architecture is also a means to learn from other organizations. There are universal trends which every organization has to deal with, but some types of organization have dealt with certain problem in a much earlier stage than others. Hotels are leaders in (client) hospitality, whereas hospitals have traditionally a product oriented approach. As this is changing these hospitals are wise to "cheat" on how hotels have dealt with similar problems. This leads to initiatives like "the five star hospital..."

Culture is somehow the fundament of business architecture, but this culture has its roots and these become obvious when analyzing the architecture. Corporate values can offer insight in the culture.

This is an introduction. It shows that business architecture follows the tangible assets of an organization in a continuous quest for innovation, change and improvements. Hospitals offer perhaps the best example of where business architecture is indispensable in managing the complexity.

The Beauty of Architecture and Design

Blueprints are forms of history. They are pages that can go down in the annuals of history as monuments to the imagination of mankind. The architecture and design stay a part of our lifestyle and mark our civilization. They are markers of our achievements and tell stories of the buildings that stand the test of time and last throughout the ages. They can be homes, churches, office buildings or monuments that mark important people and events.

There is more to architecture than just the outside appearance of a building. Interior design architecture is a huge part of why people find some buildings so beautiful. Granted, the outside is the part that initially grabs the attention, but the interior is what makes the building memorable and functional.

Throughout history there have been incredible works of art created out of stone, wood and metal. The outer portion is detailed and intricate. Move inside and you will see that the intricacies are not limited to exterior walls.

Architecture and design must go hand in hand. From the modern buildings to the classic columns of ancient Roman Temples, the designs are built around function and beauty. A home can be more than four walls and a roof.

It can be a place that stands apart from nature and draws the eye to its beauty and form. By working together, design and architecture make four walls and a roof so much more.

It is more than function. A builder can build an edifice that is functional. It provides space, shelter and protects. But that is not always enough. Yes, one element of man's basic needs is met but the building can be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

A building can be more than just four walls and a roof. It should have great architectural style. As a sentient being capable of appreciating great works, you should demand more in your surroundings. Beauty is more than skin, or wall, deep.

Once more architects begin to embrace architecture and design, you will begin to see a rebirth in the styles and different shapes of buildings. Homes will begin to lose their "cookie cutter" shape and begin to be different.

A drive down a suburban area will see homes that embrace different styles. It will be a world where differences are celebrated and people can do more than simply live in a home. They can own a unique piece of history and it can be a showcase of a living art.

Business Architecture - The Article Publishing Example

Business architecture is about understanding the main characteristics of any business. The objective is to understand what makes this business special and valuable. This example is about the article publishing business.

Article publishing is relatively new and serves as a good case study.

In understanding article publishing it is helpful to switch to another area that we already know of. In this case the best parallel is offered in the physical world, like that of the logistics.

The article publishing process has three main activities:

1. delivery of content - this is the supplier who uses its own car to bring in the package.
2. the publisher who receives the package (content) and who defines (labels) the right category.
3. the publisher delivers the content to the marketplace (category)
4. the publisher partners with a advertiser who adds the right advertisement on each package (content)
5. clients can freely retrieve packages of content. More content of more suppliers will increase the attention of potential readers.

The core characteristics of this business is that of the marketplace. Marketplaces have an inherent value because of the increasing return on users of the market. More users generate more advertisement.

The value for the individual supplier of content lies in the exposure of its content on the market. It can now be "purchased" by clients. On a normal marketplace this is a real buy, on a virtual article marketplace it offers only a part of the complete sales cycle; informing clients about the product.

But there is another hidden value in this process that is often neglected also for traditional transporters.

Transport and trade are very closely related. A transporter who delivers a single package to another location know about the content (what product he is carrying) and about the market. The higher the volume of the transport, the more information and knowledge will be gathered about the market. And this is valuable information. This is one of the reasons why transport and trade often form a good business model.

Business Architecture and Influences From the Financial Market

As a consultant it is sometimes enough to just listen.

"I explained the accountant why this difference occurs." An entrepreneur is explaining the mismatch in the books for which the accountant was reluctant to sign off the final statement. "... but he didn't understand me... "this guy knows everything about margins and other ratios but he is not open to understand how my business really works."

It took me some time to understand this specific business, and I found it was really complex. So as a consultant the first thing to do is to simplify things. And after understanding the essentials of the business model, the question is does it need a change?

In his first book, "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture," ... Venturi posed the question, "Is not Main Street almost all right?" He was arguing for what he called "the messy vitality" of the built environment. As he puts it, "We were calling for an architecture that promotes richness and ambiguity over unity and clarity, contradiction and redundancy over harmony and simplicity." He was challenging Modernism with the multiple solutions available from history... *

Business architecture is (amongst other things) about understanding the functional, the constructive and beauty of business, companies and organizations.

Today the stock market is in another bull-phase and one of the drivers in this phase is the speculation of take-overs and split-ups of companies. A new possible prey is a dutch anglo company called Unilever. The market "expects" a split of the two main divisions: "Foods and Home" and "Personal Care."

The investment market is ruled by very simple rules. Two companies in one have a lower stock value than two separated... So 1+1 = ?

... in his writings we find the famous response, "Less is a bore," to modernist Mies van der Rohe's dictum, "Less is more." This was Venturi's way "to make the point that modern architecture had become too simplistic. *

Architecture follows periods and styles. In discussions about Business (architecture) you will find the same periods and styles, but if there is no real movement than the market is searching for hidden money, for example to break up a company and to monetize the extra wealth. The result is a less complex business. Less complex and more boring.

Thinking of a Career in Interior Architecture Design?

Interior Architecture is a bridge between architecture and interior design. It provides professionals with the proper knowledge regarding the building of structures and the importance and understanding of load bearing walls. The fields of Interior Architecture and Interior Design are quite similar. Some people refer to the two fields as one and call it Interior Architecture Design.

Interior architectural design professionals in the United States cannot call himself or herself an Interior Architect unless they have completed the educational requirements to become a fully licensed architect. The actual definition of Interior Architecture is a program that prepares people to apply the architectural principles in the design of structural interiors for living, recreational and for business purposes so as to function as a professional interior architect. This includes instruction in the architecture of heating and cooling systems, occupational and safety standards, interior design, specific end-use applications, structural systems design and professional responsibilities and standards.

If interested in a career in the interior architecture design field there are plenty of options available to the aspiring designer whether they wish to attend a college or university or take classes online. These courses explore the links and similarities between interior design and architecture. Interior Design programs will challenge you to explore creative ideas for using space and re-inventing how buildings are designed. Some areas of study include the conceptual creativity of design and the philosophy and theory behind design plus the latest technology used for interior design.

Individuals pursuing an education in interior design or interior architecture can expect to develop a wide range of skills including the use of CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) software, video and photography. Other skills will be developed in the studio such as the use of models and how to construct the models.

Interior Design programs prepare the interior architectural design student for technological, cultural and environmental issues. Students who attend a studio classroom are taught in workshops, lectures and seminars.

Here are some basic courses the interior architecture design student will study in their first year:

o Design Visual Thinking

o Materials and Construction

o History and Theory of Design

o Introduction to Interior Architecture and Design

o Design Making Ideas

o Design, Spatial Investigations

o Design, Context and Process

o Structures, Environment and Sustainability

In the second year of studying interior architecture design, the student will study the following modules:

o Communication and Participation

o Design Exploration

o Design Proposition

o Interior Environments

o Modern Architecture

o Interior Environments

o Tectonics and Realization

These are very in depth courses to help prepare the interior architecture design student for real world situations. In the third year of study, students can expect to learn the following:

o Design Research and Proposition

o History Dissertation

o Design Resolution

o Placement

Work placement can be in any Interior Architecture Design field that takes on entry-level designers. Professional work placement is an excellent opportunity that can pave the way to a rewarding career in interior design. As work placement is considered the bridge from study to professional employment.

Six Safe Decorating Ideas For Your Work Space

I have been in places of employment where the company is very particular about what you may do to your work space. Whether for reasons of aesthetics or potential damage to surfaces, as employees we are required to adhere to company rules.

With most traditional methods of decoration there is the potential to cause damage. Sticky tape has a tendency to lift paint, poster-tac may leave oily residue or lift paint, and thumb tacks leave unsightly holes in walls.

Here are some alternative ideas for personalizing your work space.

1. Use magnets to dress up a filing cabinet. It could be a souvenir magnet from your latest holiday, or just something you like the look of from the local shop. My favourite option to use is a set of magnetic words, called magnetic poetry. These are brilliant for a writer or anyone who likes to play with words. Magnets also create changeable and interesting displays on whiteboards. Do not place magnets on to your computer or any other electronic equipment.

A friend of mine once worked in a space with an ugly metal beam from floor to ceiling. It created a wonderful canvas for a vast magnet collection that was much more interesting and colourful to look at.

2. Photographs - a classic photo in a frame is always a good choice for a work space. However, if your desk does not have enough free room, do not despair. An old magnet or sticky magnet strip purchased from a craft shop can be adhered to the back. Then simply 'hang' it on a filing cabinet. Alternatively, substitute Velcro whish has an adhesive back for the magnet. This will hold the picture nicely on any of the fabric covered partitions used in some offices. If you do not want to damage the photo, stick the magnet or Velcro onto a light photo frame instead.

3. Paintings done by children or small trinkets may be attached to fabric partitions using a dressmaking pin.

4. A cactus is an excellent way to bring in a natural element to your office. Preferring warmth and requiring little water they are perhaps the safest plant to have around documents and electronic equipment. Many shapes and sizes, even some that flower, are available for little cost.

5. Turn your computer into part of your décor. Choose wallpaper and a screensaver to complement your personality. If permitted, family or holiday photos can be uploaded to your hard drive for a truly personalized slideshow. A small trinket or toy can sit atop your computer's CPU, so long as it does not obscure any air vent.

6. Decorating your office space provides many opportunities for those with crafty inclinations. Combine the love of making things with the necessities one usually requires on a desk for a satisfying resolution. Make your own pen holder, business card holder, or other useful desktop utility. Cardboard, paper mache, small and clean cardboard tubes, or glass jars can all transform into handy containers. Decorate with paint, stickers, interesting papers, or whatever else appeals for something which is both functional and unique. The internet provides a wealth of project ideas, including instructions and suggested materials.

It is possible to create a personalized work area without compromising the surfaces. The first priority is to find out the company's regulations as to what is acceptable. Then, with guidelines in hand, there is a way to embellish any area safely.

Work spaces do not need to be an impersonal part of our lives. We spend a lot of time there, so why not spruce it up a little with our own personal style.

Decorating Your Workplace with Tropical Office Furniture

If you love the tang of salt in the air, the soft whisper of nearby waves, and the crunch of sand between your toes, what better way could there be to create a workspace that you truly enjoy using than by decorating with tropical office furniture. Tropical surroundings inspire creativity and create a relaxed and productive atmosphere for your home office or place of business. Innovative pieces of office furniture "tropical" - such as lovely computer armoires and printer cabinets - give your workplace an elegant look with the practical benefit of helping you to keep organized. Here is a guide to choosing Hawaiian computer armoires, Bali file cabinets, and other types of office furniture, tropical style.

Materials Used in Office Furniture - Tropical Vegetation and Construction Techniques

Three terms used to describe materials that are commonly found in office furniture "tropical" style are wicker, rattan, and bamboo. Wicker actually refers to a kind of furniture building technique where strands of grasses or vines are woven together. This technique creates durable and lightweight computer armoires and other office furniture that is also environmentally friendly. Rattan is a tropical tree that grows around other trees in a jungle. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a kind of thick-skinned grass with a hollow center.

Both rattan and bamboo can be used for the structural elements of office furniture "tropical" style, whereas rattan is generally used for wicker style construction. Wicker is commonly used as decoration on the sides of tropical style computer armoires, the sides of writing desks, or the padded backs of chairs.

Selecting High Quality Office Furniture, Tropical Style

When selecting tropical computer armoires and other office furniture, tropical realities are very important. The hollow nature of bamboo means that high-quality bamboo furniture is usually wrapped to prevent splitting over time. Rattan also tends to be more flexible and durable, meaning that it is more commonly used in today's office furniture. Tropical rattan may have knobby joints, and is often wrapped for a smooth appearance.

The thickness of the individual strands of rattan will influence both the price and quality of your office furniture. Tropical rattan has an ideal diameter of about one and a half inches. High-quality rattan computer armoires and other office furniture should have a smooth and even finish, free of blotches and spotting. The most secure method of securing rattan used in tropical office furniture is glue, followed by screws. Staples and nails tend to come loose over time.

By understanding the materials used in computer armoires and other office furniture, tropical style, you should be well equipped to add the flair of the islands to your own workplace.

Business Architecture And Profit Centers

Architecture is (normally) about buildings, cities and infrastructure (and the like). You can see it around you and everybody has an opinion about it. You either like the style of that building or you don't and all the nuances in between.

Between the Style of an organization and the goal it pursues (although not everybody shares this approach of goal-oriented organizations) unfolds the area of systems.

Systems are a response to functional needs. A library provides the function to exhibit the public word. Accessibility is therefore an additional non-functional requirement.
Once you or your organization is aware of the functional requirements it can start building Systems providing the appropriate Construction.

This Function-and-Construction matching exists of three pairs, like the three pairs of wings of a building:

* The organization (human resources and organizational structure) that responds to the business process.
* The information and functions that are accommodated with systems.
* And the non-functional requirements that are solved with infrastructure.

The metaphor of a building is not exactly appropriate, because between the different wings and each floor there are many connections...

In that way, the systems that companies use are accommodated on the middle floor and play a central role in the organization. The structure of the systems exhibits much of the style and the business priorities.

This is a list of the systems of which one or more could be present in your organization:

* ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning. Systems that manage the internal operation.
* SCM - Supply Chain Management. Dedicated to the management of information with third parties.
* DMS - Document Management System. Controlling the flow of documents.
* CMS - Content Management System. Organize content that is to be shared by everyone.
* HRM - Human Resource Management. Systems that are to manage the human resources.
* CMS - Contact Management System (e-mail responders for example).
* DWH - A Warehouse of corporate client and product data.
* TCS - Telecom Systems. A wide area of systems that manage telephone traffic.
* ...etc.

If you think that this list represents the left or right wing on the second floor, you can imagine that many powers influence this area. Every company, with whatever size, struggles with area. First because it is prominent and eye-catching; everybody is dealing with it. Managing information systems is like managing politics; everybody has an opinion about how it should be. The challenge is about managing new business and taking these systems with you...on your way...

Business Architecture & Management - Some More Useful Elements

If you apply the rules of (business) architecture in management you will be able to build a coherent business.

Have you ever seen a church with a roof vault somewhere in the middle?
If you walk in a library you see books. Easy. The main function of a library is to present books and other communicating material in a way that it is accessible for the public. A retailer has borrowed this concept, but the library was there first.

Architects have thought about this. They know about functions, they develop (design?), a matching form or construction and -- although you may not like the style -- the whole will normally be inline.

Is your business Aligned?

There are also many problems with buildings designed by architects, because they will not always match the environmental characteristics.

As an entrepreneur you are your own architect. As a business manager you are much more dependent of the form (construction) chosen by others. Anyhow it is still your job to signal where a business is no longer sound. Where there are too many organizational style flavors that do not match internally.

It is not difficult to experience this. Maybe the stock market will help you. You gather a portfolio of investment instruments (resources) and they are balanced at some point in time. You will always have stock that are under performers. That is not the problem. The problem is that at one point in time you choose, to buy and hold, the other time you are day-trading, and the next moment you let third parties advice about your portfolio. And as a consequence, you sell at the worst moment in time.

Business architecture is about being aware that the whole is more than the sum of the individual parts. If you think that there is a point in this, but you wouldn't know where to start, ask a consultant that is experiences with this topic.

Hans Bool is the founder of Astor White a traditional management consulting company that offers online management advice. Astor Online solves issues in hours what normally would take days. On this site you will find more about business architecture.

Bringing Out Architecture and Interior Design to Your Office

Many people need to have office space for themselves or their business and be with their family at the same time. There are rooms that people put in their homes so that they can spend time with their families, but also get some work done without being bothered.

In order for you to get the perfect home office design that you are looking for, you need to have an up to date idea on architecture and interior design. There are many ways to make your home office feel professional yet personal. Many people go for the wood furniture office look. It states regal sophistication. Any client that you may have stopping by will be awe struck.

The way your office is designed says a lot towards how professional you are. It says that you care about how your business is supposed to be represented. Even if your office was not at your house, your style would need that sleek sophistication that a wooded furniture office could bring. The architecture and interior design that could be brought to your office is not that hard to find. You could hire a decorator if the budget allows. If not, there are many ways that you could decorate your office by yourself.

Keep up to date with the style that you have in mind. Styles change a lot over the years, so you do not want to be stuck with a dated office. Your clients would not take you seriously. It may sound weird, but even though style has nothing to do with the talent that you have in running your business, clients look at the small things like that. Architecture and interior design are very important when redesigning your office. It is all about the features you can bring.

Wooden furniture makes your office look more professional. It means that you are settled and that your business is not going anywhere. If you were to have plastic furniture, it would say that you do not take yourself very seriously. If your office looks expensive, your clients will assume that you are doing a great job with our clients and bringing in the money.

What Does an Architect Do Versus an Interior Design Firm?

Many people who are considering doing some redecoration are forced to make the decision whether to hire an architect or an interior design firm. The truth is, these two careers can overlap in many ways, but there are some important differences. Before making a decision which type of professional to hire you should determine your needs and do some research to find out what kind of professional would serve you best.

Architect

An architect is an individual who is trained and licensed in the planning and designing of buildings who also supervises the construction. Architects are responsible for adhering to public safety and building codes, so a license is required to practice architecture. Generally, architects award their building projects to general contractors who complete the building process under the supervision of the architect.

Interior Design Firm

Interior design involves applying creative and technical solutions to a building or structure to achieve the desired interior environment. These solutions are both functional and aesthetic serving to enhance the quality of life of the inhabitants and to be aesthetically attractive. The design process involves research and planning in addition to the integration of design knowledge in order to satisfy the needs of a client. Interior designers draw upon the concepts of product design, architecture, and environmental psychology in order to create the atmosphere and design the client wishes to achieve.

The difference between an architect and an interior design firm can be simplified so much as to say that architects work with building structure and interior designers work with building decoration. The lines are not always so well-defined, however. Many architects also possess design degrees and many interior designers are also trained in the disciplines of architecture. Depending on the project, hiring a professional who possesses both qualifications may be exceedingly useful. Projects which involve extensive redecorating or construction may require the license and legal knowledge of an architect in addition to the design knowledge of an interior design firm. The answer to the question of what an architect does versus what an interior design firm does cannot always be answered simply because in many cases, these professionals are capable of the same things.

Steffen La Roche has worked along side some very talented Arizona interior-design companies during his 18 years as a hotel developer. When it comes to recommending Scottsdale interior-design firms, the certified interior design team of Est Est is at the top of Steffen's list.

Architecture and Interior Design for Stores

Before you redesign your retail store, restaurant, or business, you will need to do a little research. Indeed, you can get ideas from going around and looking at what other people have done, or going through Architectural Digest magazine. You might also peruse the trade publications. And there are several books on the topic. In fact, there is one great book that I'd like to recommend to you, the name of that book is:

"Stores of the Year - A Pictorial Report on Store Interiors" Edited by Martin M. Pegler, Retail Reporting Corporation, New York, NY, (1981), 175 pages, ISBN: 0934590-08-5.

There are sections in this book on facades and storefronts, and how you might go about designing your counters for fashion accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, or even women's shoes and sportswear. If you want to attract the younger generation there is information in this book to. If you wish to have a shop within a shop, or do some co-branding with additional counters there is a wealth of information and some very good ideas as well as some pictorials.

If you sell something such as intimate apparel ware and lingerie, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to design a counter, and sales floor. Accentuating the undergarments in a high-class and stylish way prevents them from looking cheap, and it will help you command a higher price tag. And that just doesn't go for women's intimate apparel, but also men's sportswear, young men and boys at tire, or even close for children.

If you run a retail store which sells gourmet kitchen appliances, glass and china, or specialty gifts there is a whole section on that with many pictures. In this book you will learn how to display Linen and bath accessories, and high-end luggage. If you are a bookseller or a music seller there are interesting sections on that as well.

If you run a restaurant, fast food establishment, or coffee shop there are great design ideas in this book, great illustrations, and great retail merchandising techniques and tactics. If you are running a large department store or a small business boutique there is information for everyone. Also there are quite a few floor plans which help the reader understand how to make it all come together.

From Neiman Marcus to Nordstroms, and from a small coffee shop to a large bookstore, no matter what you are trying to do in your business, this is absolutely one book you need to have. It will give you ideas and a basic understanding of retail merchandising, interior design, and architecture. Please consider all this.

Why Does Smoke Rise in a Fireplace Flue? It's Not Just Heat!

Sitting on the runway and cleared for takeoff I look out onto the wing and pray that the construction of the very thin-looking metal will, with all those exposed wires and tubes, structurally hold all of these people and all of their bags and all of their dreams knowing that the plane was built by the lowest bidder. It's an unsettling feeling after being hit by that puff of jet fuel exhaust. Then I remember that demonstration in school that showed me that the shape of the wing doesn't actually lift the airplane off the ground it pushes it off the ground. As a fireplace designer this makes me think of fireplace flues and how instead of warm air simply rising up through them they actually suck the warm air up and out of the fireplace. This sucking is called draft.

Draft in fireplace flues are a combination of HEAT in the firebox, PRESSURE in the flue and a TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL with the outside air. I'm currently working on a custom masonry fireplace off the coast of Florida, and one obstacle for us is the temperature differential. The hot temperatures outside will create a smaller difference between the flue temperatures and the outside air and limit the draft needed to suck the smoke from the flue, so we have to compensate in different ways for the fireplace to draft well.

The fuel load in the fireplace is important as well. While a big fire that fills the inside of the firebox can overcome a fireplace and its flue the opposite is true as well. Problems can come when the fuel load is too small for the fireplace and its mechanical flue system. Having a very large fireplace with a small fire and fuel load may not be big enough to generate the heat needed for the large flue to develop the draft, so sizing your fuel load and your wood-burning grating with the size of your fireplace is an important part of the overall fireplace design. There are both upper and lower limits to the size of the fire in any fireplace.

As the airplane is coming down toward the ground, in a controlled way of course, it again uses the same aerodynamics as when it took off. It lands and pressures decrease against the wings. Similarly, when the fire is going out in a fireplace, the pressures decrease, the temperature reduces and heat is going away. This is arguably the most vulnerable time in the life of a fire in a fireplace. When the draft is diminished, but there are still heat and coals smoldering giving off smoke, it's hard to make sure the smoke, heat and smell are sucked up the flue. This is where we have to compensate for the draft so we can eliminate the smoke coming into the room. A properly designed fireplace will take off, fly and land without problems, makes you feel safe (cause you're literally playing with fire!) and gives you the warmth experience with your family. We like safe landings.

Benefits of Having a Place of Work Decorated

Having a place of work decorated is probably one of the most cost effective ways to inject new life into a company. Not only is it a good idea to have an office decorated for a company's image, it can also be extremely beneficial for the staff members too. What first impression a company projects is probably one of the most important impressions a company will ever make. For example, a business may have the best product in the world but if a customer takes a view that the place the product is produced is of a poor quality, the customer will never feel completely confident with the transaction, which in turn could lose a company business.

When it comes to decorating an office or place of work, whether it's new or old, large or small, there is only one real option and that is to hire the professionals. Hiring a professional painting and decorating company will minimise disruption to your staff and customers and you will get the best advice possible on products and finishes. They will also be able to provide information on which brands of paint to use for your needs. For example, if the place of work that requires painting is on a large scale, a professional painting and decorating company will be able to advise you as to what the best products are to maximise production whilst keeping cost under control. Having said that if a more bespoke finish is required, a professional painting and decorating company will also be able to advise on what the best product is for the required finish.

Another big advantage of using a professional painting and decorating company is the speed at which the work will be completed. Whilst it's true that painting and decorating isn't something that an amateur can rush, a quality professional painter and decorator can accomplish vast amounts of work to an extremely high standard, that will not only stand the test of time but will make the company premises look like an inviting place that a customer would be happy to do business in. Whilst some disruption is unavoidable when undertaking any type of work in a working environment, Professional painters and decorators routinely work in busy areas, so are conscious of both customers and staff that are working in and around the same space as themselves, and will be able to cause minimal disruption to all concerned.

Why to Consider Entrance Canopies in Your Place of Work

Entrance canopies are used in many places of work to provide a number of benefits to the people using the buildings. Here are a few of the main reasons why people install these, which may help you when you are making a decision as to whether to install a canopy at the entrance of your building.

1. Stop People from Getting Wet

When your staff or other visitors get out of their cars and make their way to the entrance of the building, if it is raining cats and dogs then they may find that by the time they arrive they are soaked right through.

By fitting entrance canopies you can help them to stay dry so that they can start their day off in greater comfort.

2. A Convenient Waiting Area

When your staff leave the building, if they need to be picked up by someone or they are waiting for a taxi then entrance canopies can help to provide them with a comfortable waiting area protected by the elements without having to stay inside.

3. Create a Pleasant Place for Staff to Meet

When your staff go on breaks, they may want to go outside to talk and smoke. Providing them with a comfortable area protected from the weather will mean that they have the place they need without having to worry about what the weather will be like.

4. Make Your Staff Feel More Appreciated

Staff tend to work better when they feel like they are appreciated. By erecting entrance canopies you can provide them with something which they will enjoy using and they will be grateful for it as a result.

5. Prevent Inside Floors from Getting Soiled

There is a very practical reason for installing entrance canopies. When the ground outside is wet, people entering the building are more likely to bring in the dirt with them, and this can create a negative first impression of the building.

Save the floor from getting dirty by installing a canopy at the entrance, and you may also find that the floor is less wet as a result which can help to prevent slipping.

Steel Shower Tray - Art Deco or Simple Perfection

Steel Shower Trays - Footballers to Psycho's

Steel is synonymous with modern life and commerce. Apart from the plate glass windows that dominated The Crystal Palace and early department stores, you will struggle to find a substance more married to modernity than stainless steel. Yet whereas glass has often been deployed in an ostentatious and most un-Victorian fashion, steel has quietly forged itself a reputation for practicality and reliability. Much like the theory of evolution, stainless steel was first conceptualised during Queen Victoria's reign before gaining widespread acceptance in the early twentieth century. Science is an apt analogy here, because stainless steel is the go-to medium for many aspects of modern living.

One of the more prosaic manifestations of stainless steel in contemporary life is the humble shower unit. While the Victorians were happy to wallow in a tepid pool of dirty water lugged upstairs by the maid, we would rather blast the filth away with the aid of a power shower. When we think of the shower unit, we think modernity, hygiene, sanctuary... and of Janet Leigh's untimely demise in Psycho. That iconic scene must surely rank as the shower tray's zenith in cinematic history.

Casting such morbid associations aside, the steel shower tray possesses all the attributes that a modern bathroom demands. Firstly, it's tough and sanitary. Stainless steel is the material of choice in surgical instrumentation, the catering industry and domestic households. The chromium component of this wonder alloy forms an inert and non-permeable surface, meaning that it is resistant to scratches, will not corrode and leaves bacteria with nowhere to gain a foothold. This means your shower tray is near clinically clean provided you pay it the most basic of attention. Even Psycho's Norman Bates - a man with unique purification needs - would have to concur that the steel shower tray is the epitome of cleanliness. The benefits of this attractive material go beyond mere hygiene however.

Stainless steel has also found its way into modern construction disciplines such as art deco architecture, and is used heavily in industrial and agricultural hardware manufacture. These facts nod to three other features of stainless steel: amazing strength, durability and a pleasing aesthetic. As shower tray materials go, stainless steel has outstanding longevity. If it were a footballer, it would be a Paolo Maldini or a Ryan Giggs. Like these two greats, steel still looks remarkably untouched by Father Time, and continues to shine long after lesser materials have lost their lustre.

A Steel Shower Tray - Eco Friendly and as tough as Bruce Willis

The remarkable resistance to wear and tear possessed by stainless steel ensures that the metal shower tray simply cannot be chipped. Like Bruce Willis, it's virtually unbreakable. On top of that, it is a good deal lighter than ceramic, marble or granite, which makes steel easier to transport and install. The real trump card, however, is the ease with which stainless steel shower trays can be customised. It's more adaptable than Meryl Streep. Stainless steel fabrication allows more flexible designs than stone or ceramic offerings. Bespoke steel trays can be tailored in countless ways. For example, a variety of metallic finishes can be specified, while drainage holes can be inserted in multiple positions. One popular customisation is a detachable front panel for waste outlet removal and general maintenance. This is a practical impossibility for stone equivalents; once again steel scores highly on hygiene. Finally, there is the potential for bespoke upstands that can be tiled over to form a water-tight seal where shower tray meets wall, meaning no costly leaking and water damage to the surrounds. When you factor in the potential for metal shower trays to be fabricated into virtually any shape, it's clear to see why they're the preferred material in hotel bathrooms, gyms, fire station shower rooms and other commercial installations throughout the world. No matter what shape your bathroom or swimming pool, that steel shower tray will fit snugly.

Best of all, stainless steel is eco-friendly, so you can sleep easier at night if environmental issues are prone to preying on your mind. Most steel products are virtually 100% recyclable at the end of their considerable lifespan. New material is composed of 60% recycled material, so stainless steel is customisable, classy, cost-effective and - above all - considerate.

So there you have it: stainless steel makes for an excellent domestic shower install. It is the de facto material for commercial and public institutions that have similar needs, be it a hotel, hospital, swimming baths or sports centre. It is easy to transport, simple to install, and completely customisable. The metal shower tray cleans easily, is remarkably damage-resistant and hygienic, and marries modern style with postmodern ecological awareness.

Smart Ways in Saving Money on Office Space

Starting a business could cost you fair amount of money so it is definitely advisable to be practical and learn to save in one way or another. Well, the most practical saving that you could do is in terms of saving money on office space. You could minimize your expenditures by utilizing wisely the space in your office. You do not need too spacious office most especially if you are only few people working there. In this article, we will discuss some tips that you could do to utilize your office space very well and eventually save money because of this:

1. Use smaller office space cubicles - Instead of using 8' x 8' measurements per employee's cubicle why not try reducing it to 6' x 8'. This way, you will be able to save some space per cubicle and increase the capacity to build more cubicles with this size. Having a smaller size cubicle does not mean that you are degrading your employees but instead you should explain to them that this is one way to be practical.

2. Take advantage of the technology - Another way to be able to save on the space in your workplace is by taking advantage of the technology. Instead of using bulky printers and monitors, you should opt for smaller ones that are more portable. This will allow you to save on space in your work area. Because of technology like fax and email, you will not need a lot of stock of papers too. With this, you are not only saving space but you are also helping the environment by using less paper.

3. Minimize the powered components - It is also advisable to minimize the use of powered panels that you place per cubicle. You should learn to utilize power strips or walls instead of relying on powered panels. Powered panels are certainly more expensive so you will surely cut on your expenses by utilizing power strips and outlets on walls.

4. Use an open floor plan rather than hard wall office - As we are talking practicality, you should observe an open floor plan with cubicles rather than a hard wall office. You will be able to fit more people in an office with open floor plan type rather than a hard wall office that will consume lots of space.

5. Share space with other small business - If you are just starting and there are only two or three employees working with you then you might want to consider sharing a space with other small businesses with few people too. This way, you can save on the money that you spend for rent while building up your business until you are ready to lease or build your own office space.

It is indeed advisable to spend your money wisely by making sure that your office space is being utilized to the fullest potential. Succeeding with your business could definitely start with spending wisely. It is right to get a comfortable workplace but do not be too blinded by renting too expensive office spaces. Make sure that if ever that you will hire a place, it is something that you can afford very well and something that is just right for your need.

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Four Reasons Office Flowers Are More Than Just Pretty Additions At Work

Decorating the interior of an office is an essential part to developing a pleasant working environment. That decoration can include office flowers sitting in vases around the office for all to enjoy. But the true worth of these bouquets and displays extends far beyond the obvious. The fact is that the aesthetic qualities of flowers are only part of the attraction. As a rule, office plants are green and discreetly positioned, helping to separate office space while also playing a key role in improving the air quality in the work place. These plants can be small potted desk plants, or even larger shrubs and miniature trees placed, in particular to add balance to the office view. Meanwhile, artificial office plants can provide the same visual effect, though do little to improve the air quality. The fact is that the office looks better and has a better atmosphere. Flowers, however, are viewed differently, almost like the china dolls of office greenery. Delicate and typically short living, they are often overlooked as anything more than decorative, but the truth is that they can have a much more meaningful impact than is generally thought. So, we have put together a list of four reasons that explain how flowers in the office can make a real impact.

Brightens Office Atmosphere

The first reason might seem a match to the concept of flowers just sitting pretty, but there is actually more to it than that. While many people might see an impressive floral arrangement on a boardroom table, or in the reception area of the building, the fact is that the positive impact it has visually has an effect on office morale and atmosphere. In studies, flowers have been shown to lift the mood in the workplace by adding color and freshness. As a result, negative office moods, like a feeling of claustrophobia or restriction, are lifted. It is this fact that has fuelled the whole floral office landscaping concept.

Projects Confidence

On the other hand, it is also known that displaying a bold and colourful floral display can be impressive to existing or prospective clients. There is a confidence reflected in how flowers are displayed in the office, especially when they are large and positioned in central places.This then, relates to the idea of office art, where aesthetic qualities convey a sense of sophistication and appreciation for the finer things in life. It is, to an extent, like looking outside the box, a trait that many manufacturers and designers, for example, will hail as important in their line of business.

Gesture of Appreciation

Of course, there can be more purposeful reasons for having a floral bouquet in work. One of them is to give the bouquet as a gift to an employee as a mark of appreciation for their work done. The actual reason can range from securing a valuable new contract to reaching a milestone year, perhaps a 10th anniversary, and a bouquet is issued as a thank you.Clients can also be thanked by sending a bouquet to them. As mentioned above, it could be to simply state an appreciation for a successful partnership, to mark a milestone occasion or to congratulate them on an achievement that may not have any direct link to the work done together, but shows support.

Mark a Celebration

The fourth reason that shows just how valuable flowers can be is their purpose in marking a celebration. There really are few things as effective as a bouquet of flowers to celebrate something, whether that is a retirement of a colleague, a birth to a colleague or even an end of year party. Modern offices tend to use every opportunity to lift morale, and a party can be just that. While a retirement party may be a sad occasion it still marks the beginning of a new life for the person retiring. Births, promotions, calendar celebrations, like Christmas, Easter and Halloween, and other party times, can also be marked memorably through the use of office flowers. The same cannot be achieved by regular office plants, which are generally green and dull, rather than colorful and vibrant. And while clearly effective in improving the environment in terms of air quality, they do not quite pull off the party atmosphere. Of course, artificial office plants can come in all sorts of types, but while their appearance can be as close to perfect as possible, the absence of living plants can have a less effective impact than the real floral deal.

An Insight Into Architectural Renderings

Have you wondered what the purpose of Architectural Renderings services are?

What is a rendering? A rendering is a visual representation (picture) of an architectural project, a "digital painting" that shows your project before it's built. Renderings are produced by rendering companies that take your floorplans and turn them into beautiful, realistic images that show how your project will look like.

Presenting your project or product in a visually appealing form gives you an edge over other competitors. Of course, your clients mainly rely on the final product, so why not present the product with 3D Renderings, animation or even walkthroughs? Today, there are many 3D rendering companies you can hire online. Using their services allows you to create effective images of interiors and exteriors of a project, with photorealistic 3D rendered quality. The rendering process also allows you to change wall colors, finishes, and more, before your project's floorplans are approved. Furthermore, you can easily beautify the interiors as well as exteriors of the layout.

Architectural Renderings add a touch of class to your building project. When you plan to build a house, office or any other building, it involves considerable investments. You would certainly want to know how it appears before the construction process begins. Needless to say, the ability to preview and visualize the space helps you in achieving the best modifications of designs. This is why hiring a renderings company will benefit you greatly. Not only can you visualize and make changes to a project, but the final renderings can help you sell your project to your clients in a very visually appealing way.

As a matter of fact, 3D rendering services have tremendously developed in the last few years. The rapid advancement of the computer hardware, as well as software, has actually cut down the costs of the rendering services to an affordable range.

Producing 3D architectural renderings brings benefits to both the clients, architects and construction companies. Today, there are many rendering studios equipped with the latest in technology. Their services consist of taking your floor plans and turning them into the most stunning architectural renderings and virtual walkthroughs, utilizing the latest technologies at their disposal. This is how they can give you a clear idea of the finished design. There are numerous benefits of architectural renderings. They add life and depth to a presentation. They boost your sales prospects, especially if you are a builder or a real estate developer. Furthermore, renderings can show your prospective clients how the building will look inside and out, helping to close on sales. Renderings can create a killer sales presentation.

Architectural renderings provide various services. This includes 3D modeling, 3D interior, 3D exterior, photomontage renderings, 3D architectural, 3D house plans, animations and walkthrough among many others. Besides, the concept visualization or rendering services focuses in realistic color renderings, exterior renderings, interior renderings and site plan walk-through. This could be colored, textured rendering or black and white conceptual sketches. The architectural 3D rendering services on the web offers benefits such as superior quality, accurate interior 3D models, error free architectural design and clear visualization. Today you can hire a renderings company online and get great results.

Building With Fabric

Building with fabric enables the creation of structures with stunning architectural profiles. In addition to providing "freedom through form," architectural membranes boast unique light transmitting properties that enable an open airy feeling of outdoor ambiance indoors, filling commercial developments, large sporting complexes and industrial facilities with diffused natural daylight. When lit at night, architectural membranes form distinctive and dramatic illuminated structures that enhance the interior and exterior aesthetics.

Fabric Options

PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) Membrane is the most cost effective and common material choice for both temporary and permanent tension structures. PVC is available in a variety of colours and types to meet a wide range of applications and structural requirements. PVC membranes are coated and treated with specific formulas to protect against UV, staining and fire resistance. Warranties for PVC fabrics range from 5 to 12 years.

PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) is a Teflon coating over woven fiberglass fibers, a high quality material suitable for only permanent applications. It is UV resistant, noncombustible, and boasts a high reflective capability. Due to the smooth Teflon surface, the membrane is washed clean every time it rains and therefore normally does not require additional cleaning. With a life expectancy in excess of 30 years, a PTFE membrane structure will stand the test of time, with warranties for PTFE ranging from 10 to 15 years.

ETFE (copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene) have specific advantages such as a translucency of 90%, high absorption of radiation, low absorption of UV and visible light that give associated advantages for use where covered landscape areas are required. ETFE is an increasingly popular film material that is typically used for pneumatic Cushion Structures.

Tensile fabric has become a popular building membrane for the following reasons:

* Long-life/Durable: Architectural textiles can be highly durable, with a long life comparable with traditional roofing materials: 15 - 30+ years. The composition of the basecloth used in tensile fabric architecture gives it strength, stability, elongation, and tear resistance. The coating and varnishes applied to the basecloth provide superior fire resistance, UV resistance, self-cleaning properties, and colour fastness. Tensile structures maintain their original shape even after years of withstanding high wind and exposure to climatic variations.

* Sustainable Designs: Minimal materials are required to enclose large spaces and the fabrics are recyclable, making tensile fabric structures sustainable designs

* Lower Construction Cost: Using tensile fabric for the creation of large, free span roofs reduces the amount of supporting steelwork required, making construction easier, more affordable and quicker to install than traditional building designs.

* Reduced on-site costs and installation time: A primary advantage is in building with prefabricated components which requires no on onsite engineering or fabrication. Therefore, build times are faster and the simplicity of installation reduces time on site. Installation methodologies, programs and safety procedures are all determined prior to mobilization therefore reducing any interruptions once installation begins.

* Relocatable: Structures can be designed to be used at one site temporarily and relocated to another site; thus further increasing the lifespan of the structure.

* Low transportation cost: All components are prefabricated and lightweight, which reduces the cost of transportation of materials, steelwork and time on site providing direct upfront cost benefits.

* Natural Light transmission: Architectural membranes boast unique light transmitting properties that enable an open airy feeling of outdoor ambiance indoors, filling large areas with diffused natural daylight. The translucent nature of the fabrics available reduces daytime running costs.

LED Stairway Lighting Is a Remarkable and Functional Design Element

One of the most sophisticated ways to add extra visibility and pizzazz to a home or business is with LED stairway lighting. Whether you are looking to make a dark stairwell safe with unobtrusive lights or add a truly spectacular design feature to a garden or business, LED lights are the way to go. LEDs are energy efficient, they produce very little heat, and the light they provide is brilliant and rich. There are few other design elements that can add the huge "wow" factor that a lighted staircase can, and with efficient LED bulbs, this can be done affordably and safely.

LED stairway lighting comes on flexible narrow strips that can be fixed under the edges of stairs or along the sides to produce a magnificent effect. They are available in several colors to go with any design scheme you had in mind, and are a truly marvelous addition to any stairway. A dark and dangerous set of stairs can be instantly and easily made safe by the increased visibility provided by LED lights so chances of trips and accidents are greatly reduced. The flexible strips can be made to fit any stair design and are easily hidden away so that only the light itself is reflected off of the stairs.

Besides adding an exciting and magical element to a garden veranda or business entry, LED stairway lighting is energy efficient and safe. LED bulbs are known for producing brilliant light at a very low wattage. They also produce very little heat so are exceptionally safe compared to traditional bulbs which can be a fire hazard in small and confined spaces. If you are environmentally conscious you definitely want to choose LED bulbs over traditional lighting, because not only do they add elegance, but they will greatly reduce your carbon footprint by consuming far less energy than comparable light sources.

The quality of the light produced by LED stairway lighting is second to none. Traditional and halogen bulbs will tint and wash away the colors of a space, but an LED bulb will allow for the truest expression of color in the area that it illuminates. The light itself is so remarkable and appealing because it so closely resembles the light cast by our own sun, something that until now has been extremely difficult for traditional lights to accomplish.

Adding lighted accents to your stairs with LED stairway lighting is both subtle and unforgettable. The lights are subtle because the fixtures can be hidden away and made practically unnoticeable. They are unforgettable because the effect of staircases lit with LED bulbs is powerful and truly lovely. Using the right colors, you can add a romantic touch to a terrace or private garden, or modern elegance to the entrance to your building. They can be used as a safety feature for apartments and other inside stairwells as well, helping to make them as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Visit LED strips to find out the latest LED linear flexible lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is a top author of LED strip lighting articles, an expertize Led strip designer, engineer for 5 years in LED-Mate. He conducted broad research and study about how super bright SMD based LED lighting can bring you not only superior high brightness and top quality environmentally friendly illuminations, but also provide you cost effective lighting solutions compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. LED is the next generation lighting, act now to replace your conventional linear lighting with LED ribbon for numerous benefits for residential and commercial applications.

The Benefits of Using LED Architectural Lighting

The use of LED architectural lighting in your home or office has numerous benefits. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, exquisitely display certain features of your space or building, or are just looking to save on energy costs, a switch to LED lamps is the best way to go. LED lights are safe, stylish, and eco-friendly and do not produce heat the way that traditional bulbs do. If you are looking for an elegant, warm, and inviting atmosphere in your home or office, a very subtle way to achieve this is to simply switch your regular or fluorescent bulbs to LED.

The use of LED architectural lighting is extremely safe and environmentally friendly. The simple fact that they do not produce heat makes them safe for numerous applications in the home where a traditional heat producing bulb would be a fire hazard. The bulbs are extremely durable and consume significantly less power than a traditional bulb or fluorescent lamp. These bulbs also integrate a unique heat sink to dissipate any residual heat production from the lamps themselves, making them a far safer option for the home or office then a traditional or halogen bulb.

One of the very best reasons to use LED architectural lighting is simply for the aesthetic appeal that they provide. The light cast by LEDs is pure and bright, and is closer to mimicking real sunlight than any other lighting available. The bulbs are available in a variety of colors to suit any interior design element in your home or office. The lights are even created for every function that a normal bulb would provide. Whether you are looking for flood lights, accent lights, recessed or mounted slim bulbs to replace a fluorescent, there are LED lamps available that will fit right into most standard lighting hardware.

If you are looking to save money on electricity, the use of LED architectural lighting is another big win. These lamps produce better and brighter light than the traditional bulbs while using far less energy to do so. The LED counterpart to a 60 watt bulb uses only 13 watts of electricity, while the 90 watt counterpart uses just 22 watts. Since the lamps themselves are highly durable and don't burn out, the lifespan of a single bulb is greatly increased, saving you yet more money in replacement bulbs. Where a standard bulb might last for 6 months to a year, an LED bulb could last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

LED architectural lighting is truly radiant and welcoming and will showcase your interior with the elegance and sophistication that only LEDs can provide. These lamps don't alter colors and allow the full, rich, and true colors of a room or building to stand out for itself. These lights are an effortless way to reduce your personal or corporate carbon footprint and will greatly reduce your electric overhead when used to replace traditional bulbs for day to day use in the home or office.

LED lighting is great for residential, commercial cove and architectural lighting applications. LED-Mate brings you cost effective custom lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is the company's main author of energy efficient LED architectural lighting articles, an experienced expert of super bright SMD based LED linear tube for cove lighting and architectural lighting. He reveals technology aiming to improve LED cove lighting by using high brightness LED fixtures. Find out more about LED architectural lighting from other articles written by Kim Zheng, where he offers valuable advises and tips for environmentally friendly, energy efficient LED tube lighting for excellent lighting effects.

Sustainable Building With Fabric

Environmental Sustainability in Design

The essence of sustainable design is to produce products and supply services in a way that reduces the use of non-renewable resources, minimizes environmental impact, and lowers carbon footprint.

Architectural fabric structures have been in use since first introduced in the early 1960's for temporary expositions. The major benefits were their ability to enclose large spaces with little material and with minimal impact on the environment. Essentially, these early structures were fine examples of sustainable design. With a lifespan of over 30 years, these fabric structures have proven themselves as permanent having been used in retail malls, airports, sports facilities and schools.

Fabric structures are an idea option with their open, airy designs that allow an abundance of natural light, a high degree of translucency and reduced operating costs. With growing concerns for global warming and climate change there is an ever present need for structures with energy efficiency over the entire life cycle of a building. Architects are using many different techniques to reduce the energy needs of buildings and increase their ability to capture or generate their own energy.

Building with fabric enables the creation of structures with stunning architectural profiles. In addition to providing 'freedom through form', architectural membranes boast unique light transmitting properties that enable an open airy feeling of outdoor ambiance indoors, filling commercial developments, large sporting complexes and industrial facilities with diffused natural daylight. When lit at night, architectural membranes form distinctive and dramatic illuminated structures that enhance the interior and exterior aesthetics.

There are many benefits of choosing fabric structures over conventional 'brick and mortar' structures, some of these benefits include; natural ventilation, breezeways, and application of natural convection, solar heating, electricity co-generation, water storage, water treatment and gray water use. Fabric structures can be orientated to capture views and natural ventilation while providing optimum solar exposure to maintain comfort levels in summer and winter. By selection a building option that is relocatable and recyclable there is less impact on the environment, reduced building costs and allowing for retention of existing landforms and vegetation.

Sustainable Materials Used

Translucent membranes can diffuse up to 92% of daylight by allowing natural light into the structure, reducing the need for electricity and eliminating glare from the sun. The larger the structure, the more benefit to the environment and the greater the savings on building operating costs. The coating options on these structures make them self-cleaning and resistant to stains, dirt and pollutants. There are many membrane alternatives, some with life spans of 30+ years and many fully recyclable with the benefit of durability, reduced heating, cooling and lighting costs as well as the elimination of chemicals due to the fabrics being self cleaning.

Environmental Construction - 'Form Finding'

Most tensioned fabric structures are designed, engineered and fabricated by 'form finding'. This means they are designed to be not only structurally efficient but manufactured and installed with little to no wasted resources and minimal energy use.

Architectural fabric is one of the lightest building materials and can create the largest building envelope. Due to the lighter weight of the membrane and the structural steel, the entire structural system can be shipped to site with fewer trucks and erected with less equipment. Properly designed fabric structures may have little impact on the ground with smaller concrete foundations for compression loads and the use of utility cable anchor technology for tension loads. These efforts can have significant saving when the site is being used for temporary structures or deployable structures where reuse is inevitable.

Fabritecture

Fabritecture believe passionately in the design and construction of environmentally responsible tensile architecture and aim to constantly maximize opportunities for achieving technologies to meet existing environmental needs. We are more than aware of the growing concerns for our current global environment and we aim to emanate responsibility and sustainability in all of our projects. We encourage new and alternative technologies and more efficient methods of environmental sustainability.

Fabritecture endeavor to 'touch the earth lightly' and in achieving this we are focused on using construction processes that reduce energy consumption. Fabritecture are committed to utilising lightweight, fully recyclable materials with minimal environmental impact. All our structures are fully recyclable and can therefore be re-used and relocated. The end result of our environmental approach is the construction of efficient, effective and environmentally responsible structures that are beautiful with a low carbon footprint.

CAD - Another Cost Effective Mode of Automization

CAD Services is the latest buzz word that has taken our Architectural and Engineering Industry by a storm. It has given a new perspective to this industry altogether. Our Construction Industry has gained a lot of momentum with Computer Aided Designing Services being introduced in the field of Construction Design. It has brought a 360 degree change in the execution method of Architectural and Engineering Design field and is rapidly penetrating into this field by all means. This Services are now being categorized as the most touted and primary tool to create 2D Drawings, Construction Documentation, and Building Information Model etc. CAD Services have brought about an innovation in the Construction Industry as well as design innovation. Software used to execute CAD Outsourcing Projects is also available with latest techniques and innovations, which CAD Professionals can choose from.

Creating Designs or Models using these techniques is not a child's play. One needs to be very cautious and smart while choosing a CAD Software. The software you choose should be the best for executing your project. Construction companies and Contractors can benefit from CAD Services only when all 3 factors Accuracy, Quality and Correct Architectural standards is combined in one package. The first step towards providing Computer Aided Design Services is to choose the right kind of software and manpower to execute the project. Basic conceptual designing should be very precise when it comes to following designing standards and parameters. Entire process of execution depends on the conceptual CAD designing. Later on after completion of design stage Construction drawings of the particular project is created. 2D Drafting basically is the stage next to Construction Drawings.

Engineers and Drafters providing CAD Services requires exceptionally high level design standards. 2D Drafting typically is a process which helps in creating drawings 3d modeling and detailing minute elements for construction purposes.

Core aspect as in why this have gained popularity today is cost effectiveness involved in the project. This Services have made automation possible in the construction industry. This has increased speed the process of construction and changed the entire outlook of this industry. 2D Drafting, Steel Detailing, Building Information Modeling, Mechanical Detailing etc. CAD Services include all the above mentioned services and can be accomplished using advanced design software like Revit, AutoCAD, Tekla, ArchiCAD etc. These kind of software saves time.

Drafting and Designing stage is very important and requires a lot of synchronization to produce high quality results. CAD Services and a lot of potentially time consuming, picky, detailed work. CAD Services drastically eases the generation of drawings, designs, plans etc as compared to manual work. CAD Services allows and supports excellent Quality Checks, Integration of various components and construction phases, Co-ordination amongst various phases of the projects.