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.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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...
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...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, October 17, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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.
"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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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.
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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