AIA firm report tracks recent business trends
AIA
The American Institute of Architects released findings from a recent survey of 2,700 architecture firms, reporting firm characteristics and operations in 2008 and comparing these results to earlier surveys to assess how the profession is changing. A summary is available online, and the full report can be purchased through the AIA Bookstore.More

NeoCon East Is Back: Oct 28 and 29 in Baltimore
ASID
Returning for its seventh year, NeoCon East has made its trademark as the premier design exposition and conference for the mid-Atlantic design community and a necessity to the industry. Don't miss the more than 250 exhibitors, countless educational sessions and keynotes, and tons of new product!

ASID sessions include "Back to Work: Career Management in a Tough Market," "Survival Techniques for the Small Design Firm," and a Career Exchange and Portfolio Review. Register today at www.neoconeast.com. More

Buildings magazine announces 2009 Project Innovations Award winners
Buildings Magazine
This year's awards, which honor operational excellence, were made in four categories: green facilities, interior design, modernization and new construction. Among the Grand Prize winners was ForrestPerkins, the firm of ASID Designer of Distinction Deborah Lloyd Forrest, FASID, for restoring the historic Palmer House hotel in Chicago.More

Can historic preservation help lead us out of the recession
Contract Magazine
Today's headlines are filled with a variety of facts, opinions, and predictions about the economy, natural environment, and sustainable development. Spanning these topics is the proven impact of historic preservation with its inherent "greenness" and economic value, possibly leading the way during these challenging economic times. The current recession began with the collapse of the housing market, which had a domino effect into nearly all sectors of construction. With new construction waning, the economics of reusing existing structures becomes more inviting. Despite the tired cry of "that old building is too expensive to save," I have seen very few buildings in my nearly 40 years of practice that would fit that description. “That old building” may not only be the greenest on the block, as is often said of late, but it may also be the most cost-effective opportunity to revitalize our communities in this time of uncertainty. More

Corporate real estate departments reorganizing, downsizing, outsourcing
Commercial Property Executive
As companies continue to grapple with the industry-wide downturn, they are increasingly looking to make their corporate real estate departments operate as efficiently as possible, according to a new report by CB Richard Ellis Inc.and CoreNet Global. The authors expect this trend to continue over the next three years as further rightsizing occurs during the economic recovery.More

Aging in place: Breaking the barriers
InformeDesign
InformeDesign has released a new issue of Implications that addresses the topic of designing environments to support and enable people as they age to remain in their homes. It includes numerous recommendations regarding common activities that may be well accommodated in the existing home environment with relatively straightforward, achievable solutions.More

Designed by Facebook: social networking tool supports occupant-centered solutions
ArchNewsNow.com
Employees of Facebook recently moved into a new headquarters that facilitates interaction and connection, reflecting the company’s mission as a social networking website provider. There was no master plan other than the directive to involve the employees to determine their needs. The designers used Facebook to conduct companywide polls about design intent and to showcase renderings so all employees could envision their new space.More

Doing the continental
Wallpaper.com
Can't get away to the European design shows this year? You can still keep up with what's new and exciting. Wallpaper.com reports on the London Design Festival, Maison et Objet fair in Paris, and the Vienna Design Festival. Amusez-vous bien!More

Study finds employees working in green buildings more productive
Interiors & Sources
A study released by the University of California at San Diego found that employees working in green buildings are more productive than their counterparts in non-green facilities. The comprehensive study involved more than 2,000 workers from 154 different green buildings. Researchers looked at two key measurements: number of sick days reported; and self-reported productivity percentage changes.More

The crowded world of green furniture
Smart Money
According to estimates by Mike Italiano of eco-advocacy group Market Transformation to Sustainability, green furniture sales have grown 20 percent a year since 2007, to about $250 million. Smart Money takes a look at what’s behind the trend and what's hot in green furniture today.More

Curb appeal: Make your home's exterior inviting
The New York Times
Inside, the house was completely restored, a 1910 charmer with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Outside, there was nothing inviting about the aluminum and frosted glass windows that enclosed the porch. The property sat on the market for seven months, with little buyer interest. Finally, the sellers' agent persuaded the reluctant owners to remove the windows and open the porch. Before the job was even completed, the home in St. Petersburg, Fla. sold for $475,000, just below the asking price. Such is the power of curb appeal. More