Volume 4 of What's New? Archives
through April 2017, newest at top
April 1, 2017
OGCA Symposium
Brian will be speaking on LEAN IPD at the 10th Ontario General Contractors Construction Symposium on April 7 in Collingwood.
March 1, 2017
LEAN Integrated Project Delivery in Nova Scotia
Brian will be in Nova Scotia with his colleague Dick Bayer from The ReAlignment Group leading a two-day workshop on LEAN IPD later in March.
February 23, 2017
Delays In Infrastructure Investment in Canada
Article by President of Canadian Construction Association explores reasons for delays in the major infrastructure investments promised by governments.
Noting that CCA has asked for extensions to Phase 1 deadlines, expresses confidence that the investments will pick up pace.
These investments will help address the huge infrastructure deficit and are a critical component of the strategy for energizing our economy in Canada.
Read the article HERE
Strategies 4 Impact! provides strategic advice and support to businesses in the infrastructure design and construction sector, their associations and their clients, including public clients. Brian is advising clients on how best to position their firms to take advantage of government investment in public infrastructure.
February 22, 2017
Lean + IPD = Quality, Schedule and Budget
Brian has been saying for several years how effective use of LEAN IPD can delivery higher quality, reduced schedules and lower costs.
The shared risk and reward elements of the multi-party IPD contracts together with the effective application of Lean Design and Construction principles, processes and tools lead to much better project outcomes.
So, contrary to that old saw, you CAN get all three - greater quality, reduced schedule, lower cost.
Here’s a quick report on a recent research project that supports that conclusion.
February 21, 2017
Prefab and Modularization
One of the key processes/tools for Lean Design and Construction, prefabrication/modularization is finding its way firmly into Canada.
Editorial in Canadian Architect February 2017 provides an overview.
Read it HERE
Strategies 4 Impact! provides education, coaching and facilitation for Lean Design and Construction, including advice on the application of Lean principles, processes and tools to deliver higher quality projects more efficiently.
February 19, 2017
Is there Hope?
Media reporting that senior Republicans are packaging a proposal to fight climate change in the U.S. despite the 45th President's position disavowing climate change.
HERE's a CNN report.
February 11, 2017
Infrastructure Investment - Getting Our Money's Worth
Interesting editorial in ARCHITECT, the journal of the American Institute of Architects, citing the imperative to get our money's worth from huge investments in infrastructure.
It's US-focused, but sage advice for Canada given our government's planned massive investment in infrastructure over the next decade.
Article lists a number of options for paying for all of this ... including an 'infrastructure bank'.
Just like Canada is developing.
(Let's not just build a bunch of gazebo's coast-to-coast-to-coast)
Read the editorial HERE
February 11, 2017
Exciting Time to Be In Infrastructure Business
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is completing an international study of infrastructure investment by governments, including a focus on partnering with the private sector.
The president of RICS stopped in Toronto to check out the Eglinton Crosstown and talk to Canadian businesses in the infrastructure sector.
This study is in preparation for the RICS Summit of the Americas scheduled for Chicago later this spring.
An early conclusion: "...governments must establish the strategic policy, provide the base funding and ensure the consistency that bolsters key business players’ confidence."
Read about it HERE
February 9, 2017
LAGOM
Learned today that Hygge (see Feb 6 WHAT'S NEW?) is apparently "So 2016!".
Overtaken by Lagom, a Swedish concept that is more of a lifestyle choice than the 'feeling in the moment' that is Hygge.
Susatainable, non-fussy living -'the lastest in Scandanavian decor'.
From Wikipedia: Lagom (pronounced [ˈlɑ̀ːɡɔm]) is a Swedish word meaning "just the right amount". The Lexin Swedish-English dictionary defines lagom as "enough, sufficient, adequate, just right". Lagom is also widely translated as "in moderation", "in balance", "perfect-simple", and "suitable" (in matter of amounts).
Read an article in The Independent HERE
February 7, 2017
What’s the Future Looking Like for AEC Firms?
The American Institute of Architects has completed a number of studies exploring future opportunities for AE (and C) firms in the U.S. but you can expect that much of this applies to Canada given the increasing integration of our economies.
An article in Urbanland, the magazine of the Urban Land Institute in the U.S. provides an overview of some of the conclusions reached in those and other studies.
Influences that will affect the future for AEC firms include:
Author Mike Sheridan notes: “Construction firms face even more hurdles in attracting team members. Bill Flemming, president and chief executive officer of Skanska USA Building, a development and construction company based in New York City, says that during the last recession, people left the construction field. “It’s a real contest to find qualified people nowadays,” he says. “The construction industry has a bad rap, and younger people think it’s difficult, hard manual labor, but it’s more than that. We need to get that message out.” ”
It's a decent overview of some of the key factors that YOU need to consider in designing the future for your enterprise!
Read the Urbanland article HERE
Brian tracks trends in the sector like these in order to advise our clients in the AEC sector, including facilitating their Strategic and Business Planning.
February 6, 2017
HYGGE ... ???
Pronounced HOO-gah, this is the Danish word for ‘cozy’.
Denmark, of course, is consistently rated as one of the happiest nations on earth.
A recent article in the NY Times cited Hygge as a “national obsession expressed in the constant pursuit of homespun pleasures involving candlelight, fires, knitted socks, porridge, coffee, cake and other people.”
Patrick Kingsley, a Times reporter, added “It’s built on the idea of withdrawing from the rest of society and building a sort of micro-commune among a select group of friends.”
Noting that candles are a vital hygge accessory, William Morrow, author of “the Little Book of Hygge” offered that the average Dane burns 6 kilograms of candle wax in a year.
Collins Dictionary named hygge one of the top 10 words of 2016.
Interesting! Gotta go buy some candles!
Here’s a short article from the New Yorker on hygge.
February 5, 2017
Is Perfect the Enemy of Good?
Yes, according to the Lean Construction Blog.
Why? Because one of the driving principles of Lean is continuous improvement.
Plan, Do, Check, Act.
PDCA
If you’re constantly working and reworking a plan or a solution looking for absolute perfection … you’ll be waiting a very long time!
Better to “Ready, Fire, Aim” then improve on a continuous cycle toward perfection.
Read it HERE
Strategies 4 Impact! provides education, training and coaching in LEAN Integrated Project Delivery, with emphasis on continuous improvement.
February 3, 2017
Creative Megaphoning
David Stone is a long-time friend of Brian's. With his partner, David runs this marketing firm that specializes in AEC. Has some great ideas and products ... and a regular blog he calls a 'prod'.
Latest one is on 'creative megaphoning'. How to use that low tech cardboard cone to improve your marketing and client service programs.
Take a look HERE
February 2, 2017
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Provocative article by Germain Blezille in the National Post.
"Right-sizing corporate social responsibility."
Various definitions of both. Keeping the definitions reasonably focused leads the market to support those objectives ... and improves 'the bottom line'.
How do YOU define them for your enterprise?
Take a look HERE
February 1, 2017
Two in a Row!
Brian volunteers with DeafBlind Ontario Service, and also has the organization as a client for Strategic and Tactical Planning services.
DeafBlind Ontario Services has just been named Canadian Non-Profit Employer of Choice – for the second year in a row!
"We commend these organizations for making talent management a priority. All of the winning nonprofits showed strong leadership qualities, particularly in the areas of communication, employee engagement and involvement."
Brian constantly says how wonderful it is to work with this terrific team, supporting provision of valued and critically-needed support and services to some of our most vulnerable Ontarians.
Learn more about DeafBlind Ontario Services HERE
January 27, 2017
LEAN IPD at Canadian Institute
Brian's brief overview of LEAN IPD at the Canadian Institute was well-received.
"Thank you for the well delivered and interesting presentation on LEAN Integrated Project Delivery."
When Brian asked at the beginning of his presentation how many had even heard of LEAN IPD ... 5 of 60 in the room signalled they had.
Now another 55 are aware of this revolutionary new approach to project delivery that is arriving in Canada. And understand some of the basic principles of how LEAN IPD addresses RISK (the topic of this conference) in a unique way. Sharing risk AND reward!
And there have been a few follow-up questions to Brian by email.
You can see the slide deck HERE
January 18, 2017
Brian Speaking at Canadian Institute on LEAN IPD
Theme of the conference is Managing Risk in Construction Contracts.
Brian is offereing a bold alternative ... instead of trying to structure procurement and contracts to respond to the challenges of the risks that we have increasingly faced for decades ...
CHANGE THE DELIVERY MODEL!
Instead of 'traditional' approaches like design-bid-build, construction management, design-build ...
shift to LEAN Integrated Project Delivery.
LEAN IPD has been developed 'bottom up' collaboratively by owners, contractors and designers specifcally to avoid these kinds of challenges.
Rather than 'allocate' or 'transfer' risk, SHARE it ... and, also share the REWARDS that come from a collaborative, non-adversarial approach.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 --- Toronto
January 12, 2017
Applying LEAN to Traditional Project Delivery
Brian is working with an institutional client in Ontario helping it apply LEAN principles, processes and tools to a construction project being delivered under a 'traditional' delivery model.
This client is not able to move all the way (right now) to LEAN Integrated Project Delivery, but is intersted in benefitting from LEAN principles on its project:
They will engage a team that will use LEAN tools to obtain those benefits.
January 7, 2017
New Talent and New Thinking in Design Firms
We’ve been watching this trend for a few years now. Design firms that are bringing in ‘non-traditional talent to deliver greater value to clients, compete in our crowded marketplace … and deliver outstanding design!
Anthropologists, clinical nurses, business analysts, strategists.
Some have become architects building on their original calling. Others are embedded into teams to foster innovation and new thinking.
“There’s a magic in getting more people involved in the creation of architecture.”
December 22, 2016
Owner’s Guide: Integrated Delivery
Came across this in AIA’s ARCHITECT journal. While we offer professional services to support the full, Integrated Project Delivery model that is based in a multi-party contract, this research/report emphasizes that integration can provide significant benefits in more traditional delivery models like Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Management.
“However, an integrated delivery process does not exclusively require a multiparty Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contract.”
The guide and accompanying support documents offers an excellent resource, including guidance on conducting a facilitated workshop to identify/develop a project delivery strategy.
The report focuses on three critical success factors:
Brian often makes the point that there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to delivering design and construction successfully. There is no panacea. This report makes exactly the same point, emphasizing that the delivery strategy needs to be specifically tailored to the circumstances of each project, each owner, each team.
December 18, 2016
Introvert? Extrovert? Best leaders?
Canadian Business featured an article in Summer 2016 making the point that introverts make better leaders “because they actually listen to what other people say.
Talks about professional events that are usually designed by extroverts, for extroverts … and that try to remake introverts into extroverts with ice-breakers, games.
“… it can also make professional development feel like combat training for introverts.”
“Most extroverts I know will break the ice the minute they enter the room. Introverts don’t mind letting the ice melt slowly.”
December 13, 2016
Negotiate with Swagger
Brian has taught negotiation skills for years, and deploys them when working deals for Strategies 4 Impact!
Short piece in the November Canadian Business talks about negotiating with confidence.
Even as a small business facing off with a Goliath!
Training is critical. Then practice, practice, practice.
Don’t concede without getting something in return. Just make that a rule.
Gather intelligence on your counterpart … what are their vulnerabilities? What pressures are they under? Competition? A need to hit their business targets internally? Tailor your pitch to address those – “Here’s how we can help you!” (Your value proposition)
And remember you always have the power to walk away. Set your bottom line and stick to it.
December 11, 2016
Be Brave!
Interesting article in the November issue of Canadian Business. “What’s the Matter? Are You Chicken?”
Canadian CEOs are risk-averse. But they don’t acknowledge that. Surveys show 40% think their companies are courageous, four times the assessment of researchers.
Canadian companies don’t invest in enough R and D. Courageous companies do … AND they reward rather than punish their risk-takers when they fail.
They encourage collaboration and engagement between groups.
And it all comes back to the leadership of the firm. Not afraid to make the big, strategic decisions.
How does your enterprise measure up?
December 4, 2016
OGCA Symposium - May 2017
Brian has been invited back to the OGCA Symposium in Collingwood, May 2017, to share his knowledge and experience with LEAN Integrated Project Delivery.
Including as IPD advisor to the Town of Oakville on the FIRST MUNICIPAL LEAN IPD project in Canada!
Watch for more details!
December 3, 2016
LEAN Principles, Processes and Tools Benefit "Traditional" Project Delivery Too!
We're advising a new institutional client on the application of LEAN principles, processes and tools in traditional project delivery models.
While they are often talked about now in the context of Integrated Project Delivery, these processes and tools were actually developed for traditional models ... stipulated sum, construction management, design-build.
This client is interested in benefitting from LEAN on their projects and Brian is helping them do just that!
December 2, 2016
DeafBlind Ontario Services ... repeat client for the 4th Time!
We've been asked if we would consider facilitating Strategic and Tactical Planning for DeafBlind Ontario Services next year ... for the 4th Time!
Brian's answer: "Absolutely!"
This is an amazing not-for profit organization that provides essential services to some of the most vulnerable in our society ... Ontarians who are deafblind.
Learn more: DeafBlind Ontario Services
(We continue, of course, to facilitate strategic and tactical planning for private sector firms. Including AEC firms that benefit from Brian's extensive experience in the industry.)
December 1, 2016
2nd Annual Managing Risk in Construction Contracts & Projects conference
Brian will be presenting at this conference January 24, 2017 in Toronto.
Delivered by the Canadian Institute.
He plans to focus on a new project delivery model as one effective means of managing risk ... LEAN Integrated Project Delivery.
The parties don't sell risk, or transfer risk ... they SHARE risk ... and REWARD!
November 30, 2016
Lean Construction Institute Annual Congress
Brian was one of 1350 delegates this year - the numbers just keep growing! Someone mentioned that the first few years the numbers were well below 100.
Lean Integrated Project Delivery has arrived in Canada.
We can share with our clients the latest innovations and experiences in LEAN IPD as IPD consultants, advisors, educators and facilitators.
Some of it gleaned at this Congress in Chicago.
September 25, 2016
"I've Never Heard this Explained so Clearly Before!"
An example of the very positive response to Brian's presentation on LEAN Integrated Project Delivery to the Toronto Chapter of Construction Specifications Canada.
Followed by "Now I get it!"
Another: "I thoroughly enjoyed your talk and found much of the material very applicable to what we do and how we go to market."
Lots of great questions and discussion ... and interest in LEAN IPD.
Brian challenged the group to think about the impact of LEAN IPD on their role in projects, to look for the opportunities in a radically new project delivery model that has (finally) arrived in Canada.
The London Chapter has invited Brian to speak to them on the same topic in November.
September 5, 2016
Interesting … the Berkeley Study on the Creative Architect
Late 1950’s. 40 architects participated in a study by the Institute of Personality Assessment and Research at UC Berkeley. Many of them the big names of the day. Objective of the study was to identify psychology and process behind creativity. Interviews, questionnaires, Rorschach and other ‘tests’.
Conclusion: creatives know their own minds and are clear on their vision. OK, that’s oversimplifying it …
Mimi Zeigler writes about it in the August 16 issue of ARCHITECT - READ IT
And there's a BOOK
August 25, 2016
Virtual Reality and Architectural Design
Quick story in the NY Times about Gensler and Architect Hao Ko using VR in the design of the new corporate headquarters for Nvidia in Santa Clara, CA.
Nvidia is a chip maker whose products are increasingly being used in engineering visualization and high-performance computing. (They originally found application accelerating computer graphics in gaming)
Check it out HERE
July 25, 2016
Toronto Chapter of Construction Specifications Canada - LEAN Integrated Project Delivery
On September 13th, Brian will be updating the TO Chapter of CSC on LEAN IPD, including some details about his work advising the Town of Oakville on the FIRST MUNICIPAL LEAN IPD project, Trafalgar Park Revitalization.
July 17, 2016
Krugman - Governments Should Borrow at Historically-Low Rates to Invest in Infrastructure
Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman says now is the time to borrow, at historically low short- AND long-term interest rates, to invest in infrastructure.
Catch up deferred maintenance, invest in desperately-needed new infrastructure.
Don't focus on avoiding deficits.
Read it HERE
June 15, 2016
Best Lean Project Development Consultancy - North America
The ReAlignment Group has been named the “Best Lean Project Development Consultancy – North America” in the 2016 Build Infrastructure Awards.
Brian is an associate with The ReAlignment Group and is currently working with the group’s President, Dick Bayer, advising the Town of Oakville on the very first MUNICIPAL LEAN Integrated Project Delivery project, The Trafalgar Park Revitalization. (see What's New? below)
May 25, 2016
Brian on LEAN IPD in Canada
Brian speaks at Construct Canada (the Buildings Show) at least once every year. Last year the show introduced a new feature, an interview series called Expert Insights.
Brian was the first to be interviewed. Here's the clip
April 23, 2016
First Municipal LEAN Integrated Project Delivery project!
Brian is working with his ReAlignment Group colleague Dick Bayer advising the Town of Oakville on its Trafalgar Park Revitalization Project.
The first MUNICIPAL LEAN IPD project!
The Town is teamed with Graham Construction and Engineering and Diamond Schmitt Architects collaborating from the very outset of this project to gain all the benefits of LEAN IPD. Greater quality, Optimized Value for Dollar, Schedule Efficiencies.
For an update, and a look at the current status of the project visit the Town of Oakville website
February 17, 2016
Creative Collaboration - IDEO Recreating the Shopping Cart
Just came across this famous vid of the IDEO team rethinking the shopping cart.
ABC Nightline gave them 5 days to recreate the ubiquitous supermarket shopping cart. As they do, IDEO assembled a team with wildly disparate backgrounds and experience. And they dug in.
Researching (did you know a shopping cart has been clocked at 35mph being blown across a parking lot?)
Brainstorming.
Prototyping.
And in five days … voila!
Creative collaboration ... one of the hallmarks of LEAN Integrated Project Delivery!
Brian is leading adoption of LEAN IPD in Canada as an educator, coach and facilitator.
February 16, 2016
Fake it til you BECOME IT
How’d you come across in that interview?
Did you manage to differentiate yourself and your business?
Great TED talk by social psychologist Amy Cuddy on body language. Including how adopting a “power pose” for two minutes before the interview can make or break! Changes your ‘presence’ in the interview.
“Bodies change minds, minds change behaviour, behaviour then changes outcomes.”
Don’t fake it til you make it, FAKE IT TIL YOU BECOME IT.
Then ACE the interview!
February 15, 2016
Commoditization … Threat or Opportunity?
Lots of talk for years about professional services having been ‘commoditized’.
Potential clients see the service as a commodity that can be provided equally well by firms competing in the marketplace.
Meaning selection becomes price-driven.
Interesting piece in the current issue of AIA Practice Management Digest discusses how some firms are taking advantage of commoditization.
February 14, 2016
Key Performance Indicators for AE Firms
Brian is constantly asked about industry norms … KPIs for design firms like architects, engineers, interior designers.
Deltek released its latest Deltek Clarity Architecture and Engineering (A&E) Industry Study, the 2015 edition based on 2014 fiscals. Canadian firms represented nearly 30% of participants.
Here are some top line KPIs:
How do you compare? And what are you going to do to improve?
How about LEANing your practice? That’s one of the services we’re offering – application of LEAN principles to optimize value delivered to YOUR clients, minimize waste, build quality … operate more efficiently.
February 5, 2016
Suzuki on Solar
In the context of a lot of talk about reducing GHGs, moving to a post-fossil economy, moving to a new economy … David Suzuki posted an interesting piece - “Solar: a brilliant way to get energy”.
“Except for nuclear and geothermal, all energy we use comes from the sun in one form or another.”
Explains how coal, oil, gas began with photosynthesis. Then talks about technologies being developed to mimic photosynthesis!
New developments in PVs.
And more.
January 31, 2016
Canada's Ecofiscal Commission
Launched in Fall 2014, it grounds sustainability in economics. "Practical Solutions for Growing Prosperity"
Research, education, advice and advocacy are the objectives of this "trans-partisan" organization.
ec•o•fis•cal policy /ekōˈfiskəl/ adj.
An ecofiscal policy corrects market price signals to encourage the economic activities we do want (job creation, investment, and innovation) while reducing those we don’t want (greenhouse gas emissions and the pollution of our land, air, and water).
January 31, 2016
Cap and Trade, Carbon Tax OR the Economy?
Heard it again on a news show last week. “Cut Greenhouse Gases OR Save the Economy … pick one.”
Here’s an Opinion piece from the NY Times that highlights experience in capping or taxing carbon that DOES NOT hurt the economy.
And, of course, there are lots of arguments saying that measures to reduce greenhouse gases contribute to and grow the economy by stimulating activity in green industries, etc.
Here’s the piece from the NY Times.
January 21, 2016
Help Wanted: Investment in Infrastructure
The 2016 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card underlines the critical importance of infrastructure investment at a time when the federal government is developing its plans to do exactly that.
The Report Card measures the value of municipal infrastructure assets at $1.1 Trillion dollars, or $80,000 per household.
Municipalities own and maintain 60% of core infrastructure assets in Canada, yet their ability to raise the revenue needed to service infrastructure is, with few exceptions, limited to property taxes.
The Report Card, prepared for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Public Works Association and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, calls for increased investment in public buildings, transit, potable water, waste water, storm water, roads and bridges.
January 11, 2016
Regenerative Design
Sustainable Design. LEED. Living Building Challenge. WELL Buildings. Net Zero Buildings.
Now, pushing to the next level – Regenerative Design.
Case Study – Vale Living with Lakes Centre at Laurentian University by Perkins + Will.
Ecological regeneration. Beyond ‘net zero’ energy use.
Not about less or even no damage to the environment.
Instead designing buildings that give back to the environment!
December 29, 2015
LEAN, Affordable Housing?
The Ollie in Manhattan. Small, small 265 sf footprint. Prefabricated. Maybe a model we can look at to provide more affordable housing in Canada?
Read the Toronto Star Article HERE
December 23, 2015
COP 21 in Paris … and David Suzuki Sounds Hopeful
… if not totally optimistic!
Read the media release from the David Suzuki Foundation HERE
December 23, 2015
COP 21 in Paris … Feeling Optimistic or Cynical?
Hearing a lot of cynicism? Looking for some hope from COP 21?
Nobel Laureate Economist Paul Krugman writes in the New York Times “Hope From Paris”.
Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist Thomas L. Friedman writes, again in the NYTimes, “Paris is a Big, Big Deal”.
Follow the two links to see why they are positive and optimistic.
Good way to wrap 2015!
December 7, 2015
Thought-Provoking re. Climate Change
We often say that our concern about climate change is not so much about us … it’s about our kids and grandkids.
This article in the Toronto Star, while COP21 is taking a weekend to regroup, is about scientist’s predictions of ‘best case’ and ‘worst case’ scenarios 20, 40, 60 and 80 years from now.
From the perspective of a child born today.
Really underlines why it is so critical that we do something to stop global warming.
NOW!
December 6, 2015
News Report re. Brian at Construct Canada
In the Daily Commercial News.
Read it HERE
December 2 2015
“I really enjoyed your presentation today on LEAN construction and I feel I understand the purpose much better now.”
Brian presented a short session on LEAN design and construction on December 2. Well-received and lots of requests for his PPT deck.
Among key points he made:
He also mentioned that he is working with design firms on 4 point strategies to “LEAN” their practices to deliver greater value to clients and improve profitability.
November 2015
Brian participated in the Lean Construction Institute's Annual Congress in Boston. Four days of intensive presentations and workshops highlighting the very latest about LEAN Integrated Project Delivery.
This event has grown from a couple of hundred to about 1,000 delegates over the past couple of years, reflecting the tremendous growth in the use of LEAN IPD across the U.S., in Europe, and now in Canada.
Owners, designers, builders, suppliers, users, asset managers, project and construction managers in attendance … in addition, of course, to other LEAN IPD consultants/advisors like Brian!
A couple of ‘cutting edge’ conclusions …
Learn more when Brian speaks at Construct Canada on December 2! “Increasing Emergence of LEAN Design and Construction in Canada: Benefits and Value”
November 8, 2015
Increasing Emergence of LEAN Construction in Canada: Benefits and Value
Brian’s Speaking at Construct Canada
December 2, 2015 1-2.15pm
Who should attend? Owners, users, designers, builders, project and construction managers, asset managers.
What will you learn? The benefits and value of using LEAN Integrated Project Delivery for YOUR next project!
Anything else? The basic principles and processes underpinning this unique new method of project delivery, proven in the U.S. and now making its way into Canada.
Register now with our compliments!
Click Here to Register for Free Admission to Construct Canada 2015
October 27, 2015
DeafBlind Ontario Services
Brian volunteers with DeafBlind Ontario Services, and the organization has three times now been our client for Strategic and Tactical Planning.
This excellent reference developed by the organization is available on the organization’s website.
“The intent of the guide is to share accessibility standards and provide helpful tips that focus on establishing inclusive environments for individuals with varying sensory loss. “
Great tips about accessible design for any application, and includes DIY enhancements and Quick Design Tips.
It was recently listed as a resource for complying with AODA by accessibility consultants Accessibility Ontario.
October 26, 2015
Brian’s Speaking at Construct Canada Again This Year
December 2, 1 - 2.15pm
Increasing Emergence of LEAN Construction in Canada: Benefits and Value
Brian will focus on the VALUE of applying LEAN principles to design and construction.
To Owners, Users, Designers/Contractors and the entire project team.
And HOW to apply those principles on YOUR project!
Strategies 4 Impact! is teaching, training, coaching and facilitating LEAN. Working with our US Associate, Dick Bayer of The ReAlignment Group, we are advising the Town of Oakville on the first municipal LEAN Integrated Project Delivery in Ontario … the Trafalgar Park Revitalization.
October 26, 2015
Human Impacts of Gridlock
Interesting event on November 3 organized by Canada’s EcoFiscal Commission.
We hear more and more talk about the effects on health of the design of our communities and urban centres.
One very important factor is transportation, transit … and traffic congestion.
Lots of research into impact of gridlock on our economy. ($11B annually in the GTHA)
This session focuses on the human impacts.
We’ll be watching!
HERE are the details – free to attend in person or watch the webinar
October 25, 2015
Affordable Housing Bonds?
When Brian spoke to U of T students re “Strategies” they knew that the Liberal platform includes social infrastructure investment in affordable housing.
He agreed that was ‘a good thing’ for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians desparate for affordable housing - AND for the design and construction sector.
He went on to explain that how ‘good’ it is will be determined on HOW it is delivered.
We came across an interesting article on using 35 Year Development Bonds that would double the amount of housing created compared to the usual direct government grant programs.
October 24, 2015
Still More on U of T “Strategies” Lecture: LEAN
Brian discussed how designers must LEAN their practices to succeed and profit:
*Drive Value and Quality, Eliminate Waste, Continuous Improvement
October 22, 2015
More on the U of T “Strategies” Lecture: Trends
Brian emphasized how when planning you must be alert to the many, many trends that influence Strategies for your practice and your career, including:
October 21, 2015
Brian Lectured at U of T
On “Business Planning and Strategies” in the Professional Practice course in architecture:
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