The Pains of Moving In...the next phase

Ben Bailey's Office (Before)

I had a good visit today with Mark Grigsby, the president of Pray Construction Co. As we bring this project to conclusion and wrap up a few details, I asked a probing question....what are your desired outcomes from this project? He had several good thoughts and then mentioned...he hoped the lawyers (of B&G) would realize (and appreciate) how much better their personal and professional life was due to the involvement of PrayWorks, Pray Construction, and GBBN. I personally think mission accomplished.

And so...what the hell does the above picture have to do with any of this? Thanks for asking. Recently GBBN/PrayWorks was hired to provide the last finishing touches on this project and we are dealing with artwork, accessories, minor architectural changes (yes Brian...in the fitness room), and operational issues with how the building is used. This is a piece frequently omitted and so the intent of the design (and construct) team is never fully realized.

This is a small piece of work...but very exciting to be moving forward. I'm not sure if I have shared this, but I have moved into 209, so this is a very intimate look into how the facility actually fulfills the design intent.

Hope I don't get kicked out!

Tools of the Trade

So.....a whole lot of "what I do" revolves around numbers...the projection of....say as in a statement of prospective cash flows....and then the management of.....as in the crafting and administration of an agreement (i.e. contract)...and then the reporting of results. Many times the scenarios are modestly complex and the interaction of the various "cells" not apparent. Because I'm involved in development projects from the ground up, I tend to learn the interaction of all of the cells early and then the challenge is to get the owners or investors to "get it"....i.e. understand the risk, the rewards, and the progress.

So, my subcontractors...which used to be plumbers and electricians...are now lawyers and accountants....so clearly my quality of life has degraded!

Right now, I'm working with Gibbons and Kawash (209's accounting firm) on a report to the investors on this project and there has been a lot of number chasing going on. I enjoy this aspect and enjoy making the projections come to life.

BLOG within a BLOG

Crestron Controller

Plasma Monitor in Conference Room

We designed a large, flexible conference area that is located on Capitol Street. The street exposure is beneficial because of the natural light that fills the room, but creates challenges for the use of the room. Confidentiality is of highest concern in a law firm and so the design needs to be responsive.

To help aid in the management of bypassing eyes on the street, we installed an electric blind system and these are controlled by a touch screen system manufactured by Crestron. So, a user touches the screen where it says lower blinds, and the blinds all lower in unison. The standard blinds basically provide visual privacy when looking in from outside during the day. Additionally, there is a blackout blind which is activated by another switch on the Crestron unit that will make the room completely private day or night.

The room has a phone system with wireless microphones which can be spread around the room, 63” plasma for the review of items either on one’s laptop or the C-room computer, DVD player, and VCR player.

The room is still being tweaked, but it will prove to be a real benefit to the firm.