Wednesday 30 September 2009
Block Architects deliver new restaurant in East Kilbride
Block Architects would like to congratulate Client Mr Amiy Singh on the opening of his new Restaurant and TakeAway at Glebe Street in The Old Village at East Kilbride. We were involved in the preparation of the Planning and Building Warrant Approvals and would commend Mr Singh with his interior fit out. Its a truly pleasant environment to eat and we are sure will be a fantastic new restaurant in the Village. Here's to the success of Asha's!
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Appointing an Architect - Tip #3
You need to choose the right Architect for your project...
Believe me it’s not a matter of asking your Architect for a set of simple drawings. The Construction and Delivery Process is complex and the beurocracy involved is more complex than ever. A Professional Architect can smooth the Delivery Process and bring Added Value to your project. Not only can an Architect design your project and negotiate with Local Authorities on your behalf, they can also assist you and your Contractor in the delivery of the project. An Architect will take control and assist in the organisation of your Contractor to ensure that your requirements on costs and programme dates are delivered. Full site inspection and sign off facilities are also available from your Architect but make sure that they carry an appropriate level if Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Believe me it’s not a matter of asking your Architect for a set of simple drawings. The Construction and Delivery Process is complex and the beurocracy involved is more complex than ever. A Professional Architect can smooth the Delivery Process and bring Added Value to your project. Not only can an Architect design your project and negotiate with Local Authorities on your behalf, they can also assist you and your Contractor in the delivery of the project. An Architect will take control and assist in the organisation of your Contractor to ensure that your requirements on costs and programme dates are delivered. Full site inspection and sign off facilities are also available from your Architect but make sure that they carry an appropriate level if Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Appointing an Architect - Tip #2
Choose an Architect with a Customer Service record... Your Architect should know, understand and most importantly inform you that construction projects can be testing for everyone involved. A truly Professional Service which is tried and tested will recognise that good communications between the whole design team and the client ensures the realisation of your vision. Choose an Architect who operates on a full communication policy who will call, email or write a letter in order to keep you and the project team informed.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Kenneth's on the new Social Media Podcast
We have just uploaded the latest episode of the Social Media Podcast to iTunes and it features an interview with Kenneth Martin.
Kenneth is in good company, the podcast also features an interview with the man who masterminded the Labour Party's 1997 General Election win and worked with them through till 2007. Alastair Campbell talks about the role of social media in polotics, especially in the run up to next year's election.
You can listen to the podcast here
Kenneth is in good company, the podcast also features an interview with the man who masterminded the Labour Party's 1997 General Election win and worked with them through till 2007. Alastair Campbell talks about the role of social media in polotics, especially in the run up to next year's election.
You can listen to the podcast here
"I'll Never Do Another Opera"
Podcastmatters caught up with "The King Of Architecture" Kenneth Martin at an Entrepreneurial Exchange event. In the video above Kenneth reflects on what he did before Block Architects.
Building Warrant or Not?
I have returned last night from another client who was directed by a solicitor in the purchase of the flat. As it turns out the flat does not appear to have a building warrant and as such I have been asked to anticipate what is involved to get a Certificate of Comfort.
A Certificate of Comfort would allow the sale of the property but does not strictly mean that the works are in full accordance with the building control regulations.
The moral of the story here is that any development or property alterations should have the appropriate paperwork in place. This client bought the property 11 years so you can tell how time catches up with you.
Please make sure that all of your paperwork is in place.
A Certificate of Comfort would allow the sale of the property but does not strictly mean that the works are in full accordance with the building control regulations.
The moral of the story here is that any development or property alterations should have the appropriate paperwork in place. This client bought the property 11 years so you can tell how time catches up with you.
Please make sure that all of your paperwork is in place.
Monday 21 September 2009
Appointing an Architect - Tip #1
Taking the Decision to approach an Architect... Stop and imagine that by the time you have paid off your 25 year mortgage that you will have given the bank more than double what you have borrowed. Your property is your most valued Asset. You must protect this Asset by ensuring that you Invest in the right Architect for your Project. Divide your Architects fee by 25 years and you will understand that it is excellent value for money and an important Investment which protects your prized Asset.
Get an ActionCOACH
I have just completed another 90 Day planning seminar thanks to my Business Coach, Iain McKillop. An actionCOACH is a simply a Coach who assists me in running the business ie he assists me in reaching targets and makes me accountable and responsible for achieving the goals that I set for the business.
I will be working on the 90 day goals over the coming week and will happily post these on the blog. If anyone is interested in Business Coaching please feel free to contact me.
I was asked the question 'When can I stop Coaching?' The honest answer is never! I stoppped coaching about a year ago and that was after a 3.5 year coaching period. I stopped because I had reached my goals but I soon found that my business was going backwards or atleast I wasn't setting new goals.
I am now back on track.
I will be working on the 90 day goals over the coming week and will happily post these on the blog. If anyone is interested in Business Coaching please feel free to contact me.
I was asked the question 'When can I stop Coaching?' The honest answer is never! I stoppped coaching about a year ago and that was after a 3.5 year coaching period. I stopped because I had reached my goals but I soon found that my business was going backwards or atleast I wasn't setting new goals.
I am now back on track.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
I've Got Two, I Only Need One
As we have seen in the last post , "The King Of Architecture" Kenneth Martin talking about the launch of his new blog. In this video Kenneth talks more on how he is also using his blog as a diary for his forthcoming kidney transplant. More videos with Kenneth to follow soon.
Friday 11 September 2009
The King Of Architecture
Podcastmatters caught up with "The King Of Architecture" Kenneth Martin at an Entrepreneurial Exchange event, to talk about the launch of his new blog. In the video above Kenneth talks about the new blog as well as Block Architects online social media presence. More videos with Kenneth to follow soon.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
The Teachings of Sir Jackie Stewart OBE
I have just returned last night from an Entrepreneurial Exchange event with Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. It was held last night at the Norton House Hotel in Edinburgh.Here are some of the key points made by Jackie (as scripted by me):
- Vision is more important than the Dream. Dreamers do not know how to get to the end result and complete the loop!
- When starting a new professional or business relationship always think of the longterm relationship. These always return the best results. Shorterm relationships are not beneficial to anyone.
- If you get out stay out! Don't drop your toe back in the water.
- Always surround yourself with TOP people and specialists who know more than you OR if you fly with the crows you will get shot with the crows.
- Attention to Detail is important - Always Deliver
- Find your Councel. If you don't have a good Councel then seek one out. The most successful in life in business have good Councel.
- Ask yourself 'How good am I and What are my failings.'
- If you need something done go to today's men who are doiong a good job and forget about those who have a good reputation as this is of the past.
I am sure that there was many many more key points but these were the points that stood out to me.
http://www.entrepreneurial-exchange.co.uk/
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/Norton-House
Tuesday 8 September 2009
What did I do before block architects?
Some people have been asking me what did I do before block architects? Over the next few weeks I will provide you with some images of some of the projects that I worked on. I didnt design them all but took an integral part.
The images above are of The Lowry designed by MWP Ltd, London. I worked there when I was doing my Part II training. It was a fantastic environment to train. MWP office was 5 storeys at 8 Fitzroy Square, London and it was also the office of Sir James Stirling, Michael Wilfords previous business partner. I remember fondly the year or so that I spent at the office working and learning from some great Architects including Sutherland & Hussey who now have their own highly acclaimed practice in Edinburgh.
Here's more about the Lowry:
Set in a magnificent waterside location at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays in Greater Manchester, The Lowry is an architectural flagship with a unique and dynamic identity. Rising from the regenerated docklands, it is a welcoming building, designed to reflect the surrounding landscapes and flourishing waterways, in its glass and metallic surfaces.
The Lowry opened on 28th April 2000, bringing together a wide variety of performing and visual arts under one roof. Opening its door to the best in entertainment and education in the arts, The Lowry aims to give everyone access to new areas of creativity and to embrace its broad community.
The Lowry opened on 28th April 2000, bringing together a wide variety of performing and visual arts under one roof. Opening its door to the best in entertainment and education in the arts, The Lowry aims to give everyone access to new areas of creativity and to embrace its broad community.
The Lowry houses two main theatres and studio space for performing arts (1,730, 466 and 180 seats respectively) presenting a full range of drama, opera, ballet, dance, musicals, children's shows, popular music, jazz, folk and comedy and gallery spaces (1,610 metres of floor space); showing the works of LS Lowry alongside contemporary exhibitions.
Movement into and through the building generates an air of theatricality, festivity and anticipation. The layout of The Lowry encourages visitors to explore and enjoy the variety of facilities housed within it, throughout the day and evening. An open ramped route with dramatic views connects the theatre foyers and gallery spaces, forming a public promenade around the building, linking all activities.
A restaurant, cafes & bars are situated along the southern side of the building, with spectacular waterside views and in fine weather can extend out to quayside terraces overlooking the expansive Manchester Ship Canal.
A breathtaking new international landmark, The Lowry is a "must see" tourist attraction - not just a venue, but a destination. The Lowry increases opportunities for social interaction within the community and generate a spirit of participation. Above all, it is an exciting and stimulating venue for education, recreation and creativity.
Monday 7 September 2009
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Croy Development
Here is the image of the development in Croy that we have recently received planning permission.
We are members of Constructionline
block architects are delighted to announce that we are now accredited members of constructionline. To find out more please visit http://www.constructionline.co.uk/Tuesday 1 September 2009
Recovering Economy
The Global economy is finally recovering from the deepest recession since the war, the International Monetary Fund declared yesterday. IMF chief economist Oliver Blanchard said world leaders must now focus on ways of sustaining the tentative rebound that is underway. 'The recovery had started. Sustaining it will require rebalancing acts, both within and across countries, but there are still deep scars' he wrote.
The assessment comes after official figures showed Germany, France and Japan emerged from recession in the second quarter of the year.
Yesterday Chancellor Alistair Darling insisted Britain would not be far behind the growth resuming later this year.
The IMF's most recent forecast suggest that global gross domestic product will fall 1.4% this year before rising 2.5% in 2010. Its outlook for Britain is far less optimistic, however. Output here could drop 4.2% this year and rebound just 0.2% next year, according to July estimates.
The fund is due to update those figures in the coming weeks.
Source. www.dailymail.co.uk
The assessment comes after official figures showed Germany, France and Japan emerged from recession in the second quarter of the year.
Yesterday Chancellor Alistair Darling insisted Britain would not be far behind the growth resuming later this year.
The IMF's most recent forecast suggest that global gross domestic product will fall 1.4% this year before rising 2.5% in 2010. Its outlook for Britain is far less optimistic, however. Output here could drop 4.2% this year and rebound just 0.2% next year, according to July estimates.
The fund is due to update those figures in the coming weeks.
Source. www.dailymail.co.uk
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