What Does The Future Hold For The Profession?

On my daily travels I am often asked ‘What Does The Future Hold For The Architectural Profession? This is a multi-faceted question and not particularly straight forward to answer but it’s certainly worth exploring some of the aspects in a bit more detail. So here goes at 1 or 2 of the aspects.

The Profession, for at least 10 years has undoubtedly enjoyed a huge growth period with many small Practices becoming absolute giants, seemingly overnight. Yes, it was fantastic to be part of that boom but Architects in Scotland are now faced with the challenge of developing and reacting to new pressures the likes of which many have not seen before. Sure some Practice’s may have seen recession before but not at the pace and scale witnessed over the last year.

In today’s market place Architect’s in Scotland need to be evermore proactive in hunting down work. There is work out there but it’s a fight to secure it and yes there are many shifts in many if not all of the market places with many of the larger consultancies downscaling at rapid pace.

At Block Architects we believe that sticking rigidly to our market sector, despite it’s shrinking size, will in the long run pay dividends when the market grows strong. Our focus to maintain high customer standards for projects up to £2m will I am sure allow our Client Base to stay true. Many of the larger Practices have moved into our market place and they are securing some commissions however we believe that their systems, procedures, skills and people will be severely tested. I afterall came from this side of the Profession and it took us 3 years of hard graft to perfect our systems and we are still learning more every day.

These smaller projects are often very demanding, often much more so that the large projects on a large clean site. If you are considering a small project and require an Architect then you do need to think carefully about matching the right Practice with the Right Project. It’s a bit like trying to get a fighter pilot to fly a commercial jet. Yes he could do it but he would probably throw the commercial jet around a bit and make a few errors before getting a handle on the thing!

So, don’t delay and think carefully when you are choosing an Architect. If you need any more advice on Choosing An Architect, and hopefully a Block Architect, please feel free to telephone me on 01698 422358

Business Is Booming

If you have been reading this blog you will be aware that Block Architects, Hamilton continue to work alongside actionCOACH. Last night I was at the 'Business is Booming' Seminar at Glasgow. Approximately 300 guests turned up to the FREE event where Brad disclosed 28 Ways to Boost your business. I find the teaching of actionCOACH to be fascinating.

Some of the topics that Brad covered included The Business Chassis, Customer Retention, Buy Build Sell, Gratitude and Celebration.

I have now worked with my Coach Mr Iain McKillop for over 4 years and as much as we have progress I need once more to get my head down and get back into growing a business. The economic cycle is changing. We all enjoyed the summer months ie economic boom and most of us suffered during the autumn and winter months. Well guess what! Spring is coming and yes the economic cycle is coming full circle. It's going to be summer time again and I am getting my head down and getting on with growing my business so that I can enjoy the good times. Why will I be able to enjoy the good times? Simply because I have planned for them! Get yourself a coach.

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

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.

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.

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

http://www.sirjackiestewart.com/

Is the client always right?

A light hearted video for this sunny morning! View...

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 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.

http://www.thelowry.com/

http://www.michaelwilford.com/

Kidney Update

Returned today from a hospital visit at Stobhill where the surgeon's explained to my Dad and I and of course our good ladies (mum and Sandra) exactly what the next stages of the transplant process are.

In simple terms both Dad and I need to speak to an independent assesor to ensure that we are fully aware of what we are undertaking and thereafter we can firm up on a date. It would appear thereafter that the Surgeons have 6 months to carry out the transplant however, it looks like things may be set for November.

New Scottish Planning Regime

I have been asked on several occasions to write some script on the New Scottish Planning Regime. Instead I came across this interesting article by Biggart Baillie and hope that it fulfills all of your queries. Please click here.

Regards

Kenneth

I will only need one Kidney!

Yes that’s right I like most people only need one kidney so that’s why I have decided to give the other one to my dad. That’s him (Hugh) in the picture. The picture was taken on my wedding day at Auchen Castle, Moffat.

Dad has been ill for almost 10 years and despite the fact that he is extremely well and has a long life expectancy his quality of life is not what it should be. He is a youthful man all things considered. Dad now has 3 grand daughters all under the age of 2 and has a lot to look forward to.

After careful discussion with my wife, Sandra we agreed just over a year ago that I would put my name forward for a transplant. On the day that I called Dad’s nurse to enquire how to go about it, I got a tearful call from Mum. Dad was in hospital with a suspected heart attack! Granted he drove himself to the hospital! Make your own mind up about what scenario is most worrying. As it turned out Dad actually had an Angina attack but as such he was removed from the Transplant List.

I continued with the initial testing and this has been going on for just over a year. The testing included blood screening and matching and general health and well being discussions and thereafter we needed to wait for Doctors to confirm that Dad’s health was ok to go forward with the Transplant ie put him back on the list. Even although I am a live donor he still needs to be on the list. Dad and I met the Surgeon about 2 months ago and he agreed that Dad was ok to go back on the list, although associated risks would be higher.

Over the last month I have undergone a Kidney function test, assessing the efficiency of both of my kidneys and I did last week undergo an MRI scan to assess the entry and exit of the main blood vessels in and out of the Kidney. The function test went well but we still await the results of the MRI scan.

Everything going well we hope to be under the knife before Christmas.

I have decided to blog about our journey through this period because I think it may help other people in a similar situation. Likewise, I would be happy to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation and have them add their particular experience or, comment on my own story.

Keep checking for further updates.

Kenneth

Mixed use development

Hey All. I've just received planning permission for a mixed use development in Croy, Cumbernauld.

It would help me greatly if I could help the developer to fill the units. The units include dentist, retail (hopefully pharmacy) and a children's nursery.

If any of you know any operators it would be great if you could ask them to get in touch with me.

My contact number is 01698 422358/07795833675

Regards

Kenneth Martin

Welcome to the Block Blog!

Hello, I'm Kenneth Martin, owner of Block Architects and one of the contributors to this blog.

Social media is very much part of our day-to-day life and, as a progressive architectural practice, we want to keep you informed using the best means possible. We already have a Twitter feed where you can get short update messages but the blog will have more detailed information about the practice, the clients, industry news, our staff and other relevant and interesting stories.

We are also keen to let you know about more about the personalities at Block Architects; you know what they say about all work and no play! So, we will be including some posts about what we get up to on a personal front and, we would love to hear back from some of the people who read the blog.

Please subscribe to the blog and ask your friends and colleagues to do the same, we want to build a useful resource that encourages people to engage with us on a full range of topical issues.

Thank you for your time so far, I hope you enjoy the blog in the future.

Regards

Kenneth