3 Must-See Homes in Detroit

It's National Architecture Week (April 7-13). Here are three Detroit residences you must visit. Now, don't walk up to these houses and think you can just get in. People live here. Drive or walk by, and enjoy the view.

The Margerum 45-degree House

Photo from Detroit Home magazine

Detroit architect, Roger Margerum, designed his home when he closed his full-time practice. This 3,000 square foot residence has views of the Grayhaven Marina, and Margerum says that instead of moving from room to room, you go "from space-to-space." (More at Detroit Home magazine)


Lafayette Park Townhouses

Photo from Dwell

Lafayette Park was the first urban renewal project in the U.S., and includes two high-rises and one-and two-story townhomes designed by Mies van der Rohe. The townhomes - a sight to behold in the middle of the city - average 1400 square feet and are enveloped by a minimal shell with floor-to-ceiling windows. The interiors showcase floating staircases and clean lines.

See and hear how the residents live in their Mies-designed spaces in this New York Times article. Occasionally, you can catch a tour of the entire Lafayette Park area.*


The Turkel House

Photo from Hour Detroit magazine

Located on Seven Mile Road in Detroit, this is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home within the Detroit city limits. The 4,300 square foot house is in FLW's Usonian Automoatic style, using inexpensive modular concrete blocks. Current residents purchased the home in 2006 and restored it for nearly $1 million. (More at Hour Detroit magazine)

* After note: The next Lafayette Park Walking Tour will be June 1, 2013. Contact Kiana German through her Style-Detroit blog or tweet her at @KianaGerman

buildingsource Top 5: Articles for Building Business

Here are the top 5 articles from March for building and marketing your AEC business:

1. Negotiating with Confidence: Don't rush contract negotiations, and don't be afraid to request additional funds for out-of-scope work. (By Steven Isaacs on DesignIntelligence)

2. How to Set Your Business Up to Bid on Federal Government Contracts: Entrepreneur magazine lists the first four things to do to begin doing business with the government. The information is taken from Braddock's Procurement Opportunities Guide sponsored by Microsoft. (By Catherine Clifford)

3. 10 Architecture Firm Blogs to Watch in 2013: Review various blogging styles and get some inspiration for your AEC firm's blog. (Listed by Architectural Record magazine)

4. Staying Loose: 25 lessons learned from the recession: Builder magazine talks with builders about how they have adapted to market conditions over the past five years.

5. 7 Lessons from the World's Most Captivating Presenters: Steve Jobs, Scott Harrison, Gary Vaynerchuk... what can you lean from them to improve presentation skills? (from HubSpot)

What Would Steve Do? 10 Lessons from the World's Most Captivating Presenters from HubSpot All-in-one Marketing Software

5 Reasons to Blog for Business

Watch the slide presentation below for 5 reasons to begin blogging and positioning yourself as a market leader.

5 reasons you should be blogging for business from Building Industry Resources

Check out upcoming workshops and events on Eventbrite

How Construction Service Providers Use Social Media

Complimentary Workshop
Friday, April 12, 2013 - 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m
TechTown, Detroit

Seasons Greetings from Building Industry Resources

The holiday season and the end of the year bring celebration, reflection and anticipation.

I celebrate our relationship. Your partnerships, recommendations, encouraging words, sharing of information, and contracting of our services have been a blessing and have paved the way for continued success in the new year.

As I reflect on the triumphs of the past year, I hope the services you have received have helped you to grow your business and professional career, and that we encourage and empower you to be your best.

I am anticipating even greater achievements for us all in 2012. I believe we will receive the gifts of new friendships, creative collaborations, innovative ideas, and increased projects and opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working with you and being your buildingsource for many years to come.

Wishing peace, prosperity and wholeness to you and yours this season and throughout the new year!

Karen A. Davis 

Building Industry Resources
@buildingsource
www.buildingsource.net

Viral and Virtual Marketing, '70's Style

Viral marketing building virtual communities, circa 1971. Coca-Cola had everyone singing their song at Christmas.

Make 2012 a Happy New Year

2012 is almost here!

Planning your marketing and public relations strategy can set you up for a very happy 2012.

A successful business starts with a detailed plan - moving you from where you are now to where you want to be.

• Brainstorm what you want to accomplish for the year.
• Develop your brand and value proposition.
• Identify market trends, collaborators, and your true target audience.
• Determine where your audience is and the best way to reach them.

Your complete marketing plan should include realistic action steps, measurable goals, and a "toolbox" of strategies to build a consistent approach to increase your visibility.

Don't wait. Start planning for a happy new year here.