Drawing Attention
Make this blog yours by sharing your insight through comments or contact us directly if there’s a topic you’d like to address.
Safety In Schools
The recent shootings at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas are among the worst in U.S. history. It’s traumatic to consider the details even from afar yet it’s not “unthinkable” or “unimaginable” as some have said because we’ve seen this before.
Georgia Taking Action to Address HVAC Supply Chain Challenges
The HVAC industry is dealing with challenges like every other industry. One particular challenge has resulted in a proposal to temporarily change the building code.
Should the Twin Pines Mine be Permitted?
A mining company has proposed siting a titanium and zirconium mine on the edge of the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge Area in Georgia. You should have and share an informed opinion on this issue because the Okefenokee is unique in Georgia.
James Marlow Named Southface Institute President
Congratulations to Southface Institute! Southface named James Marlow as its new President. He’ll assume the new role on May 16th. We’re very happy for James and our friends at Southface.
Celebrating the Work of Julia Morgan
Do you know this trailblazer? She was the first female: U.C. Berkeley graduate in engineering, Ecole des Beaux-Arts certificate holder and registered architect in California. You should know her story and her work.
Does Your Home Have Post-Meter Methane and NOx Emissions?
A study published earlier this year is helping draw attention to methane emissions from gas cooking appliances in homes. While there have been many studies of natural gas distribution system leaks, it’s important to consider what’s happening on the homeowner’s side of the gas meter.
They’re Back!
Warm weather brings a tremendously destructive and determined pest to our homes: carpenter bees. The damage the start is often compounded by other forces. Protect your property with these simple steps…
Farewell to Tim Keane
Tim Keane was the Commissioner of City Planning in Atlanta for almost seven years. Tim spent the last years of his time in Atlanta working to change the focus and expectations of the citizens. We applaud Tim’s candor and willingness to take on complex issues, even when it meant having to find a polite way to say we can and must do much better.
Starting Georgia’s Building Code Amendment Process
Georgia will start hearing proposed building code amendments in the first week of April. There are thirty-nine proposed amendments so it’s going to be a busy few months. Here’s what’s in store…
Olmsted 200 Celebration (Near You?)
Frederick Law Olmsted is widely regarded as the father of American landscape architecture. This year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth. Events are being held around the country in celebration of his living legacy. Here’s how to find an event near you…
Goodbye to Christopher Alexander
Christopher Alexander has passed away. You may recognize his name even if you don’t know his face. He’s been a powerful influence in architecture and urban design for decades.
Possible New Precedent Against Mayor and City Manager in Development Deal
The City of Brookhaven, its Mayor and City Manager have been ordered to pay more than $6.6M for reportedly stalling a development project by The Ardent Companies in Brookhaven. The verdict and associated fines may have officials throughout the state thinking twice about development deals.
2022 IBS + KBIS Summary (Video)
Ryan attended the International Builders’ Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando to look for emerging products and design solutions. He returned with so many photos and videos that we decided to host a discussion rather than trying to put them all into a blog post. Here’s a recording of the discussion…
2022 Phoenix Flies Events Now Open
Phoenix Flies is an annual celebration of historic buildings, landscapes and neighborhoods presented by the Atlanta Preservation Center. Tickets for the free tours and lectures are available beginning at 10 AM today!
What Outside Temps Are Too Cold for Your Heating System?
Heating and cooling systems are designed to meet loads based on average low and average high temperatures. What happens when the the outdoor temperatures exceed the design temperatures?
Historic Preservation Leadership Course
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will host its Preservation Leadership Course course again this winter. The 2022 course will be delivered virtually so you can participate without having to travel to the Trust’s offices in Atlanta. We encourage you to considering joining!
Smyrna Deserves a Better Deal
I’m concerned people are only ‘for’ or ‘against’ the idea of a brewery without considering the details of the deal the City has proposed. We’ll be stuck with the consequences of this transaction for a very long time, so I developed this post to help us analyze what we’re hearing from our elected officials and City staff.
MLK Day 2022
We’re mindful of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others throughout the year so we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate with a dedicated holiday each year. This year, we’re sharing a few images of The Three Pioneers sculpture by Martin Dawe. The sculpture (see below) celebrates three men who were the first black students to enroll in Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).
Georgia’s New 2022 Building Code Amendments
Georgia has adopted new amendments to four of its building codes. The amendments take effect on January 1st, 2022.
Goodbye to Bill Harrison
Bill Harrison has passed away. It was shocking to see a remembrance of him… primarily because Bill’s the sort of person you hope will be part of the community well into old age. Bill was just 72 years old.