Ask Employees How the Work Happens
Employees can expose operational requirements a project team may never see. The challenge is getting useful input without turning workplace planning into a vote. Originally…
The Drawings Were Revised. Were the Trades Working From Them?
Issuing a revised drawing doesn’t mean the people performing the work are building from it. Originally published December 2011. Updated October 2026 to reflect current…
What if Abe Lincoln were a Facility Manager?
For an article It’s Too Cold! It’s Too Hot! — Thermostat Wars in the Workplace, I consulted with the facility manager of a large corporation…
Who Is Managing Everything Between the Lease and the Move?
Architects, contractors, brokers, technology teams, furniture vendors and movers may all have defined scopes. The owner still needs someone watching how those scopes come together….
Office Space Heaters. Are they legal?
An electric space heater may be permitted in an office. That doesn’t mean the building has to allow it—or that plugging one in is a…
It’s too Cold! It’s too Hot! – Thermostat Wars in the Workplace
“I’m too hot! I’m too cold!” Does your office resemble both a tropical island and a tundra on the same floor? Originally published November 2011….
Office Safety During the Holiday Season
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to keep workplace safety in mind. By following a few simple safety tips, it’s easy to enjoy festive…
Landlord or Tenant Build-Out, Which is Right for You?
Who manages the build-out determines more than who hires the contractor. It affects control, responsibility, risk, schedule and the decisions the tenant will have to…
Avoid Costly Change Orders By Planning Your New Office Electrical and Data Outlets
The drawings can show every outlet and still be wrong for the way the office will actually be used. Originally published October 2011. Updated October…
Tenant Office Fit Out – What’s Wrong With These Pictures?
Construction drawings and specifications establish what is supposed to be built. They don’t guarantee that everything installed in the field will be right. These photographs…
Moving Your Office – “Tools” of the Trade
The equipment may look mundane, but having the right tools at the right time can determine whether move day runs smoothly or becomes a problem….
Choosing a Commercial Real Estate Law Firm
Consider that you wouldn’t purchase a commercial property before thoroughly researching it, your search for commercial real estate law firm should be one of careful…
NYC Building Permits – What does NB, Alteration Type I, II, III and Directive 14 Mean?
A practical guide to understanding New York City building permit terminology, including the older terms you may still hear on projects. Originally published October 2011….
What Does an Owner’s Rep Actually Do?
The architect designs. The contractor builds. The broker handles the transaction. Who is looking across the project for the owner? Originally published October 2011. Updated…
How To Obtain A Certificate of Occupancy
What is a Certificate of Occupancy? A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) indicates the following: 1. The building or suite meets current building code requirements. 2. The…