By Chris Cooks, contributing columnist Originally published January 2012. Edited October 2026 for clarity and to reflect current workplace vending and refreshment planning. It may…
Fire doors are ordinary building components until the moment they’re expected to perform as life-safety systems. Originally published December 14, 2011. Updated October 2026 to…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
“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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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….
