TWO FIRMS FORM UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

An established, award-winning firm that has plenty of clients but a shortage of qualified talent to hire. A newly formed firm with a passion for environmental design but little experience in the business world. Put the two together, and it's a formula for success. Such is the experience of Design Collaborative Southwest Architects, Inc. and Environmental Dynamics, Inc. Both Albuquerque, New Mexico firms claim a win-win result of their unusual collaboration.

A NEW ALLIANCE STANDARDIZES ON BRICSNET

An unusual consortium of architecture, engineering, and construction firms has recently formed to re-examine building-industry practices. The Strategic Alliance Roundtable (STAR) mission is "to improve the project delivery process by leveraging teamwork and technology." As they began to share insights and experience, their first order of business was to evaluate available computer technologies and select a CAD application to further their mission. Next week, writer Elizabeth Bollinger will explain why they chose Bricsnet Architecturals.

WOOD CONSTRUCTION IN THE LANDSCAPE: PART V

Over the past four weeks we've run a series of articles on deck construction, based on Seattle landscape architect Daniel Winterbottom's new book, Wood in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design. Next week we'll conclude this "from-the-ground-up" series by looking at built-in benches and railings. This last section will cover material selection, installation, building codes, and design options.