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Much has been said about the relocation of companies to urban areas from the suburbs. This isn’t a new phenomenon, though, with GE moving into 388,700 square feet, Reebok into 220,000 square feet and tech companies taking 1.8 million square feet in Boston, news of major companies moving into urban areas continues to dominate the headlines.

When McDonald’s BBQ opened 77 years ago, it was among hundreds of other drive-in (and later drive-thru) restaurants throughout the US that later became the iconic eating style during the time of an American socio-technology revolution: the automobile. The influx of driving in mid-20th century America revolutionized and shaped the way Americans ate meals. There have been exponential amounts of improvements to technology since the quick service restaurant (QSR) trend began three-fourths of a century ago. But within that time there has been little to zero aesthetic improvements as great as sit-in restaurants to drive-in.

In the past decade, shopping behavior has changed significantly, with more and more people choosing to shop online for goods and apparel. While online retailers have typically remained online, many see the potential for expansion through brick-and-mortar retail. The past two years have seen an unprecedented convergence of online retailers moving offline – seeking an omnichannel presence and getting closer to where their consumers are. The trend goes the other way as well. Traditional retailers are feeling the strain of increasing online sales and are pressured into finding solutions that fit the needs of the consumer that’s shopping online. Retailers are making moves to position themselves on both sides of the coin.

As retail evolves, retailers are discovering new ways to expand their brand’s outreach and loyalty. The newest trend in customer service features concierge and room service. Since customers trust a brand by their value and lifestyle, retailers are extending that trust by creating large scale hospitality programs and boutique hotel experiences to promote their lifestyle.

Everyone’s talking about infrastructure these days. It has somehow become our national “common ground” topic. Hard to argue against fixing roads and bridges, right?

My partner and I recently spent four days knocking on doors in Charlotte, North Carolina working to get out the vote just before the 2016 Presidential election. And you know how that story ended. But what’s relevant here is what happened along the way.

“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say ‘thank you’. In between, the leader is a servant.”

Here’s a fun fact for you: According to the 2014 AIA Firm Survey report (sorry, no hyperlink, you have to buy it), 79% of AIA Member firms have less than 10 employees. Recognizing this, the AIA has a Small Firms Roundtable knowledge community and a whole online Small Firms Resource Center with practice tools, contract and insurance information, and links to sustainability resources to serve these members.

If you have commitment issues, the thought of going “all in” with another person could give you the shakes. For some peripatetic people, the grass over there always looks greener. Some sorry folks have torched a few too many bridges in their lives.

This week, Bergmeyer celebrates the retirement of our first and longest-serving President, David J. Tubridy, AIA. His thirty-two years at the firm and twenty-seven years as President cannot adequately be described in a blog post, but here are the highlights:

Dee Spiro, LEED AP BD+C and O+M, GGP, Associate and Director of Sustainability at Bergmeyer, contributed to Retail Environments Globalshop Products Preview issue with her thoughts on sustainability and optimizing energy efficiency in big box retailer stores. Read Dee’s analysis below:

“It’s great that the firm’s senior leaders are so committed to sustainable design. But it’s hard to see how I connect to that mission in my day-to-day work.”

That’s a wrap, folks! Another year gone by and a second life to an otherwise discarded item was utilized because we saw the potential in it.

The IIDA New England Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated industry events of the year.  SENSEATION was the theme for the annual event which took place on November 5th at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Bergmeyer took home the Best Interpretation of Theme award for our concept entitled Reminiscent.  We would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s efforts! See lots of photos from the event from Kim Neal Photography.

Ed Mazria, FAIA, founder of Architecture 2030 and the 2030 Challenge will be at BSA Space for a conversation on the roadmap to a zero-carbon city. Mike Davis, FAIA, Principal at Bergmeyer and a proponent of the 2030 Challenge, will host the informative evening on Monday, November 9.

Bergmeyer Spotlight is an online series of interviews featuring Bergmeyer’s professionals. This month’s spotlight is on Bill Spaulding, an Associate at the firm and Manager of Education and Training who has been with the firm for over 13 years.

I started writing this blog just over four years ago on a dare. I accepted a challenge, and my part of the bargain was to write regularly about my design firm, Bergmeyer, and our adoption of the AIA 2030 Commitment. Seventy-two posts later, I’m still volunteering for big, hairy, audacious challenges. Still haven’t learned.

A recent Bergmeyer project epitomizes environmental and social responsibility. Designed for Jeff Kinney, author of the Wimpy Kid books, and his wife, Julie, the project has had a significant impact on the community and the local economy.

As a signatory to the 2030 Challenge and the AIA 2030 Commitment, Bergmeyer is always seeking ways to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of our projects.

Greetings from Herring Cove Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The only place in the Northeast USA where you can watch the sun set in the west over the ocean. Or something like that.