They’re coming . . . are you prepared to modify your contract agreements?

image The FAA recently proposed regulations for the commercial use of drones, according to Jim Yand (partner at the Seattle law firm of Miller Nash Graham & Dunn). Jim presented an interesting session on “Construction Photos: Avoid Putting Your Selfie in the Crosshairs.”

If you have been thinking about using drones to capture construction photos, make sure you are covered, in more ways than one: Get proper insurance to safeguard against property damage caused by crashes, trespass claims, and invasion of privacy.  And make sure your contracts spell out everything, like who owns the drone images, and how those images will be used (can they be posted to social media?).

Drones can be beneficial to our design industry: Think cost-effectiveness, ability to reach difficult project areas, efficient inspection processes, and even sophisticated marketing and bid presentations.

“Stay tuned,” Jim said. A number of states and municipalities have passed or are considering limitations on unmanned aircraft, and the effect of such restrictions depends on the precise nature of the limitation.

What does your underwear have to do with passwords?

passwords graphic“Passwords are like underwear.” That’s what Andrew Healey, senior director of engineering at ISOutsource, said when he presented a business practice brown-bag for us. It got a chuckle, that’s for sure. But you know what, passwords are like underwear. Continue reading →

Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicles

speedometer-498748_1920Another year, another change in the reimbursement rate for personal vehicle use. Effective January 1, 2016, the new mileage rate is $0.54 (down from last year’s rate of $0.575). Need to reimburse your consultant for using their own plane to get back and forth from a project site (or you want to get reimbursed by your client for using your own plane)? No matter the mode of transportation, you’ll find what you need to know here.

A/E/C Industry Advocates: Get involved!

volunteer_coloredhandsWhat do Peg Staeheli (SvR Design Company), Walter Schacht (Schacht Aslani Architects), and Dave Walsh (Sellen Construction) have in common—besides being well-known advocates for the A/E/C industry? They all believe in the power of participation. They were panelists at our November 19 business practice breakfast, “It’s Bigger Than Us—Behind the Scenes Efforts in Supporting the A/E/C Industry.” In addition to talking about A/E/C policy issues (such as alternative project delivery, environmental regulation, design review reform, urban design, and growth management), they shared their thoughts on being passionate about your field, and getting involved in your field.

  • You maintain passion by participating.
  • Professional organizations (such as SDA, NAHB, AIA, ASME and WASLA) are a good starting point for developing your passion.
  • Participating is your chance to elevate your knowledge and expertise.
  • Participating helps you increase your firm’s profile.
  • Participating helps you increase your individual profile.
  • If you want to be a leader, you need to get involved.
  • If you are a leader, you need to jump in.

Do This Before You Roll Out Your Flexible Work Policy

Telecommuting_feet on deskThink through these things before you implement a flexible work policy.

  1. Have a strategy. Which departments and individuals can successfully work remotely or on different schedules? What kind of flex work will you offer, and who has the final say? What metrics will you use to measure productivity for those on a flex work schedule? Make sure everyone is aware of the rules.
  2. Test the program. Try it out on a test group before you adopt it. Assess the program at regular intervals. What works? What doesn’t work? Adjust as needed.
  3. Train all of your managers. Help your managers do the right thing, apply the rules equally, and know at what point they have to escalate requests to HR. Maintain contact with your flex work staff.
  4. Have the infrastructure in place. Time tracking software for non-exempt staff. Encryption for sensitive data, and protocols and company policies that speak to accessing and disseminating that data. Metrics for tracking productivity. A go-to person who can field flex work questions or concerns.

Source: Seattle Chapter SDA business practice dinner. Presenter Aaron D. Goldstein, Associate at Dorsey & Whitney, LLP; 10/15/15

Congratulations to Amy Nanni!

A hearty Seattle chapter shout-out to member Amy Nanni (New York chapter) who was recognized today at EDSymposium15 with the SDA Lifetime Achievement Award!

SarahHere’s Sarah Wallace, who presented the award.

 

 

 

 

 

AmyNanni2015Here’s Amy just after she was called up to the front to accept her award.

Making Golden “Golden” Again

WelcomeToGoldenChapter members Carrie Thompson and Judy Beebe are in Golden, Colorado at SDA’s EDSymposium15 (October 8-10, 2015).
The keynote speakers, Steve Glueck and Marcie Miller, talked about the development of Golden, made possible by GURA (Golden Urban Renewal Authority), which was created by Golden’s City Council. What a difference GURA made! Check out this video they shared, which gives a great overview of the impact and effectiveness of GURA, which made Golden what it is today. If you ever get to Colorado, be sure to visit Golden.

FlatMountainAs Steve said, “One of the reasons Golden is so cool is the topography—the shape, the hills.”

 

 

 

 

Photos by Carrie and Judy

Electronic Surveys

Poll Everywhere SampleWe love gadgets as much as the next guy. And we really loved seeing in action the electronic survey used in the webinar Rick Altman presented, “Do Your PowerPoint Presentations Stink? Most do. Let’s make sure that yours don’t . . .” (at EDConnect15). Continue reading →