Category Archives: Planning & Design

Globetrotting Interior Designer Jonathan Rachman Private Collection of Global Artifacts is Now Available in Marin at Interior Furnishings Boutique, Revelation

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Mill Valley, CA (PRWEB) October 08, 2012

San Francisco based globetrotting interior designer Jonathan Rachman of Jonathan Rachman Design announces his Marin debut of his private collection of global artifacts, available exclusively at Mill Valley interior furnishings boutique, Revelation. The Jonathan Rachman Collection highlights his love of collecting and re-purposing unique and patinaed curios from around the world. Antique silhouettes, vintage laboratory chemistry jars and brushed metal airplane wings are just a few of the items that create a fascinating blend through which one can peruse.

Jonathan Rachman burst onto the San Francisco Bay Area interior design scene with his Collectors Library at the 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase winning him much press attention and praise. Featuring an elegant European sensibility meets a touch of industrial design that was classic but current, timeless but also contemporary, his distinctive choice of objects evoked curiosity and conversation. Jonathan believes in preserving artifacts and found objects from the past for the enjoyment of the future generation. His design style is a harmonious collection of artifacts from Asia, Europe and America, be it antique, vintage or industrial. As Jonathan says, I believe in telling a story with every room I design.

A few examples of pieces available at Revelation include:

The Holiday Place Supports Ecotourism in the Caribbean

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(PRWEB UK) 30 August 2012

Sergio Garcia from The Holiday Place knows only too well the impact of a devastating hurricane as they have been organising holidays in the Caribbean for the past 25 years.

We are much more knowledgeable about the world in general, he says and the Internet means we are also more intimate with the rest of the globe. Travellers no longer view Cuba or Antigua, for example, as exotic playgrounds which they visit for two weeks once a year and then forget about. We have a much greater sense of collective responsibility these days, think back to 2004 and the devastating Indian Ocean tsunamis and remember the whole worlds generous support as a prime example. People were shocked having known the beautiful places which were literally wiped off the map at that time

A Hurricane can quickly transform a tranquil Caribbean holiday scene like this one in Antigua.

Sustainable and responsible tourism is extremely important both for the industry at large and of course the consumer and those living and working within it. Think about it, would you support a massive tourist development which would be prone to rising sea levels for example? Without a clear strategy parts of the Caribbean will become increasingly vulnerable to environmental risks as a result of any ill-advised expansion in coastal tourism.

The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment in Jamaica, for example, stated that disaster risk management should be integrated with climate change adaptation in any further developments over the region.

Sergio Garcia goes on to say We have seen the significant expansion of coastal tourism right across the Caribbean especially over the last 10 years and people will be asking themselves whether they would actually travel to somewhere not deemed safe or secure. September is, after all, very beautiful in the Caribbean and in many ways would be the ideal time to visit but it is also at the height of the hurricane season. However, rates are also extremely attractive at this time. These are the choices that tourists are facing.

I think holidaymakers, with a wealth of information at their fingertips, know only too well what risks natural disasters pose and are rightly asking what assurances they can expect if such a natural hazard should occur. It does seem that tourism agencies should think very carefully about managing sustainable tourism at a time when climate change is beginning to have such a dramatic impact in all kinds of ways; lets face it we have even seen it in the UK.

The Holiday Place is delighted to introduce a new project labelled, The Regional Monitoring and Evaluation System for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean Tourism. It is being headed up by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and other collaborators. This project means business and can only serve to make further improvements and capitalise on a heightened awareness that already exists. The Caribbean, after all is such a popular destination for our clients and twin centre holidays give tourists the opportunity to really explore these beautiful islands. A fantastic new package we are offering will allow the traveller to explore the Baroque architecture of Old Havana and the beaches close to the city and then experience a fabulous retreat which offers an opportunity to lap up total seclusion and luxury on a coastline cottage in South Western Antigua.

It’s true, tourism continues to evolve, travellers expectations shift and climate change itself is impacting on the whole planet. The Holiday Place is delighted to support new ecotourism strategies and is happy to advise any potential traveller about every aspect of planning a holiday in Cuba, Jamaica, Antigua or anywhere in the Caribbean, whatever itinerary they might have in mind.

Call now on 020 7644 1770 or click here http://www.theholidayplace.co.uk

Homeowner Guide 5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodel Released for Download

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Arlington, Virginia (PRWEB) September 30, 2012

Northern Virginia home remodeling company Merrill Contracting & Remodeling, Inc. announced the release of the newest edition of its popular consumer e-guide to home remodeling. The e-guide 5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodel is now available free for homeowners to download at http://www.merrillcontracting.com.

The e-guide includes useful tips that help homeowners have better home remodeling experiences, such as the importance of selecting the right remodeling contractor. The homeowner e-guide to successful remodeling provides links to pages on the Merrill Contracting & Remodeling website where additional and more detailed information can be found, such as methods of setting home remodeling project priorities, specific questions to ask contractors and references, and red flags to look out for when selecting a remodeling contractor as well as other tips about remodeling.

David Merrill, president of Merrill Contracting & Remodeling commented Perhaps the single most important decision a homeowner makes that affects the success of a remodeling project and the nature of the home remodeling experience is the selection of the contractor they use. Its not always easy to determine what company will be best. Some of the secrets in our new e-guide, and articles they link to at our website, will help homeowners learn how to determine if the company they are considering for their remodel is right for them, their project, and their budget. Merrill also said, While our company only works in Northern Virginia our homeowners guide would be helpful to any homeowner in the country planning a remodeling project. The home remodeling tips we offer are universal.

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Merrill Contracting & Remodeling provides design build home remodeling services to homeowners in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, McLean and other areas in Northern Virginia. The company provides architectural design and construction services for projects such as whole house remodels, home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basement finishing, green remodeling, interior and exterior remodeling, as well as other home remodeling projects.







Town and Country Village Location Serves as Rocket Fuel for Growing Businesses

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Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) August 27, 2012

Shoppers and food connoisseurs in the South Bay have long been aware of the Town and Country Village for its unique, charming, and convenient combination of stores and restaurants. But the Village is also gaining notice among the small business community. According to a number of local entrepreneurs, Town and Country has helped provide rocket fuel for their small businesses, giving them unique advantages that have helped them thrive and even expand despite the lengthy economic downturn.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a number of businesses achieve remarkable success in Town and Country Village, said Caroline Morris of Ellis Partners LLC, the owners of Town and Country Village. These thriving establishments illustrate just what can be accomplished when innovative business ideas and passionate entrepreneurs combine with an ideal location. The sky is the limit for these exciting shops, and we are proud to have been a launching pad for their success.

One such business is Halo Blow Dry Bar, the brainchild of Rosemary Camposano. Halo is not your traditional hair salon. Instead, it offers professional quality styling without cutting or coloring, creating a way for women to look and feel great without breaking the bank. After 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, Rosemary decided to create a business that would employ women who were struggling in the economic downturn. With this goal in mind, she opened up the first ever Halo location in Town and Country.

Our salon brings women and girls of all ages together and allows them to bond in a fun atmosphere said Rosemary of her salon. Town and Country Village fits our vision for the salon because it has a neighborhood feel and a variety of services in one location. Its a modern day Main Street.

With the success of the Town and Country Village location, Halo has since opened up two other stores. Still, Rosemary notes, there is something special about the Palo Alto locale where it all started.

Our Town and Country location is a model for our other stores, and its still the best performing in spite of being the smallest, added Rosemary. It really has been the epicenter of our recent growth and success, which is one of the many reasons why Im so excited about doubling the size of our Town and Country location!

Another business that has found a perfect fit in Town and Country Village is Ruti, a boutique that makes cutting-edge Israeli designer clothing available to American shoppers. Ruti Zisser was inspired to open the store after realizing that she and her friends couldnt find clothes that fit their active and stylish lifestyle. Rather than open a store that focused solely on clothing, Ruti and her husband, Sharon Segev, built a business that was about a lifestyle and experience, with knowledgeable staff to guide and support customers in finding clothes that looked and felt good.

After searching for a location for over a year and selling clothing from her home because she couldnt find a location that matched her needs, Ruti knew that she had found the perfect place when she came to Town and Country to enjoy a cup of coffee.

My husband and I sat at the Village for days, observing how customers behaved and checking what kinds of stores were successful. We saw that it was a fun place, somewhere to go shopping and then grab a bite to eat, said Ruti. In Palo Alto, we have developed a really dedicated base of clients who appreciate our store, trust our employees and love our location. We see clients as trusted friends, and we are happy to help them be seen by the world in a way that they want to be seen.

The flagship boutique, which opened in Town and Country in 2010, has helped pave the way for Rutis. They have since opened two new locations in San Francisco and in Santa Monica.

Still, Ruti points out that in Palo Alto people stay longer. There is such a nice feeling in Town and Country that we cant replicate elsewhere. Customers will get coffee and come over to just chat.

Just around the corner from Rutis is Karas Cupcakes, the first artisan cupcake producer in the Bay Area. After launching in San Francisco, Karas Cupcakes opened its third shop in Town and Country.

Aiming to make the planet a little bit sweeter with the cupcakes they produce, Kara and company incorporate a strong social and environmental consciousness into everything they do. Beyond using local, organic, and seasonal ingredients in all their treats, they are constantly working to create celebratory moments for their customers and to support the communities of which they are a part.

Town and Country Village has been a perfect location for us in a number of ways, explains Kara Haspel Lind, founder of Karas Cupcakes. The South Bay has a remarkably strong sense of community to begin with, and Town and Country is a place where families and friends gather for fun and to purchase items to help them celebrate special moments, whether its a big occasion like a graduation or something small like a great hair day. The fact that its a one-stop-shop really has made it a destination. Customers in Palo Alto are also excited about our green practices and support of small farms and the community.

Thanks to loyal customers like those in Palo Alto who appreciate Karas Cupcakes sustainable business model, the company has seen tremendous growth. Today, there are 6 Karas Cupcakes locations across the Bay Area.

A smaller business that is also building a strong following among Bay Area residents is A Street Bike Named Desire. Joe Robinson and his father, Dan Robinson, started as a distribution company that imported European city bikes and sold them to stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. They decided to open a storefront when they saw that, even though there were many bike shops that catered to serious riders, there were few options for casual riders who were interested in upscale, high-quality lifestyle bikes.

The father-son team decided to cease on this opportunity and opened a store that is small and inviting a store where casual riders can test stylish, upscale European city bikes that can be ridden to work or the farmers market.

We wanted to create a space where people receive the highest quality service and dont feel intimidated even if they dont know anything about bikes, said Joe. My dad and I wanted a bicycle shop where people felt like they could relax and take their time. Thats why the Town and Country location is so ideal. People already see it as a casual place to hang out. This place is its own little neighborhood and the atmosphere has definitely helped us grow.

Joe and Dan hadnt planned on getting into retail, but now that the shop is a success, theyre not looking back.

We value the face-to face interactions with our customers and the word of mouth support, Joe added. My dad and I have worked hard to make this store succeed and were thrilled by the results. We want to keep getting better at what we do, and a second location is now a tangible option for us.

For Town and Country Village, the success of these four small businesses has reaffirmed that the decision to develop a mixed use space over 50 years ago was the right decision. They are excited to watch these companies grow and to support their efforts as they provide unique services to the South Bay community.

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About Ellis Partners: Ellis Partners LLC was founded in 1993 for the purpose of acquiring and developing commercial real estate properties. The firm has a long history of championing and completing architecturally significant renovation and development projects. For more information, visit http://www.ellispartners.com.

About Town and Country Village: For more than fifty years, Town & Country Village has served the Peninsula by offering unique specialt

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FauxPanels.com Introduces Novi Fieldstone Plus Siding Panels

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Deer Park, NY (PRWEB) September 25, 2012

Faux Panels adds another exterior siding panel option with Novi Fieldstone Plus. Now both contractors and DIYers have more style options.

Genuine fieldstone is literally that stone used in its natural shape, traditionally collected from the surface of fields when theyre cleared for planting. Our Novi Plus version provides the same fantastic look and texture of traditional fieldstone at a fraction of the cost and without harming the environment, said Steve Barron, president of Faux Panels.

Because of real fieldstones origins, its often been associated with rural areas, creating a distinctive architectural look. Now thanks to Novi Fieldstone Plus, anyone can create that authentic look quickly and easily, without the high cost.

Made from strong polypropylene, these artificial rock siding panels will last a long time while still looking great. Whereas genuine stone can chip, erode and dust, Novi Fieldstone Plus easily weathers routine wear and tear, harsh temperatures, wind, rain, ice and snow. Thanks to its nearly zero UV degradation, it wont fade with time.

Easy Installation, Great Look

Novi artificial rock siding panels interlock, so installation is easy. Home owners using a contractor will spend less in labor costs. People who prefer to do it as a DIY project can get professional looking results. Either way, its a lot cheaper than hiring a stone mason.

Novi Fieldstone Plus comes in three color options that mimic natural fieldstone. Misty Beige features a warm, sun-baked light tan. Shadow Gray is a neutral shade that evokes New England farmhouses. Smoke White is a paler option reminiscent of Maryland fieldstone, yet looks great everywhere.

While Novi Fieldstone Plus is primary used for exterior renovations, depending upon the local building codes in a given area, it can be used indoors, too. Just check the fire rating rules for your area.

Adding a fieldstone design option with the new Novi Plus texture and its easy interlocking design gives customers a great new look with classic convenience, said Barron.

About FauxPanels.com

FauxPanels.com is an industry leader due to wealth of installation guides for DIYers and the best selection of the realistic faux brick, stone and wood panels and columns on the market. Its products have been regularly featured on television shows such as Celebrity Apprentice and numerous appearances on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. FauxPanels.com is a subsidiary of Barron Designs Inc., a family-owned home improvement business operating since 1972. For more information, visit FauxPanels.com.







Sixt and UNA Hotels & Resorts Extend Deals on Car Rentals and Hotel Packages: Both Lower Prices in Italy During September and October

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Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) August 16, 2012

Sixt, Germanys number one car rental company with locations all over Europe and in the United States, is making travel a bit more appealing for its international customers. Sixt has announced it will offer lower car rental rates at all of its locations in Italy to its international customers during September and October. UNA Hotels & Resorts, one of Sixts best Italian hotel partners, has cooperated with Sixt to offer lower rates on hotel rooms to Sixt customers on vacation in Italy during this time, as well.

Sixt suggests that its American customers travel to Italy in September and October, rather than in August, to capitalize on the more relaxing atmosphere and better deals.

August is the traditional vacation month for both Italians and international visitors to Italy, which means that the most popular urban and coastal Italian destinations are extremely crowded and expensive. International travelers who delay their vacation to Italy until September and October will find smaller crowds, nicer weather, and lower prices.

Car Rental Deals

Sixt is offering the following deals on its car rentals at its Italian locations during September and October:


Weekly rentals with pickup on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday starting from 22.71 per day for a Fiat 500 and 32.85 per day for a Renault Megane Sportour

Weekend rentals with pickup on Friday or Saturday and drop-off on Sunday or Monday starting from 23 per day for a Fiat 500 and 34 a day for a Renault Megane Sportour

To book a Sixt car rental with these lower rates, American customers can refer to http://www.Sixt.com and call the Sixt Calling Center at 1-888-SIXT-CAR (1-888-7498-227), referring to CD Number 9846837.

Lower Hotel Rates

In collaboration with Sixt, UNA Hotels & Resorts presents exclusive, unique, and personalized weekend rates reserved for Sixt customers in Italy during September and October. The following example reflects nightly rates for one two-person room, with breakfast and free Internet connection included:

Naples from 73
Milan from 83
Bologna from 79
Tuscany from 88

Booking a UNA hotel room with this offer is simple. Customers just need to visit the website http://www.unahotels.it, choose their destination, and make an online reservation by typing in the code C-SIXT.

The offer is valid for stays starting between August 31 and November 4, 2012. In case of any change of plans, customers can cancel reservations up to one day before the arrival date without paying any penalty.

UNA Hotels & Resorts offers three different types of accommodation choices:

UNA Hotels: elegant hotels in cities
UNA Resorts: sophisticated residences in the country or by the sea, specializing in fitness and wellness
UNAWAY Hotels: quality hotels outside cities on main road connections

UNA has always paid particular attention to the new trends in Italian design and architecture, collaborating with some of the most important Italian architects. These contemporary hotels are characterized by a unique style, a strong technological tendency, a particular focus on design and detail, and a seamless connection with the surrounding environment.

About Sixt

Sixt AG, with its registered office in Pullach, Germany, near Munich, is an international provider of integrated mobility services. Founded in 1912, the company has been family managed for 100 years. Together with its franchisees and partners, Sixt is represented in more than 100 countries. Sixt is the market leader for car rentals in Germany and Austria, and the company currently operates five rental locations in the United States.

For further information, please refer to http://www.Sixt.com.







Beautiful New Metal Worship Facility Offers Inspiration for Community

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Columbus, Miss. (PRWEB) September 18, 2012

Who thought inspiration could come in the form of an engineered steel building? Kenneth Joyner did. When the CEO of J&J Contractors was hired to finish a long-range growth plan for NorthPark Church in Meridian, Miss., he turned to Ceco Building Systems. The end product was a stunning worship facility that not only serves the congregation but has already struck a chord with visitors.

J&J Contractors in nearby Collinsville, Miss., constructed the churchs original facility. For this latest project, designed to accommodate the churchs growing congregation and multiple ministries, Joyner brought in Ceco because metal was the most economical choice for this type structure.

Founded in 1956, the non-denominational Christian evangelical church has over 400 members. This second 19,000 square foot addition is the completion of a 15-year plan which included the relocation of the church in 1999 to the northeast part of the city. We started in June 2010, commented Joyner. The congregation had their first service in the new sanctuary on June 22 of this year.

Just as J&J has worked closely with NorthPark Church for well over a decade through two major construction projects, J&J worked closely with Ceco to meet the needs of their customer. Ceco Building Systems has been serving the needs of its customers and their clients for 65 years, said Ceco President Roger Burlingame. At Ceco, we focus on four vital factors of success: customer relationships, superior product quality, excellent service and competitive pricing. Customers look to Ceco when they are thinking about their construction projects.

The work of J&J and Ceco has made our church a spiritual center for our community, commented Senior Pastor Earl Wheatley Jr. The physical statement of our new structure reaches out to people all hours of the day and night.

Burlingame said, Ceco Building Systems frequently works with our Ceco Builders and church customers to meet their specific needs. Each is different, and Ceco is up to the challenge of helping design and erect churches from small chapels to the most complex and unique designs. It was a privilege to work with J&J Contractors and NorthPark Church.

Using over 164 tons of steel, J&J Contractors, who designed the project and served as metal erector, constructed the 19,000 square-foot sanctuary and satellite buildings using Cecos architectural standing seam roofing material. The roof color is Ceco Classic Green in a long-life paint.

The new facility consists of a sanctuary, eight classrooms, two nurseries, a cry room, four restrooms, a storage area, a chapel, and a choir practice room and music room. These new buildings were connected to the existing 22,000 square feet of buildings. During construction, the congregation held services in the multipurpose building.

Ceco Building Systems District Sales Manager Roger Shivers explained the intricacy of the sanctuary, designed with fan-type seating. This was a very complex project. It involved a high roof, a low roof and buildings extending off the sanctuary. Shivers quipped, There is not one square corner in the building. The sanctuary roof height is 52 feet at the peak. One of the three large stained glass windows stands a lofty 30-feet high.

A unique and somewhat difficult-to-construct aspect of this metal building system project was the construction of three large crosses on top of the sanctuary. The difficulty was in the structural considerations because of the particular area where the crosses were located.

Another unique aspect of the new NorthPark Church is the main entrance, according to Shivers. Its not a traditional front entrance. Its a drive-through, and its built recessed into the connector between the old and new entrances.

Looking back, though, Shivers commented on the end result. Even with the challenging construction, the custom metal buildings erected wonderfully. I credit Cecos engineering and detailing staff for their attention to detail and their relevant experience with worship building design.

Rev. Wheatley praised the project team. J&Js design is striking, he commented, and Cecos ability to provide the materials needed has been a dream come true for our congregation. Our entire community is impressed with the new worship center addition to our facility. The sanctuary, new nurseries, additional classrooms, music ministry suite and chapel have come together beautifully to help us reach more people in our community.

Wheatley added that the building is already serving as an inspirational area. We recently hosted a medical seminar, he said. One participant, from another part of the state, wrote us, thanking us for opening our facility for training. He wrote, The day turned out to be more than a learning event for me. I had the chance to enter the new part of your building, and it was a spiritual event for me. The beauty of your sanctuary and the solitude of the chapel ministered to me in a powerful way. If I lived closer I would be worshiping with you soon. Cecos work with us has had more than material benefits our new structure is ministering spiritually as well!

J&J Contractors was started in 1959 by Kenneth D. Joyner Sr. The company specializes in residential, commercial and industrial construction, as well as design-build projects. The company motto is Professionals with Purpose, and its goal is to provide the best designed, best built project in the most economical way possible.

Ceco Building Systems, a leading division of NCI Building Systems, designs and fabricates attractive, energy-efficient, affordable, easily expandable and function-oriented metal buildings. Ceco is well-known for its local builder support and design collaboration to meet specific space and functional requirements of all projects. For more information visit http://www.cecobuildings.com.

NCI Building Systems Inc,. is one of North Americas largest integrated manufacturers of metal products for the nonresidential building industry. NCI is comprised of a family of companies operating manufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico, with additional sales and distribution offices throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about NCI, visit http://www.ncigroup.com.

For high resolution photos of the church, please contact Caroline Pugh at caroline(at)robinson-advertising(dot)com.







Mark Adams Joins Ross & Baruzzini as Senior Systems Project Manager

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St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) June 01, 2012

Ross & Baruzzini, a globally recognized engineering and architectural planning, design and consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Mark Adams as Senior Systems Project Manager for the Advanced Engineering Systems practice. Adams will provide technical leadership, detailed project management, and execution of the world-class systems engineering projects domestically and internationally.

Adams brings over 25 years of experience with systems design and engineering. His expertise includes design of large scale, complex airport systems, intelligent transportation systems, and critical operation facilities. Prior to his position at Ross & Baruzzini, Adams served as a Senior Systems Engineer in the Aviation Division of URS Corporation in Denver, Colorado. In this position, he provided airport systems design, consulting and project management for a variety of clients, primarily in the aviation market.