Welcome to the inaugural 4x Friday, a list of what I’m pondering and exploring.
What I discovered – Plan-O-Ramic, a full scale, life-size drawing of a home design allowing clients to walk through their floor plan at a 1:1 scale on their state-of-the-art projection floor, make design revisions, and see their concept come to life. Here’s a YouTube video that explains this very cool idea that I wish I would have thought of (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mclc2dP6Lk).
What calms me – Using Calmed By Nature, I create an audiovisual experience for more in-depth focus, and calming relaxation. While at my desk (on a second monitor), I play (via YouTube) a beautiful natural landscape of some magical cozy place, like a beach, a bonfire, or a creek. While preparing dinner, reading a book, or playing on social media, a Calmed By Nature scene plays on my living room TV. The relaxing white noise and nature sounds are an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting mindfulness and mental well being. The images are pretty good, too.
What really enjoyed – I was invited to be a guest on The Designers Show, hosted by Chief Experts Academy. It was a lot of fun and I hope to be invited back. I was told it was one of the highest attended episodes. What should be on a set of plans was the topic and the discussion is being continued on today’s show at 1:00 pm ET.
What I saw – Cutting Holes in Ijoists, presented by Stephanie Rees at APA-The Engineered Wood Association during the AIBD, Central Florida Chapter lunch-and-learn. The most straightforward illustration I’ve seen, but yet can’t find it in any of the APA’s current online guides.
Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday weekend!
Steve
P.S. – Given up on social media as a source of (valuable) information and education? Looking for a tool that separates the signal from the noise? Subscribe to the #HomeDESIGN Professional Daily. An online paper I edit and publish for AIBD. By sifting through hundreds of posts by industry influencers, I cut through the content and provide clarity. Although the content is 100% social media, you don’t have to sign into anything or have any accounts. I limit each issue to twelve articles/posts, one pic, and one video (12-1-1), and I deliver it to your inbox every weekday evening.
P.P.S. – I am cycling 300 miles in September to fight kid’s cancer. Please consider supporting me https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/SteveMickley/.. All funds raised will support Children’s Cancer Research Fund to continue their work in developing innovative treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.