"There is a storm out there"

As another meeting with our growing list of consultants makes it to the blog, this tittle seems fitting. I moved down to the third floor of Gatewood so I could enjoy watching the rain but it has gotten to the point where I can no longer see the skyline of downtown.

On Tuesday Debbie, Suzanne and myself meet with John and Jerry about our current project. They agreed to meet, but at there office, Cheesecakes by Alex. Not bad guys. We wanted to have a conversation about the reality of this project and the steps we should be taking in order to make it happen. John and Jerry both have been active professionals in this community for years as well as adjunct faculty at the Department of Interior Architecture here at UNCG. We felt that the wealth of knowledge that these two bring to the table could shed light on things we hadn't even thought of. We couldn't have been any more correct!

After explaining the project and where we were thus far they began to ask several introspective questions about what our goals and ambitions were for this project and beyond. After several minutes of this it was there turn to talk, and boy did they lay it on us. All three of us frantically attempted to take notes on all that was said. Several quotes and viewpoints were made known. One of the most notable in my eye would be the idea that this is a giant storm and how it is so important for us as designers to find the center. In the calm, where we are able to orchestrate the events that must take place in order for the project to be a success. Without the eye there could be no storm and without the storm there is no calm within. Also the importance of creating an articulate and direct list of design criteria that will act as a filter when making decisions.

Our meeting went better than we all could have hoped. Somewhat overwhelming, but everyone needs a kick in the pants from time to time. On that note I want to leave with one last bit of advise given to us.

This has never happened before, so no one knows the answers yet.
To know the right answers, you have to ask the right questions.

Funny, now that the rain has quit I guess it's time to get back to work!