What the Beige Book has to Say About North Texas

Here is some interesting info gathered from the Dallas Federal Reserve’s Beige Book which might be applicable to your business. Noted here are the four areas that are most applicable to our Real Estate and Construction arena.

The Beige Book is not something most of us follow but our “local branch” of the Federal Reserve is known to be one of the more conservative (and accurate) in their market analyses and projections.  This information, looked at in the right light, is not only helpful but also a wee bit encouraging.

The four key areas of our economy and their updates from the Beige Book:

• Manufacturing
• Retail Sales
• Financial services
• Construction and Real Estate

In manufacturing demand had increased because of an acceleration in private projects such as apartment and commercial buildings

Retail activity increased moderately over the reporting period. Looking at March and April and smoothing out fluctuations due to the Easter holiday, demand has increased in the low- to mid-single digits over the prior year. Texas continues to perform above the national average, according to one large retailer, and the outlook for 2011 remains positive.

Financial firms reported steady overall loan demand. Real estate activity has shown recent improvement as well. Optimism persists for pockets of homebuilding and some lending across the state. Outlooks are generally positive in light of better outstanding loan quality and continued slow improvement in lending conditions.

Housing contacts said sales remain at low levels, but optimism has increased along with better traffic. Sales are expected to improve in the second half of 2011. Private nonresidential demand has improved. Leasing activity is growing and there are reports that industrial and office construction are increasing from previously  very low levels. Sales of commercial buildings are also picking up across the District.

As was said from the panel in a recent Real Estate Forum, “It’s good to be in Texas.”

The Sykes Team

Architects and Architecture

A news story and an anniversary this past week reminded us of just how special is the craft of architecture.

This past week marked the 144th anniversary of the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright, the father of organic architecture.  He designed more than 1,000 projects that resulted in nearly 500 finished works. Architect, designer, writer and educator, the "greatest architect of all time (according to the AIA), inspired many to become architects.

How many?  According to ArchSoc, a blog chronicallying architectural issues and ideas, there are nearly 200,000.  But that depends on how you count.

Truth is, most buildings and structures wouldn't be standing without the help of an architect.  That is also another reason why companies such as ours exist: pairing effective, buildable design with expert construction techniques and methods ensures success and sustainability.

For more information on architecture, contact Kevin Wallace at our offices 972-484-6855. He loves architecture.

The Sykes Team

Architecture as a Passion

Most of the time we think of architecture as a mechanical process that makes sure building stand up straight and work well.

It is more than that.  A lot more.

"Designing a building involves integrating form and function," Kevin Wallace said.  Kevin is the chief architect and COO of Sykes Construction/SCI Design.  "And these days, it also involves the inclusion of 'green' features and needs as well."

You also have to design something that can be built.  That's why the team of a construction company (general contractor) and an architect is ideal.  Choosing materials that fit the design and then creating a passable (from an inspection standpoint) structure complete the challenge.

There is also the aesthetic piece of the puzzle.

"Spaces that are inviting and comfortable make people more productive and happy," Kevin continued.  "No matter how you look at it, this is a multi-faceted process."

"From the time I was a kid and making my first sketches," Kevin said,"making spaces that people can use AND like has always been a goal. My passion for the work as an art has always driven me to see the finished product."

To learn more about the design/build process and architecture as a passion, contact Kevin Wallace at www.sykesconstruction.com.

The Sykes Team