The Budget issued last December by the outgoing Government hopefully has presented a cyclical low in the construction industry and the introduction of a 1% Stamp duty will have the desired effect on the housing market in 2011. I expect that the reduction will encourage house purchase and upgrading as all properties will be subject to a property tax soon. The Boom time approach to buying property is over and Houses will no longer be seen as a good investment for return of profit, but will be seen as a Home purchase. This change in mind set will mean people will be more likely to invest in their own property to expand or upgrade than move.
It is my hope that any new government arrives in power with a vision to encourage the domestic market and banking system to kick start a growth within the domestic frame work. This will secure existing jobs and provide for new jobs in our country rather than exporting not only products but people. One way that could be seen as an incentive would be to reduce the VAT for private dwelling works from 13.5% to 5%. This reduction could be under application via PPS number. A saving of 8.5% on Building / improvement works would be significant and could be seen as a grant toward home improvements, environmental upgrade of insulation levels etc. the present grant system is too low key to make that difference. This incentive would then increase the home fittings retail market by encouraging spending in a needed sector of the domestic market place.
Behind all of this rhetoric however is a banking system which if not fixed soon will be the failure of this country. The new finance Bill will start a restructure of the system which we all know will take time. The longer it takes the worst it will be for the Home market. As a nation I believe we are resilient, and hard working enough to come through the current crisis. We have the intellect to come out of recession, but even the best ideas and innovative minds need finance and investment to produce any meaningful results. lets hope things can begin this year to recover and show some return.

Project Design Architects was set up in June last year to answer some of the issues which I was facing in a larger practice with heavy overheads. How to provide a Client with the experience they required, the professionalism the project needed and a practical approach to Architecture which produced a result which was driven by Client needs and budget and not by any outside desires for expensive design awards at the determent of their needs. To provide big practice service at small practice costs due to low overheads has enabled this vision to be realised. To this end I have been successful to date and have serval commissions in hand. I expect 2011 to provide exciting challanges for everyopne involved Construction and hope our leaders do what they need to, sooner rather than later for this country to live up to its own potential.

Well, first six months of trading as a sole trader and I have survived so far. Business is good and there seems to be plenty of ideas for development out there if only people could match it with investment or finance. I think what we need in Ireland now is a progressive new lender in the market to allow small home owners and businesses to expand which in turn will promote growth. Its hard to find good news stories to Blog about as there seems to be a general NAMA perma frost across the market place.
However the work prospects which are under discussion through the property panel are exciting for 2011. We all hope that there will be good news from this section next year.

The snow was good the last couple of days but after that became a pain in the butt. latest news is we may be in for more next week - Ooh happy days.
I must say the Nissan pathfinder was a God send in the ice. One fantastic machine in 4x4.

Projects to look forward to in the new year include:

Refurbishment of protected Structure in Mount pleasant Ave Dublin 6
Extension and upgrade to detached House in Templeogue Road.
Extension and upgrade to semi detached house in Blanchardstown - On site.
Rebuilding extension in Bray after storm damage from a fallen Tree.
Sun Room extension to house in Blarney Co. Cork.

The Property Panel has taken another big step forward this month with the launch of its new website: http://www.propertypanel.ie/

While the website is still under construction and some areas are being adjusted we do now have a comprehensive package of professionals and information for any customer in the property market.
The aim of the Property panel is to provide an experienced and flexible team of professional working together for you. The property panel will provide a one stop shop for clients which will mean sourcing
a reliable design team, build team, sales team, maintenance team will be less frustrating and time consuming for Clients.

From sourcing homes for first time buyers through to the commercial development of green field sites, our panel will provide the same level of attention to detail for every project.
 
For a no obligation, no cost consultation on how The Property Panel can help you call 01 832 3292 or email info@propertypanel.ie.

• Some of the features provided on the website will allow clients
  Ask direct questions to the panel or individual members.
  Live chat and question facility
  Direct access to latest Blogs from members

Project Design Architects would like to thank Wolfhound Software for their time and patience in setting up the website, and wish all the members of the panel the best of luck in the coming months on all our new ventures together.

I recently completed a course run in conjunction with the RIAI and Building Life consultancy on the topic of low energy retro fits within the domestic market. As A BER Assessor I found it extremely interesting to see the areas of energy design that did not feature in a BER certificate. The Use of the DEAP software for design purposes was made clear and is a valuable tool going forward in designing for the future builds. The main area of concern within the course was the treatment of the Thermal Bridging of a building both in its existing state by DEAP or in a future design assessment for Architects and clients. Over insulating walls and bad or improper detailing of new insulation can lead to increased risk of wall failure. Not dealing with the Thermal bridging effect when insulating an existing wall can exasperate the condensation issue at window cills and corners. Building Ventilation must be addressed within a retro fit design when improving airtightness and insulation factors. Not assessing these issues will result in wall failure.
Warning - Some insulating companies offer a service to clients which provide the insulation to the external or internal walls. Not assessing the impact on the existing house and use can in time lead to mold and general insulation failure of the wall. Contractors are then long gone and the remedial work required to rectify the damage can be very costly. Nobody wants to spend more money than they have to, however the bigger picture is that it is better to be advised as to how much you should spend before the works commence rather than an ongoing shopping list of problem solvers.
New Regulations are due to be published for part L soon and we would all urge the department to look closely at some of their tables, and standards which are now outdated and to take the opportunity to help us all move forward with details and designs that we know will work in Irish conditions.

A draft version of the new TGD L(2010) is currently on Public Consultation, which is aimed to achieve 60% reduction on energy consumption from 2005 standards.

It has good points but many weak areas:

Adding value to a home must include a design which will allow for cheaper fuel bills, and healthier living conditions and better ventilation. It is Project Designs Architects view that all these must be incorporated into good retro fit and new build designs projects alike and if necessary the client may need additional time to help understand the process and the terminology used to arrive at a successful end project. Yesterdays big world economics is gone and today people need their Architect to take the time to help clients think about life standards, healthily homes, low energy usage, commuting, energy source, which will then start to make some sense of recycling of bottles and green waste management on domestic levels.

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I have received alot of really positive comments on my various Blog posts (Thank you all) and as a result I feel the need to explain certain things to everyone else. I will try to answer the most common questions
This is a little bit of fun, do not take it seriously.
I have no idea what the theme is, if it has an RSS feed or not does not interest me, as I cannot do anything about it anyway. 
If my Blog does not open on certain computers then that is tough but there is nothing I can do about it.
If anyone wishes to use parts of the Blog in their homework or their own site - please feel completely free.
The only comments that will be approved will be relative to the subject matter. All the praise in the world will not get you approved.
Yes I do have a face book page, and a website, and twitter and linked in. If you can't find them through the information already within this Blog site, then it will make no difference anyway as you will not be able to use them either. 
I don't really care what Obamba does or thinks about.
If someone broke into Paris Hilton Hotel - then best of luck to them - Why? I have no idea nor do I care.

The above answers may not make alot of sense to everyone but they will answer alot of questions that I have received on the Blog. The whole Bogging thing must be big in the USA as 99% of my comments are from the States. Hello USA. I think its great and if anyone out there wants to chat about Ireland etc let me know and I will try to oblige. Now to leave some IT hints and Links --

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http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Wicklow/Project-Design-Architects/119556234762924

Now that the end of the boom is well and truly in sight looking back, we are now in no man's land waiting for the return of some growth in our devastated society. A new era of Architecture is now our challenge, how to maneuver around the obstacles of no credit, dropping values, a dead market and the mismanagement of the planning. The reports from fellow colleagues are not encouraging, as some good projects which would have previously being a 'no brainer' are just not getting the financial backing they need and so rest in a drawer somewhere away from the starving construction workers. As architects we are charged with the development of the built environment and trying to improve the quality of the country as best we can not just for now but for generations to come.

While there has been huge steps forward in the quality of Ireland's Architecture over the last 10 years, with advances in sustainability, green energy research, and general build quality and performance we need more now. We need to be given the opportunities to turn poor planning decisions of the past into something attractive and sustainable. Deserted sites and ghost estates need new radical rethinking to enrich our towns and contribute to the competitiveness of our economy. Architects are at the coal face of the crisis and our problem solving and outside the box thinking must lead the way forward. Lets not forget that jobs will be created here at home as we reinvent ourselves and not just by those selling product abroad. We must all examine and learn from the mistakes made. Tax revenue is needed and we cannot expect a shrinking work force to sustain the growing debt. The figures will just not work.

The recent request for a consensus on the 4 year budget is a nonsense. How can a government with such low support expect consensus on its policies, never mind the history of the policies and the fact that they will not be in government for 4 years gives them no mandate at all for this budget. I vote that they should do as they say for once. - Act in the interest of the country and call a general election now and let the people decide. Power back to the people. Recently I heard Ireland described as the drama LOST. Everyone stuck on an island trying to get off as quickly as possible before the whole thing implodes. It was a very funny description but sad if true. We Irish will not roll over, the fighting Irish will rise again and if we could get some leadership going and positive action from those that have the power, then Ireland might become more like the place we all want it to be.

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This entry is a continuation from the first Blog about the proposed bill to amend the Building Control Act by John O Donoghue TD. It is a plea to Minster Gormley to protect the people who have stepped up to the mark, agreed with the set procedures and complied with the requirements of the legislation as set down by the Building Control Act. The proposed amendment specifically excludes compliance with the basic minimum EU standards for the education of Architects. In principle this alone must send alarm bells sounding in the ministers ears. Not to mention Deputy O Donoghue's or John Curran TD who has been quoted as confirming the Government would not oppose this bill. Wake up Guys. Do we really think that a light touch approach to regulation will work and if so can we think of any models for this method of regulation recently which worked? I refer to the financial crisis which was caused in no small part by major regulatory failures and this government needs to stand up and be counted and set the standards high even if it is only from now on.

I'm a registered Architect. I have been through the assessment process which was a huge amount of additional work at a time when things were starting to get tough. I have 25 years experience in the world of Architecture and have been involved in many large and small projects. I did not feel I was above assessment or thought I should be included on a register without due examination. Why would I be afraid of such a system? Would I have been happy to just sign a legal declaration stating I have worked for seven or more years to be included on the register? YES of course, however would the general public be confident of my capabilities, I doubt it. I still struggle to survive in our new world and my few customers deserve the right to protection when they employ an Architect. Everyone now shops around before outlaying money on such services and it is important that we are all quoting and providing the customer with a defined standard. The register allow for a sound footing for customers to start from.

All of the Governments efforts over the last two years has been in bailing out the bankers and protecting our good name on the foreign market. We are told daily that these billions are spent to convince the bond markets that Ireland is a serious player and are willing to do what it takes to recover. Please do not now show the international community that we have learned nothing from the crisis and that we are willing to get back to old ways so soon. The cement truck driven into the gates of leinster House was only the tip of the iceburg of anger among the general public at the lack of leadership and action by this government, and backing down or pandering to local interest will not help.

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For all those people out there who like riding their motorbikes both for fun and as a means for commuting we are nearly there with the setting up of a like minded group of people. Several of us have taken the RoSPA Advance riding test and achieved Silver levels. We are now ready to launch a new club upon the Irish Nation. RoSPA Irish Advanced Rider training. RIART. We will have our first AGM on Nov 3rd 2010. It will be held at AIB International Center which is located in the IFSC in Dublin at 6.30pm. The principle reason for setting up this voluntary group will be to encourage fellow bikers to enjoy their motorbiking according to the Road craft system as set out in the Police Riders Handbook. In time and with your support we hope to push members through to instructor level which will then allow the group to offer training to members. If you ride a bike and would be interested in joining this group let me know and we will make contact with you. RIART will have ride outs every second Sunday and organised trips abroad and within Ireland for all those members interested. Its going to be great fun and if we can make any small indent into the safety record of motorbikes and public opinion then it will be worthwhile.

Of course we have professional fully trained, fully insured instructors. Some people ask the strangest questions.

Although the country is reeling from the recession which has hit hard into everyone pocket, there is still a need for good quality
and value for money advise for people looking into property. With this in mind and the huge variety of disciplines available where does
one start looking for the right person for the right job. The idea that one panel can offer a full range of expert services must be an attractive one.
The property panel has been set up by Paula ter Brake of Home Brokers with a view to solve that very problem. Professionals from all different
disciplines have been meeting each month with a view to see who will commit to the panel. We are now twelve members strong and ready to launch
onto the Irish web space. This space will allow anybody to enter a query in relation to any aspect of property, buying, selling, refurbishment, planning, building,
moving, electrics, cost analyst, engineering, interior design, kitchens etc and receive direction on how to proceed. Residential and commercial property owners
and or prospective buyers and sellers will have a panel of professional to call on.
This idea is a fresh way or approaching a property problem, and has such good merit for anyone with a question in relation to property.
Watch this space as we set forth to launch a new web site and get the country moving again.

What a great time we all had last weekend in the West of Ireland. Some might say it boys and their toys but I tell you it was one hell of a informative and enlightening trip. Getting the opportunity to ride with some class instructors and advanced rider really brings you on. The application of the road craft system was faultless and it was on poor surfaced back roads in the west of Ireland. Mind you my fabulous GS 1200 along with the other nine GS's did not have any issues with road surface or the odd bump or two. Joining us GS's where 3 BMW RT's,2 BMW K1200, 2 Pans, a Triumph and a Ducatti. Talk about some people like suffering or what??
We met up with the guys from England on Friday at Dun Laoghaire and then proceeded out to the M50 through the south side of Dublin until we turned off for the west. Picking up a few additional riders in Enfield and on then through the midlands , Cong and arriving in Leenan in Galway. Saturday was the most amazing , sunny and long day I have even spent on the bike. Leaving the Hotel at 9am it was raining heavy, Headed up toward Achill and hit some of the most spectacular scenery as the sun began to break through. Out around the coast and across the Achill sound. Spin around the island and then out again toward Belmulet, and the north coast of Mayo. The ride from Belmulet out the R314 to Ballycastle was breath taking as the cliffs along by the ceide Fields came into view. Reported to be the first location of farmed settlements in Ireland it is a magical place. We then turned south along Lough Conn, across Glen Nephin toward Westport. Not finished yet we took out to Louisbough and down through the Doo Lough Pass. If there could be a place that would conjure up the images of the little people and fairy's and turf loaded Donkey pulling carts then here it is. A very enjoyable pint was had after all that and the excitement was audible in everyone chatter at dinner.
Sunday and its South we went. Cliff den, Ballyconneely, to Roundstone. By the way, riding around the twelve Pins mountains and the conamarra lakes we did get lost a few times. Hugh Curran was our leader and admitted that circling around Mountains and Peninsula it was hard at times to know what direction we where meant to be traveling in. It was all taken in good adventure style. Riding the coast road right down to Galway bay and Spideal traffic was building and it looked as if it would be a hard fought journey to get to the Burren. So a change in plan was agreed by Hugh and off we when north again to Moycullen, Oughterard, across to Maam Cross. At this point it started to rain and the best road yet was traveled in heavy rain to circumnavigate the Maumturk Mountains back to Leenan for a well deserved rest and another enjoyable pint or three. Good crack, company and standard of riding made for an impressive weekend.
The standard and smoothness of the advanced riders is only to be seen and experienced to realise the level of comfort that is achievable with practice and good training. Our first AGM to form a New Irish Group to advance the ideas and training of RoSPA is to be held on 3rd Nov in Dublin and hopefully a good attendance will form an exciting group of like minded riders for training and enjoying the Art of Motor biking. I have not mentioned Monday trip back home as it was rain I never want to see again. Enough said.

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