IRS Deductions for Energy Improvements

The AIA has reminded me that the US Federal Government has an underutilized tax deduction for energy improvements to existing and new buildings increasing their energy efficiency. The exact details are complicated, but an educated architect can help you design your building project to meet the provisions of this act.
Here is the link to the IRS document outlining the requirements: www.irs.gov/irb/2008-14_IRB/ar12.html

Master Bath Gets Updated

I've read some articles in the last few years saying that showers are replacing tubs in Master Baths, but I believe that has a lot to do with the amount of space one has in the bathroom for all one's needs. There are larger tubs for couples, which are popular just as larger showers for two. Couples still desire enough room to not bump into each other every morning while rushing to get ready for the day, and want all their products and appliances within reach. But making the room inspiring is what preps the soul for the day. A need that is often overlooked.
The Master bath gets an update from Kohler with vibrations through the water, from your favorite playlist, or 4 pre-installed music tracks. The video is a bit over the top, but well produced. Here is a link to their video promotion on the Kohler website:
Kohler VibrAcoustic Bath

New Visions at City Arts Factory

Stop downtown and see the show and all the galleries downtown tonight. I have 5 pieces in this show, including recent Baldwin Park paintings. I am also in a show opening two blocks down at the Avalon Gallery tonight.

Shriners Hospital Saint Louis

My friends at Christner Inc. have shared the news of a New Hospital announced in the Washington University Medical Center complex.
Shriners Hospitals for Children will enhance clinical and research collaborations with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine in a facility designed by Christner. Laboratory space supports specialized orthopedic research. Family accommodations ease the stress of hospital stays. Children from a nine-state region travel to the hospital for care, assisted by Shriners volunteers.

Read more at this link to their webpage:  Christner-Shriners Announcement

Dynamic Miami Walgreens

I just saw this new Walgreens pharmacy store in Miami, Florida. It is quite a break with their standard repetitious store style which looks the same in most towns and cities across the USA. Land values are high in Miami which probably led to the roof top parking, but the techno-deco imagery is an homage to the local architectural style. I have to commend Walgreens for the initiative to move their store styling in a new direction.
I am told this is not an unusual situation for the upcoming new stores, and that we can expect more unique store designs in the future from Walgreens. Kudos to the management for working to make our urban areas more exciting places to visit or live.

Mississippi Delta View

I flew over the Mississippi River Delta last week as I landed in New Orleans. The mud peeking through the surface of the water, changes with the rising and falling tides. I have never had such a view before.
The hand of man has dredged hundreds of channels through the mud and I was surprised to see a few homes out there on the precarious looking turf, accessible only by boat. I wondered what type of person lived out there far from the protective flood walls around New Orleans. A risky location, time and again overwhelmed by water.
However, the place must hold a special beauty like no other, along the edge of the gulf, soft  ground, no trees, struggling vegetation, fish and foul at every turn, to lure a few assured individuals to brave that location. I found its eery beauty enthralling.

Craftsman Ginkgo Switchplate Covers

My block on Indiana Avenue in Saint Louis, Missouri, was lined with Ginkgo Trees. Their leaves turned a brilliant yellow every Autumn, and littered the lawn with their cheerful color. While researching craftsman style to renovate another home in St. Louis, I developed the idea to have switch plate covers throughout the house with a Ginkgo leaf pattern. Last month while glazing pottery with some friends, I found these two clay blanks and started to realize my vision. 
Since my house has the flat toggle switches and outlets that every architect seems to love, these switch covers will not have a home. But the pottery studio is looking to get me a stack of clay blanks to fit my light switches. I can't wait to create more, in different colors for my house.
Let me know what you think.  And please share my Blog with your friends. Thanks for reading.