You're a cool and confident, type A personality. When you're talking about architecture. If you aren't so cool and confident walking into a room full of people you don't know, and you aren't sure what to expect or who specifically you're looking for, it can actually be a little intimidating. My first tip is that all these strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. Don't be afraid to walk up to a group of three or more people and introduce yourself. Finding that one person standing by themselves in the corner might seem like a good idea, but you're likely to get a very short and one-sided conversation from them. I know because I've been that person. If you want to approach that person, bring a friend along so the three of you can talk longer.

You thought my first tip would be to identify who you're looking for? Well that is important, but don't make that your first task because you might not have any real clue and figuring that out shouldn't delay you from going to the very next interesting event you can find. Really, the first thing to do is calm down and get out there. Once you have a feel for a group you can say, "ok there are lots of Xs here, so if I target only the ones with Y going on then I'm likely to get a project/make a good connection..." ya get me? It's likely, also, that once you meet a few random people and impress them with your utter awesomeness they will have suggestions for who they can introduce you to... and the ball will be rolling before you know it.

So now you've gotten the feel for a group or two, and you're getting an idea who specifically you want to meet. Go find out where those people hang out, and get into those groups. It's okay to try a few random things at first and leave them behind if they don't suit you. Make diagrams if you must.

Now take it seriously. You know that pen you've always got? You're an architect; you simply must have a writing implement at all times... Good, make sure it's handy. We'll get back to it. Also, have some cash. I know that's scarce for architects right now, but if you meet the client of your dreams at one of these things and you don't have a $20 for a couplea drinks, then you're not making a good impression!

And where are your business cards? Do you have them? Are they in a super interesting case that people will oohh and aahh at? Good, that's how it should be. Keep your card case in one pocket, and always have another pocket available to put others' cards in. Even if you're a woman. I know it's difficult, but you're an architect. You're supposed to have everything thought of and taken care of in advance. Act like it! (sometimes I mess up here, but it's no biggie) Your purse is NOT an acceptable receptacle for these things! Please trust me because I've fumbled through my purse, even the outside pocket, enough times to know the truth of this tip. No matter how super awesome your purse is, it's no substitute for pockets!

And how's your breath? If you were thinking of chewing gum, DON'T! You may pop a mint, but please don't chew on it. Yes, there is food at these things, but you don't want to be that person talking with their mouth full or smacking on gum the whole night. It's normal to grab an appetizer at a time and casually eat, but if you're on your way to an event and you're starving it might be best to have a snack before you get there. I'm just sayin'. I have been that person who loads their plate up and stands in the corner wolfing it down as other people pass me by. You don't want to be that person. Plus, if you have a drink in your hand do NOT pick up a plate full of food. I break this one all the time. However, it is best to keep one hand (preferably your right) available for shaking at all times. You never know!

Oh, and your name tag goes on your right shoulder, not your left. As an architect, I'm sure you can picture going in for a handshake, and as your eye moves up from their hand to their face it will follow their arm and BANG, their nametag is right there. Make sense? I knew you'd understand.

There you are, with your pen and business cards in one pocket, a $20 in your wallet, nametag on your right shoulder, walking in the door... ready for a drink to be placed in your left hand... The first action to take when walking in is to either go left or right. Just pick one and always do it. You'll look like you've been there before, and can mingle easily knowing that you're following a circular pattern around the room until you hit the bar. I know circles aren't all that precise, but you get the message. If you really love geometry, and we know you do because you're an architect, you can even devise a more linear criss-cross pattern through the crowd. Whatever method you use, just follow it all the time and you'll never look like a lost puppy on the street.

So what questions are you going to ask when you're out networking? If you've had some experience working with clients directly and know the kinds of questions you ask to develop a program it might not be so hard. But if you're an intern who's been stuck in the model shop for the last 2 years... well you'd better think about it before hand. Make sure you've brushed up on current events. If you volunteer anywhere or have a hobby, that'll be good in a pinch. There's always the old standard Who, What, When, Where, Why and How... Not sounding like an interrogator takes practice, so don't worry.

Actually, once the person you're talking to finds out you're an architect, they will have tons of questions for you. It might be a cliche, but it's also true that you will probably be the most interesting person in the room. Don't let it go to your head, just be thankful you happen to be a mystery. And be friendly. People might be fascinated by you, but they're also probably a little scared you'll break out an attitude or start being aloof. If you don't like them, simply politely excuse yourself and move on. The point of the event is to build relationships with the people you meet as quickly as possible. Be memorable in a positive way. Having a funny logo (like mine) on your card doesn't hurt either. [see me if you need a logo ;) ]

Relating to lots of people can be difficult or overwhelming. But if you're honest and good-natured people will respond. If you can't think of something to say, then it's okay to admit it with a little chuckle. This isn't a test, and you're not in front of a jury. You need to make connections and be personable in order to grow your network, so don't judge anybody or act like you don't have time for them if they're not who you're looking for.

And if they are, then don't be all sales-pitchy. (a technical term) If they casually mention the NY Times or Comcast or any other organization with an interesting or new building, then you can wow them with your knowledge. This is the key. Lawyers and Accountants can't do this! Almost nobody can. But you can probably talk about lots of businesses or companies in terms of their architecture and really make an impression as well as educate whomever you're talking to. You can even sketch on the back of YOUR card something interesting during the course of the conversation! They'll remember you and what you talked about for sure.

If you take a break and walk out of the room, or at the end of the event, it helps to break out that pen and write down what you talked to each person about on the backs of their cards. Don't let them see you doing this because it's not polite to deface something they possibly put a lot of work into. Just write down what you remember as soon as you're out of sight. Maybe doodling what they look like will help if you have a hard time remembering faces like I do. Plan to reach out to them by whatever means you like within the next day or two. Set up a coffee or lunch with them for the next week or two if they seem like a good prospect or strategic alliance.

So I guess most of those tips were pretty standard for most people. But if you're an intern and have a specific networking question you can't find the answer to, I'd be happy to help! Probably any experienced architect would be. ;) Now go and have fun!

There have been many edges in my world, and I woudn't be the person I am today if I hadn't stepped beyond them.

At first it seemed my parents were disappointed because I didn't just go off to the University of Minnesota like they'd planned, or like my older sister did. I wanted to make a smoother transition from high school to the big city, and spent some time at a community college first. It was great and I made one amazing friend for life there... And then I moved on to the University. It was big and scary, but that was really my first threshold to cross. I'm glad I took my time, though, because I was much more prepared for "the real world" where I was not a big fish anymore.

See, my life in a small town was pretty easy; I was smart - near the top of my class, and I knew who liked me and who didn't for the most part. (most people didn't like me.) When I got to Minneapolis suddenly I wasn't the top of my class anymore, and there were lots of people who pretended to like me but didn't or showed no interest but actually were very fond of me. It was weird. I struggled. A lot. But at least I had some constants like my friends who were nearby and my job that I loved.

Skip ahead 4 years, and suddenly I was in Philadelphia. I had secured a place to live and a job, but didn't know anybody here and was totally unprepared for the challenges of grad school. Not to mention losing who I thought was the love of my life to an accident while I was in transit from there to here... Man, I'd never been in such uncharted territory before. I made some mistakes and learned a lot from them. Went to a bunch of neat places and loved it. You've heard it all before.

Graduation brought another threshold...
Marriage brought another...

And then there was unemployment. In a city with a massive abundance of architects, what's one more architect to do? What a mess! So I figured eventually to try not working for someone else for a change, and ventured on over the threshold of entrepreneurship. I'm not sure I like this world, though. Not sure what the future holds.

Today I was planning on writing something a bit less emotional - not that there's much emotion in this piece, but I'm getting a bit upset thinking about how hard business is - this seems more relevant to lots of things that I've been thinking about lately. Listening to the Inspiring Women's Summit was enlightening. And I've been volunteering some time lately, which probably needs attention at some point here. Reading a bit about productivity this morning was another thing that led me to participate in the blogoff today. Anyway, I've been feeling a little like another threshold is coming or has been presenting itself for some time now... There is something I want to do, and people are telling me not to. frustrating!

This blogoff is a good brief opportunity to think about how far I have personally and professionally come, and for that I am thankful. It's always good to know the world isn't flat! See below for other people who've gone to the edge...

I dig smart thermostats. And I dig clean looking home technologies. This Nest thermostat is affordable and sexy. (Yes, I said it's sexy.) It reminds me of the first iPod...

Now, I spent a short amount of time [6 months] recently, and then a semester back in grad school focusing on home technologies and what they can do. So I know a little bit about this stuff. There are lots of programmable thermostats... some learn, some you can control with your computer, etc.  and some do both... They're not affordable and sexy. Not in my opinion at least.
This IS. I mean, just look at it!

All these images are from their website, by the way.... which I've pinned on pinterest - and others have re-pinned! So I think they'll be successful.

Some specs: 3.20 inches in diameter, projection 1.44 inches from face of wall.
24 bit color display. WiFi connectivity!!! 5 year warranty. compatible with most HVAC systems - this is important. link multiple thermostats together for zoning. made of green stuff! (PVC free) rechargeable lithium ion battery.

They didn't pay me for being excited and posting this about them, and I haven't gotten any gifts. (though I wouldn't turn one down) I just wanted to be a little bit more well-rounded (no pun intended) than simply pinning on pinterest. Hopefully lots of people will consider changing to smarter home technologies if I keep sharing them!

as you were.

Why is it important to improve the indoor environment?

• Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoors with things like pollen, mold, dust, dirt and chemical scents and cleaners. Typically air changes don't eliminate these things enough.
  
  
• The things that make up our homes emit gasses from surface finishes like paints and sealants and glues that bond materials and pieces together.
  
  
• We typically spend most of our time indoors, and so we're constantly being exposed to these gasses and microbes.
  

What can you do now to green your kitchen?

Faucet aerators reduce your water usage immediately for a few dollars

1. screw on main faucet aerator is $2
   
2. spray hose reduces water usage and increases pressure which cleans faster
   
   

Water filters provide cleaner, safer drinking water at a fraction of bottled cost

1. pitcher types are very inexpensive, however try to find a glass one as plastics offgass
   
2. 10 stage filters are best, $100 for countertop model or more for under-counter mount
   
   

Drain strainers prevent clogs, and associated harsh chemical use

1. straining the food out of the water that goes down your drain keeps drains clean
   
2. that stuff that gets stuck in your drain can attract molds and pollute your air
   
3. the food you strain out can be put to good use, which will be covered later
   
   

Greener cleaning products and detergents reduce household chemicals

1. 90% of the cleaning products in your house contain formaldehyde, which causes cancer
   
2. products based on natural ingredients such as tea tree oil are just as effective and cheaper

Recycled paper towels and consumables reduce deforestation rates

1. people now use more paper towels than washable cloths for cleaning
   
2. recycled paper products typically contain fewer chemicals than virgin, bleached ones
   
   

100% Organic cotton towels and soft goods are washable and safer to produce/use

1. 25% of all insecticides are used in cotton production
   
2. 400 of these pesticides were registered and begun use before being tested to see if they caused cancer or birth defects, etc. It takes 10 years to ban one of these pesticides in the US
   
   

Herb pots save money on foods and provide tastier and more nutritious herbs

1. indoor plants have shown to increase air quality
   
2. home-grown herbs cost almost nothing compared to grocery store prices, especially organic
   
3. home-grown plants in general contain more nutrients than those grown in depleted soil on commercial farms
   
   

Countertop compost pails and bins outside reduce food going to landfills, AND feed your (or your neighbor's) garden

1. countertop pails are available at places such as Williams Sonoma and Bed Bath and Beyond
   
2. they have lids and carbon filters to eliminate food waste smell
   
3. biodegradable bags are available and can break down in a compost bin pretty quickly
   
4. compost bins are easy to find or build, and come in a variety of styles
   
   1. build a bin out of old pallets or other non-treated waste wood
      
   2. must be 3' by 3' can be open on the bottom and can have a lid or not
      
   3. place in a convenient spot in your back yard where you can access it and it won't affect the neighbors, strategize if you garden because the nutrients leaving the bin can help
      
   4. other bin types include simple piles or fences and should be chosen carefully based on your neighborhood
      
   5. commercially available bins can be $50 to $100, however the plastic ones are not advised. Find a metal tumbler one for fastest results.
      

What can you do soon to green your kitchen?

Scissors and knives

1. when your next tool bites the dust, consider getting all metal or the highest quality you can
   
2. these last longer and you will end up spending less in the long-run
   
   

Measuring cups and spoons

1. get glass and stainless that will last longer
   
2. are easier to wash
   
3. and don't contaminate your food with paints and plastics
   
   

Pots and pans

1. get cast iron, copper or stainless pots and pans that will last longer
   
2. won't contaminate your food with harmful non-stick chemicals such as teflon
   
   

New Dishwashers use less water and energy to run, are quieter and clean better too

New Refrigerators use less energy and keep food fresher longer with new technologies

New Stoves, ovens and microwaves use less energy

What can you do someday to green your kitchen?

Re-Paint your walls with Zero VOC paint for a fresh look without air pollution

Flooring

1. high-quality renewable flooring such as ceramic tile, bamboo or cork
2. use a non-toxic sealer to keep it nice for the life of your home
   

Cabinets

1. good condition cabinets can be re-surfaced, I'm not sure about the VOCs associated with it
2. high-quality modular cabinets can be a good investment. Doing nothing is always the greenest option, however if you have to replace your casework there are a few things to keep in mind:
   

            you won't find solid wood cabinetry because solid wood warps in moist
            kitchen areas

            all commercially available cabinetry has a composite core such as MDF or             medium density fiberboard, which I believe is generally safe and stable

            focus on the laminate – they are usually wood, so get a local wood. Find             out what wood is locally available and native to your area. All areas are                 different in this respect. Bamboo is always a good option because it                     grows incredibly fast and is highly renewable.

            Glass or tin inserts are nice looking and generally VOC free

            look for FSC wood – whenever you're building with wood, get Forest                     Stewardship Council certified wood. They monitor growing and harvesting             practices to protect the environment.

Countertops – there are many green options such as recycled glass for a traditional look and pre-cast concrete for a modern look

1. Ceramic cement ~$85-125 /sq ft Countertop mix uses 70% recycled content. 50% of that is glass sand, and 20% is recycled fly-ash. Very sustainable.
2. Bio-Glass ~$50 /sq ft 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, Cradle to Cradle Silver certified and available in 6 natural colors. 
3. Concrete ~$? You can do DIY concrete countertops, though I haven't tried it yet.
4. Marble or granite ~$100 /sq ft Granite produces a tiny amount of radiation and I wouldn't buy it. Also, these have to be quarried (usually far away) and the embodied energy in them is very high, making marble or granite actually very unsustainable. 
5. Recycled Marble chips ~$20 /sq ft This is a much better option if you must have natural stone. Most affordable option.
6. Recycled glass + cement ~$50-60 /sq ft This is a modern look that is also durable.
7. Recycled glass + epoxy ~$50 /sq ft EnviroSLAB does not require periodic chemical sealing, which other materials do require.
8. Recycled metal ~$70-80 /sq ft Looks kinda like granite.
9. Recycled paper + concrete ~$40-75 /sq ft Looks like concrete, but is lighter.
10. Recycled paper + resin ~$35 /sq ft This looks cool and is very sustainable, but can't really take a beating.