Victoria BC

Resolution Free Zone

I’m always searching for better. Better business systems, better health, better time at home… Plus, there is something about this time of year. Maybe it’s watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ yet again, or seeing your in-laws, but I always end up reflecting on the state of the world I’ve built around myself and think about how it could be better. Don’t get me wrong. I’m routinely accused of being a ‘glass overflowing’ kind of guy, but this is the time of year when I look to see if my destination is getting any closer and if it’s time for any course corrections. And so, we come to the inevitable topic of resolutions. I got some great advice from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. He is an advocate of tiny habits resulting in big goals. James talks about optimizing for the starting line instead of the finish line. For example, instead of aiming to lose 20 pounds, make your goal to just show up at the gym, even if you don’t get out of your car, just make a habit of getting to the gym. Once that becomes a habit, the larger goal will follow. Read the book or watch one of his youtube videos.

This is the same message our friend Paul Akers preaches: tiny improvements gradually transform our company and our lives. Like Clear, he’s talking about forming habits. The habit of making daily improvements. So here’s wishing you an Atomic 2019. May your habits make you happy. If you like some inspiration for your lean goals check out this video made at Yellowtools in Germany https://youtu.be/O6R2CmyaMlY.

Valley View

Substantial Completion at Valley View

Wayne should really look happier in this photo! We started working with PCL Construction on this design build project in the summer of 2016. The new building on the Riverview Lands in Port Coquitlam will house treatment programs for youth aged 12 to 17. The unique needs of this facility meant a long collaborative process to get all the details right. Ted and his crew have been working on site since May getting the millwork and wall protection scopes installed.

Calgary Library

Amazing Calgary Library

I don’t remember the last time I was so impressed by a building. The Calgary Central Library website says: “This family destination and gathering place was designed to be a landmark, built to inspire Calgarians for the next 100 years”. That seems spot-on. The building is full of inspiring spaces designed for every civic purpose and community use you could think of. I came away feeling like I’d just been in a great cathedral to learning. Our friends at Executive Millwork in Calgary performed the millwork contract. They did a spectacular job. The tiniest wood details were given careful attention. They truly did our industry proud. I urge all lovers of architecture and millwork and libraries to make Calgary a destination and visit this spectacular building.

Where are all the Women in Construction

Construction has traditionally been considered a male bastion where only a rare few women could succeed. Despite some big shifts by government and business, women still make up only a pittance of the workforce. Douglas sets out to discover why…

Read the article featuring our Morinwood staff here