CREDIT: Design success infographic courtesy of 99designs

Good design is more than just cosmetic window dressing for companies, a new survey of small business owners shows. A majority of them think the design of their logos, websites, marketing materials and other branding tools is an important factor in the success of companies and will become increasingly important in the years ahead.
Read Article here

What are the core ingredients of great idea executions? How are our workspaces impacting our creative output? And why do we waste almost 40% of our productivity each day?

What are the core ingredients of great idea executions? How are our workspaces impacting our creative output? And why do we waste almost 40% of our productivity each day?
Read Article Here

The first event was a Talk Show on retail commercial spaces & Restaurants organized by the Institute of Indian Interior Designers Mumbai regional chapter. When I received the invitation to speak at the show I had no Idea that more than 250 Architects would show up! Of the many interesting conversations that evening the one I found shocking went like this. I asked a designer “what is the labor portion of the interior construction? The reply “It can vary between 30 to 50 percent depending on how many times the project gets rebuild to make the client happy.” It appears that Indians today want good design and are willing pay for it.

The second interesting conversation took place with owner of an AD agency, which revealed following interesting facts. High net worth individuals are 2% of the Indian population. Most of them are located in 2 or 3 metropolitan areas making them easy targets of international luxury brands. The 12% middle class Indians have created heavy demand for goods and services in first and second tier cities. Shortage of luxury accommodations and high costs of internal air travel are sending Indians overseas for vacations which work out cheaper. Travel exposes them to international brands. Indians want everything western and are willing to pay 300 to 400 percent more for then that of compatible local products. International restaurant franchises such as Subway, McDonald, and Domino etc. are thriving. Indians businesses are eager to partner with international brands to ensure success.

The third interesting conversation took place with two friends in the city of Poona. Both of them had lived and worked overseas before returning to India and starting their businesses in IT and residential development. The subject of conversation was India growth story, future prospects and opportunities in the following three scenarios.

First scenario, if someone only wants to utilize their capital, India will offer a greater rate of return of capital invested. The local banks are offering CD’s with 8.5% interest. With the GDP growing at 8 to 9 percent and explosion of middle class families, equities and real estate will offer attractive returns. Second scenario, there is a shortage of experienced professionals in every field. The salary gap with west has narrowed and there are plenty of consulting opportunities. The third scenario is for those who want to use their capital as well as skills to start business. With the middle class house hold to jump from current 21 million to 91 million by 2030, collaboration with established international brands in hospitality, retail and restaurants sectors are good bets.

The growth prospects for India are very promising. The individuals and businesses that are part of the growth story should do very well!

Looking forward to more conversations, your feedback will make it more meaningful!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been

Everyone expects this boom period to last another twenty years. In that period India will offer numerous opportunities for those who are looking. When I asked the CEO of a Pharmaceutical company about opportunities in India, he replied “Opportunity is a state of mind!” A timely statement to ponder on to commence the New Year!

With best wishes for the New Year!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

               Construction is Booming!!

Autocad in a remote village in Kerala? Yes, there tons of centers which promote the education of technical software like Autocad.

A retired school principal didn’t want to just build a house boat

He wanted to bring a five star hotel experience to vacationers

 His two week old boat features teakwood interior

 Ocean facing luxury hotel

 Bliss and harmony

Elements of traditional Kerala architecture in a modern hotel

 A spice shop in the old city

 A sea shell stand on the southern tip of India (Kanyakumari)

A spa resort built around lagoon on the famous backwaters of Kerala

A bridge leading to the resort’s yoga/mediation temple.

 Meditation is easy when one is surrounded by natural beauty.

 Merry Christmas from the first shopping mall in Cochin, Kerala

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See you in 2011.

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

This visit I decided to learn about the India story first hand. My focus will be on the businesses of architecture & design, real estate, retail, restaurant and hospitality. I started my journey in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. For the next few weeks I will share my findings with pictures.

Park by the sea the where business people go for networking and fresh air!

A retired CEO I met at the park, remarked “Gandhi is responsible for the rise of the Indian industry. The  textile  industry was born when people stopped buying clothes made in England! “

New Mall

An international Sports bar

Bollywood crew getting ready for late night movie shooting!

A new Italian eatery

A café popular with the college crowd

Indians are extremely optimistic about their future. I hope to bring this optimism back to the USA when I return. Optimism can be very contagious!!!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

This story was told by a former national account manager of a well known lighting company. The company is the largest supplier of lighting fixtures to the retail industry. I would like to share some of his as well as my observations of store lighting in the mall stores and offer some suggestions.

Designers know that lighting is  a very important part of design. Unfortunately, many beautifully designed projects have mediocre to very poor lighting. Bad lighting in retail can derail the success of the store. Great visual merchandising without proper lighting is like a soft drink without the fizz – very flat!!!!!!

Lighting is an art as well as a science. Big projects with large budgets hire lighting consultants, but in most of the mid size and small retail spaces, lighting is done by architects, interior designers or the electrical engineers. Lighting design can be improved by eliminating commonly followed practices.

Lighting fixtures are added to a project well after the design is finalized. The electrical engineer is then handed a reflected ceiling plan to plug in the light fixtures of his choice, keeping in mind the energy budget requirements. It is irresponsible to select and arrange fixtures based solely on how they look without thoroughly investigating the suitability of the lights for that particular area. The primary purpose of a well illuminated retail area is to enhance the customer’s shopping experience. Below are three things one should consider in a retail light design.

1. Glare.
Beware of the glare. The stores with appealing window fronts get the most customers. Good window displays mean nothing if they are not well lit. With lifestyle centers sprouting everywhere, many national retailers’ window displays lose their effectiveness because the lighting is not modified for outdoor centers. The displays get lost due to reflection and glare. Increasing the light level in the display window to balance the light level on the outside will do the job and the same approach works in mall areas with skylights.

2. Rule of Three.
Varying light levels are essential to break up the monotony of the shopping experience. Using a three to one ratio is an easy way to create contrast. This can be accomplished by making vertical surfaces three times brighter than the horizontal surfaces. It can be achieved by lighting the general areas with fluorescent or incandescent down light, cove lights or a combination of the same to create a uniform ambient light level. Walls can be lit by aiming track light fixtures, adding light cornices or built in light fixtures to display the merchandise. Stores with high ceilings can also utilize metal halide high bay or low bay fixtures to provide ambient lighting.

3. Natural.
Lighting should not be viewed as a static element. Architects spend a lot of time in finding the perfect placement of a building on a site to optimize the movement of the sun. Magic happens when the sunlight enters space at a certain time and intensifies at a specific time of the year. Think of using the lighting design to achieve the same dynamism nature provides. With the new technology, it is possible to not only change the gradient of the light but also the color.An example of dynamic lighting is layered lighting, where ambient, direct and indirect  and accent lighting is utilizes in the same space.

Lighting design is not complicated. Follow the basic rules and leave the rest to imagination. A well lit store will do wonders in sales and profit.

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

In a press release on November 18th, the US Green Building Council [USGBC] announced the launch of LEED for retail. It is the newest Green building system and LEED volume program. The LEED for retail recognizes the unique needs of retail environments and addresses different spaces they need for their product lines.

The following strategies to pursue the LEED certification outlined in the publication “LEED reference guide for Interior Design and Construction – Retail supplement for  design and renovation of retail projects ” are beneficial to the environment as well as the economy.

1. Sustainable Sites – Delivery Services.
Providing a delivery service for large purchases will allow customers to use public transport when visiting retail stores. This service also encourages customers to visit stores not in their immediate vicinity.

2. Water Efficiency.
Devise strategies to reduce water usage by 20% for general building use as well as commercial process water used in restaurants for kitchen equipment. These goals can be achieved by using efficient water closets, urinals and faucets and pre-rinse. Use of products bearing water seal labels and energy star dishwashers, ice-makers and steam cookers also make a big difference. Many utility companies offer rebates for these products, providing additional economic benefits.

3. Energy and Atmosphere.
Lighting is a critical element of a retailer’s sales strategy. It provides illumination and highlights the products, creating an atmosphere conducive to shopping. Reduce connected lighting power below the allowed standard by ANSI / ASRAE / IESNA 90.1-2007. Using high efficiency illumination sources can provide adequate light level while cutting down the energy use.

4. Materials and Resources.
The tenant must commit to remain in the same location for a minimum of ten years. The strategy is to secure a location for a long period of time saving costs associated with moving- hiring new personnel, store build out and merchandise to name a few. It also conserves resources, reduces waste and the environmental impact of tenancy relating to materials, manufacturing and transport.

5. Indoor Environment.
Successful retail businesses have to deal with high traffic making durability and important consideration when selecting materials. Choosing a durable product which minimizes the negative effects of indoor air quality is very important. Selecting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, wood and floor stains with minimal or no VOC emissions will reduce indoor air contaminants harmful to the occupants.

Following LEED principles of green retail design can help create a healthy and efficient operation which can lead to increased sales and satisfied employees and customers.

Yes – these days it IS easy to be green!!!!!!!
About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

1. Focus.
Every retail or restaurant design project demands a unique perspective besides the obvious goal of maximizing revenues for the business. For a prototype design project, the focus may be on establishing a brand identity, verses a rollout project, where speed and cost may be the primary factor. The focus for a  project that is undertaken in the month of September for opening prior to Black Friday, could be on  finding a design solution  using materials and fixtures with zero or very little lead – time.

2. Form.
Everyone in the design industry has heard of the famous quote by architect Louis Sullivan “Form follows function “. Over the years, shapes used by designers were influenced by tools used to communicate design concepts. Today, computers permit  the creation of complex forms with as much ease as the triangles and T-squares permitted the creation of geometric forms.

3. Function.
Function at a macro level defines the design goals for areas based on the activity. At a micro level, having a clear understanding of all the elements utilized in the design at the start of the project, help produce an integrated design solution. It is perfectly okay to have a sculptural design element serving to no function other then enhancing  aesthetics of the project !!!

4. Flexibility.
The only certainty is that there is no certainty except change. Change is certain. Adapting to change requires a great deal of flexibility. Businesses should be designed for future change as well as well as expansion. Displays at wall and floor, should be designed for seasonal flexibility. Wouldn’t it be nice if a store can be remodeled with minimal disruption of business at the time of lease renewal ?

5. Finance.
Focus. Form, Function and Flexibility directly impact finances. More complex the form, greater the impact on the finances. Though finance dictates majority of the design decisions, there are times when budgets can be expanded for the prototype store design to procure future locations in ” A ” malls, or attracting venture capital for expansion. The architects and designers who utilize the client’s finances in a responsible way will deliver successful projects.

The secret recipe for successful projects is to use these ingredients in the right proportion. Those who get it right will have a bright future.

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

My journey to becoming an architect started during this very holiday many years ago. At the age of six I visited my grandfather’s architectural office for the very first time, in Bombay to participate in the religious ceremonies attached to Diwali. On the third day of the festival – Diwali itself, the business community participates in praying to the Goddess of wealth – they offer their accounting books to her for safekeeping and pray that she always stays with them and increases their business. Many of my grandfather’s business associates were there and being the youngest person as well as the owner’s only grandson at that time, I enjoyed a lot of attention. Being India, people expected me to follow in my grandfather and father’s footsteps and so the questions were bombarded on a six year old whether the family tradition would be followed and I very proudly replied -” yes, of course,”  thus unknowingly setting the course which would shape my life.

The rituals and activities of the festival are different in every part of the country. Behind many of the rituals lie philosophical wisdom worthy of reflection. One can use each day’s activity for reflection on a particular aspect of life.

Day 1: Wealth
The first day of the festival involves prayers to the goddess of wealth for prosperity. Generating wealth through the right means is extremely important for the well being of the society and the current economic times are a brutal reminder of what can happen when greed runs rampant and the basic laws of finance and fiscal responsibility of individuals and the government are ignored. Wealth is not limited to hard currency alone. For an individual or an organization to succeed, good values, creativity, specialty and intellectual properties are equally important. An architect must pay equal attention to the financial aspect of the retail store as he/she does to the design and functional aspect of the project.

Day 2: Destruction.
The second day of the festival is devoted to the goddess of destruction. Picasso’s famous quote “Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction” is a powerful reminder to embrace destruction. It is important to destroy beliefs which become stumbling blocks to one’s success. Designers get attached to their personal style over time which results in the cookie cutter approach – all the projects reflect their personality rather than the brand identity of the business they were hired for. Evolution of technology also demands the destruction of old processes to make way for new approaches. Embracing creative destruction can give businesses an edge over less nimble competitors.

Day 3: Knowledge.
The third day of the festival is Diwali itself – the festival of lights. Light represents knowledge and knowledge is power. John Naisbitt’s 1982 best seller “Megatrends ” bold prediction of the transition from an old era of an industrial society to a new era of an information society seems to have come true. Continuous expansion of knowledge is needed not only to succeed but also to survive. The businesses and nations that invest money in R & D are going to be the drivers of growth. The general practitioners of architecture and interior designers will be replaced by those who devote all of their R & D resources to their chosen specialty to deliver design and services to match the client’s time and budgetary needs.

Day 4: Change
New Year and its resolutions. Everyone makes them and breaks them. The important part about making any resolution is a desire for change and change is good. A mindset that embraces change is essential in today’s world where changes are multiplying at a very fast rate. A mindset with a flexible outlook to life is a good way to start the New Year.

All the friends I talked to in India had seen President Obama on TV arriving in India and were encouraged about the prospects of trade opportunities between the two countries. The optimism for the future is a positive sign since the economies are intertwined. I am hoping that we feel the same degrees of optimism emerging markets are experiencing in the not too distant future and the gloom and doom is relegated to Hollywood movies.

With best wishes for Diwali and a prosperous new year!!!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

My inspiration for this week’s blog came from the infamous quote in the film Field of Dreams, “If you build it he will come”. It’s all about location, isn’t it!!!!

The popular real estate mantra “location, location, location” explains why some promising businesses fail in poor locations and mediocre businesses do so well in great locations. In order for any business to succeed, it should be situated in a location which has good visibility, accessibility and heavy traffic of potential customers. Regional and outlet malls, lifestyle centers, urban street locations, and Hotels and Resorts with designated shopping and dining areas all meet this criterion.

In the case of multiple location choices, there are three things which will help the decision process.

1. Do your own research.

Data on demographics, sales per sq. feet and traffic count do not always portray the true story. Numbers give the overall average and there is no way of knowing the best or worst case scenario. Visiting the location on different days and times will help identify potential customers. Interacting with neighboring retailers, mall operation management, contractors currently working on projects there will reveal a wealth of information. You will get a first hand feel of whether your brand strategy will attract shoppers.

2. Consult an architect.

Most people hire architects only after the lease is signed. They don’t see the necessity in wasting money if the location has not been selected. This makes logical sense, but isn’t business all about taking a risk to reap big rewards? Hiring an architect to do a feasibility study of multiple locations has the potential of providing the highest return on investment of activities associated with the project. A store layout will reveal whether there is enough room for merchandising or any structural restrictions, which might compromise the design; and in the case of a restaurant, which locations would require the least modifications for a rollout based on a prototype design. Also wouldn’t you like to know if the toilet is ADA compliant or not?

3. Consult a contractor.

Rarely are contractors asked to be part of the location selection process. Clients usually contact them after the lease is signed to find out what the building costs will be. The contractors in turn refer them to the architect and ask to be furnished with the drawings so they can bid from subs. Those who have done projects in locations under consideration can provide a wealth of information on requirements unique to local regulatory agencies as well as landlords and these affect time line and costs. Though many general contractors will provide free consultations, it is best to compensate them to receive the best advice.

The retail business is still in the final stages of full recovery from the current recession. With the promising holiday season around the corner, many of you will be thinking of expansion. This is also like the World Series – first game, bottom half of the ninth innings, bases loaded and you are on deck — Wouldn’t you like to hit a home run by selecting the right location and start a winning streak?????

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

The article talked about their research in the difficulties the buyers and sellers face in finding each other in the marketplace, specifically applied to the job market. This search theory has since been applied to topics from such as the housing market all the way to searching for a spouse.

Their research concluded that the high rate of joblessness could be the result of “Friction” which keeps the employers and job hunters apart. This ”Friction” could be regulations, lack of skills or general employment benefits. The theory can be applied to the housing market, where sellers holding out for unrealistic prices, lengthen the process of selling the house.

Where is the “Friction “in the design and construction industry; specifically pertaining to the retail and restaurant projects in shopping malls? The most common complaints I have heard, are that projects do not open on time and end up costing more than the budget allotted.

The following “Frictions” [causes] can provide an explanation.

1. Starting Late.
Once a location is selected, the lease negotiations between the landlord and the tenant start. On numerous occasions these can take months, leading to a delay in the opening date of the project. Waiting to award contracts after the lease is signed may not permit enough time to design the project, obtain necessary approvals and complete construction.

2. Every Project is Unique.
Experienced merchants and restaurateurs also get hit with these surprises!!!! Timeline for getting permits vary a great deal from different building and health departments, sometimes by many weeks! Many malls have timing restrictions on material deliveries as well as certain types of construction activities.

3. Lack of Expertise.
This is the age of better, cheaper and faster. Specialization rules! A famous architect or a designer specializing in homes will have to undergo a steep learning curve to learn about retail design and mall approval processes. The same goes for contractors. A residential contractor and his subs, unfamiliar with the mall process, can drive up construction costs, same with cabinet makers who build kitchen cabinets, not familiar fabrication of  store fixtures.

4. Lack of Finance.
The financial crisis has hit everyone hard. Many projects could not start on time as banks are requiring a lot more documentation. The high degree of uncertainty has made everyone cautious. Contractors are stopping projects due to lack of payment, vendors are demanding full payment up front for custom made items. I have even heard of architects who meet clients at building departments and will not stamp drawings for permits till they receive full payment for their services!!

5. International Connections.
With many US companies buying licenses for international franchises, a new level of complexity with serious impact on timeline and cost is now facing us. Communicating and getting approval with international franchise architects can be a fairly lengthy process. The prototype design has to be modified to meet local codes. It can also be a very daunting task to find the local equivalent of European light fixtures and specialty finishes. Importing those components is an expensive option, having to undergo testing by local laboratories and receiving certification. There is nothing more horrifying than local electrical inspector rejecting imported light fixture without a UL label days before a project is scheduled to open!

Please share your stories of projects which were delayed and over budgeted. Give suggestions to new comers in the industry! Wouldn’t you like to help?

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A,  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. he moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

These are not good times for retailers. The unemployment rate is very high, and those who have jobs are afraid of losing them.. The spending habits of people have changed and unless they get a good bargain, will think twice before opening up their pocketbooks. The morals of most of the people in my industry – retailers, tenant coordinators, architects, store planners, contractors, fixture vendors etc., seem to be at the lowest point since I have known them. These are people who at one time were extremely positive. Some are predicting that things will not get better till 2013 – the sense of impending doom is everywhere!!!!!!

This is the very same reason I, on the other hand am extremely optimistic!! Granted, I don’t have a crystal ball to see the future, BUT, there are plenty of reasons to be upbeat about the future. The national bureau of economic research has determined that the recession that began in December of 2007 ended in June 2009.More that 80 percent of the people are still working and shopping, and Wall Street had its best September in 71 years.

This is a great time to do a new store or add / expand your business, provided you have the right concept, a sound business plan and financial resources to fund the project. There are more various locations in the malls to choose from and the rents are lower. The cost of opening a store is significantly lower today, than it was a few years ago. According to industry analysts -25 to 30 percent lower. Couple this with a reduced rent and prospect could be an irresistible proposition to ambitious entrepreneurs.
For those on the verge but a bit reluctant to committing to new projects, the following time and cost saving strategies may prove to be the tipping point.

1. Finding a location in an existing mall v/s a new mall or a major expansion of an existing mall has the following advantages.
a. Existing malls have an established client base. Availability of historical sales data makes it easier to forecast sales for the new business.
b. People are creatures of habit, and it may take some time for a new mall to become popular. Even in expansion area of successful existing malls some retailers have discovered lack luster traffic in new sections as people only shop in familiar areas.

2. Building a store in an existing mall has economic advantages. In a new mall, the tenant has to pay for covering up separation walls, electrical panels, a/c units, sprinkler systems, bathrooms and even pour concrete slabs – none of which is required for existing mall locations. There are greater savings when existing design elements, such as, partition wall, ceiling, lighting, storefront elements are reused. Designing restaurants, permitting the reuse of exhaust hoods, plumbing and electrical for equipment and grease traps can save tens of thousands of dollars !!!! These projects also take less time to build saving time and supervision cost.

No one knows when the business cycle will turn around, but if history is a guide, it will! Jobs will come back; consumer’s confidence will rise and people will shop!

Those who have resources are not afraid of taking a risk and this may just be the best time to open a new retail or restaurant or a restaurant business.
Warren Buffet once quoted “If the business is worth a dollar and I can buy it for 40 cents, something good may happen to me.

I am hoping something good will happen to entrepreneurs who are not afraid of taking risks will take advantage of this conditions. The optimistic in me believes the best times yet to come!!!!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A,  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. he moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

There are many similarities between the game of golf and game of business. The people who enjoy both do it with great passion. Just as a golfers get up at the crack of dawn to get the first tee time, an entrepreneur works 24/7 in pursuit of his or her dream. In both games even the best executed strategies at times do not deliver desired results. Events beyond one’s control, such as a sudden gust of wind or an economic tsunami can drop a ball in the water or tank a business.

The following tips to fixing a golf swing can be also used to improve business.

1. Keep your eye the on the ball.

Review your original business plan to ensure you are on track. If things have changed, update the plan and implement what’s required. Going back to the basics is the easiest way to fix things.

2. Face the target.

Knowing your target audience is important. Unfortunately, the temptation of catering to a broader segment of the population is irresistible, and somewhere along the line your Brand Identity may get lost. It is helpful to periodically ask questions such as: “Does my store design, décor and visual merchandise align with my brand?” to one self as well as the customers. Don’t forget that we live in an age of rapid change! For example, what worked in a youth centric store ten years ago will definitely not be applicable to the youth in today’s day and age.

3. Observe your grip pressure.

A good golfer doesn’t hold the club too tight or too light. This allows the club to hinge properly and produce consistent shots with power. Similarly, the right amount of pressure in a business can be applied to people to stay focused and be productive without micro-management. Given a chance, creativity flows freely, innovations come about and organizations thrive!

4. Swing the club slowly to hit the ball longer.

This is probably the biggest secret in golf because it is counter-intuitive. This secret was divulged to me by a priest [ NOT KIDDING ] on a golf course in Los Angeles. Far be it from me not to listen to a man of God, and of course my game improved dramatically. It did not go down well with my fellow golfers that I was aided by divine intervention!!!!!  The lesson from this is, there are lots of paradoxes in life and one should be open to all the possibilities. Just because certain strategies worked in a business, they are not carved in stone. Nothing works forever. The real reason for success could be something simple or obscure and has been overlooked. Thinking outside the box “happens” inside the box – commonly known as the brain. Business is a collection of brains in an organization, and the greater the harmony, the greater the potential!!!!! People don’t say “Brain Power” for nothing.

5. Relax.

Every golfer’s experience is that the best round of golf is played when one is in “The Zone”. It is a state where one experiences the greatest sense of peace. In that state, the boundaries between the outside world and the individual disappear and everything flows effortlessly. It has a meditative quality which words cannot describe and yet the existence of it cannot be disputed. Creativity requires a relaxed state of mind. Individuals and organizations that can provide an environment where such a state of mind can flourish will have the greatest chance of succeeding. In today’s world where knowledge is king information travels fast, the only real edge a business can have is to know or think of something others have not yet discovered. This discovery can only happen in the “zone” which is the link to the infinite source of creativity! No matter how dire the situation, rather than getting worked up and going around in circles, it may be worthwhile to take a deep breath to relax and think. The answers to the questions will most likely come sooner than one thought!!!!

I started this journey last week searching for the “secret formulas” to success now realizing that they do exist, and are plenty. The best part is the excitement of discovery and the journey itself, which I hope you will enjoy as much as I am.

Have a wonderful week.

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com

Walking by numerous stores, many of them selling merchandise of similar categories I began to wonder how many of these businesses are going to be around ten years from now.  A question popped into my mind. Why do some businesses succeed while the others fail?  Some of them enjoy success for a short period of time succumbing to market forces causing their demise. Then there is  Apple that was on the brink of extinction and was  revived by the visionary Steven Jobs. Apple is now the envy of every business out there whose success story has become a legend.

What is it that makes a business successful? Is there a secret formula that some businesses have discovered which give them edge over other business? Do CEO’s of the company know something which others do not know?  Is their Luck involved where a perfect business plan is evolved at the most opportune time? Does the Universe plays favorite electing some to succeed while others fail creating favorable conditions for same? Does success have to do with companies comprised of a whole lot of successful individuals creating business success? Why is that no once in the academia has come up a formula of business success which everyone use ensuring every business to prosper?

After pondering over these questions I saw myself drifting in world of fantasy. Out of arrogance I thought why can’t I come up with the magic formula? After all, achieving business success can’t be that complicated since there are many successful businesses. The secret to success must be very simple and obvious which many have overlooked leading to their failure. Would looking at the past experiences with businesses will reveal secret of their success?

In my fantasy I saw the struggling retailers using my magic formula to draw customers to stores increasing their sales; the consumers started shopping (without affecting their savings rate!) Business started hiring people, the unemployment dropping, economy improving , the GDP growing, a classic “ V “ shaped taking place, stock market reaching new highs, Numbers of new IPO’s soaring creating new jobs, good old times had returned with the recession becoming a figment of memory to be forgotten quickly! Though I was imagining things and the imagined scenario was a fiction the eternal optimist in me could not rule out the possibility of what appears as a fictional scenario becoming a reality in not too distant future!

After waking up from the fantasy the reality of the situation hit me. It became very obvious to me no matter how hard I try I will not be able to come up with a secret formula for success. After all there are so many people who have studied businesses and management and not come up with the formula so how can I? If such a formula existed the world would not be in the current economic condition it is and those who had the formula and shared it with humanity preventing the current crisis and made a bundle in the process.

So is the situation hopeless? I have to believe that considering direness of the situation affecting retail business and shopping centers everyone is working on ways to deal with the current situation. Retail business are working in-house or with the help of outside consultants fine tuning their business plans, adjusting merchandise mix , conducting customers survey and experiments to get customers back to their store,  increase revenues revisiting their expansion and growth plans and waiting for the signs from consumers and economy for signs of revival. Cautious optimism can be said to be most beneficial mantra of the day to sustain company moral.

I felt a strong urge to explore the world of business success.  Since I have spent my entire professional life serving businesses and the primary goal of every business is to succeed pursuit of that desire seems to be a worthy undertaking. If I had better understanding about businesses I can do a better job of serving them. The vision of breaking the mold of a stereo type Architect discounted with reality of business is extremely appealing.

So I am embarking on personal journey of learning about Business Success. Since I operate in the domain of retailers, restaurants, hospitality businesses in shopping centers I will be focusing my investigations in that arena where I will have access to maximum expertise. I will also talk to colleagues from college in India where I did my undergraduate studies to bring a bit of global perspective. I will also revisit numerous books I have read on business, motivational and spiritual literature for concepts relating to this subject. In the past I have written columns for various publications on multiple topics spanning from spirituality to architecture and looking for a place to write down my thoughts. Through my blog I hope to inspire others from my experiences as an architect, designer and an entrepreneur along with sharing experiences that have inspired me through the years. Enjoy!

About Deepak Vora, A.I.A  Leed A.P

Bio: Mr. Deepak Vora is the Founder & President of the Architectural firm – DRV Design based in San Diego, California, U.S.A. He earned his Bachelor in Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture in Mumbai and moved to the U.S in 1974 to get his Masters degree in Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York. Since then he has been specializing in retail, food service and hospitality projects. For more information visit www.drvdesign.com