The Lean Builder: Architects — my frustration overfloweth

In the past year, during our LeanPlan Workout process, we had the dubious honor of “working on” plans from 3 of the biggest name, most expensive…

The Lean Builder: Lucky man - Making the most out of the housing recession

Michael J. Fox and I have something in common (besides the obvious – talent, good looks, irreverence, witty repartee, etc.)  We both have an…

The Lean Builder Blog: Marshall Field had it right

Last weekend was the annual Christmas sojourn to my wife’s relatives in Chicago. On the obligatory trip downtown to Marshall Field’s to see the…

Lean Building

PO vs. VPO—Another ‘Voice of the Process’

Your processes can teach you so much and save you a lot of cash. But you need metrics 

The Lean Builder Blog: Don’t let this passion go to waste

Yesterday after presenting an orientation for our LeanPlan Workout process to a group of suppliers & trades in Texas, a contractor named Mike…

The Lean Builder Blog: Turnkey or not?

I am frequently asked, what is the right way to buy labor and materials? Should you use turnkey suppliers and trades or should you purchase and…

Architect

The Lean Building Blog: The problem with architects

Last year PB received an official complaint letter from a high level staffer at the AIA, basically saying that I was being unfair to Architects. I…

The Lean Building Blog: Nothing left to take away?

If asked, I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite author, but if forced to choose just one I would go with Antoine St. Exupery.

St. Ex,…

The Customer Code – are you meeting it?

One of the greatest misconceptions about Lean process and methods is that they cheapen the product. Lean is first and always about value, and the…

Lean Building

Poster child for bad design

The accompanying picture was used recently with what was an otherwise good article on how to create profitable design. That article is much bigger…