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Contract Specialties, Inc.
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September 2007
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"Why aren't you signed up for the 401K? I'd never be able to run that far."

-Dilbert

(click image for Zipp)

Office construction spending up
Office construction spending was sluggish early in this business expansion, but then jumped 31% during the 15-month period ending in June. A further 18% gain is expected by the end of 2008.

The building surge is being fueled by a decline in office vacancy rates, according to Property & Portfolio Research, with rates falling from 17% to under 15%.

The office building boom will last several more years, although the growth pace will slow. Office construction starts through July are 38% higher than in same period last year, according to Reed Construction Data, but further gains should be modest.

The rapid growth in demand for office space stems from the strong employment growth in office-based industries. Job expansion in finance, insurance, business, and professional services is more than twice as fast as in the rest of the economy.
Chill Series
Chill lounge seating epitomizes the sleek, timeless aesthetic of America's preeminent furnishings designer, John Hutton. Among his last works, this collection is comprised of three distinctive lounge groups complemented by two occasional table series.

Chill is available as a mid- or high-back lounge chair or sofa, both offered in a barrel back construction or a cubed or straight back. The casual elegance of these pieces is enhanced by the over-scale upholstery with or without buttons in the back.
Framework
Art Deco and Far East influences inspire the Framework Collection of six new upholstery fabrics complemented by three drapery qualities and one multi-purpose fabric from HBF Textiles. Together they can be used as a kit of parts to create elegant, welcoming environments. "A framework is a starting point from which to begin a project and a guide from which to work," says Framework's designer, Barbara Barry. Known for her glamorous, refined style, her textiles have a restrained yet lush color palette. Her work takes her all over the world. "Seeing old things in new ways in new places inspire me."

Circle Epingle recalls a Japanese rock garden, a tatami mat inspired Boucle Check and Floating Screen portrays the filtered light of shoji screens. On the other side of the design spectrum; Deco Jacquard pays homage to the Deco movement while Silk Stripe and Wool Twill recall the crisp haberdashery of Savile Row.
24 no-brainers for greening your next project
Here's a checklist of green ideas to consider for your next low- to mid-rise green building, based on the advice of B. Alan Whitson, RPA, a principal with Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institute. As Whitson says, "Good design adds value faster than it adds costs."

All the best,

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Bill Meyer
Contract Specialities, Inc. (CSI)

phone: 954-389-1295 or 800-808-8274