IFMA Austin News
August 1998 abridged
Jayne Mortensen

From the Presidents Pen

When I speak to the members of IFMA-Austen, I am constantly receiving praise, congratulations, and feedback on the wonderful programs and events the chapter has put together this year. With eight months complete, we have set records for attendance and, in my opinion, quality. It’s nice to know that the members agree. With just four events remaining, we’re looking for to more participation and your direction for the year to come. Watch your fax for our annual survey and Mark your calendars for Sept. 10th. Our Best Practices Roundtable is one worth the price of the ticket!

Thanks.... Joe

Design Editorial

by Jayne Mortensen
Over the eighteen years I have been working in the interiors industry, I have seen many designers leave their mark. Some with texture and color, others with space and function... many with both. However the most talented designer I have met along my path, approached design with understanding; not only of the space or the project at hand, but of the field of design itself. 'Big D' and 'little d' was the way she described her profession. Many people need the very least you can design. No master planning, no standards programs, no building systems integration or stacking diagrams.. just the every day event of, 'how many people can I fit in here?' Solid design decisions put to work solving problems.. that's 'little d.' Does that mean that 'Big D' has a higher purpose? Absolutely... and by design. The education behind design trains creative individuals to trust their instincts, push their limits and shape society.. through their designs, whether you're designing buildings, furniture or accounting departments. Design is like music... there are only two types.. good and bad. Just make sure you are playing the good stuff, regardless of which appellation that follows their name. AIA, IIDA or ASID does not insure quality design... people do. That is what is a root of 'Big D.' Not a large prestigious architectural firm nor even the big hat housewives that decorated the homes of your youth. You can find 'Big D' in both settings. The trick is knowing in what level to work. And it doesn't have to be 'Big D' to be respected or good. Many good designers work in the world of 'little d.' What do 'Big D' and 'little d' have in common? The same effective communication, knowledge, balance and good taste.

Bookish

by Jayne Mortensen
This spellbinding "peek through the fence" lets every sidewalk superintendent watch as a vacant lot is transformed into an impressive skyscraper. skyscraper offers insight into how architects design, how engineers apply their technical expertise and how construction workers put it altogether. It goes behind the scenes to reveal the concerns of developers, community activists and politicians. The personalities, the plans and the ultimate exhilaration are all felt in this dramatic story of a magnificent achievement and the human forces that made it happen.
if you liked "skyscraper," read "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand

August Meeting

Topic: How to Assess Your level of Quality
In this session you will discover how to apply a Baldrige-based (from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award) assessment tool to determine the level of quality in your organization. Jim and Alice will give you an overview of the assessment categories, to include what they mean, and how they are typically used, along with some current examples.

Following the short presentation, you will participate in an "on-line" assessment via computer input. Your answers will be displayed on a projector in graphical form for easy interpretation.

At the end of the presentation you will be given a copy of GAQC's popular one-page Self-Assessment inventory. Instructions are provided for scoring and average scoring for company or department. the Self-Assessment also includes a Planning Worksheet that is convenient for determining what is to be done, who is involved, and how it will be measured.

Name: Jim Nelson
Title: Executive Director
Org: Greater Austin Quality Council, a component of the Greater Austin
Chamber of Commerce.
 

Name: Alice Nelson
Title: Quality Engineer & Facilitator
Org: Dell Computer Corporation

Personal Growth
                a series of non-facilities  management skills that make better FM's

"Resolving Conflict"
(Part One of a Four Part Series)

WORLD WORKPLACE 1998
October 18-20 McCormick Place South, Chicago, Ill USA

IFMA Professional dues to Increase


To help cover the cost of expanding internal and external technology services, educational development and continued research, IFMA Professional membership dues will be increased in the new year. Effective January 1, 1999, annual dues for professional members will be $ 225. At its April 1998 meeting, the IFMA Board of Directors voted this $ 30 annual increase.

"We're increasing the number of services and benefits available via the Web by creating a virtual association." said Pamela Ewton, Director of Technology. "Our goal is to have four educational programs on-line by this time next year. Since most of these services are free to members, it is necessary to increase professional member dues."

With the tremendous growth in the technology market, IFMA is doubling its efforts to stay on the cutting edge. In 1997, technology cost tripled and they are expected to double again in 1998, according to Ewton.

E-mail your management skill suggestions to jamortensen@msn.com

Welcome New Member
Kim Wilkowich- District Administrative Coordinator, Lotus Development Corporation

IFMA Partner Spotlight
-Pathways- LifeWorks
IFMA-Austin
Community Involvement Partner

IFMA-Austin's community involvement partner, Pathways, has just merged with three other Austin non-profit agencies, Child and Family Service, Youth Options, and Teenage Parent Council of Austin to create "LifeWorks" in an announcement made July 1, 1998.

LifeWorks will collectively provide very comprehensive youth services for Austin, including: individual and family counseling, family violence programs, financial and consumer counseling, metal health and substance abuse programs, summer therapy camps, pregnancy prevention, housing and support services for homeless youths, mentoring, GED classes and pre-employment training.

IFMA-Austin began their partnership with Pathways in May by establishing a committee dedicated to community involvement. Committee members include: Jayne Mortensen (Committee Chair), Julie Barr, Janet McCalister, Carol Green and Peggy Sklar. This committee is actively at work with career guidance seminars, job skills mentoring within their facilities and planning for the Fall Sundown Classic, a 10k run-walk that benefits Lifeworks.

Janet McCalister, account manager with Office Pavilion and degreed interior designer, recently spoke to a group of 15-18 year old LifeWorks participants about career choices. She demonstrated computer aided design (CAD) technology. Julie Barr, facility manager with Tivoli Systems is planning for a LifeWork's youth-to-work in the mail room and help with the Tivoli recycling program. Better yet, the 1998 IFMA Executive Committee has pledged to open their facilities to these "at risk" youth to share their knowledge and career direction to the segment of Austin's youth that may not know where adulthood may lead or how to succeed once you get there. WON'T YOU HELP TOO?

If you are interested in getting involved to help IFMA-Austin support our community, e-mail Jayne Mortensen or call 472-7300. Thank you IFMA-Austin for your support!

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