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Nothing Endures But Change
Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher 

 
Greetings! 
 
We're in the middle of a "re-calibration." More of us are taking a closer look at how we live, what we value, and who we are.  It behooves us to consider how our personal environments fit into this.
 
Along those lines, the first thing on most people's minds is a concern about the value of their real estate, and how to make the most of what they have.  Here are three steps you can take to boost the worth of any home or building you own:
  • Maintenance:  It seems so obvious . . .  Take care of any outstanding repair issues sooner rather than later.  Left alone, small neglected problems can mushroom into larger, much more expensive ones.  It's so much easier to fix that tiny roof leak now, than to deal with a bigger hole, as well as the water and mold damage that could come with it if ignored for too long.
  • Energy Efficiency:  Yes, I'm harping on the "green thing" again!  Take advantage of the tax incentives offered now to make your structure more energy efficient, and start reaping the long-term rewards of energy savings.
  • Design:  Don't try to anticipate the "next big trend" dictated by the media or the real estate industry. Instead, enjoy the value of shaping spaces that are truly in sync with your own needs.  We've been advocating this at Full Circle Architects for over two decades!  True value in real estate - residential, commercial or other types - comes from creating spaces that function at their highest and best uses.  Here are some examples:  

    • Kitchens that make it easy to cook and entertain
    • Family rooms that comfortably support the gathering of family and friends
    • Common areas in Condominiums that offer gracious and easy access to and from individual units
    • Offices that boost productivity and solidify brand identification

Now more than ever, functionality and efficiency with a sense of style is the rule.  This approach is something our firm takes pride in delivering, as we continue to help our clients create spaces that beautifully support their lives.  
 
Yes, change is enduring.  But getting back to basics with a healthy dose of common sense has never been more stylish!


All the Best,
Lenore
 

News Around the Circle 
Recent & Upcoming FCA Events:
 
On Saturday, September 26th, Lenore Baigelman was a featured guest and presenter at "The Old House, New House Home Show," in St. Charles, Illinois at the Pheasant Run Resort.  She spoke on kitchen design basics, presenting important factors to consider when cooking up a new or renovated kitchen. 

On Friday, October 9th, Full Circle hosted a group of Schuler Scholars from Highland Park.  The students toured our studio and participated in a "hands-on" program explaining architectural career choices.  For more information on this very worthy organization, visit www.schulerfoundation.org.  

Thursday, November 19th: SAVE THE DATE!  
We're planning an evening of Edu-tainment:
 
Kitchen Magicians: Turn "Blah" into "Aahh!"
While Feeding the Hungry


With the holidays approaching - and holiday meal planning a highlight - we have assembled an expert panel of three kitchen designers:
 
  • Doug Durbin of nuHaus of Highland Park
  • Herb Sauser of Designer Kitchens and Baths of Deerfield
  • Shannon Turner of Woodharbor Home of Chicago


These talented designers will take the same basic kitchen and each offer three plans to improve it: low-cost, medium-priced, and no holds barred!  Enjoy lively discussions and tasty hors d' oeuvres, and come away with tips on how to update or transform your kitchen!

This fun and informative evening will also have a higher purpose: serving as a fundraiser to help fill the shelves of the Northfield Township Food Pantry, so that we can share our bounty with neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.  While there is no charge for this event, we suggest a minimum donation of $15.00 per person, payable by check made out to the "Northfield Township Food Pantry", or simply a bag of groceries that we will deliver to the pantry for you.

We welcome all participants, asking only that you RSVP by Monday, November 16 to Jennifer Gordon at JGordon@FullCircleArchitects.com, or call our office at 847-564-0884  

FoodPantry Tan BG



Condo News 

Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Wolin-Levin Management

Dan Baigelman provided condominium property managers with a presentation on Life Safety Evaluations and the impending required improvements due by 2012 in the City of Chicago.
 
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Draper and Kramer
Dan Baigelman spoke about the importance of "greening" condominium association Construction Rules and Reserve Studies.
 


Green PaintsDid You Know?
Green paint offers more than a color.

A new Illinois law took effect on July 1 that mandates (with a few exceptions) the use of only low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints in the state.  This outlaws more than half of the previously acceptable oil-based primers and finishes, affecting 54 different different coating categories in all. 

What exactly is a "VOC"?

VOCs are added to paint to make it easier to spread and improve how it adheres to a wall.  But as paint dries, organic solvents evaporate and contribute to ground-level ozone, a known public health hazard. Some VOCs have been linked to asthma and other respiratory problems. They are also connected with cancer in animals and are suspected to contribute to cancer in humans.
 
Knowing all that, why would anyone use traditional paint high in VOCs?  In the past, low VOC paints had serious limitations, such as poor coverage and limited color choices.  But paint technology has come a long way, and paint companies have perfected the quality of low VOC paints.  In addition, many paint companies offer paints totally free of VOC's. 

A word of warning on this new law: a loophole exists that allows paint companies and painters to continue to sell the older paints if they were stocked before the law went into effect. So the old paints are still out there.  This means people who prefer low VOC paints should make sure they hire a qualified painter that uses this type of paint.  If you have a specific concern, contact one of the major paint companies (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore or Pittsburgh Paints) to find out what exactly to look for on the paint can label to ensure it has low or no-VOCs.

Congratulations go to...!
 
Us, as we celebrate the one-year anniversary at our new headquarters on October 24.  We are sincerely grateful to our clients, whose business and trust fueled our firm's growth, necessitating the move to our current eco-friendly digs!  

  
 ...and finally, a challenge met, and a new one issued 
 
Congratulations to Sue Talman for posting the most interesting question in our last newsletter challenge.  Sue won a Starbuck's gift certificate for her question about siding for her home.  She wanted a siding material that is low maintenance, and has a natural-wood look, and endurance.  We introduced Sue to fiber cement siding, an all natural, non-toxic, renewable material  considered a highly durable alternative to vinyl and wood siding.  Thanks for asking, Sue!
 
Do you also have a building-related question or problem you'd like us to help solve?  E-mail us with your challenge.  The next  interesting questioner will win another Starbuck's gift certificate!