-Let’s Talk Culture-

One of the prime areas of focus for us over the last few months has been the outward expression of who we are and who we want to be.  We are a Native American owned company, and we have a major focus on Native American communities and traditional expressions in general.  But who we really are is much more than “Native American.” In fact, “architect” doesn’t really fit the bill either.  The longer list is far more interesting:

We are bicycle commuters, traditionalists, golfers, gamers, techies, geeks, mountain bikers, hikers, goof balls, champions for the little guys, silly, very serious, computer nerds, and thrill seekers (just not really big thrills.)  We are passionate about people and communities.  We are concerned about our world’s future, but we are vested in the present and have a large measure of optimism for the next twenty years.  Perhaps most of all, we are CORE, Ltd Architecture.  That means something to us.  CORE is a tight knit group of exceptional people able to take on the challenges of the world with a “that’s what she said” joke, a truck load of commitment, and the true desire to see other people succeed.

For the longest time we have kept this our own “secret club.”  Where before you could even know the group existed, you had to be proven worthy.  And like all good clubs, we realized we needed more people to make fun of.  It was then that we really began to evaluate the outward expression of our corporate culture.  It was time to “say it loud.”  “I’m CORE, and I’m proud!”  Life has become a party!  It’s a party with hard work, dedication, and continual learning, but there’s also party favors, funny hats, gifts, bubbles, surprises, and fun and games.  And occasionally ice cream!

We love who we are, and we’re excited to be ourselves in public.  So here’s the question.  Who are you?  How does the world see you?  Is it the same as how you see yourself?  Are you trying to be someone else or portray an image that doesn’t really fit who you are? Why is that? 

We can’t tell you who you are.  But we can help you put it into words.  One of the steps of our project roadmap we call “polishing the soul.”  This is a process which we use to help people express the ideas and pictures they have in their heads.  So even if we can’t tell you who you are, we’d enjoy hearing all about it!

-What is Green?-

Lots of talk these days about green…. Both money and environmental issues.  Some have said green is the answer, that it represents the next economic revolution.  What do we think?

It’s about time!

No really.  Talking about green and spouting green propaganda is, in my mind, the same as being outwardly non-racist.  If you have to tell the world you are not racist, that you love people of all color, and that you support all human rights, you’re really just trying to convince yourself.   It’s not about what you say, but what you DO.  Republicans shouting about “moral purism” while at the same time leading double lives of shame and deception.  Democrats who espouse equal opportunity and protection of the working class, while stuffing their pockets with ill gotten gains.  Sounds to me like a lot of self justification.

And so we return to “green.”  Let’s get this revolution over with already!  I would love to see nothing more than the extinction of contrived bureaucracies like LEEDS and the USGBC not because they’re not needed, but because they’re not relevant.  If everyone in the world makes the little effort to turn off the unused light, installs fluorescent bulbs, recycles, buys recycled content materials, understands and embraces new energy saving technologies, and makes the effort to understand their energy and resource usage, we will have no need for a “big gold sticker” on our foreheads (or building entries).  At some point (and hopefully very soon now) the stickers, plaques, and parchment will be as impressive as the “my child is an honor role student” bumper stickers.   “Good for you…. I just want to get on with my life without your supposed accomplishments trying to make me feel inferior.”

The meat of the issue is this.  Don’t do it to make yourself feel important, hip, superior, or modern.  Native cultures have utilized environmentally appropriate building methods for centuries.  You are not modern.  Do it because it is right.  Do it because it saves money.  Do it because you are a greedy American and you want to keep your dollars in your pockets.  (That’s why we do it!)   Do it because the decision should be automatic.  And here’s our little secret…..  we’re going to do it for you anyway.  We’ve been designing low tech and high tech energy efficient and environmentally sensitive structures for decades now.  We may not even give you many choices about it.  Not because we’re trying to force you to make the world a better place…  but because it is the most logical, appropriate, cost effective design methodology that exists.  We didn’t need a bumper sticker/president/professional organization/world fund to convince us…….  Just experience, backed by science. 

And I don’t give a rat’s ass about getting a gold sticker!  But, if you want one….. we’ll help you get it……….

“Good Guy, Bad Guy”