How wonderful the warm sun feels on the skin. Fresh air is full with fragrance from the spring blooms and you are filled with the burning knowledge that summer is just around the corner. If you’re like me, the fever to be outdoors has kicked in at an intense rate, causing me to wonder why I am inside. Ah yes – spring seems to have heated up the AEC market as well.

When I talk with our chapter members, it seems that everyone is over-the-top busy. While we’re all thankful for better times, we need to be careful that we avoid burnout. So for those of us busy working inside, but wishing to be outside, here are some helpful tips from Dina Giolitto to survive spring fever.

1.       Shift your schedule forward or backward a couple of hours. If you’re able to make such a shift, think of how much more enjoyable your day could be if you leave by 3. You can enjoy what’s left of the beautiful day by reading, taking a walk to clear your head, spending time with your family at a picnic dinner in the park or playing fetch with the pooch.

2.       Break up your work day into sections. Trying to fight the feeling of mental block or restlessness will get you nowhere. In fact, it only makes it that much harder to concentrate. Spend a couple of hours working hard, then get up and take a walk - even if it’s just around the block or out the front door just to see the sun. This will help clear your head just enough to get your productivity levels back up.

3.       TAKE A VACATION! Everyone needs one. Sometimes you have to give your body what it’s asking for – REST! If work is overwhelming to the point that you just feel the need to get into your car and drive as far (and in my case, as fast) as you can, then it’s time for a couple of days away from the office. You will be amazed at what time away from the craziness of a hectic week can do for you mentally and physically. You’ll be recharged to continue to taking on the world.

4.       Start to set goals on paper. If you aren’t already doing this, start now. Having a list to check off is a handy way to be efficient and show (yourself) that you have accomplished things. Refer to the list frequently, and don’t forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments. You’ll soon realize that setting goals help to keep you on track and focused.

5.       Designate a time to check email. How many times are you on track to complete a task only to find after responding to a few emails, you’ve not only lost track of time, but you aren’t even sure where you stand on the task you were working on? Where did I leave off? What was I about to add in? Email is a big time waster, especially when the weather is warm and everyone is pre-occupied with the lightheartedness of the season. Dedicate a block of time to respond to those emails, as well as cleaning out your inbox.

6.       Take it outside. Who says you can’t get work done at a park or coffee shop? If the weather is nice, find a way to enjoy it while working on a deadline.

7.       Do some spring cleaning. Sometimes the best way to declutter your mind is to physically declutter your workspace. Organize your workspace so that things you need frequently are within reach. Get rid of stuff that you don’t need or take up useless space. Once you’ve got a clean desk, your mind might be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

I know how busy and overwhelming life can get. Remember to take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes to clear your mind. I hope you have a chance to enjoy spring before the Texas-too-hot-to-bear summer is upon us!

An Interview with source matter expert James (Jim) Gaines, Research Economist at TAMU’s Real Estate Center

How did the Texas real estate market improve in a weak economy and what are keys for its continued improvement?

JG: Texas’ real estate market stayed relatively unchanged during the troubling economy largely because we did not experience widespread, unsustainable growth (a “bubble”) in our housing prices. Texas has maintained a consistent percentage of homeowners verses renters for several years. However, there was some geographical volatility in areas that grew too rapidly too quickly. Consequently, these are the areas that now suffer most from more foreclosures now.

Keys to our continued improvement rely on the understanding of our major cities and their growth potential. The Real Estate Center at TAMU recently performed a study of Dallas/ Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston to compare the local and national economy. Dallas/Fort Worth parallels most to the U.S. economy because of business types and employee base in the area. Houston’s energy-based structures make it least reliant on federal activities while Austin falls in the middle due to both government and high-tech jobs. San Antonio has become more of a manufacturing city, but more natural gas and oil opportunities will grow in the area too. With the overall job activity in Texas’ big cities, there is also a shift for more inner city housing options.

Legislation recently met to determine fund allocation for higher education. How does this affect university housing development?

JG: There will be more funds allocated to building classrooms and educational facilities verses housing. Although housing seems like a valuable development, it often turns out to be less profitable than expected because of the expense required to maintain the building.

Why is multifamily rising in popularity and what are the residential demands for Austin, Dallas / Fort Worth and Houston?

JG: The shift from homeownership to renting has several factors. Those that suffered a job loss are more apprehensive to buy because of fear of foreclosure. As well, the traditional first and second-time homeowners (aging from 25-35) have opted to rent instead. This is partially due to the difficulty of obtaining a home loan as well as postponing building a family until later in life. Finally, housing prices are not increasing right now so there is less of an incentive to buy.

During this strong development stage, how are transportation (i.e. public transportation, highway improvements) and other local amenities improving?

JG: Although housing is in demand, public infrastructure (transportation, water/sewer, etc.) will suffer if financed by state and local funds. Therefore, private roads and water/sewer solutions will become more popular to keep younger areas thriving.

Historically, trend watchers could determine a commercial development upswing by watching the increase of new housing starts. With new housing starts still lagging, what are the major trend factors and key identifiers for commercial real estate?

JG: The current debt capital does not entice banks to fund commercial developments. Industrial and office demands have shifted because of job loss and the overall decrease of square feet allotted to each employee. Brick and mortar bank branches are not expanding rapidly. Those that are built are often placed for brand recognition.

How dependent is the Texas real estate market on the national real estate market and what does Texas real estate look like for the next 5 years?

JG: In the next five years, Texas will be leading the real estate market because of tremendous population growth and increase in employment opportunities. We are one of few pro-business states partially because of the lower taxes offered. This will result in the national market relying on our real estate market.

What are some new funding tactics (or options for capital) to help both private and public Developers and Owners see a project from site selection through completion?

JG: Public and private entities are combining forces. In order for a private developer/owner to build, they need help from public groups and vice versa. Take Dallas’ Victory Park’s upscale development as an example. Although its purpose is to offer retail and restaurant space around American Airlines Center, it still requires upkeep and protocols from Dallas’ public groups – road and water construction and maintenance, government construction and design standards and parking fees.

With the push to develop land in lower income urban areas, what infrastructure pitfalls (water, drainage, streets, utilities, etc.) may hinder the progress? Any unconventional aspects that will encourage this geographical development?

JG: Popularity in inner, urban development moves lower income households into less popular suburban areas. Since generally central areas are better maintained, infrastructure will be less desirable the further you move from that area.