| |
|
|
|
Technical Writing
|
|
Documentation • Editorial Marketing • Problem Resolution
|
| |
|
Pig
or Princess? In Chinese, the pronunciation and spelling of the words
for pig and princess are very similar, or seemingly so, to the
non-native speaker. I learned this bit of trivia when a business client
related an amusing story about a recent trip to China.
He was having a dinner
meeting with prospective clients and their spouses. Eager to impress his
Chinese hosts, he mastered some simple Chinese phrases to thank them
for the enjoyable evening. He complimented all the ladies, but in
particular, the business owner’s wife. He commented on her elegant
presence at the lavish dinner, comparing her to a princess, or so he
thought. Instead, he called her a pig.
Everyone laughed.
Fortunately, the Chinese businessmen appreciated his effort to speak
their language. A deal was drawn up the next day. All ended well.
Business communication, even
with a simple message and language proficiency, can be wrought with
unintended humor (as my story) or confusion. In the latter case, the
message can be lost within the content and context of the written word,
often not ending well.
Howard’s writing skills stem
from his utilization of words as a conveyance for emotion, ability, and
comprehension, not just meaning. He will take your message or
proposition, assimilate your concerns and objectives, and then craft a
document that produces the desired action or understanding from your
client.
Howard has written articles
for several industry publications including The Construction Specifier,
Concrete Construction, Journal of Architectural Coatings, Landscape
Contractor and Concrete Décor:
|
|
|
Benefiting from Industry Associations
|
|
Concrete Décor • May/June 2011
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
There are several organizations that support concrete contractors and concrete construction. Each organization has a unique focus, so understanding their missions and member benefits allows you to choose which organization will best serve your personal and business goals. Keywords: ASCC, DCC, ICRI, ACI, CSI
|
|
|
When Contractors Assume the Role of a Design Consultant
|
|
Concrete Décor - The Journal of Decorative Concrete • January 2011
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
Successful architectural marketing is dependent upon timing
– project stage, a receptive audience – key design personnel, and message –
stage specific information. Conducting your architectural calls in accordance
with these three marketing elements provides a framework for securing more
projects, and establishing your credentials as a reputable design consultant. Keywords: design team, design development, construction
documents, specifier
|
|
|
Out of the Stone Age: The evolution of decorative concrete
|
|
Durability + Design - the Journal of Architectural Coatings Online • July 28, 2010
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
Contemporary concrete usage has evolved beyond its origins as a
basic construction material. It can be manipulated into structurally
creative and artistic expressions, defying common perceptions of what a
mixture of sand, cement, stone, and water should look like. Keywords: Art Deco, green building, interior floors
|
|
|
Building Relationships with Architects
|
|
Concrete Décor - The Journal of Decorative Concrete • January 2010
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
For a decorative concrete contractor, an underutilized
opportunity for potentially creating more jobs and visibility for your
company, exists within the design community. Early involvement with a
project's design team (architect,specifier, landscape architect,
interior designer) can help can help you influence project outcomes and
bid projects more successfully. Keywords: decorative concrete
consultant, architectural marketing
|
|
|
Natural Colors for Concrete
|
|
Landscape Contractor National • September 2009
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
|
Concrete Stains and Dyes: Surveying the color spectrum
|
|
Journal of Architectural Coatings • March 2009
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
The article reviews the basic, yet important, handling
requirements for reactive chemical stains and dyes. Understanding the
basics ensure successful projects. Numerous pictures illustrating the
process and the possibilities. Keywords: reactive stains, opaque stains,
dyes, surface preparation, maintenance, mock-ups
|
|
|
Stenciling and Stamping Stone – Creating the look of historical masonry
|
|
The Construction Specifier • May 2008
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT, Steve Chmelar |
|
Article details the construction of a two-car garage (or
‘carriage house,’ as the owners call it), with the intent of
complementing the Federalist architectural style of their house,
originally constructed in 1865. Cementitious overlays, pre-cut stencils,
and vertical stamping tools were used to create the look of face bricks
and a natural stone foundation. The process is suitable for commercial
and residential construction. Keywords: Division 07, 09, hand carving,
sponge blasting, faux finishes
|
|
|
Creating Colorful Concrete, How to design for durability and aesthetics
|
|
The Construction Specifier • March 2008
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
As concrete has evolved into a decorative construction material,
simply specifying decorative concrete based on only engineered
principles may yield less than aesthetic results. This article compares
the various coloring products for decorative concrete flat-work and
highlights specific mixing, handling and finishing techniques for
quality installation. Keywords: Division, 03,09, integral color, color
hardeners, concrete stains, curing decorative concrete
|
|
|
Public Decorative - Municipalities find a plethora of options with concrete
|
|
Concrete Construction - Annual Decorative Issue • October 2007
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT |
|
Driven by an almost limitless color palette and realistic
pattern options, as well as long-lasting beauty, municipalities are
using colored and textured concrete for their streetscape projects:
sidewalks, crosswalks, streets and intersection, parks, parking areas,
parkways, and medians. Keywords: landscape architects, qualified
contractors, specifications, integral color, shake-on hardeners, ASTM
C979
|
|
|
High Gloss Finishes - Creating new floors with polished concrete
|
|
The Construction Specifier • December 2006
|
| Authors: Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT, Greg Schwietz |
|
With advancements in concrete surface treatments, polishing
equipment, and concrete coloring materials, the best features of classic
terrazzo and other hard floor surfaces can now be attained in
contemporary polished concrete flooring. Keywords: Division 03, 09,
refurbishing concrete, sustainable design, specifying polished concrete,
slip resistance, maintenance
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
