Playing by the Rules to Win

The beauty pageant controversy that I wrote about in our last blog entry was ultimately resolved by Donald Trump when he reviewed and reinterpreted the rules of the pageant.

Rules affect everything that we do and design. In fact, we have rules to follow at work and play. While playing the game of monopoly, for example, we have a set of rules to follow.

Like monopoly, we have rules to follow while designing storefronts. They are in the form of building codes, zoning laws, and regulations set forth by landmark commissions. Since they are enforced by people, the interpretations of these rules can vary from one person that in charge from another.

Check out this short video clip to find out how a good design is much like playing a game of monopoly…



Our clients keep referring others to us because we have become experts who create the experiences that they desire while working successfully within the rules and with those who make the ultimate decisions within these municipalities. We play the game of life so you can win.

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Miss California Controversy Reveal Secrets to...

...Successful Storefront Designs

With all of the controversy about whether Miss Carrie Prejean should keep her Miss California crown, we are seeing first hand real life examples as to
• History can determine how we view today’s events.
• How rules are interpreted.
• Photos affect people’s acceptance of other people and places.
• How people’s perceptions affect their personal experiences.


Whether you are in a beauty pageant, playing monopoly, or designing storefronts, there are lessons that can make you more successful than you could imagine. In fact, these are the exact same lessons that I spoke about during my presentation to store owners, city planners, chamber of commerce leaders, mayors, city council members and others at the annual Main Street Forum. My talk was titled “Secrets of Successful Historical Storefronts.”

This is the first of a four part presentation where I will share some of the tricks of the trade. There is nothing more powerful for anyone’s business than to create a lasting experience for their clients, customers, and co-workers.

So, click on the orange square button at the right before you forget to subscribe to this blog. You will not want to miss any of the four parts of this series on successful storefront design tips.

Donald Trump announced recently that Miss Carrie Prejean will “not be fired” as the Miss California. Trump said, "I reviewed the pictures. We're living in the 21st century," he said. "The pictures were fine. It was not a big deal."

Hmm. So, with the history of beauty pageants filled with scandals that include Vanessa Williams and Miss Rhode Island’s Alysha Castonguay, Mr. Trump finds that times have changed.

History has affected the way that we design storefront too. You may not know it, but using history to design a storefront is much like playing a game of monopoly. Check out this short video clip to find out how…


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