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By Katie Conroy

The idea of shaping skylines and anchoring neighborhoods with commercial developments sounds like an ambitious dream. And for many, that’s exactly what draws them into the realm of commercial real estate. But ambition on its own won’t keep a project on schedule or secure financing when interest rates shift overnight. Starting a career in commercial real estate development isn’t just about breaking into an industry—it’s about knowing how to see around corners before a single shovel hits the ground.

Understand the Real Risk, Not Just the Reward

It’s easy to be seduced by the glossy renderings and high-margin headlines of trophy properties, but commercial development often walks hand-in-hand with unpredictability. Market cycles, zoning boards, construction delays, and rising material costs don’t make cameos—they’re recurring characters. Before entering this space, it’s essential to understand that even the most well-modeled pro forma can crumble under the weight of unforeseen setbacks. If you can’t stomach uncertainty, you’ll struggle to last through your first entitlement meeting, let alone a full project lifecycle.

Relationships Will Matter More Than You Think

No matter how much capital or confidence you bring to the table, commercial real estate is a relationship business at its core. Developers who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones with the deepest pockets, but those who can get city planners on the phone, secure a lunch with a local lender, or know who to call when a permit gets stuck in limbo. It’s not about schmoozing—it’s about trust, timing, and the ability to build coalitions that move projects forward. If networking sounds like fluff, you’re missing half the job description.

Degree That Works as Hard as You Do

Sharpening your skills through a business degree can be a smart move when preparing for a career in commercial real estate, especially if you’re aiming to deepen your understanding of market dynamics, negotiation, and project leadership. Whether you earn a degree in accounting, business, communications, or management, you can learn skills that can help you thrive across every stage of development. Thanks to flexible online programs, it’s now easier to balance a full-time job. If you’re ready to double down on your growth, check this out for options that align with your goals.

Learn the Language of Land

Before you can dream in steel and glass, you have to learn how to read dirt. That means understanding zoning codes, setbacks, FAR (floor-area ratio), environmental reports, and the mosaic of city planning documents that govern what can—or can’t—be built. This is where many aspiring developers falter, assuming vision alone can bulldoze bureaucracy. But real leverage comes from knowing the rules so well that you can spot hidden value in parcels others pass over without a second glance.

Money Moves Differently in This Arena

You won’t get far without an intimate understanding of how deals are structured, how capital stacks work, or what makes a lender nervous. Commercial development often involves a cocktail of debt, equity, mezzanine financing, and sometimes tax incentives, all woven into complex timelines. Cash flow isn’t linear, and profits may not materialize for years. It’s not just about making money—it’s about knowing when to spend it, where to source it, and how to keep it from drying up mid-construction.

Your Reputation Starts Before Your Résumé

In an industry where deals can take years to come together, how you’re perceived matters long before your name is ever etched into a cornerstone. Developers live and die by credibility, and that gets built—or broken—faster than most expect. Show up unprepared to a community meeting or push a deal too hard without listening, and word spreads quickly. Starting smart means understanding that your reputation is a form of currency, and you’re already spending it the moment you step into the room.

There’s a certain mythos around the commercial real estate developer—part visionary, part dealmaker, part streetwise tactician. But beneath that mythology is a career that demands rigor, thick skin, and an ability to think on multiple time horizons at once. Getting started means more than having a dream and a business card; it means being prepared to wrestle with complexity, advocate with clarity, and endure with consistency. The skyline doesn’t need more ambition—it needs people who know what they’re doing before they even think about building something that lasts.

Discover the architectural excellence of TAB Associates, Inc. and explore over 30 years of award-winning design expertise across the Vail Valley and beyond!

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By Katie Conroy

Multigenerational living isn’t just a fleeting trend. It’s become a practical, even purposeful, way to manage rising housing costs, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural values that prioritize family togetherness. But turning your home into a functional space for three or even four generations isn’t as simple as adding an extra bedroom. It takes careful renovation planning and design decisions that go beyond aesthetics, pushing you to consider access, privacy, storage, and shared routines. If you’re stepping into the world of multigenerational living, here’s how to make your home not just livable, but enjoyable for every age and stage.

Start with Conversations, Not Blueprints

Before swinging a single hammer or sketching a floor plan, you need to gather everyone involved and start with honest, open conversations. Discuss lifestyle preferences, routines, and what each person needs to feel comfortable and independent within a shared home. These talks can reveal surprising priorities, like a teenager needing quiet study space or a grandparent requesting a separate entrance. You’ll also uncover concerns early, whether about noise, privacy, or shared chores. Good design always starts with empathy, and in this case, empathy means listening more than dictating.

Utilize Tech Tools For Design

Using a text-to-image tool can be a game-changer for families navigating the complexities of multigenerational home renovations. By turning written descriptions into visual mockups, these tools allow you to test out ideas like integrating accessible features for elderly parents, designing flexible zones for kids to grow into, or experimenting with layout shifts such as adding a second kitchen or in-law suite. To see how these mockups can bring your renovation ideas to life, you can explore further on the site. Having a clear, shareable visual helps bridge communication gaps and align design preferences across generations, making it easier to collaborate and compromise.

Incorporate Universal Design Features Early

It’s not just about meeting the needs of elders in the house. Universal design makes a home more accessible for toddlers, pregnant parents, and injured teens too. Level entries, wider hallways, lever-style door handles, and curbless showers should be seen as essential, not optional. When done right, these updates blend into the background while quietly making life easier for everyone. Planning these features early means you won’t be retrofitting in crisis mode down the road, which saves time, money, and stress.

Create Zones, Not Just Rooms

Instead of thinking about the house in terms of individual rooms, consider zoning the home into functional areas. A basement suite with its own kitchenette can give older parents autonomy while keeping them close. An upstairs area with soundproofing might work better for a young adult with a hybrid work schedule. Even open-concept kitchens can benefit from a small but defined homework zone or reading area. Zoning isn’t about making the home feel bigger—it’s about making it feel smarter.

Double Up on Storage, Triple the Harmony

More people means more stuff, and that stuff can turn into tension fast if there’s nowhere to put it. You’ll want to design storage solutions that are personalized and easy to access. Built-in cabinets, under-bed drawers, and labeled cubbies in shared spaces can all work wonders. Go vertical when horizontal space is tight, and don’t overlook underutilized corners for extra shelving. When everyone has a place for their things, arguments shrink and surfaces stay clearer, making the whole home feel calmer.

Rethink the Kitchen as the Home’s Core

The kitchen is often the heartbeat of a home, but in a multigenerational household, it needs to flex in new ways. You might need dual dishwashers, a second sink, or even two fridges to accommodate various dietary needs and cooking styles. Think about traffic flow too—can more than two people prep food without bumping elbows? An island with seating can serve as a conversation hub, homework desk, and breakfast bar all in one. A well-planned kitchen can feel like a community space without becoming chaotic.

Don’t Skimp on Outdoor Spaces

Even a modest backyard or balcony can play a huge role in balancing the emotional rhythms of a full house. Outdoor spaces offer breathing room, especially when indoor areas start to feel cramped. A small patio with movable furniture can become a flexible area for quiet morning coffee, midday Zoom calls, or evening get-togethers. Consider designing garden plots for different family members or adding a fire pit to bring everyone together after dark. Just like indoors, the best outdoor spaces are the ones that adapt to how your family truly lives.

Planning a home for multiple generations is both a logistical puzzle and a deeply human endeavor. It forces you to balance connection and independence, efficiency and comfort, functionality and warmth. The best renovations don’t just add square footage, they create a foundation for deeper relationships and smoother everyday life.

Discover the architectural excellence of TAB Associates, Inc. and explore over 30 years of award-winning design expertise across the Vail Valley and beyond!

Hello! My name is Jack Little, and I’m the newest member to join the satellite North Carolina office! I’m a South Carolina native, born and raised in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. Growing up I fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains, and upon graduation I decided to join my loves of architecture and mountains to find a career in the area I love so much.

While growing up, I was given the amazing opportunity to explore a variety of career paths through a series of summer camps.  Having taken courses surrounding engineering, programming, and psychology, I felt like I was yet to find my passion.  However, after trying out architecture, I felt like I had found my true calling.  From that moment on, I fell in love with the art of architecture and have dedicated myself to understanding the intricacies and beauty of the architecture field.  The perfect blend of logistics, art, and communication has only caused me to fall more and more in love with this field.

While pursuing my degree, I interned at a landscape architecture firm, The Collins Group, as well as at a residential architecture firm called Studio 511.  Upon graduating, I worked for a short time at Studio 511, before obtaining my position as project manager with TAB Associates.  I am thrilled to be working with such a talented group of professionals and have already learned so much in my time here.  Nothing excites me more than the prospect of continuing to grow with TAB Associates, and learning more and more about architecture, and the beauty associated with it.

Briefly peeking into my personal life, I live a very family oriented and active lifestyle.  In my free time I enjoy working out, spending time in nature, riding motorcycles, and anything ‘nerdy’.  My passion for the outdoors has led me to an even greater appreciation for those aspects of architecture that’re able to capture the beauty of nature and bring it into our spaces.  Lastly, I’d be a fool not to mention the love of my life, my cat Rhystic.  Having been raised a dog person, I absolutely love our office pups, but nothing makes me happier than spending time with my princess.

TAB Associates is a wonderful team that I am so thankful to be a part of.  I encourage you to check out our wonderful work at https://tabassociates.com/ and feel free to reach out with any inquiries or questions!

Source

By Teri Silver

Building a new home takes ingenuity, vision, professional expertise, and a flexible bank account. Noise control in home design is just as important, because the last thing you want is “audio intrusion” in your dream house.

Before digging the foundation or planning a home renovation, it’s a good idea to learn exactly what sound is and how it works. Then discuss noise control solutions with your construction team. 

Sound 101

When it comes to sound, all materials have some type of reverberation or absorption. Surfaces (like ceilings, walls, and floors) could vibrate or become soundboards that echo. The more noise in the environment, the harder it is to hear what’s going on around you.

For example, crowded restaurants with the sounds of breaking dishes, clinking silverware, ringing phones, and people’s voices can be hard to hear in without being acoustically protected. Some eateries try to lessen noise with panels, perforated wood, carpeting, and cork—just to name a few.

Using logarithms, the decibel scale (dB) measures sound intensity. Soft sounds (like whispers) measure around 30 dB, normal conversation at 60 dB, and very loud sounds (like jet engines and trains) can be as high as 140 dB. Individual sensitivity and environment each play a part as to how loud something seems to be. 

Buffer Zones

Usually defined as acres of lawns or tree lines to keep areas quiet between adjacent properties, buffer zones also help to absorb sounds and deflect noise in places of a house or building (such as storage rooms, closets, and hallways). Landscaping for noise reduction cuts back on unwanted sounds flowing from the outdoors to the indoors. Thick layers of trees and shrubs create attractive green spaces that also cut down on noise pollution.

Soundproofing

If you’ve ever been in a recording studio, you may have noticed foamy material on the walls, placed there to absorb unwanted sound. Called acoustical foam, products like Sonex reduce noise and echoing. Acoustical foam is used in churches, offices, studios, and other buildings.

Soundproofing houses with acoustical foam or regular insulation cuts down on the noise, especially helpful if you have children playing at home. Besides special designed acoustical foam, soundproofing materials like mineral wool, fiberglass, and insulation foam are inserted into ceilings, walls, and floors. Layered drywall adds to the protection.    

Windows and Doors

Noise-proof, energy-efficient windows and doors are now a standard for many new home builds. For houses that need a window upgrade, homeowners have a variety of options for replacing the glass. Soundproofed windows have two or three layers of glass panes and heavy seals. Not only do they reduce outside noise, but multi-paned windows keep heat inside or outside the house, reducing your utility bills.

Interior

The more stuff you have inside a house, the more it will absorb sound. Got kids? Cut back on the noise level in their playroom and your living space with couches, bookshelves, tables, carpeting or rugs, heavy draperies, and wall coverings. Fabric panels, wall dividers, and tapestries absorb sound, too. Much like wall foam, acoustic ceiling tiles absorb sound, especially in open-area lofts and offices.

Walls and Floors

It may get expensive, but heavily constructed walls with brick, cement, insulation, wood, and multiple layers of drywall cut down noise level from room to room. Wooden floors are nice, but heavy walking is noisy; lay carpet or large area rugs to cut down on the sound. 

Sound Masking

Covering up loudness with white noise is a way to blur the two together so that they produce a soothing sound. White noise blends frequencies together, turning it into “broadband noise”—much like the “fuzzy” static sound of an untuned radio station. In sound masking, noise is balanced through specially designed and strategically placed speakers.

Building a new house is a major endeavor—it’s easy to overlook something like soundproofing and noise control. Traditional materials—insulation, drywall, and wood—are affordable for cutting back the noise, but acoustic panels, soundproof windows, and thick, well-sealed doors do a better job in reducing sounds indoors and outdoors. When getting ready to design your home, consider the cost, effectiveness, and installation of noise-reducing products that work in today’s modern architecture.

Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.

By Katie Conroy kc@advicemine.com

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Are you looking to update your home but aren’t sure where to start? The process of renovating can seem overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The good news is that there are a few key elements that all homeowners should consider when tackling a renovation project. In this guide, TAB Associates, Inc. takes a look at the different types of renovations, what needs to be included in your renovation plan, and how to ensure a successful experience.

Plan It Out

The first step in any home renovation project is deciding what type of job you want done. Whether you’re looking for an addition or just updating the existing space, there are generally two types of renovations: interior and exterior. Interior renovations focus on changing up the inside of the house, such as adding new cabinets or remodeling rooms. Exterior renovations refer to changes made outside the house, like painting, landscaping, and replacing windows.

Maximize the Space

If part of your renovation plan involves creating extra space in your home, then why not add an office area that can also double as guest quarters? This way, if guests come over, they have their own room, and you’ll have an area dedicated solely to work-related tasks without having to sacrifice other parts of your home.

Additionally, the Financial Post notes that your income taxes may be reduced due to deducting expenses associated with running an office, depending on where you live. To maximize your space, purchase a sleeper sofa that can do double duty no matter who is using the room, an ottoman that can double as storage, and a full-length mirror to add perceived light.

Note Key Elements

Aside from deciding what kind of renovation you want to do, it is important to consider the elements that may need to be included in your plan. If you’re going to be making major changes, such as adding a bathroom or kitchen, then you need to make sure that everything else follows suit with new plumbing and electrical work, too. Other elements that may need consideration include flooring replacement or repair, wallpapering or painting walls, and furniture placement.

You may also want to add some smart home products when renovating your home. These devices and systems – like video doorbells and security cameras – provide convenience and security elements to your home. Before making a purchase, consult online resources for in-depth product reviews and troubleshooting tips from smart home experts.

Stay on Top of Important Paperwork

Renovations can take anywhere from days to several months, depending on how big or small the project is. That’s why it’s so important to establish realistic timelines, both for yourself and the contractors, to ensure things stay on track. Additionally, keep important documents like receipts organized by utilizing a free scanner app to digitize them (this may help). Then, you can use a variety of PDF tools to merge, split, or edit the files for easy organization.  This system is perfect for making sure everything related to renovations stays organized.

Hire the Best Contractor

Once you have an idea of what type of job you want to be done and what elements need consideration for your project, it’s time to find a reputable contractor who can get the job done right. Make sure that they have years of experience and references from past clients who were happy with their work. It also helps if they offer free estimates so that you know exactly how much money needs to be allocated for the renovation project before getting started.

Additionally, be sure to communicate clearly with your contractor about expectations, so everyone is on the same page about deadlines and budgeting for materials needed for the job.

Read Up on Home Warranties

Before beginning renovations, consider whether or not using a home warranty would be beneficial. These annual, renewable contracts provide coverage against certain damages or breakdowns, which will give you peace of mind knowing that any repairs needed down the line will likely be covered. Plus, many companies even offer discounts if more than one year’s worth of coverage is purchased upfront.

Work Towards a Low Stress Renovation

Real Homes points out that the excitement of starting a home renovation can often be tempered by the stress of managing such a large project. That’s why it’s so crucial to work with the right contractor, invest in a home warranty, and give yourself plenty of time to plan. Whether you’re adding a home office or giving your kitchen an update, these steps will prevent headaches down the road.

TAB Associates, Inc. provides architecture, planning and interior professional design services in all areas of Vail Valley in Colorado along with Western North Carolina. Contact us today to learn more! (970) 766-1470

By Brenda Stuart

If you’re going to build a home in the Colorado Rockies, you know it’s not just the skiing that brings people here. It’s also the view – the beauty of the rugged Rockies. Showing off those soaring peaks and the wild blue sky doesn’t happen by accident. A view lot means your house design features large and purposefully placed windows to display the beauty of nature year-round. It is just one part of a design philosophy that embraces the topography and marries your indoor and outdoor spaces.

The ups and downs of the Colorado Rockies make them a gorgeous place to create a building that combines the domestic with the untamed outdoors. A topographical surveyor starts by shooting desired views on site. Also, the undesired views should be shot, too.  From there, the vision of the design takes shape. The architect is first informed by the mountains and the sky, the light and the seasons, before creating a design that will become a home.

A view lot house plan should include vaulted ceilings and room for large windows. It should also have room for a wrap-around deck or patio so visitors will be able to enjoy the scenery while enjoying an evening outdoors.  Some of these decks should be covered to allow for all seasons use.

The Landscape up Close

The peaks of the Colorado Rockies are important, but so are the details surrounding the home and lot. You don’t want the largest windows facing the traffic along I-70 or the neighbor’s hot tub.  These are the undesired views.  Other buildings, trees, large rocks, or other significant features can have a tremendous influence on the view. A home with life-sized picture or large windows that faces the woods will increase the property value. The value rises even more if the surrounding woods are home to wildlife and native plants.

Once the architect designs the home for those optimal views, it’s important to create a landscape that’s pleasant to look at and practical. Surrounding the home with deer-resistant landscaping is also essential, so nature lovers don’t end up cursing the animals they enjoy watching.

A topographical surveyor brings all of this information to the architect and builders, who then create the perfect views without sacrificing privacy. Most developers also take note of the zoning laws that could affect the property value. You want to make sure the city doesn’t suddenly decide to erect a large building that could one day obstruct the view of the mountains.  This can be important because views are not protected by law.

The view is so important from a view lot, because it’s the basis of the entire design, no matter if you prefer mountain rustic, mid-century modern, or any other architectural style. Another important factor? Light and air. Colorado’s governor recently signed legislation protecting the night sky view. Homeowners can now enjoy watching the Perseid meteor showers without light pollution, but it’s up to designers to create a landscape that protects stargazers from the strong mountain winds.

The Colorado Rockies lifestyle is about blending a stylish indoor space with the incredible views of the outdoors in this corner of the world. Beginning with the daytime and nighttime views is crucial to making a design become a home truly in tune with the environment.

Watching a sunrise or sunset from the comfort of a mountain home or from a well-placed patio or deck doesn’t happen by accident. In a place filled with natural beauty and wonder like Colorado, designing a home with majestic views seems easy. However, there is much more to it than meets the eye, and that begins with deciding which fantastic views and what prominent windows will come together in the initial layout.

For more ideas on building or updating your Colorado architectural home, contact TAB Associates to discover how our architecture, planning and interior design services can create modern spaces within traditional homes.

Brenda Stuart is a freelance writer and radio news broadcaster in Denver. When she’s not traveling around Colorado, she’s writing about her latest adventures.

by Katie Conroy kc@advicemine.com

Considering home improvement projects but unsure if you should hire an expert?

If so, read on for two home improvement projects you can DIY, and one home improvement that works best when you hire a contractor, and the average Return on Investment (ROI) for each of the projects listed presented by TAB Associates.

Two home improvement projects you can DIY.

A beautiful, fresh, green yard

Is there anything better than a beautiful outdoor living space? One easy way to increase the value of your home and add a nice, relaxing outdoor living space is to freshen up your lawn. Freshening up your yard is relatively easy. You can do this project by ensuring your lawn gets the proper amount of nutrients and prevents weed growth.

While you can weed often and apply fertilizer during the proper seasons, that can be time and energy-consuming. So instead, Bob Vila recommends using a weed-and-feed product to ensure your lawn is bright and weed-free.

Weed-and-feed products:

• Help your yard receive the nutrients it needs.
• Can speed up growth.
• Keep turf thick and healthy.
• Reduce the number of weeds in your yard.

Pro tip: Not all yards need the same nutrient balance, but you can determine which nutrients your yard needs by conducting a soil test. You can pick up a test and do it yourself. However, Pennington recommends bringing a lawn sample to your county Cooperative Extension System (CES)- a group of lawn and garden experts who use research-based advances to ensure a fantastic lawn or garden.

What is the ROI of freshening up your lawn?

If you apply weed-and-feed products to your yard six times per year, as recommended by the NAR, the cost is around $114. In addition, you’ll boost your home value by around $1,000- an ROI of just over 777%!

Add outdoor lighting.

Would you like to deter burglars and make your yard a magical place to relax at night? Adding motion lights or other outdoor lighting options to your yard can do the trick for $5,000 or less. This project can be done by following the directions on the lighting fixtures you choose, and you can customize the look to your preferences.

What is the ROI of adding outdoor lighting?

Even if you choose to invest $5,000, the NAR says you could see an ROI of around 50%.

One home improvement project that works best when you hire a contractor.

High-quality fencing

Do skunks or other pests sneak into your yard? If your property is in need of a fence, you’re best off connecting with a local fence company. Before meeting with a fence contractor to get a quote and discuss your needs, you can evaluate companies by reading reviews online.

High-quality fencing raises the property value and ensures you avoid costly mistakes. But, of course, there’s nothing worse than building a fence yourself, and it falls down the next time the wind blows.

The one thing you must check on is whether your Home Owners Association allows fencing at all.  Some allow a limited amount and types of fences.  You should check on this prior to making an investment in any fencing.

What is the ROI of adding a high-quality fence to a yard?

You can increase your house’s value by $1,500, on the low end, up to as much as $5,000. Of course, the home value increase is dependent on the material and type of fence. For instance, with stone or metal fences, your ROI could be as much as 70%. On the other hand, fences built with wood or other materials can still fetch an ROI of 50%. But isn’t keeping one skunk or other roaming pests out of your yard priceless? Any one of these home improvement projects will freshen up the exterior of your home while providing a sense of comfort and a cozy, homelike feel. Plus, you can add value to your home- monetary and otherwise.

Image: Pexels

If you go to their website https://moro.com/shop and use the discount code

TRADE-442264 you will get 10% off your order compliments of TAB Associates, Inc.

Let us know if you need any help with your interior needs.