blissful labors

Really, I don't think I need to say much more than that, but sometime in the near future I will post the story and everything. Unfortunately, we're meeting friends for dinner. Write more later :)

detour: "professional success"

So, there is a much bigger and more important post to put on here, but this came first and I want to share in chronological order.

I've always been a strong believer in the fact that your profession and/or professional accomplishments do not define who you are. However, getting to produce a space or a product that people get to experience and enjoy is why I do what I do. After being involved in this profession for nearly a decade, I feel like I've hit a real milestone. Sure, I've had a couple of buildings and spaces that I've worked on be built, but I've never had the opportunity to experience them first-hand. . . until now. The Bayfront Amphitheater opened on August 16 with Incubus. It sold out within a couple of hours. Because Live Nation was making so much money on that concert they decided to hold the grand opening on August 18 with Counting Crows. They were pretty much handing out tickets on the sidewalk. It was a great relaxed atmosphere and I was able to get some free tickets for friends. The two of us who worked directly on the project and the principal of our office got VIP tickets. They were nice, but it is such a great venue that no one has a bad seat.

Because I've been working on this thing day in and day out for over a year, I know what it was going to be. And then, like so often happens in my line of work, the budget got slashed. We redesigned it and then the recession hit. That's not to mention the last minute demands put on us by the city either. Overall, I can be pleased with the process and product. I don't think I've experienced all of this enough times yet to be completely jaded. I hope I never will be.

On to the pictures!!

Before:

Yes, those are wooden bench seats and a concrete cantilever over the stage. After: