"BIM for the Trades" at The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen

The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York invited Mr. David Grider (www.davidgrider.com) Architect and NYU Adjunct Instructor, for a May 2nd presentation to the general membership entitled BIM for the Trades.

Though Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been used in architectural offices for over a decade, The Society recognizes that large institutional owners are now coming to demand BIM deliverables from their construction managers and general contractors, leaving the trades increasingly faced with having to adopt this complex new tool.

Mr. Grider's illustrated talk provided an overview of BIM, examples (including cautionary) from the field on how the trades are already using this technology, and suggestions of where the technology is heading relative to the trades and Integrated Project Delivery.

The ensuing discussion involved generations of craftspeople and building professionals. Mr William Fennell, a senior superintendent with Tishman Construction, noted the irony of considering these advanced digital tools surrounded by the volumes of The Society's historic Apprentices' Library, continuing the mission of the trade advancement set by the Society's founders over two centuries ago."

The General Society is dedicated to bringing "BIM for the Trades" to its Mechanics' Institute to ensure that its students are well prepared for a future that is surely to involve BIM as a integral tool in design and construction.

Please E-mail questions or comments to Past President and School Committee Chair Jerry Drohan, Jr. at gdrohan@mrce.com.

Michael Simon, Interior Designer, Continues Artisan Lecture Series

A rare talent on the international design scene, Michael Simon is renowned for his inventive interiors that not only bring new vitality to Classicism but also set a standard for excellence in 21st century design.

Executed with soulful and meticulous dedication, Simon’s interiors evidence a timeless aesthetic, blending historical expression with a modern sensibility. His innovative work blends beauty, substance and luxurious comfort of lasting value. For nearly two decades, this New York designer has consistently produced custom designs, no two alike, yet all distinguished by elegance and serenity, refinement and discretion.

Uniquely, Simon spent his formative years training to become a music composer. Starting at age 15, his private studies with the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim led to a concentration in classical music at Carnegie Mellon University and the Manhattan School of Music. But, he ultimately evolved to interior design and established his own firm. The designer says he “composes rooms, bringing the discipline and thought process of his formal education to his clients’ homes.”

Simon will present a rich variety of projects, which seamlessly integrate architecture and interior decoration. Interjecting piano accompaniment, he will discuss how leitmotifs, rhythm, counterpoint, balance and harmony form his designs, showing distinctive rooms in a range of stunning styles where all the elements “coalesce to sing.”

MICHAEL SIMON, INTERIOR DESIGNER

An Illustrated Lecture with Musical Accompaniment:

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 AT THE GENERAL SOCIETY LIBRARY

A MUSIC COMPOSER–TURNED–INTERIOR DESIGNER

MICHAEL SIMON “COMPOSES” MASTERFUL ROOMS

LECTURE STARTS AT 6:00 P.M. - RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Verre Églomisé Artisan Miriam Ellner To Continue Artisan Lecture Series

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012, Miriam Ellner, Verre Églomisé Artisan, will provide insights into this unique field: the process of gilding precious metals on the reverse side of glass, etching in a design and setting it off with color. She is one of the few artists who have mastered this rare art form and has been innovating and expanding upon it for the past 20 years. Ms. Ellner began her study in decorative arts at the Vanderkelen Atelier in Brussels, and received a gold medal for her work there. The beauty of this ancient medium is that it can be used to enliven any glass surface with a luminous, ethereal quality and dramatically transform a space. Ms. Ellner has used her skill for many diverse applications including curved ceilings, rooms of glass, and elevator cabs, as well as for doors and tables. She also creates fine art “glass paintings,” using many different techniques including églomisé, reverse painting, collage, stenciling and translucent layering. The artist has appeared on Martha Stewart Living and has been featured in Architectural Digest and various design magazines.

LECTURE STARTS AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE GENERAL SOCIETY LIBRARY
20 WEST 44th (BETWEEN 5th AND 6th AVENUES)
Advance registration is suggested.
$15 General admission, $10 General Society members, $5 Students
To register, please contact the General Society at: 212.840.1840 prompt 2
or online at: info@generalsociety.org
www.generalsociety.org

GSMT honors John Catsimatidis, President and CEO Red Apple Group and Lenore Janis of Professional Women in Construction

On Friday, November 18, The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen (GSMT), presented its Annual Ciivic Leadership Award to John Catsimatidis, President and CEO, Red Apple Group, Inc. The Craftsmanship Award was presented to Lenore Janis, President Professional Women in Construction (PWC). Both the honorees received their awards at The General Society's Annual Craftsmanship Award Ceremony and Dinner Dance held at the Union League Club. Read the details.