Having experts like MetroWall onsite to install glass wall systems makes a huge difference in ensuring the project is completed on time and safely. Here are some practices we use onsite to mitigate risk and promote a safe working environment. 

Handle with Care 

Handling glass on commercial job sites requires planning and attention to detail. This ensures materials don’t break (and risk additional costs to the budget and timeline) and job sites are kept free of harmful debris. Here are some of the practices our installation teams follow:  

• Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, safety toe boots, cut-resistant gloves, Kevlar sleeves, and hard hats when necessary 
• Avoid sudden movements or impact that could cause glass breakage or injury 
• When transporting glass, make sure panels are secure  
• Panels should always be lifted by a team so that weight is distributed evenly 
• Store glass in designated areas away from high-traffic zones and potential hazards to prevent damage 

Damage Control  

We use tempered or laminated glass on all our jobs, so if glass does break, it will either break into many tiny pieces or be held together by the laminated interlayer. Of course, it’s never ideal when a piece of glass breaks, and while we do everything we can to ensure materials don’t get damaged in transit or onsite, accidents can happen. If a piece of glass does break on a job site, proper disposal is essential. We recommend having dedicated containers or bins for collecting glass waste. This will prevent glass from getting mixed in with other debris and materials. Additionally, whenever you’re handling broken glass it’s important to wear PPE. 

Practice, Practice, Practice 

Having a dedicated installation team helps us ensure our premium glass wall interiors are being built correctly and glass is being handled safely. We’ve found that this alleviates a lot of pressure on general contractors because they do not need to budget time or money to train personnel on how to install our products.  

To make sure our installers are fully prepared we take them through certification training. Or, if we have an upcoming job with tight tolerances, our installers may test the buildout with our cube at MetroWall HQ. So, when our installers are on site, they are prepared to execute your plans and solve problems as needed. 

It takes a collective effort to create a safe work environment on job sites, especially when working with glass. But with the proper planning, training, and care, we’re confident in our team’s ability to get the job done right, get it done safely, and ensure we do our part in safeguarding the well-being of everyone else on site. 

Because every dollar counts, developers have been asking for our help with projects purpose-designed for dramatically lower vacancy rates. How have we achieved this? By leveraging the US-wide spec suite trend to deliver the value, turnaround speed and modern aesthetic many tenants want from office accommodation.

If vastly improved vacancy times would help your projects address the challenges of 2023, simply read on to discover how to make it happen AND how we can help.

Our Quick Read overview only includes the spec suite essentials we think every property developer should see!

Why Spec Suites?

*50% lower vacancy times

*20.8% higher avg rent PSF

*600% faster turnaround of new tenants 

It’s simple: a spec suite allows potential tenants to both quickly visualise what working in their new space would look like as well as enjoy the reassurance of knowing their accommodation will be available almost straight away with no build-out delay.

And for property developers, this means…

• Less chance of long vacancy times: One study discovered an improved vacancy rate from 16.5 months to an impressive 3.4 months! Another US expert has been seeing 50% faster vacancy times.
  That’s because a clear demonstration of how the space could look helps small to mid-sized tenants with traditional office space needs with the decision to go ahead and sign for their new accommodation.
• Improved rent: The convenience, speed and modern look of a well-executed spec suite could mean increased rental, even as much as 20.8% higher.
  With spec suite build-out costs running similar to shell property build-out costs, the additional income from the property makes a spec suite a no-brainer for many clients.
• Faster turnaround when a tenant is found: Going from new tenant agreement to move day in just one month becomes very possible as often the tenant just needs to supply their furniture and appliances.

Compare this to the process of build-out, permits and other potential delays when a tenant signs for a shell property. That’s why a US business journalist has described spec suites as a great step towards adapting to the move away from the recent ‘landlord’s market’ by “giving tenants what they want”.

Unlocking these benefits at a time when pressures like supply chain issues and labor shortages are causing delays with companies you might deal with (but not us!) this leaner, faster process is meeting the needs of many property developers in 2023.

How We Can Help?

Our rapid, premium glass partition know-how is ideal for spec suite projects!

• Fast turnaround of initial info and ideas
• In-house design, inventory and manufacturing right here in NY State
• Concept-to-install in just 3 to 4 weeks

Here’s how we’ve made a difference for MetroWall clients…

“A timely, expert installation with a beautiful finished product”
– John, Avison Young

“…above and beyond my expectations…you guys knocked this one out of the park”
-Kevin, Unispace

“You accommodated our aggressive timelines and your installation team did an excellent job”
-Peter, Evo Realty

Ready to transform your vacancy times with a spec suite project? To discover fast, stress-free, design-to-launch glass partition expertise, book your consultation with a MetroWall specialist

See also: Let’s Expect More from 2023, Insights From Our Boston Architectural Rep

It’s been a challenging few months, but 2023 is here and it’s FULL of opportunity for architecture and design professionals like you.

That’s why we asked our Sales VP Joe Hoekzema, an expert in making exceptional interior space happen in collaboration with awesome architects and designers, for his valuable trends we can all leverage this year.

Read on to discover Joe’s five ways we can all expect more from 2023…

Making a Difference This Year

Joe’s view, based on nearly 25 years of professional experience, is that there are five ways our valued architecture and design clients can stand out in 2023.

He summarises them as ‘think non-residential, think big ideas, think new ideas, think green and always think supply chain!’.

“I have learned that there are numerous external factors that can shape a company’s trajectory. Having a vision and understanding future trends is just as important as delivering in the today and now. As we enter a new year, there are five trends that I believe will shape outcomes for the A&D, construction, and manufacturing industries,” he explained.

• Think non-residential: “As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), MetroWall has access to extensive industry data. Many believe AIA’s Billing Index (ABI) is a strong predictor of constructing spending and it is currently indicating future growth in Commercial Real Estate investment.
  “In fact, the AIA Consensus Forecast Panel is projecting a 6.0 percent increase in spending on non-residential commercial buildings in 2023. There will be opportunities in 2023 and you need to be in a strong position to capture them.”

• Think bold: “An inviting environment and culture of community are driving factors in the design of new office spaces. Those in the A&D community have expressed that spaces should be designed with workers’ needs top of mind.
  “Having worked extensively at home during the pandemic, many highly value the comforts of that environment and will only be motivated to return to the office by a reimagined workspace. We have all walked into that office where you were immediately inspired by the environment. Those with the ability to bring bold ideas to life and meet the needs of their customers will win!”
• Think new ideas: “Innovation will continue to impact the workspace in 2023. Connectivity upgrades to 5G, voice recognition technology, 3D printing, and VR tools integrated into design and training will continue to influence how we work.
  “We are also entering what some are calling “The Glass Age” as glass enabled technology and design boundaries are being pushed. With a greater need for sustainability and energy efficiency, the possibilities and need for glass structures in our internal environments will continue to grow.”
• Think green: “There’s been dramatic growth in the overall percent of construction spending focused on green building projects. The construction industry is making great strides to reduce their impact on the environment by reducing material waste, focusing on environmentally friendly products, and initiating practices that take the environment into consideration.
  “By 2025, it is expected that sixty percent of all new buildings could be labeled zero carbon emissions. With approximately thirty five percent of the energy used to heat and cool wasted, solutions for energy efficiency will be at the forefront of design and product development.
• Think supply chain: “We’ve all seen a lot of focus on reducing weaknesses within the supply chain to improve the bottom line, including better forecasting, improved management of materials, and automation of processes to eliminate wasted time.
  “Supply chain managers that do these things effectively will create a competitive advantage. This is especially true for those companies that manage the entire process of design, manufacturing, and installation. The time and money savings will get passed along to customers in greater product value and shorter lead times,” he concluded.

As always, to discover stress-free, design-to-launch glass partition expertise, book your consultation with a MetroWall specialist

See also: How We All Worked Together in 2022, Insights From Our Boston Architectural Rep

Behind the Scenes at MetroWall: Introducing Our Boston Architectural Representative

What makes 2022 such an exciting time for MetroWall clients in Boston? What pressure are many architects facing in the current working climate? And what kind of relationship between suppliers and professionals has become more important than ever?

We asked new team member Ariana Burdett, MetroWall’s Greater Boston Architectural Representative, for her insights into the challenges and opportunities facing projects in the area.

Read on to discover Ariana’s views as well as go behind the scenes of her Architectural Representative work…

Greater Boston’s Architecture Projects in 2022 – Ariana’s Insights

Ariana, a Tufts University Engineering Science and Architectural Studies graduate with almost 20 years of professional experience, explained that she has begun her MetroWall role at an exciting time for the Boston area:

“There’s great opportunity in Boston!

“The city is shifting and expanding constantly and that’s why cranes are everywhere.”

Ariana outlined that she had seen a rising challenge for projects and identified the simple key to leveraging this into an opportunity.

“A common obstacle in today’s world is that project timelines seem to keep getting compressed, yet product lead times seem to keep getting longer and more unpredictable.”

“MetroWall is intensely focused on procurement and making sure we have product continuously stocked so that we can deliver within 3-4 weeks to meet the most challenging schedules.”

“Most of all, the collaborative process between customers, stakeholders and MetroWall is more important than ever. Organizations in a post-Covid world place higher priority on both transparency and collaboration so it’s an exciting time for working smarter and working better together,” she said.

Ariana added that her initial weeks in her new role had shown how MetroWall offers a unique solution to the architectural challenge of such a rapidly-changing city.

“I’ve learned so fast, with the support of the entire team of super dedicated and driven people here, that speed, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering great projects are very much at the heart of the company.

“We sell direct to the customer allowing us to really walk what we talk. After all when you call us you’re speaking directly to the people who design, engineer, sell, manufacture and install our product getting you the right solution faster!”.

She explained that “diving into a project” is a favourite part of her role.

“Understanding what the customer is trying to achieve and coming up with the right solution really motivates me.”

She concluded that her early days “have been filled with conversations about unique challenges and brainstorming to come up with a solution” and pointed out that this makes her “hopeful for the future!”.

Behind the Scenes With Ariana

Ariana also gave a glimpse of her typical workday, and more, by answering our Team MetroWall questions!

Duties of the Greater Boston Architectural Representative role: “To grow company sales by pursuing and advising clients, driving product specification and ensuring a level of service that exceeds expectations.”

Brief career history: “I studied Architectural Engineering and started my career as a Designer. I’ve worn many different hats while working with customers across multiple different industries from both the design and sales side of the workplace world.”

Typical day: “No two days are the same! But usually a mix of collaborating with customers on projects, meeting internally with teammates to information share and make sure everything is running smoothly as well as reaching out to new contacts to share our company and products.”

Why work at MetroWall: “Everyone I met here is not only a really nice person but also incredibly passionate about what they do and working hard to deliver for our customers.  That energy, combined with the opportunity to be part of a growing company with great products that can be delivered quickly in an increasingly complex world, swayed me to accept a new challenge.”

Favorite things about the role: “Meeting new people and getting to work on so many amazing projects – each with their own set of challenges to find solutions for.”

Most interesting challenges in the role: “Every day presents a new challenge. Right now it’s learning all of the details of our systems and capabilities. I’m excited to work with our customers to find the perfect solution to their challenges.”

Work ethos: “Work hard, have passion for what you do, be honest, admit when you don’t know the answer but commit to finding it out.”

Favorite quote:

Listen to Mustn’ts, child, listen to the Don’ts.

Listen to the Shouldn’ts, the Impossibles, the Won’ts.

Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.

Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.

-Shel Silverstein

Dream job: “Travel blogger”

Hobbies: “Travel, Skiing, sailing, sitting on the beach with a good book, discovering the world with my 1 and 3 year old.”

Why MetroWall?

We’re proud to be much more than just a supplier for the professionals who rely on us for expert help to make their glass partition project as easy as possible.

That’s because our team, using years of industry experience, approaches each project as a consultant to ensure successful project outcomes.

We design and manufacture and our glass partitions ourselves in New York and even deliver and install using our own expert team.

Ultimately, professionals work for us for two big reasons: our 15 years of experience and our local inventory as this means expertise without the delays!

For product inspiration plus sustainability and LEED data click here. To speak to a MetroWall partitional wall specialist simply contact us. We’re here to help.

See also: Choosing a Glass Partition Provider? Ask These Questions First, Glass Door ADA Compliance: Three Things to Know

From household goods and electronics to raw materials, the global supply chain shortage is ongoing and affecting just about every industry. At MetroWall, we worked to combat these issues before they even began. Disruptions started around the time the Covid pandemic emerged but challenges to the construction and building industry are taking considerably longer than expected to normalize – but why? And how do MetroWall’s manufacturing processes address the issue?

What is the global supply chain?

The global supply chain is an invisible pathway that takes goods from where they’re manufactured or grown, to where they need to go. From raw material to end user. The supply  chain regularly crosses not just borders but oceans too.

Why has it been affected

Disruptions to the supply chain began in early 2020. Factories and manufacturing plants were hit hard by Covid 19. Many were shut down and others were forced to work at drastically reduced capacity.

It’s not simply a matter of “ah, Covid”, though. In response to an anticipated drop in sales during the early days of the pandemic, shipping companies greatly reduced their scheduling but customers didn’t stop spending, they just spent their money elsewhere. So, while spending at restaurants and movie theatres fell, spending in areas like home renovations and Covid-secure workspaces skyrocketed. Building companies responded to this by ordering in bulk.

The steep surge in demand combined with fewer ships to transport goods, clogged the system. Combine this with labor issues and a shortage of shipping containers and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm.

When will the shortages end?

The answer to this isn’t entirely clear (we can now add severe weather events like Hurricane Ida and foreign political upheavals like Brexit to the mix), but it seems likely that these issues will continue well into 2022. 

How are MetroWall circumventing the issue?

It could be argued that such an issue was inevitable – many companies have purposely been keeping lean inventories to limit costs for years but at Metrowall, we do things a little differently. We’ve always believed in holding large quantities of inventory in stock. In the past, this has allowed us to have the fastest lead times in New York and right now, it allows us to buck the trend of delays and shortages and deliver on our 3-4 week lead time promise.

Many companies source materials internationally to save on costs but at MetroWall, we’ve always sourced locally. Not only does this give us greater control and flexibility, it’s also good for the community and helps the environment by reducing shipping and storage. It’s also given us the chance to build strong connections and strategic agreements with our vendors to allow for uninterrupted supply. And, right now, it’s helping us sidestep industry-wide issues caused by heavy reliance on the shipping industry.

At MetroWall, we’re a one-stop shop. We control the entire process (manufacturing through install), we do our own deliveries so we’re not affected by shipping bottlenecks or vehicle shortages and we always have and always will forecast our inventory against demand.

Supply Chain shortage or no, at MetroWall we’re sticking fast to our 3-4 week lead time.

Want to work with us? 

Get in touch today to find out how our 3-4 week lead times could transform your workspace sooner than our competitors.

Get in touch