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Universalform

Universalform is an architecture and urban design consultancy specialising in the design and masterplanning of new urban developments and the regeneration of existing urban environments.

Formed by Nigel Gilkison in 2016, following more than 20 years experience in the industry, universalform works across a range of project scales, including designing new subdivisions, assisting with regeneration plans, exploring land development opportunities, or designing new buildings.

The goal is to create inspiring, innovative and sustainable design solutions which respond to local needs and conditions, creating attractive, vibrant and successful places which foster strong communities and provide inclusive environments for all people to use and enjoy.

URBAN DESIGN – WHAT IS IT?

Urban Design is a relatively new field of study, closely aligned with town planning, architecture and landscape architecture. It doesn’t just relate to cities, but to every kind of grouped settlement, from the smallest rural hamlet to the biggest megacity.
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Whom Can We Trust?

A tale of an Employer, a Pill Pushing Doctor and a Commission-Only Real Estate Agent.

The other day I heard about a very upset mother. Her son had been recruited to do some specialised contracting work in a
far off country. It seemed like a great opportunity. However, given the recent unrest throughout the
world, she was unerstandably concerned about her sons safety. They were assured by the employer there was nothing to worry about. So why is she so upset now?Since he has left, she’s found out that many others have declined the work offer. She’s discovered that they had been given different information, about the stability of the country involved.

I don’t know if this story is 100% true or not. But it did get me thinking about what I would expect from those advising me when an important decision is being made. Especially a decision that affects my loved ones or financial well-being.

What lessons does the demise of the Dodo bird have for the accountancy industry ?

Our industry is going through change, change so substantial and fast that it can only be called a paradigm shift. However most in our industry are either blindly unaware of it or are choosing to ignore it.
The Dodo birds extinction was largely due to its fearlessness of humans and all that we bring with us. It did not adapt to change and as a result perished into the annals of history.

Technology is drving change for the compliance part of the accountancy industry. Due to this our clients are expecting quicker turn-around times and reduced fees. Compliance assignments are quickly becoming commodities that will be able to be provided by banks, business advisers and the such-like.

FULL TIME or PART TIME?

You need to sell your home. Many people don’t trust real estate agents at all. But who do you hire, assuming you’re going to—the Full-time agent or Part-time agent?

I saw this story on propertynoise.co.nz the other day. A real estate agent, because of his advertising, is getting blasted on social media. He seemingly has offended everyone in his marketplace, mainly hardworking moms.

Let me set the scene. Costello and Costello Real Estate Group in the USA created the ad. The ad shows Chase and Jeffrey Costello on one side dressed in suits, a mother with three children on the other. The mother with three children is tied up, while a daughter paints her face. [In other words, pure chaos is happening.] There is also a babysitter who is on the floor with a colander on her head, and a duck [yes, an actual duck] standing in the disheveled room.