A kitchen remodeled by HPD Architecture LLC

So a few weeks ago, when I saw an online request from a reporter who needed information for an article about DIY projects around the home, I thought I’d share what I’ve learned from my vantage point as an architect, home owner and fellow DIY-er.

Her query: “We’re looking for DIY tips when it comes to making repairs around the house. Tips can be in any category, as long as it is something that a handyman might do. For instance, tips can include plumbing, electrical, renovations, maintenance and more. Please include education, certifications, experience and other relevant background information.”

As I thought about and wrote my response, I realized the information would make an excellent blog post. The following is my answer to this reporter’s query:

“As a licensed architect and licensed interior designer in Dallas, I have practiced in architecture for over 14 years. Along with my two partners in our firm, HPD Architecture, LLC, we see numerous good and bad DIY projects that either enhance or harm the value of a home. My tips are to focus on those that are to enhance the value of the home and make it easier for the next homeowner to either use your improvement or undo the improvement without creating a bigger problem.

Laura’s Tips:

A fireplace and livingroom remodeled by HPD Architecture LLC

2. Don’t just cover up the material that’s there with a new material without removing the existing material first – this goes for roofing, flooring, bathtubs, countertops, wallpaper, etc.

3. If you are taking out a wall or creating a new opening in a load bearing wall – call a structural engineer or architect to make sure it’s done right. Even if it is a “simple fix” and what you are doing is adequate to support the weight above, you will sleep better knowing your roof won’t cave in on you in the middle of the night. I’ve seen contractors fail at the installation of new beams. The beams were sized correctly by an engineer and even the steel brackets were called out and shown on the drawings, but the contractor did not install them correctly. To the untrained eye, they looked secure, but were not, and it created a very unsafe situation.

4. Be afraid of water. We spend a good amount of time detailing our drawings with the sole purpose of keeping out water – around skylights, chimneys, windows, door thresholds, behind brick veneer exteriors, etc.

5. Plan your home improvement project with easy maintenance and repair in mind. Eventually you may want to change the wiring to that new flat panel tv on the wall. Did you put foam insulation in the wall making it difficult to run wires or access the back of the tv? Or did you think ahead and run conduit in the wall to make it easy to move wires exactly where they need to go? Another example, you may want to get rid of the big pull down attic stair in your hall way, but when it comes time to replace or service the air conditioning unit in the attic, how will you get it out and how will you get a new one in?

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of further assistance to your article.”

While ultimately we did not connect with the reporter to contribute to her article, we know there are a lot of DIY-ers out there who cannot resist row after row of paint chips or shelves full of plumbing valves and fixtures. Just be sure to plan ahead and remember, one of the best tools you can have in your tool belt is a list of qualified professionals to call before you make too many trips to Home Depot.

The post 5 Tips for “Do-It-Yourself” Home Projects appeared first on HPD Architecture.

But to hear what’s happening outside of my own sphere is always fun, and certainly provides an opportunity to bring new ideas back to our clients. Is there a trend happening in another part of the country that hasn’t reached Dallas yet? Are they finding different methods for connecting to their clients via social media? Is there a new material that I can incorporate that will provide a unique aspect to a client’s finished project?

So when Function:, a marketing, advertising and public relations agency that specializes in connecting building product manufacturers to architects, builders and contractors, contacted me about joining their 2013 Advisory Board, I jumped at the opportunity. Here was a chance to get a perspective from the manufacturing side and possibly gain some new insights into where the architecture market is heading.

In January, Function: hosted the first Leadership Exchange for 2013. Advisory Board members were able to share our insights about topics like social media; Building Information Modeling (BIM); and green building practices. Much like speaking to other architects at conferences, I came away with new information as well as some comfort in knowing that more of us are on the same page than we think!

You may read the highlights and listen to the conversation here:

Leadership Exchange Part One
Leadership Exchange Part Two

Hopefully, you’ll take away some new insights. Or perhaps just satisfy the inquisitive architect in you too!

The post Getting a Broader Scope to Help Our Clients appeared first on HPD Architecture.

He called our office looking for an architect to draw a set of plans for a small residential remodeling project so he could obtain a permit. Without offering any detail, he asked, ”Is this something that you do?”

“Well, I don t know,” I replied.  “Tell me more.”

That simple reply caught the contractor off guard. He explained that he had called several other architects prior to reaching out to us and within 30 seconds, each one had told him they were not interested. So he was actually surprised when I invited him to tell me more about he needed. I didn t know if we d be able to help him, but I did know we could always refer him to someone we knew who could.

If I have learned anything during the last few years, it s that the first question is never really the one the client or the contractor wants answered. It s purely an icebreaker to start a conversation.

“Tell me more.”

Had the other architects asked, they would have heard the part of the story that would have caught their attention. The contractor had not just one remodeling project within the house. He had several more he would be doing after this project was complete. Then the contractor asked if we also did commercial projects as he had a project for which he might be able to use our services.

As an architect, one of my jobs is to ask for more information and explore the problem that really needs to be solved. That first question is often not the only question. Only by going beneath the surface to find out what challenges the client (or contractor) is facing do we really understand what is needed and how we may help.

Why not give it a try? Bring your remodel, addition, or new build challenge to HPD Architecture, and chances are you will hear those three magic words: “Tell me more.”

The post The Architect’s Three Magic Words appeared first on HPD Architecture.

And just as we, the architects, cater our services to each project, we also customize the way we deliver our services to best serve each home owner. However, when we step back and look at how home owners approach their renovation or construction projects, we start to see the similarities. And in my experience, there are three types of home owners. And just as we, the architects, cater our services to each project, we also customize the way we deliver our services as needed to best serve each of these home owners. See if you identify with one or more of the following types of home owners with whom we typically work.

Turn Left in 0.3 miles

The first type of home owner has been known to say, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” They like to do their homework, shop for the best value, and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

For this client we do our best work when we can present a full array of options and then openly discuss, in specific detail, the pros and cons of each. We know that this type of home owner benefits from guidance in understanding the process, but they will tell us which choice is the best fit for them.

This home owner is like the driver of a car and the architect is their GPS navigation system. The owner knows where they want to end up, but it’s the architect who gives them route options and informed directions to get to the final destination.

WWTCD?

The second type of home owner knows what they want and knows who to hire to get it done. They especially appreciate it if they can go on vacation or a business trip and the work is done when they return. You might think this home owner sounds flippant and disinterested in the changes to their home; however that’s not the case at all. Our clients who fit this description are very aware of their own personal and business responsibilities and goals. At the same time, they expect others to use the best of their expertise to get the job done.

When working with this type of client, we might as well wear rubber bracelets that say, “WWTCD?” reminding us to always think about, “What would the client do?” Our job is to learn their objectives in exquisite detail, so that we can function as their advocate. This client does not want to be distracted by minute details. Rather, they rely on us to quickly narrow the decisions that have to be made and keep the momentum of the project moving forward.

HPD Sherpas, at Your Service

The third type of home owner finds themselves somewhere in the middle. This is likely the first time to work with an architect and understandably, they feel like they don’t know where to start. They have probably been researching, tearing photos from home magazines, and perusing floor plans online for months or years. They have a strong desire to “get it right” and they are confident in their decision to partner with a professional to show them the way on their journey. This home owner wants to know how the process of design and construction works and which decisions need to be made. However they are also happy knowing that the professionals have the work under control.

In this instance, we are like mountain guides; giving our clients the equipment, encouragement, and the vision to make it to the top. Working with this third type of home owner allows our collaborative skills to shine. Our clients who identify with this category welcome us into their homes as we get to know each other. They delight with child-like excitement when we reach the design that is a perfect fit. And just so you are aware, it is not unusual to exchange high-fives and celebrate when we “get it right.”

So, do you see yourself in any of the home owners “profiles” I described? Do you identify with more than one, perhaps? Life would be too predictable if we only worked with one type of client, which is why we relish the unique renovation, remodel, and new construction challenges that each of our home owners brings to us. Give us a call if you’ve got a humdinger of a project to throw our way. We have a pretty good record of knocking them out of the park.

The post You Know What They Say About Home Owners, Don’t You? appeared first on HPD Architecture.

A kitchen area designed by Holly Hall, AIA, HPD Architecture

One of the first conversations we will have with you when you decide to remodel your kitchen is to learn about how you will use the space. It all boils down (pardon the pun) to your kitchen personality.

Do you enjoy people and make socializing the highlight of the meal, or are you a foodie and enjoy exploring flavors and techniques, no matter how many or few are seated at the table? Once we get a sense of how you want your kitchen to function then we can start designing. More than likely, you identify with more than one of the personality categories below, and we hope that you do. By customizing and fine-tuning the layout, equipment selections, storage, seating, and lighting to fit your unique needs, your ideal kitchen will be an enjoyable, one-of-a-kind, beautiful space.

Read below to find your kitchen personality and then let your creative juices flow (yes, pun intended).

Entertainer
You enjoy having friends and family over for dinner and you have the tools to make a great party. You likely have beer mugs chilling in the freezer and an assortment of glasses to serve any type of wine from your collection. You have a favorite serving platter and extra sets of silverware available to accommodate a large dinner party. Out of all of the personality types you are the most likely to own (and use) napkin rings.

Your ideal kitchen is efficiently laid out to aid in easy food preparation. There is a separate drink station to keep your guests hydrated but out of the way of the cook. And while there is a comfortable place for friends to sit or stand and converse while you are cooking, the messier areas are out of view from the dining area. You make use of appliances like warming drawers and ice makers. If you prefer more formal entertaining, then you have a butler’s pantry and special storage for china, crystal, and silver serving pieces.

Baker
You love the smell of fresh-baked bread and smile when you think of your oven mitt holding a warm tray of cookies straight from the oven. Your happy place is in front of your canisters of flour and sugar. You have plenty of wide mouth drinking glasses with room to dunk cookies in milk.

Your ideal kitchen has custom built-in bins to hold the frequently-used dry goods. Your spatulas and measuring cups are within easy reach and there is plenty of counter space to roll out the dough. Your cook top may be modest, but the ovens (at least 2 of them) are the heart of the kitchen. Specific storage is important, including room for cookie sheets, cake pans, and mixing bowls, not to mention cookie presses and rolls of parchment paper. There’s also an easy to reach cookbook rack to hold your volumes of family recipes.

Family Cook
You are the quintessential multi-tasker. Between shuttling kids to soccer practice and ballet class, you still manage to help with homework and get little tummies fed. You likely have a variety of work, school, and sports calendars and phone lists posted on your refrigerator or bulletin board. Your kitchen functions as command central.

Your ideal kitchen has a breakfast table or eat-in island within five paces of the cereal stash. Your large refrigerator offers easy access to snacks and drinks without imposing traffic patterns where you are trying to make dinner. There are multiple work zones for prep, cooking, and cleanup so that family members can participate. Your cabinets are equipped with pull-out shelves in the under-counter cabinets, so no more lost Tupperware lids.

Griller
You pride yourself on your ability to cook anything over an open fire. You live to cook outside and have assembled a collection of grilling baskets, marinade brushes, tongs and skewers. You buy seasonings and meat rubs in bulk from the local warehouse food store and you do not tolerate generic brand aluminum foil.

Your ideal kitchen has direct access to the grilling patio. You have a large butcher block cutting surface, a professional knife storage system and diamond knife sharpening stone. You make use of counter space to prepare the kabobs, but don’t need a large kitchen because most of your socializing will be going on outside around the grill. You might even prefer an outdoor kitchen, with seating area, fire pit, and built-in speakers for music.

The post What’s Your Kitchen Personality? appeared first on HPD Architecture.

The traditional Dallas house built in the 1960s and 1970s is generally a one-story brick or wood-siding structure with many individual rooms, for example formal living rooms and formal dining rooms. They also might have ornate lighting and plumbing fixtures, intricate woodwork. If the home has not been updated, it can be very energy inefficient.

The contemporary style home, on the other hand, has more open spaces, higher ceilings and less ornamentation. There is a range of different contemporary styles such as mid-century modern, retro, soft or casual, urban, industrial and art deco. The variations are what make contemporary design so versatile and interesting.

If you are looking to change the style of your home to a more contemporary look, here are some suggestions. These actions range from the simple to the more involved (at which time you may want to get some help from a professional architect and contractor).

1. Declutter. Less is more in contemporary design. The space around your furnishings is just as important as the furnishings themselves. For the items that you need to keep, store them in simple, attractive containers.

2. Remove dated wallpaper. If necessary, sand walls for a smooth finish. Avoid heavily textured plaster.

3. Change your paint colors. The right color palette depends on your tastes, furnishings, artwork, etc.

4. Update your light fixtures. Change out ornate fixtures as well as old heavy track lighting. Recessed light fixtures have become more efficient and smaller.

5. Change your window coverings. If you have heavily detailed curtains with lots of trim, replace them with lighter and more streamlined draperies or shades that accentuate the space in the room.

6. Furniture, art and area rugs can be changed out with more modern pieces. Take a look at the room as a whole and don’t try to make everything match. A coordinated decor of complimentary pieces is more interesting than playing “matchy-matchy.”

7. Replace the hardware on cabinets and doors. You can change the metal color, style and shape to a simpler, modern look.

8. Change the faceplates, light switches and electrical plugs throughout the house. If you decide to do this yourself, remember safety first… turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel before you start changing any switches or outlets.

Now, if you want to go beyond the do-it-yourself level, it is time to bring in the professionals. Here is what we do to help our clients:

9. Replace single-pane glass, aluminum frame windows with energy efficient double-pane windows. Changing the type of window, for example a single hung to a casement, can update the look on the exterior of your house. While you are at it, select more modern front and back doors too.

10. Create big impact in the kitchen. Change the material of the backsplash and countertops. New and rediscovered materials, such as concrete, soapstone, terrazzo, recycled glass, and wood, offer fresh alternatives to granite, marble, or laminate.

11. Paint cabinets and change out the cabinets doors. Try a flat slab door rather than the traditional raised panel door.

12. Give floors, showers, and vanities attention in the bathroom. There are many ways to create a more contemporary look in a bathroom. Choose a vanity cabinet that mounts on the wall and allows the flooring material to extend underneath. Opt for a tile in a different shape such as a rectangular plank, and then repeat the pattern in the shower.

13. Open up the living areas. Your architect will likely consult with a structural engineer to determine how to support the ceiling and roof structure as walls are removed.

14. Remove popcorn-style ceiling finishes. Get a contractor with proper equipment to do this. The dust and fumes created are plentiful and best left to a professional.

15. Replace carpet with porcelain tile, hardwood flooring, or stained concrete. Keeping the new material as consistent through the house as possible will allow the rooms to feel connected.

16. Simplify baseboards and door and window trim. Painted or stained wood both work equally as well.

17. Raise the roof – well, not literally (although it has been done). If possible, raise the height of the ceiling framing to make living spaces more voluminous. When it comes time to replace your roof, consider a standing-seam metal roof for a more contemporary look.

A contemporary home inspires to simplify spaces, materials, and furnishings to accentuate the geometry of the space. Best of all, you will have the relaxing, calm retreat you have been looking for. If you are ready to update and simplify your home, please contact us, HPD Architecture, 214.751.2300. We are here to help and are happy to guide you through the process.

The post 17 Steps to Transform Your Home from Traditional to Contemporary appeared first on HPD Architecture.

Gutter full of leaves provides breeding material for insects. (For a larger view, click on picture)

1. Moisture: Don’t Let It Gather
While there’s no need to get into the sultry details, I’m sure you know that mosquitoes increase in numbers when given access to areas of standing water. The areas do not have to be large but allowing water to pond in old tires, bird baths, and toy dump trucks can create problems in just a matter of days. Also if there are areas that retain water such as clumps of old damp leaves, wet grass clippings, material in your gutters holding rain water, these need to be found and cleaned up. Take a quick walk around your property (wearing plenty of insect repellant, of course) and get rid of such breeding holes for these pests.

Mold on brick mortar shows moisture from pipe leak. (For a larger view, click on picture)

2. Moisture: Let It Escape
If you have a brick home, be sure that you do not close up the “weep holes” which are purposely placed to allow moisture trapped in the wall cavity to escape to the exterior of your walls. It is a common practice for home owners to cover these over with mortar or other substances to prevent insects from entering their homes. However, if this is done, the retained moisture in the wall can damage the wood and makes a perfect breeding ground and food source for insects. There are some products on the market that can be used to protect these openings to prevent insect infiltration but still allows air to pass.

The same concept applies when it comes to foundation vents. If your home has a crawl space underneath, then you have a pier-and-beam foundation (as opposed to a concrete slab or basement foundation). When visiting older homes I will often see evidence of metal panels covering the vents below the floor level at the exterior wall. The well-intentioned home owner installs (or just doesn’t remove) the vent cover to keep the under-floor air space warmer during the winter. However, the vents are there to allow the crawl space to breath and you can create untold moisture problems by closing off the vents. In large crawl spaces, we have even recommended electric ventilation fans to pull air from one side of the crawl space to the other.

Broken window caulking allows insects to enter. (For a larger view, click on picture)

3. Moisture: Keep It Out
Ideally we want any water that comes into contact with our homes to flow down and away from the structure. While you are doing laps around your house, check that the soil and landscaping is at least 6″ lower than the top of the concrete foundation. This will allow weep holes to do their job and help water to flow away from the home instead of inside to the crawl space.

I hope it goes without saying that leaky pipes should be repaired A.S.A.P. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done because by the time a leak is discovered, it may have been dripping for quite a while. Wet wood is a smorgasbord for mold and termites.

4. D-fense! D-fense!
Ok, just wanted to see if you are paying attention… I’m not actually cheering at the football game. I am however, suggesting that you need a strong defense against letting the little varmints just walk right in. Insects can travel along the vegetation to get onto and into your home, so keep your trees trimmed and away from your house and the roof.

In the process of trimming vegetation away from your home, take a look at your doors and windows. It’s not unusual for caulk to shrink and pull away slightly from the brick or window frame. This is like hanging a welcome sign out for the local ant population to “come on in and stay a while.” Besides making my skin crawl just thinking about it, the gaps are also not doing the energy bill any favors by losing heating and air conditioning around the window frames.

If you integrate the above tips into your home maintenance routine, you should be able to keep pests at bay. If you are considering building a new home or adding an addition to your current home, please contact us at HPD Architecture, 214-751-2300. We can introduce you to specific pest control and prevention products intended to protect your investment.

The post 4 Tips for Home Protection Against West Nile Virus Mosquitoes and Other Insects appeared first on HPD Architecture.

An HPD inspired room

During a recent sit-down with a friend, I casually vented my frustration about my living room. I’m an architect, for goodness sake; I should be able to make every room in my house magazine-shoot ready, right? Instead, I have a dining room that morphs into a living room, but the space doesn’t function as either. Our home was built in the mid-70s when having formal living spaces was the norm. We, on the other hand, are a casual, creative family that likes to play and relax. It took a very smart piece of advice from my friend to make me see my useless combo space as a great opportunity.

Here’s what she said, “Don’t keep anything in your home that you don’t love.”

She was right. Things change, our family has grown and we can’t expect the furniture we moved in with nine years ago to still work for our needs today. The sofa bed and side chair never get used and take up a huge amount of space. The room really wants to be a play room for our son and I’d love to have the studio/office I’ve always dreamed of (but thought I’d have to wait until our “next house”). Who says we have to follow “the rules”?

After looking more closely at the room I realized my frustration was stemming from a room identity crisis. A flexible, organic, play space was trying to claw its way out from under the oppression of the structured, formal living room.

Life is too short to live in spaces that don’t make us happy. When I realized that I don’t have to live with uninspiring furnishings and I can do something about it, I was pleasantly surprised at what a difference it made in my mood. I bundled up a bunch of things to donate, made a list of furniture that needed to go, and fired off an email to a charity to schedule a pickup date.

The best part was what came next. I was able to freely imagine what our living room Family Creative Studio could be and what we’d need to make it a reality. The room that caused me frustration for years now is a source of excitement and inspiration. I feel a trip to IKEA and a metamorphosis coming on!

The post Solving the Room Identity Crisis appeared first on HPD Architecture.

Commissioned painting closeup
by Judy Schaffer
(Click on for larger version)

If you’ve been putting off starting a remodel or redecorating project because you have no idea where to begin, I’d be willing to bet a little inspiration would get your creative juices flowing. At a recent design industry event, I met Deanna Kienast, a Southlake, Texas artist. Deanna suggested we “start with art” when designing a room. Not just any art will do the trick, however. It should be a piece that is personally significant to you and your family.

As an example, the painting that you fell in love with on vacation is a perfect candidate to provide inspiration for updating a space. Just that one piece can improve your mood by bringing back wonderful memories of your summer escape. Allowing the rest of the decorating decisions to be built around your inspiration piece gives the room warmth and depth. On the other hand, if you leave art to the end of the design, finding that one special piece becomes a chore and more often than not you’ll end up compromising.

The key to finding that perfect inspiration piece is to have an emotional connection with it. For instance, during a recent visit to a stone yard, my client and I walked aisle after aisle looking at slabs for her kitchen. It wasn’t until we turned a corner and I heard, “Oooh, look at that!” A gorgeous piece of green marble literally took her breath away and she knew it was the one. She examined it closely and fell more in love with it the longer she stared at it. The green, gold, cream, and brown in the stone gave us the inspiration and guidance to select the finishes for the rest of the kitchen.

On a larger scale, this approach is also useful when working with an architect on a home or office remodel or addition. We often work with clients who will bring their favorite photos from magazines and websites. Occasionally they already have a piece of furniture or art that they love so we will use that as inspiration for the design. If you haven’t found your inspiration piece yet, just keep your eyes open. You’ll know it when you see it.

The post Don’t Get Stuck, Get Inspired appeared first on HPD Architecture.

Olympic Shooting venue

Sitting in my family room, perched comfortably on my couch is the ideal place to watch the drama unfold. The drama of the women’s gymnastics team finals in the London Olympics, that is. The first question, of course is who picked that magenta color for the entire arena? For the few moments when I’m able to look beyond that color, I turn my attention to the death-defying demonstrations of strength, physics, and artistry. And as I write those three words they make me think not only of the gymnasts, but also of the architecture of the Olympic venues.

Have you seen the spectacles that house the athletic events? I’d like to suggest to the International Olympic Committee that they award medals to the architects of the most successful venues, or at least the most eye-catching. Wouldn’t it be fun to see the teams from Zaha Hadid Architects, Populous, and Wilkinson Eyre Architects standing on podiums in the center of Olympic Park?

Olympic Basketball arena

It sounds a little silly and ego-centric to suggest that the architects’ skills, talents, years of hard work should be celebrated, doesn’t it? And yet the venues created for the 2012 London Olympics, believe it or not, will end up in architecture history books for future architecture students to study. Especially considering several of the most visually interesting and complex structures are temporary. Did you know that? The basketball arena, the shooting venue, BMX track, the field hockey stadium and the water polo venue will be torn down and recycled at the end of the Paralympic games in September.

As I was perusing photos of these temporary venues online, I had to smile when I saw the Olympic Shooting Venue, with its large white walls pockmarked with round colorful holes. The surface looks as if it has been shot, perhaps a subtle ironic nod to dry British humor. The Olympic Basketball Arena is another huge temporary structure. It will serve its function and then the space will be recycled. This shows that the organizers were sensitive to the needs of the Games while being aware and staying flexible to the value of the land.

Even with all the fanfare surrounding the games, there’s always talk about the successes or failures of each building. One unfortunate oversight is the lack of public access to the Olympic Cauldron. It’s too bad that the planners chose to leave it in the center of the Stadium instead of moving it to a top edge or a public plaza for all visitors to enjoy. I can’t imagine that the hundreds of runners who carried the flame by torch around the world would be very pleased to see the flame concealed inside the stadium.

The Orbit

Just this morning I saw on the news that the tall Olympic sculpture and tower that was built outside the stadium called the Orbit is receiving a less than phenomenal reception. Apparently, Olympic enthusiasts who make it to the top of the structure to get a view of the city can’t see inside the stadium to pay homage to the Olympic flame. Well, as the athletes themselves might say, “You win some, and you lose some.”

Unless you’ve lived in an Olympic city in the years leading up to the events, you can’t fully appreciate the fast and furious changes endured by the locals. Architects are familiar with the messy side of construction. We know that to build things bigger and better, sometimes you have to break them down first. In the years prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics, the roads and highways through the Salt Lake City basin and surrounding areas were all kinds of crazy. Each time I’d go visit my family in Park City, Utah, we’d have a different route to navigate from the airport to our home.

An obvious benefit to hosting the games is the opportunity to increase and improve tourism facilities. In Park City, Utah, for example, there were three major ski areas, but no bobsled, luge or ski jumping venues. So those were built and now are a big draw for athletes in training and tourists who long for the Olympic experience.

Come to think of it, it’s no wonder why Dallas has bid to host the Summer Olympics multiple times. The Olympics demands for the city to improve infrastructure. With all the highway construction we’ve lived through in the last several decades, including the improvements to Interstate 30 through Arlington to serve the Dallas Cowboy stadium, it feels like we’re already in training for the day we might eventually get to welcome the Olympics to Dallas.

When it’s all said and done, I still love the Olympics. The drama of the competition, the ceremony and celebration of tradition, and the showcasing of iconic architecture, they all keep me looking forward to the next Olympiad. Now, if we can just do something about those hideous gray raincoats the USA women gymnasts are wearing on the podium.

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