HAVING A PLAN FOR YOUR PLANS

Architects, builders, designers and owners all must communicate and share information when they are working on a project as important as a new home or commercial building. Complex information is passed between these multiple parties and there is no room for misunderstanding or error. For a design and construction project to run smoothly— on time and on budget—all the constituents need to be on the same page. Literally.

That was the inspiration for the development of PlanGrid, a software application—with more than 70,000 users and used on more than 500,000 construction projects—that provides a digital platform for everyone working on a project to have the most updated construction plans.

“PlanGrid can help owners and designers resolve issues early and offer quick feedback throughout the design and planning process,” says Paige Evans, regional sales manager. “PlanGrid helps mitigate rework and inefficiencies by providing access, speed and accuracy. It represents the single source of truth where owners can access all of the documents and history of the project. It’s the only solution that has the capability to be used in all three phases of construction (pre-con, construction and post) by owners or facilities management.”

Built into the application is everything needed for architects, designers, general contractors and subcontractors to manage and share information, including plans, markups, photos, submittals, change orders and field reports. Just some of the features included in the software are easy navigation, the ability to write and share annotations as well as track issues to resolution, and full cycle RFI management. It’s a full life-cycle, native mobile solution focused on productivity, portability and profitability.

“PlanGrid can help teams complete punch lists and inspections faster and more seamlessly. These tools provide owners with the transparency to track contractors’ performance as well as avoid any surprise change orders,” explains Evans.

The app, which runs on iOS, Android and Windows operating systems, offers automatic versioning, sheet naming and hyperlinking of detail call-outs, thus keeping everyone on the project working from the current set. And the best part is the ease of use in the field and the elimination of cumbersome rolls of paper plans.

“With PlanGrid, new sheets and revisions are automatically leafed into place without losing any past notes, markups or conversations. When you’re at the jobsite, you can access all project information—right from your mobile device,” says Evans.

The design and construction of a residence is filled with challenges and pitfalls where the slightest misunderstanding can lead to costly overruns and delays. PlanGrid helps to alleviate those challenges by providing a resource where all of the parties involved can communicate, collaborate and stay current on project changes. By using a program like PlanGrid not only is every aspect of a project organized in one central location, but the daily changes and modifications are updated to all parties simultaneously, so the risk of working with an “old draft” is completely eliminated. plangrid.com, 214-542-5469

SERENADED AT SER

Reaching the pinnacle is considered a great achievement. So it stands to reason that having a dining experience atop the iconic Hilton Anatole hotel, with panoramic views of the Dallas skyline, is something to be noted with distinction. SER Steak + Spirits offers just such an acclaimed experience.

The sophisticated décor paired with executive chef Kevin Spencer’s bold and innovative cuisine choices, plus handcrafted cocktails and a superlative selection of curated wines, combine to offer one of the finest dining experiences available in Dallas.

What truly sets a weekend evening at SER apart from all other fine dining establishments in the city does not come on a plate. Yes, the 45-day aged prime rib with tomato chutney, olive oil and hollandaise, or the Wagyu “spinalis” with marble potatoes and SER steak sauce, or the bone-in filet of beef with applewood bacon and whole grain mustard vinaigrette, and even the tater tots with house- Photographs courtesy of SER Steak + Spirits made ketchup are all amazing. But, what makes dining at SER a pinnacle experience is the smooth, lilting serenade of troubadour W.T. Greer who performs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Oprah Winfrey once invited Greer to sing for her ocean party guests and told them, “If I could imagine the ocean with a voice, it would be the voice of W.T. Greer.” Nelson Mandela once asked to meet Greer after his halftime performance at a Dallas Cowboy’s game. Before Greer could even speak to him, Mandela raised his arms and loudly said: “It is a pleasure to meet you! You have the voice of an angel.”

Vocalist, songwriter and pianist, Greer has performed for six of the nation’s presidents and first ladies, and he’s toured Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, North and South America. He was recently honored by the Sammons Center for the Arts as its entertainer of the year. Having performed in Dallas for 30 years, Greer’s name is synonymous with class and romance, so it is no wonder he is the exclusive performer in such a sophisticated restaurant.

Greer’s bedroom voice creates an atmosphere for appetite, both dining and otherwise, and couples often find themselves drawn to the dance floor to sway to the gentle rhythms that Greer weaves with his voice and the grand piano. A music set combines old familiar favorites with new popular hits, and Greer even peppers in a few originals.

It is no wonder that the singer has been called the Nat King Cole of our generation, and an evening enjoying his talent, especially in such a special environment as SER, is an evening spent at the apex of musical and dining pleasure.

The hotel offers complimentary valet parking for all patrons. Dinner hours are from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and the bar remains open until 11 p.m. Reservations are not required but recommended. sersteak.com, wtgreer.com, 214-761-7479

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IN A BOTTLE

Editing a magazine can prematurely age you. There are two options for an editor, the age-old method of a tall glass of whiskey after a long day or modern science’s attempts at anti-aging. Most editors have a lot of experience with the former; the latter is something Stacey Roi, a brand partner for Nerium, assures her company’s products deliver, with many long-term benefits.

One product in particular is the Age-Defying Eye Serum made with two proprietary ingredients: the SIG-1191 molecule, which acts as a super antioxidant to target crow’s feet and signs of aging around the eyes, plus I-FIL4R, derived from white lily and Brazilian ginseng, to combat puffiness and dark circles.

The Age-Defying Eye Serum can be used both during the day and at night. The product was formulated at the pH level most suitable for skin, thus ensuring maximum benefits. The product has been tested by both dermatologists and ophthalmologists and works on all skin types.

“This advanced and multifunctional eye serum, which works as an antioxidant, delivers an immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also supports the skin’s natural structure and firms and brightens the appearance of the eye area,” says certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman.

The eye serum is just one of five anti-aging products for the face, body and mind offered by Nerium, which has been known for years for its breakthrough Age-Defying Day and Night creams for the face and neck. As one of the company’s slogans says, “Give us one year and we will give you 10 back.”

“Our commitment to research around the causes of aging, conducted by the world’s top universities, biotechnology labs and scientists, allows us to create ingredients that address many different signs of aging at once, giving you the power of multiple benefits in a single product,” says the Nerium website. All of the company’s exclusive, patented products come with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. donroi.realresults.com/product, 302-378-3789