Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Below is a list of the top and leading Architects in Austin. To help you find the best Architects located near you in Austin, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

The top rated Architects in Austin are:

Jay Corder Architect takes the view in motivated design to build spaces that look great, suit your needs, adjust to your lifestyle, stand the ravages of time, and make you happy to come home. Either its a personalized design home or a mid-sized commercial venture, Jay Corder Architect brings a modernist technique, aesthetic sensibility, and personal commitment to every project. Jay and his team captivate clients searching modern home design for new construction, remodels, and additions.

They believe a modernistic approach means of this century and decade and it acknowledging that they live in their homes differently than they did 15 years ago. There is a beautiful and useful manipulation between the interior and exterior space, with a clear connection to the outdoors, flow and natural light are important to their personal enjoyment and well-being. The teams objective is to get to know you well enough to understand and interpret your very particular needs, then design a beautiful home that meets every single one of them.

Products/Services:

Kitchen, Bathroom, Outdoor Living & Pool, Living Spaces

LOCATION:

Address: 2700 W Anderson Ln UNIT 309, Austin, TX 78757Phone:(512) 243-8507Website: http://www.jaycorder.com

REVIEWS:

Weve had two excellent opportunities to work with Jay Corder and his team one for building our home from the ground up, and another doing an addition. His team is incredibly creative, with out-of-the-box ideas. They are professional, reliable, and fun to work with. Jay has high standards for contractors and their work, and hell make sure that the final product is exactly as you like it. Debbie C.

Barley-Pfeiffer Architectures main strength is designing high-performance homes and buildings that are attractive and timeless. Acknowledged for their attractive design, integrity, and ability to stand up to the elements, they are less expensive to own, operate, and maintain, are healthier to occupy, and are more comfortable to live and to work in. They know that each site, building, and client is unique.

By incorporating environmentally sound design strategies, their firm offers comfortable and healthy, yet reasonably priced living and working accommodations. Their homes and buildings are recognized for their intelligence, energy efficiency, and innovative utilization of space. Their method will appeal particularly to those who intend to own their home or building for many years, to be passed on to the next generation, and possibly the one after that.

Products/Services:

Residential, Renovation, Commercial

LOCATION:

Address: 1800 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703Phone:(512) 476-8580Website: http://www.barleypfeiffer.com

REVIEWS:

Engaging Barley|Pfeiffer to design our retirement home was one of the smartest things weve ever done. The build of our house is far superior to typical construction in our area. More important, though, this house fits us like a glove. Their comprehensive design process incorporated not just our taste, but how we live, from the room flow to the allocation of HVAC components, etc. Living and building four hours from their Austin office was a bit of a challenge, but we coordinated well and they were on site at all critical junctures. The level of detail in the plans and specifications far exceeded what one typically gets, even in a full custom build. This was critical to ensuring the energy efficiency of our home. Weve been in the home for two years and continue to be impressed with how little we spend to heat and cool it. We highly recommend the team at Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture. Wolfe D.

Matt Fajkus Architecture is an elite and licensed architecture and interior design business that compliment residential and commercial projects, both small and large. Their design piece is derived from the belief that each project is extraordinary, as it should be driven by the client, the site, and functional requirements, rather than a singular, preconceived aesthetic. The firm goal for clear and simple solutions to complex problems by blending expertise as well as experimentation.

As a young and energetic collaborative, the firm is simultaneously an academic think tank, directly connected to theoretical and technological research at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, while also practicing with a deep concentration on realizing outstanding buildings. MF Architecture encourages a transparent design process including a direct collaboration with client and builder. Furthermore, the firm promotes honesty and usefulness in the design itself, with a belief in balancing restraint and expression in broad design moves as well as material choices and composition.

Products/Services:

Architecture & Interior Design, Residential & Commercial Projects

LOCATION:

Address: 900 E 6th St #100, Austin, TX 78702Phone:(512) 432-5137Website: http://www.mfarchitecture.com

REVIEWS:

Fantastic modern designs. Great utilization of space. Matt and his team are an absolute delight to work with. Ron B.

Furman + Keil Architects is a communal design business committed to making enhance surroundings that improve the lives of people and their society. Their work is founded on the premise that communication and teamwork are fundamental to unlocking the hidden potential of every project. They value the ideas and opinions of their clients, colleagues, consultants, and co-workers, and stress the importance of making sure everyones viewpoint is heard and respected.

They guide clients through a process of discovery, allowing the design to unfold as a reflection of a projects unique vision, desires, and place in the landscape. Their work seeks a fresh balance between local precedents and innovative design. They toil to create everlasting, sustainable buildings with materials and forms that are grounded in a strong sense of place and built to be enjoyed by their clients for generations.

Products/Services:

Residential & Commercial Projects

LOCATION:

Address: 1211 E 11th St STE 200, Austin, TX 78702Phone:(512) 479-4100Website: http://www.fkarchitects.net

REVIEWS:

We loved working with the team at F+K on our ranch project. Their attention to detail and quality in every aspect of the process made such a difference in our experience and the final product! Alane S.

McKinney York Architects dispenses an opinion in the transformational power of people united in a common purpose. Their goal is to create places that draw people together, serve, and inspire. This belief manifests itself in collaboration. That means ongoing communication in the studio and with their design team, a lack of ego from the top down, and a collection of highly capable, enthusiastic design professionals. Their staff are all exceptional designers and, rare within the profession, the majority are registered architects.

Collaboration extends beyond the studio to embrace their clients. With each council, they vigorously undertake their clients and listen attentively to uncover the unique qualities of their project and site. The aim of this effort is to reveal not only the clients top-of-mind goals but also latent functional and aspirational goals, as these often determine the real success of a project.

Products/Services:

Commercial, Residential, Academic, Civic, Religious, Museum & Exhibit, Interiors

LOCATION:

Address: 1301 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702Phone:(512) 476-0201Website: http://www.mckinneyyork.com

REVIEWS:

One of the top firms in the state. Professional, high design, on time and on budget would use them on any project. Thanks MYA! William B.

Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.

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5 Best Architects in Austin - Kev's Best

Local residential construction businesses report an upward trend in a labor market that otherwise is in a downward slide

Amid an economic downturn, there has been one sector in Central Oregon that has risen to the top and seen an increase in the employment market.

"Here in Central Oregon, the construction sector has largely avoided the employment losses seen by other industries through the COVID shock," commented Regional Economist for the Oregon Employment Department Damon Runberg. "Crook County's construction sector is likely up by 2-3% over the past year, and Deschutes County's construction sector is largely unchanged from 2019."

In the bigger picture, Oregon shows a different story with construction employment down 4.6% over the past year (-5,000 jobs). However, most of those losses are concentrated in the commercial sector.

"There have actually been notable gains of 3.6% in the residential building sector due to increased demand for housing fueled by low interest rates and demographics," added Runberg. "I expect to see strong employment gains in the construction sector in 2021 with Deschutes County's new residential building permits up nearly 19% in 2020 over levels in 2019."

Local construction businesses have also seen this trend, with commercial building down from years pastespecially during COVID.

Wes York of York Painting has a painting business in Crook County, which he began in 2008. He has seen a huge increase in his business during the past yearwhich he attributes to the need for housing.

"I guess it would be the demand for housing, because it is extremely busy," York emphasized. "Actually, it seems like when COVID started, it got busier. We have had probably the best year we ever had last year."

He added that it was in all areas of his business, including jobs in existing and new structures. They paint new and remodeled homes primarily in Crook County.

"Everybody I know has got so much work they are trying to give me their work. I am constantly telling people no and giving them other painter's phone numbers," York concluded.

"With construction, you have to remember there are sort of two sides to it, and the two sides have very different trends because of COVID shock," said Runberg. "You have commercial construction, which has generally taken a hit because of COVID."

He went on to say that with residential building construction, the trend has been positive and one of the few industries that has seen any sizeable or significant growth over the past year. Runberg added that in Central Oregon, residential building is the bulkor meat and potatoes of the local building construction sector of the industry. In larger urban areas, the commercial construction are larger employers and have taken a bigger hit because of COVID.

"For instance, here in Oregon, over the past yearcomparing December 2020 to December 2019, residential building construction employment is up 3.6%, whereas the total non-farm employment and the economy as a whole in Oregon employment remains down over 9.1%. A huge difference between the broad trend we are seeing in employment and what is happening in residential building construction."

Chad Howard Construction has been in business for 14 years in Crook County. Howard commented that he has seen an increase in new residential construction during the past year.

"We have seen an increase in it," Howard emphasized. "Through this COVID, a lot of people are finding out that with Zoom meetings, you can keep your job in a different area. We are seeing some people move in that probably wouldn't have moved if COVID hadn't even come up, because now they work from home, and they get to pick their desirable place to live."

He added that he thought this might be a small portion of the construction, but he forecasts an increase in this dynamic. He also worries about top-down politics and how that will affect the construction business in the near future.

Randy Hamon of Hamon Roofing works mostly in re-roofing on existing homes, although they have added more new construction jobs in the past three years. Although the uptick in the construction has been evident in Central Oregon, it does not affect businesses like Hamon's as significantly.

"I think there is a little bit more new construction, and we have been doing a little bit more each year for the last two or three years it seems like in Crook County," commented Hamon. "Most of our work is residential re-roofing. We do work for four or five general contractors, and they all seem to be busy all the time. It's definitely on the uptick right now."

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Damon Runberg

Regional Economist

Serving the East Cascades of Oregon

Oregon Employment Department

Phone: 541-706-0779

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Residential construction surging in the midst of COVID - Pamplin Media Group

During the Laramie City Council meeting on Feb. 2, there was much discussion about a proposed general contractor licensing ordinance. This ordinance would add section 15.24.015 to the Laramie Municipal Code to provide licensing of general contractors working in the city limits of Laramie.

This ordinance was introduced as a means to provide a level of safety, public health, and general welfare through the building industry.

We have been talking about this [ordinance] since the fall [of 2020]. Over several weeks, city staff met with a number of contractors to put together some of these guidelines, said Ward 3 Council member Pat Gabriel, who introduced the ordinance in 2020. Its purpose is to provide validity to the contracting profession, and create a better end product. Its about consumer protection. He added that this ordinance is similar to many other communities in the region, and that Laramie isnt reinventing anything. This is a way to catch up with the times.

A number of members of the public showed up to the meeting, some in response to a Laramie Boomerang article published Jan. 31. According to several council members, some of the information provided in this article was misleading or incorrect.; such as stating that the ordinance would disallow anyone who is not a Laramie licensed general contractor to perform residential or commercial-related construction. This was inaccurate. During the first reading of the ordinance, City Council added amending language to say that this ordinance would apply to anyone who does contract work for compensation.

Homeowners working on their primary residence do not need to be a licensed general contractor. In fact, homeowners have been able to do all work requiring a permit on their primary residence as long as the homeowner conducts the work and obtains the permits, said Todd Feezer, assistant city manager, in response to the inaccuracies in the article. For business owners, there is a large realm of work that can be conducted that is exempt from permitting. These items include flooring, painting, sheetrock repair, and like-for-like replacement of windows, cabinets and doors.

However, Feezer explained that any work conducted that currently requires a permit in the commercial realm should be conducted by licensed trade contractor. He explained that permitting becomes necessary when structural changes are made to commercial or rental properties. Examples of this would be moving an entire doorway, or enlarging the size of a window. If this ordinance is passed, work conducted that requires a permit in the commercial realm would need to be conducted by a licensed general contractor.

This ordinance mirrors what Laramie already has in place for licensing for trades people, Feezer said. He explained that it does not change anything with the citys permitting or code.

If you do this work for compensation, youre basically committing that you will license a business that will prove you have workers compensation insurance, that you will hire permitted tradesmen, and that you will have a Qualified Supervisor on Record (QSOR) on your staff, Feezer explained. A QSOR is an individual hired by a contractor who has taken the ICC test to show that they have the experience and ability to build at certain levels. In some cases, a general contractor and QSOR might be the same individual.

Another correction to the Jan. 31 article should be noted in regards to the fees for the initial license and renewal. A new Class A contractor licensing fee would be $500, and renewal fee is $200. Similarly, Class B and Class R new fees are $450, and renewal is $150. The Class C new fee would be $300, and $75 for renewal.

Council member Jessica Stalder (Ward 1) expressed her wariness of the ordinance.

I think many part-time contractors may drop out of the market, she said. I think what that will do is increase the cost and the time it takes anyone to get a general contractor. She added that this would make it more difficult for development.

Affordable housing is contingent on housing availability and this might make it more difficult to build more housing. She also expressed concern about the timing of ordinance during COVID-19 because it may add more burden and roadblocks to businesses during an already difficult time.

Stalders concerns were echoed in the public comment portion of the discussion.

Im pro-business and pro-expansion, and I dont like the restrictions. If you pass this, I think youre going to see rents go up, and housing costs go up. I think youre going to see delayed repairs, said Klaus Halbsgut, business owner and resident of Laramie. He added that its important to consider the unintended consequences, such as restricting business development.

If a contractor does a bad job, word will spread, Halbsgut said while explaining why he felt the ordinance was unnecessary.

Concerns about repair delays and construction log jams were reprised in other public comments. Some members of the public reiterated Halbsguts proposition that the contractor market in Laramie will self-regulate through informal community public relations.

Ward 3 Council member Erin ODoherty disagreed with the assumption that bad contractors will get weeded out naturally. She added that people moving to Laramie who are unfamiliar with the community do not have the luxury of knowing the reputations of contractors prior to moving to the city.

Towards the end of the discussion, Council member Andrea Summerville (Ward 1) suggested adding clarifying language on what type of work would be exempt from this ordinance for the next reading. The City Council unanimously voted in favor of this direction.

The second reading of the general contractor licensing ordinance passed with amendments. A third reading will occur at the next regular meeting of the Laramie City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 16. This meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Public comment will be welcome during this meeting.

Read the rest here:
Clarifications and concerns shared on city general contractor ordinance - Wyoming Tribune

GRAND MOUND Sarah Beuthien tries not to stop by every night to check on the progress being made on the remodeling project at the Grand Mound Community Center.

But the president of the Grand Mound Community Center Board admitted its not easy.

After all, improvements are happening every day, and Beuthien said theyre nothing short of amazing.

The renovation, which officially began Dec. 28, is long overdue, she noted.

The building, located at 510 Smith St., was constructed in 1987. Aside from putting a fresh coat of paint on the interior of the center, nothing within the last 10 years or so has been updated.

Beuthien, who moved with her family to Grand Mound 17 years ago, said the community center board typically meets once a quarter to address any kind of issues or concerns regarding the center.

Last year, however, members met more frequently to plan and discuss the renovation project.

The list of improvements includes painting the entire center and the kitchen cabinets, all new flooring, new countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen, new thermostats, new hardware on the doors, new ceiling fans, new trim throughout, and new bathroom partitions.

We have been waiting to remodel for some time now, Beuthien related. We were seeing a decline in the number of center rentals, and it was pretty obvious the center was not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. People want to have a nice background for pictures at their events.

Events held at the community center include the towns annual COMBO sale, trivia nights, the firefighters chicken dinner and breakfast, the Halloween BOO Bash, the 50-Plus dinner, baby showers, reunions and wedding receptions.

The total cost of the project will fall between $30,000 and $35,000. Beuthien said the board agreed to launch a letter campaign asking for donations.

The response to that campaign has proven how much the community wants to see the center thrive.

We have raised just over $30,000 so far, Beuthien said. We were overwhelmed with the community support we received and continue to receive. We are still asking for donations. Since we arent finished yet, there is still the potential of an unexpected expense. We also noticed the paint on the front of the building is beginning to bubble, so that will need to be addressed in the very near future.

Mike Lawson, a Grand Mound resident, offered to be the project manager and has worked with various contractors to arrange the work that needs to be done.

Beuthien said without Lawson, the numerous volunteers, individuals, businesses and the city itself, the project would almost certainly take longer to complete.

In the meantime, no events will be held.

We cant thank everyone enough, Beuthien shared. The community center is the hub of our community. If we didnt have the center, I could see several events discontinued simply due to not having a location to locally host them. We hope to appeal to more people with these updates, which will, in turn, make for more rentals.

Beuthien said organizers are anticipating the work will be done in early February and likely will schedule an open house event sometime in March.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project may send a check to: Grand Mound Community Center, Box 283, Grand Mound, IA 52751.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Kate Howes is a staff writer with the DeWitt Observer.

Read more:
Volunteers making progress updating Grand Mound Community Center - Clinton Herald

Thierry Chow tells us how inject good feng shui into our homes in 2021 (Image: @thierrychow/Instagram) By Tara Sobti February 06, 2021

Hong Kong's feng shui extraordinaire Thierry Chow offers practical tips to create good fortune in your home or workspace in 2021, the zodiac year of the Metal Ox

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Thierry Chow knows a thing or two about creating balance and harmony within a space. Last year, she taught Tatlerhow to create an auspicious environment to set the year off right. This year, the daughter of Chow Hon-ming, one of Hong Kongs most widely respected feng shui masters, shares five nuggets of wisdom on how to make both living and office spaces work for you.

Those who are born in the Year of the Ox can expect lots of changes in 2021, but with change comes growth, and thats always a good thing, she says.

See also: What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About You In The Year Of The Ox

This year, the best directions for your space are the West corners, Northeast corners and East corners.

West corners are especially good for overall health and wellness. Use this area for sleep, rest and work. Place bright and happy colours here to enhance the good energy.

Northeast corners are good for relationships. Place florals in red, pink or purple to stimulate good energy in your personal relationships.

East corners are ideal for career and studies. Place green leafy plants in these areas for enhancements in work and education.

North and Southeast are inauspicious this year. Avoid using this area as there is a star of debility here. Place metalware here to minimise the negative energy. Metals items can include a copper clock or bowls.

To unblock your Qi, imagine a river going through your home or office. Position your furniture to allow the river to flow smoothly and freely to each area, letting it flow into the right directions of your life. Here are some common examples of blocked Qi in a space:

Clutter in front of the entrance or hallway. A solution to this is to declutter your space every couple months and put things away neatly.

Stuffy rooms. A tip would be to create air flow and circulation in the space. Open a window to allow fresh air and natural sunlight to come through.

Imbalanced space. One way to correct this is to make your furniture easy to navigate around. Try different placements until it feels more comfortable and until you are no longer bumping into things. This will help renew the energy in the room and help unblock your Qi.

See also: 4 Easy Tips On Creating A Beautiful Work Space At Home

Wood: Living plants will keep you company and remove stagnant Qi in your space. Their life-stimulating properties can reduce stress, too. Create a little garden for yourself that includes leafy plants. Plants with no thorns are ideal.

Metal: Copper, bronze, gold and silver are known to have antimicrobial properties. Place more copper decorations around your space, such as copper bowls or clocks.

Earth: Bring in the earth element to your surroundings for grounding. Marbles and crystals are an easy way to do this.

Fire: Light candles or place lamps in your home or office to invoke inspiration and creativity.

Water: Water features, such as fish tanks or fountains, are key to letting abundance flow through your home or work space, creating good energy flow.

See also:

Whether it is deep invigoration, soothing relaxation or a quick reset you seek, your space should allow you to effortlessly connect to your soul. Setting an intention helps shape the use of your space, and being mindful of it creates the right energy to revitalise you immediately. Meditating in your space can help you clear your mind, and allow you to sense negative energies in your space. Doing this will allow you to create a sanctuary that connects to your soul.

See also: 7 Meditation Apps To Calm And Guide Your Mind

Decorative details can create an auspicious atmosphere, too. Install a picture or piece of art that sparks positive emotions or makes you smilethat could be an inspirational painting or photograph, grandmas quilt or a cute teddy bear from your childhood. Sun-soaked yellow, optimistic orange and nourishing green are all colourful accents that brighten the mood.

See also: 10 Subtle Ways To Use Colours At Home This Chinese New Year

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5 Feng Shui Tips For The Home In The Year Of The Ox - Tatler Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA -Media OutReach- 4 February 2021 -International best-selling author, founder of the world's largest Chinese Metaphysics academy, and the world's #1 authority in Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology, Joey Yap, took centre stage over a two-weekend virtual event to present his Feng Shui and Astrology Seminar from 15th-17thJan 2021 and 22nd-24thJan 2021.

This is the first time the seminar was conducted online. Without the limitations of space inside a conference hall, the size of the live audience grew to a staggering 24,300 people a day, with audiences in attendance from 38 countries. And throughout the entire 3 days, Joey never failed to captivate the audience. It was quite a spectacle being in a live feed 'virtual room' with such a vast amount of people. For a moment you might think that you are attending a concert with the energy and enthusiasm that can be felt even just by glancing through the lively chats.

WOULD IT STILL BE A CRISIS IF YOU SAW IT COMING?

The Chinese character for opportunity () is hidden in the Chinese word for danger (). While there's no denying that the last 12 months have been nothing short of agonizing, matters were only amplified by what we saw in the news. Despite all of this, we often hear success stories about people who thrived in such turbulent times. And if you had to link them together, there are three underlying factors that separates them from the herd -- their foresight, their competency and their luck.

ENTER THE YEAR OF THE METAL OX

2 billion people or 1 out of every 4 people on this planet are about to celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Each year, the Chinese look into the stars for guidance and advice. They use these outlooks to make a positive impact in various aspects of life; better relationships, harmony with family, health, career and business.

Joey gave his outlook for the year, analyzing the annual energies and how one should prepare. In his talk, Joey pointed out that most people turn to the stars for the wrong reason. The old adage that luck is preparation meeting opportunity provided the perfect analogy to summarize the event. Most people turn to astrology or Feng Shui with the intention to 'get lucky'. He emphasized that such views are dated as it implicates a fatalistic view that our lives are completely random, fated and there's nothing you could do to change the outcome.

He further explained that 'luck' was in fact the outcome. Chinese Astrology, Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics as a whole serve only as a tool for you to better understand these "opportunities". Such opportunities were referred to as fate; the things that are beyond your control such as who your parents are, where you were born, and even the era you belong to.

Destiny on the other hand, is what we know as 'preparation'. It's every individual's free-will, our courage, our choices and our determination. He goes on to explain that "fate and destiny co-exists to produce the outcomes of our lives". Luck as he eloquently put it, is a result of our foresight of these opportunities or dangers, and our choices to become competent for it.

The organizers have prepared a downloadable guide for the year of the Metal Ox 2021. A copy link has been graciously provided. You can get a free copy here:www.thrivers.guide/freedownload

Dato Joey Yap is the world's #1 authority figure in Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics. He is a bestselling author of 182 books, published in 7 different languages with more than 4,200,000 copies sold globally. He speaks to more than 100,000 people at his live and virtual events around the world and has thus far, been featured in BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, Forbes, The International Herald Tribune, Tatler as well as Time magazine.

For the past 20 years, he has been helping thousands of students and clients from all around the world, embark on their life's journey, towards a transformational experience using Feng Shui, BaZi, Yi Jing, Face Reading, Date Selection as well as Qi Men Dun Jia. Besides that, he is also the creator of best-selling online learning programs, Grow Rich with BaZi and Design Your Destiny.

With a following of over 2.3 million on Facebook and 53,000 subscribers on Telegram, Dato Joey Yap spends his time enlightening others with his gift of insight backed with knowledge, as a means for others to reach a successful as well as contented future ahead.

Telegram:www.joeyyap.com/telegram

YouTube:www.joeyyap.com/youtube

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/datojoeyyap/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/djoeyyap/

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Largest Annual Feng Shui And Astrology Livestream Event By World No.1 Expert In Feng Shui And Chinese Metaphysics Joey Yap - Taiwan News

by BERNAMA / pic credit: goodfengshui.com

KUALA LUMPUR In the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Golden Bull and local feng shui expert Kenny Hoo has predicted the emergence of an abundance of good and new opportunities for the business community.

Hoo said this year could be a turning point for companies and individuals wishing to improve their services, products and quality of life.

The keyword for this year is turnaround. A lot of businesses and social activities will gradually awaken and people will be seen kick-starting their engines and putting their focus on their businesses after a year of sluggish growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will create more innovative opportunities and new technologies, as well as greater collaborations among various fields, he said during a recent online media conference.

For those wishing to do some spring cleaning before Chinese New Year kicks in on Feb 12, Hoo advised them to do it on an auspicious date in accordance with their zodiac animal sign.

This will remove the old, unwanted and stagnant energy and welcome fresh new energy into your home or office. It will clear the negative qi (vibes) and create more space for positive qi for greater health, wealth and prosperity in the upcoming new year, he said.

To ensure bountiful business in the coming year, Hoo said it is vital to pick a good day to reopen the office or restart a business after the Chinese New Year (CNY) break.

This is to attract good luck and prosperity for your business and work so that you can remain successful the whole year.

If you cannot restart (your business or work) on an auspicious date, then pick an average day. Try to avoid returning to work on a day that is in conflict with your zodiac sign, he said, adding that the fourth day of CNY would be the best time for most people to return to work, except for those born in the Year of the Rat.

He said according to Chinese tradition, people would also choose the right date to deposit money into their bank accounts. This years right date or Li Chun was Feb 3.

Li Chun is a date in the Chinese calendar that signifies the beginning of spring and often falls just before or after CNY.

We believe that depositing money into our account on this day will attract more money to us over the coming year, depending on the zodiac animal sign we belong to. One can also deposit money into their account via online banking as the symbolism is the same, he added.

Hoo also said that based on the yearly Ba Zi (an ancient Chinese practice of analysing a persons destiny) chart, 2021 will be a positive year with the auspicious months being February, May, July, September and October.

This years challenging months would be June, August and December and, as Hoo advised, try to avoid making major decisions during these months.

For those born under the zodiac animal sign of the Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Monkey, Rooster or Dog, this year will be a good year for them as it will be filled with good luck and opportunities, especially in terms of career, health and wealth.

However, he warned those with the Bull, Horse, Rabbit, Snake, Goat or Boar zodiac sign to be more cautious and conservative in all their undertakings.

They should avoid making any drastic change or major decision especially in July and October this year and in January 2022, he added.

He said those born in the year of the Rat, Dragon, Horse and Monkey should be on the lookout for minor health issues throughout the year and are advised to visit a dentist for dental scaling or do a health check or blood test or donate blood.

Meanwhile, students born in the year of the Rat, Dragon, Horse and Monkey will do well in their academic pursuits because the scholar star will be shining on them.

Continue reading here:
Feng shui master expects turnaround this year - The Malaysian Reserve

As we prepare to usher in the Lunar New Year of the Ox, now is the perfect time for a refresh of your home to bring abundance and prosperity for the coming year.

Feng Shui is an age-old Chinese belief that our homes are a reflection of ourselves, and a practise which aligns your environment with who you are and where you are going, according to Nicheliving Property Advisor Leah Xia.

In Feng Shui, it is believed everything even inanimate objects carries energy, or chi, she said.

Arranging your home according to its principles helps balance those energies and ensures it flows freely throughout your home.

These energies are present across five elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Ms Xia offered some easy ways to Feng Shui your home.

Keep things clean and tidy, she said. Having too much clutter around is probably not going to do your mental clarity any favours.

In Feng Shui, clutter is believed to take up valuable space which new, incoming energy needs.

We recommend making a habit of cleaning up each day. Not only will it make you feel less stressed out, itll also create a sense of order in chaotic times.

Another simple trick to bring good energy into your home is adding some greenery.

Ms Xia said plants embodied life energy, so could add freshness and vitality to your home.

Go for some easy-care plants like ivy and other indoor plants that are both low-cost, yet visually impressive, she said.

Ms Xia said building a home presented the perfect opportunity to lay the right foundations for adopting Feng Shui.

The front door is the most important part of the home when considering Feng Shui, she said. It represents how chi enters your home and life.

The front door should be clearly defined and have a presence from the outside. It shouldnt be facing a bathroom or storage door, and never have stairs facing the front door, as the good energy will flow out.

Have a welcoming entryway that promotes a good flow of energy, providing a proper transition between the outside world and inside your home have a place to sit down, leave belongings and catch your breath before proceeding inside.

Other floor plan considerations include the location of the master bedroom and kitchen.

Ms Xia said a master bedroom should be kept away from the front door, while the kitchen should not be seen directly from the entrance.

One of the most popular ways to incorporate Feng Shui into a home is through the addition of a fountain, according to Ms Xia.

There is a strong association of the energy of water with wealth, she said.

Fountains are the most popular Feng Shui for wealth cure, so if you love fountains, find one or more good-quality fountains and place them in the best Feng Shui areas of your home.

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Energy in harmony through Feng Shui - The West Australian

February 12, 2021 is the Lunar New Year, per the lunisolar calendars traditional in many Asian countries including China, Vietnam, and South Korea. The holiday of new beginnings, reunion dinners with loved ones, and Spring Festival celebrations in China also introduces the Year of the Metal Ox, marking the end of the Year of the Metal Rat. Those with an interest in Chinese zodiac animals may already know that some 2020 Rat predictions were just as unfortunate as the year turned out to be, and now, a new question looms: Will this Year of the Ox be lucky?

That can depend on a variety of individual factors. The compatibility of your personality with the traits of the Ox is affected by your own zodiac animal, according to Susan Levitt, professional astrologer, feng shui consultant, and author of Taoist Astrology. 2021 is also impacted by the fact that it's a metal year (metal is one of the five elements of the Chinese zodiac; more on this later). Also, you may want to nail down what "lucky" means to you.

What is the goal, what are you trying to do? Levitt says. And, does the energy of the Ox match with your personality or your energy?

Still, the Year of the Ox will impact us all in a few generally similar ways, according to both Levitt and Pocket Chinese Almanac authors and translators Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith. Here's what they have to say about the meaning of the Year of the Ox, and a few predictions for what it has in store.

While Levitt is an astrologer and student of feng shui, Lee and Smith get their almanac predictions from a Hong Kong-based geomancer named Warwick Wong. Long practiced in his family, Wong's style of Chinese geomancy is a form of divination, or forecasting the future, that observes astronomical movements and what Smith describes as other atmospheric conditions. Wong then interprets how these impact our lives down on earth, and his daily readings offer whats lucky or unlucky to undertake (February 12 will be good for engagements or starting a business, but bad for rituals and paying out money). But Wong also gives Lee and Smith a general trajectory for what a given year will be like.

Basically, Lee says, "it's a holding pattern." Keep calm and carry on as best you can in 2021, but hold off on major moves if you're able. And in a note worth taking whether you believe in the zodiac or not, Lee relays that Wong says to "try not to be obsessive about following the news, because so much information is in the air." Essentially, preserve your energy and your spirit.

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Even to a skeptic, some of Wongs past predictions have felt eerily prescient. On the night before last years Lunar New Year EveJanuary 23, 2020New York Citys Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) welcomed Lee and Smith for their annual talk on what the Metal Rat year would bring. MOCA president Nancy Yao Maasbach told OprahMag.com the prognosis was that by consensus, it was going to be a horrible year. Lee and Smith told the audience that Wong had two pieces of advice to share: Dont be argumentative and try to change anyones minds on matters, and find a safe place, and hide.

Given that the novel coronavirus had gripped Wuhan, China by late January, Maasbach realized that plenty of people in the Chinese-American community were already casting a concerned eye toward how both the lunar year and Gregorian calendar year would pan out in 2020. So she remembers shaking their words off. I am not superstitious, though I was growing up, Maasbach says. Im a God-fearing Christian woman, though it is such a Chinese thing thats in the back of my mind.

After the talk, Maasbach joined Lee and Smith for dinner three blocks from the museum. Barely an hour later, Nancy got a phone call, and we just lost her, Smith remembers. Shes saying, oh my god! Oh my god! and she ran out.

I threw the dinner money on the table and ran down the street in 3-inch heels, Maasbach recounts.

The Museum of the Chinese in America had been destroyed in a five-alarm fire.

Everyone was like, thats a harbinger, Maasbach says, and then it just proceeded to be this insane year.

It's not surprising that by both Maasbach and Smith's accounts, she avoided Lee and Smith's phone calls about their Year of the Ox predictions for awhile. Fortunately, it's set to be better than the lastor, at least, different. In this year's virtual MOCA talk, Smith said that according to Wong, planetary aspects have caused a "murkiness in the universe" that's clouding his ability to forecast more specifically. "2021 is the year to be prudent," Lee added.

How you'll feel about this steadfast Year of the Ox depends on how you relate to the Ox energy, Levitt says. "Hard work, duty, disciplinethats the ox, she says. Levitt says the theme of 2021's lunar year will be "build, build, build," following through on whatever projects you began in the Rat year. Stick to routines, and shy away from wild new methods and ideas.

"I'm happy to be solid and stable, plow the field and work diligently," says Levitt, who was born in the Year of the Sheep. "If you're a horse or a monkey, this isn't your kind of energy. Or if you're a tiger, you want to pounce on the new." Read Levitt's Year of the Metal Ox forecast for each zodiac animal on her website.

If you were born in the Year of the Ox, know that some Chinese superstition holds that it's not a lucky year for you. According to Lee, "It might not be the worst year, but its not the best." Though Smith adds, "Good things can happen with twice the intensity, and bad things will happen to you with twice the intensity as well." To attract good fortune, they recommend wearing red, traditionally considered a lucky color in China, keep a plant in your room, and try to maintain a positive mindset.

"2021 is a metal year of the five Taoist elements fire, earth, metal, water, and wood," Levitt writes in her guide. "In feng shui, the metal environment is clean, pristine, pared down, and shiny like metal." If you want to best prepare your home for the Year of the Metal Ox, she adds, "begin by cleaning your home, reduce clutter, and maintain tidiness all year round. The main focus is on the bedroom as hard-working oxen do best after peaceful sleep."

Notably, in traditional Chinese medicine, the metal element rules the lungsa body part that's been particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic that rose in the Year of the Metal Rat. As such, Levitt says she'd advised clients to take care of their lungs when making her 2020 predictions back in 2019, and recommends quitting smoking if this year if you partake. "The big change for COVID will be on the new Moon in Leo that begins Fire Monkey lunar month on August 8," she writes on her site.

Overall, there's no bad news for the Year of the Ox. It's more like...less than exciting news, given that Levitt and Wong both see it as a time to take care of yourself and stay drama-free. But know that 2022's Year of the Tiger may bear out predictions of a new roaring '20s on the way.

"Tiger year is time to leap into the new," Levitt says. Until then, avoid impulsively pouncing on anything.

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What the 2021 Year of the Ox Has In Store for You - Oprah Mag

Ready to ring in the Lunar New Year with fun and entertainingeventideas? Take your Lunar New Year Celebration and spruce it up in time for the 2021Year of theOx. Thelong-timecelebrated occasion is a time to commemorate prosperity, health, and good fortune with friends and family.

2021 isthe year of the Ox,officially starting onFebruary 12, 2021. The Year of the Ox is the second zodiac sign in theChinese zodiaccycle.The Ox symbolizes hard work, discipline, strength, and an indomitable spirit.

Inthe United States, the growth of the Asian population is on the rise, which also increases events marketed towards the Asian community.

Manybrands have tapped into this Asian holiday to either introduce and/or expand their sales to the Asian market.However, for 2021, as virtual events take center stage, how can you celebrate this years Lunar New Yearvirtually?

From thevirtualtea ceremonies,the art of dumplings,incorporating a decluttering master, toFeng Shui, these activitiesaresuretoget your guestsexcitedand engagedeven virtually.

Take your Lunar New Year Celebration to a whole new level with these fun and festive ideas. Merging tradition, fun, and festivity, these Lunar New Year event ideas will surely delight all guests and add a unique touch to yourvirtualevent.

The year 2021is the Year of the Ox, from Feb. 12, 2021, until Jan. 31, 2022.Use the chart below to discover your Zodiac Animal and correspondingpersonality traits based on the year you were born:

Rat:1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind

Ox:1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021Diligent, dependable, strong, determined

Tiger:1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022Brave, confident, competitive

Rabbit:1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible

Dragon:1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic

Snake:1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025Enigmatic, intelligent, wise

Horse:1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026Animated, active, energetic

Goat:1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027Calm, gentle, sympathetic

Monkey:1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028Sharp, smart, curious

Rooster:1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029Observant, hardworking, courageous

Dog:1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030Lovely, honest, prudent

Pig:1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031Compassionate, generous, diligent

Chartcourtesy ofChina Highlights

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Lunar New Year: Celebrating the Year of The Ox - Special Events