It’s web based – location based applications require me to download, install and maintain a piece of software, it also requires me to physically be in one location to use it and if I want a remote employee or contractor to have access they also have to download install and maintain it. Web based not only simplifies my life, by being accessible from anywhere via the internet it allows me to be more effective in the use of my time.

It’s cost effective – Most applications have an arcane pricing structure geared towards large corporations with bizarre price steps that have little relationship to my needs and how their application meets them – typically these plans have steep setup fees and monthly plans around $10/user but they often require a minimum of 10 users which = $100/month which is a great price on a per user basis… but I don’t have 9 employees so for me that’s a waste of money. Harvest’s pricing is based on the number of users starting at $12 for a solo plan.

I can track my time on my terms – Several of the more expensive time tracking applications I used had prescriptive project workflows that were counter to the way I need to work. What an application doesn’t do is just as important as what it does do. Harvest is simple yet flexible – it allows you to enter your time in a number of ways different ways meaning you can make it work the way you need rather than be forced by the application into a rigid process that doesn’t do what you need and frustrates end users.

Third party integration – It also integrates well with many other useful productivity applications for small businesses like PayPal, Basecamp, Quickbooks, and your iPhone.

Great Design – The first time tracking application I used literally required a web based GoToMeeting with a trainer for several hours just to get up and running, which is partially why the setup fee was so expensive. No employee will consistently and effectively use a piece of software to track their time that requires hours of training. With Harvest the interface is so simple I was instantly able to create a project and start tracking my time and billing with no training or even reading any instructions. By simply designing their software better they’ve created a tool that costs me less money to use and more accurately tracks our time.

I’ve been using Harvest Time Tracking for over two years now and I can honestly recommend it without reservation!

http://www.artdeptpdx.com/?p=13

Montalba Architects provided a set of sketches and reference images and asked me to produce a couple of renderings depicting a restrained but modern and contemporary interpretation of the retailers typically more traditional branded environments. With such a tight schedule I enlisted in the help of the uber talented Stephen Miller of Ambient Light Digital Renderings here in Portland. Working through the weekend and staying up all night before the deadline, we were able to finish on time and present a couple of alternatives for the awning and signage.

PIXELS by Patrick Jean from ONE MORE PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Came across this fun short film.

“Backbridge Station is a 41 unit mixed use development located in North Portland, close to downtown, in the center of a rapidly revitalizing neighborhood.

As more Portlanders want to operate a small business from home, and small businesses want to own rather than rent, there is an opportunity to develop buildings that are move in ready for live-work uses. PATH Architecture and Back Bridge Station LLC have worked with the City of Portland to create a pre-approved live-work design to ensure that purchasers can move in with a residential or business use, or both, without the need to apply for additional permits.

The larger of the two buildings includes 36 live-work units with floor to ceiling glass, large exterior decks, and a living privacy screen outside each bedroom space. The smaller building includes 5 second-floor residential units, with two bedrooms each, and large double height covered decks. A colonnade wraps around the entire site to provide shelter, circulation and outdoor seating opportunities for retail spaces on the ground floor.”

- text from http://www.architecturepath.com