Hotchkiss Insurance’s Post

Lower Manhattan was home for many years so this week always hits a little different. I've found myself thinking about the many times I've passed by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Reflecting Pools with my family and yet it was just this last month that my kids (almost 10 & 7) paused to ask what they were about. It has sparked deep reflections on the power of intentional design in fostering belonging. The memorial itself is a masterclass in creating a space that welcomes, connects, and provides solace to visitors from all walks of life. I was particularly moved to learn about James Maroon, whose nightly dedication to the 9/11 Memorial epitomizes this concept of "designing for belonging." Eight hours a night, five days a week, James meticulously tends to the memorial, ensuring this sacred space is perfect for the next day's visitors. James's work goes beyond maintenance; it's a crucial part of the memorial's design for belonging. By preserving the dignity and accessibility of the space, he ensures that every visitor—regardless of their background or connection to the events of 9/11—can find a place for reflection, connection, and remembrance. As I guide my children through understanding the significance of the 9/11 Memorial, I'm reminded of the paramount importance of designing for belonging in all aspects of our lives. Whether it's a national monument or a summer camp, the principle remains the same: intentional design can create spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and part of something greater than themselves. #DesigningForBelonging #InclusiveSpaces #CommunityDesign

Enjoyed this post, especially the link to the campus tree walk by the SUNY New Paltz Tree Committee! The guide provides information on the benefits of campus trees, such as providing shade, habitat for wildlife, and mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon emissions. It includes instructions on how to identify different tree species based on leaf characteristics and provides a map with 25 labeled trees along the walking route. Each tree is described with details about its features, uses, and ecological significance. PDF: https://lnkd.in/etMpQq_6

View 5 Acres with me inside the Edinburg City scape

It all starts with the quality of the product and the people who support it.

Something not many people know... The Scottish were once renowned for having the world's best stonemasons, capable of carrying out any task no matter the difficulty. So much so that in 1794, our ancestors were given the monumental task of constructing one of the most important buildings in the world. Read the article below about how Scots built the White House. https://lnkd.in/esRiqdYK

🏰"Where history meets cleanliness. AZM Cleaning Services layers your office with the timeless elegance of Maine's historical landmarks. Step into a clean legacy at https://lnkd.in/eTyk2ysi. #HistoricalClean #MaineElegance #TimelessOffice #CleanLegacy #SouthernMaineHistory #ElegantClean #OfficeLandmarks #AZMCleaningLegacy #StepIntoClean #PreservedSpotlessness"

Even thou Cemeteries in many cultures have been viewed as valuable openspace, this upcoming presentation of "Cemeteries - Parks in Disguise" at the Future Green City World Congress, is both a major milestone for our thinking in Australia regarding what is open space and parks and even "nature". It is a journey that has been championed by many but it is a reflection of some great organisations (The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust) and leaders (Jacqui Weatherill, Andrew Eriksen GAICD MAIPM and Hamish Coates), who have been willing to challenge existing thinking that has prevailed in Australia. Presenting at this international Congress is a reflection that we have turned the corner in our understanding of the role these spaces play, in Australia and Globally. It isn't just seeing cemeteries as extra open space, park managers and planners could learn from cemeteries, as they are a reflection of our communities and are communities spaces - in fact they are important social landscapes - Cemeteries understand this and the relationship to cultures (and thus communities)- lessons park planners and managers could learn from. Mosaic Insights is proud to have be part of that journey. Tim Geyer Denise Ora Simon Harrison fjcstudio McGregor Coxall https://lnkd.in/gMheR25X

Interesting Facts

How to incorporate 'borrowed views' of the landscape beyond into your garden https://lnkd.in/g2J5NyC #SuccessfulGardenDesign

Take a look at our latest video where I talk about our lovely Grade II Listed Cottage project. #gradeIIlisted #NationalTrust #nationaltrustcottage #heritageinteriordesign #interiordesign #wimborne #dorsetbusiness Video: Stephen Hynde @ 7MileMedia