Publications

Our mission is to help leaders capture the powerful opportunities that buildings offer: to proclaim their vision, strengthen their organization's culture, and enable each staff member’s success. We work hard to communicate these ideas to all our audiences

Book

Buildings Matter is a comprehensive discussion of project planning and project management. It includes detailed chapters on developing the business case, location and site analysis, space use planning and architecture, and financial analysis.Click here to order from Amazon.com. It also includes a summary of the design and construction process, including ideas about how to hire the right team.

"As a facility management practitioner, I have used Mr. Van Mell's ideas to further the goals of my corporation. I will continue to champion Buildings Matter as a critical executive reference for facilities decision-makers around the world." - Gary Broersma, CFM, Director of Global Facility Management, Covance Laboratories and Chair of the International Facility Management Association.

Articles

What is a Facility Plan?
To Build is to Lead
The Tour Tells the Story
Corporate Facilities Planning Questions
Site Selection
Systematic Plant Layout
Office Design and Productivity
Lease vs. Own
Operating Gains from Facility Planning

Speaking

Derrick Van Mell speaks at public and professional events about the leadership opportunities of buildings for business. His 30- to 60-minute presentations reflect the issues in the book, but are always tailored to the audience. Derrick has spoken all over the world:

  • IFMA: Singapore, Sweden, Austria, and all over the United States
  • University of Wisconsin School of Business as Guest Lecturer
  • Wisconsin Healthcare and Education Facilities Authority
  • Dozens of professional associations and public and private organizations

©2008 Van Mell Associates, 303 S. Paterson St., Madison, WI 53703 (608) 260-9300 derrick@vanmell.com