Gensler Raleigh Pages - Issue 01

pages

Issue 01 | August 2023

Dear Reader,

This document is a timestamp for our Gensler Raleigh studio work and community engagement, and - most importantly - a place to celebrate the people who make it all happen. The vision for the Pages is that it will be released quarterly, and we imagine that it will evolve as our projects, our people, and our impact continue to grow. We hope through the following pages that you learn something new, that you are inspired, and that you know how much we appreciate you.

Raleigh Studio Snapshot:

Adajia Aiken

Carrie Adcock

Rob Allen

Chris Bailey

Rachel Baker

Chad Parker Jessica Pearson

Gianni Rodriguez Adam Ruelas

Kevin Tracy Cristina Varela Maia Vexsler

Anna Viccica Dena Wangberg

Dolly Haardt

Mikayla Hernandez Brenna Kearnan

Steven Keating-Burch Nicole Kumar

Dustin Brugmann

Brad Burns

Nabila Bustillos-Francis

Zamie Casazola

Ryan Cavanaugh

Rotimi Osiberu

Andre Bellerjeau

Amy Bravo

Lindsey Breitschwerdt

Alison Briggs

Ana Bronson

Sarah Smith

Adam Stoeckle Hyun Tak

Olivia Thomas Lindsey Thompson

Scott Lahr

Andrew Levine

Harold Mallette Gabby McCloy

Ashley Cown

Jonathan Eggert

Casey Farren

Alankrit Ganesh Rajagopalan David Gange

Cameron Westbrook

Amber Landis

Get to know: Alankrit Ganesh Rajagopalan

Where did you grow up?

I gre w up in South India, in Chennai, which is one of the largest cities in India. My family moved to Bangalore for a few years while I was a child, but then returned to Chennai - which is where my parents and brother still live.

Who are your role models?

My dad is on e of my role models and provides me with a lot of inspiration; he works very hard and is meticulous, which has inspired me with my own work ethic and organization once I moved to the United States.

What inspired you to purse Architecture?

Alankrit is a graduate student in the Master of Architecture program at North Carolina State University and will be embarking on his final year of graduate school this fall. He joined Gensler Raleigh in May and has been involved in multiple design studies and DT initiatives, and has been an invaluable addition to the DTS Music Venue project team.

Alankrit, from all of us at Gensler Raleigh, it has been a pleasure working with and getting to know you over the last few months. Thank you for spending your summer with us and for your tremendous impact on your project teams. We wish the very best for you in your final year of graduate school!

As a child I e njoyed playing with legos and various mechanical toys, and always enjoyed taking things apart and understanding how to put them back together. I disliked most subjects in school as a child, so my father suggested I consider an educational path in architecture based on the things I did enjoy. Once I was in architecture school, for the very first time, I thoroughly enjoyed school!

If you had to pick three famous people to have dinner with, who would they be?

Tadao And o, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone

What inspires you?

I love t o watch art-related videos which focus on the analysis of art through the lens of light, shadow and emotion. This inspires my thinking about how we experience architecture and how a designer has the ability to evoke these senses and emotions through spatial design.

Rajagopalan

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Playing soccer, tennis or hiking.

What is your favorite thing you did this summer (or year)? I jumped off a 40-foot cliff into a lake in Oklahoma!

What was the first job you had?

My first job was an internship at an architecture firm in India called Studio Mumbai, which focused on residential projects. For the duration of the job, I traveled between Chennai and Mumbai, where my primary projects were located.

What is one food you could eat for the rest of your life?

Gobi Ma nchurian. This is a popular IndianChinese dish that is cauliflower pieces dipped in a gravy (then fried!)

What is your favorite word?

Exacerbate (based on the sound, not meaning!)

What is your least favorite word?

Procrastinate (based on the meaning, not sound!)

What is one thing you learned about yourself this summer? I learned a lot about myself through the differences in my work experience in India and my work experience here in the United States. There was a common theme at my internships in India where more [work] could always be done - nothing was ever ‘enough.’ I have learned through working this summer that it is healthy and encouraged to maintain a balance between a work and life, which has been a refreshing realization for me.

Alankrit hiking with his family in Sikkim

Views from Sikkim, Northeast India

Get to know: Adajia Aiken

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and my parents are still located there. I have one older sister who works in healthcare in South Carolina.

Who are your role models?

My mom has always been a very hard-working and strong woman role model for me. Through my childhood and through college years she has always been encouraging and optimistic with any situation which arises.

What inspired you to purse Architecture?

Since a young age I have always loved to draw and knew I was destined for a creative career path. My father encouraged me to pursue interior design based on my interests and creativity.

Adajia is an Interior Design student at Georgia State University and will be embarking on her senior year this fall. She joined Gensler Raleigh in June and has been a part of multiple project teams at various phases of design and has given incredible assistance with Bandwidth tenant requests.

Adajia, thank you for spending your summer with us at Gensler Raleigh! We have greatly appreciated your positive attitude and eagerness to dive in on both project work and office extracurricular planning and preparations. It has been a joy getting to know you during your time here, and we wish you all the best with your senior year and thesis!

If you had to pick three famous people to have dinner with, who would they be?

Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Rihanna ...and... Tom Cruise

What was the first job you had?

My first public-facing job was at Target. I worked in the interior section and within the clothing department. Believe it or not; I enjoyed organizing and hanging the seasonal swim wear; it was relaxing to listen to music and get to work on organizing!

What is your favorite word?

Rizz (it’s a Tik Tok thing)

What is your least favorite word? Spit

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I love Pilates and speed walking for exercise, and often explore neighborhoods or parks while exercising. I was also a gymnast for 13 years and nearly went to the University of Georgia for Gymnastics but ultimately decided to pursue my passions for Interior Design at University of Georgia.

What is one food you could eat for the rest of your life?

Any type of pasta - you name it.

What advice would you give your 15-yearold self??

I would encourage my creativity and excitement about design and not let others diminish the ‘spark’ and ideas that you often have as a young designer.

What is your favorite thing you did this year?

I visited Chicago in March, which solidified me wanting to move to Chicago after graduation. I love to experience large cities and I found Chicago to be a wonderful mix of beautiful architecture, culture, and great food. I even enjoyed the cold weather!

What is one thing you learned about yourself this summer?

I learned a lot about my independence. The move to Raleigh was my first time living this far from family and I have learned that I am more adventurous than I thought I was!

Adajia, age 8, before a gymnastics meet

Adajia and her mom at their favorite restaurant, Bibas

What are you up to this

Ashley Cown kicking off the summer with a trip to Colorado

Gianni, his brother and Momo climbing the peaks of Grandfather Mountain in Boone

Scott on a weekend outing with his pup Skye

Gabby, her mother and her sister spending a weekend at Wrightsville Beach

this summer?

Dena enjoying the Spanish Moss on a trip to Savannah, Georgia

Dolly and her son, Lukas, enjoying a trip to Wrightsville Beach in July

Andre’s daughters giving Zantos a bath after a ride in Southern Pines

Cameron, Teleza and their sons David and Alex spending a weekend in Newport Richie

The Junction

Warehouse repositioning in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood

Location:

1501 Sunrise Avenue

Raleigh, North Carolina 27608

Project Size: 47,000 GSF

Construction Completion: 2021

Set within Raleigh’s Five Points Neighborhood, The Junction at Five Points features the recent conversion of a low-lying warehouse into a mix of uses as creative offices, boutique retail, and selfstorage. The project sought to take advantage of the building’s rich history while improving its relationship to the street and maximizing natural daylight and views for the building’s occupants. Equally motivating were the potential contributions to the neighborhood: converting a desolate corner of the neighborhood into a destination for working professionals and local retail offerings.

Constructed in 1954, the building’s constituent parts include a 35,000 SF primary warehouse floor, a 10,000 SF lower level, and a 900 SF retail space facing the intersection of Sunrise Avenue and Carson Street. The proximity to the nearby Norfolk Southern railyard provides a unique context that feels simultaneously urban - with

views of the City’s skyline beyond - and suburban, with residential streets terminating at the property.

The design proposed to peel away layers of existing construction assemblies to begin with a clean building envelope. The warehouse portion presented a significant volume with 17 high ceilings, exposed structure composed of steel columns and beams and pine tongue-and-groove decking. The building was previously opaque to the exterior, but a goal of the repositioning was to enlarge openings to create a better interior experience and also provide a glimpse of the industrial character of the original building. Exterior walls are composed of concrete masonry, now reinforced by a continuous steel channel, sensitively detailed to feel like part of the building’s original DNA. Tall aluminum-and-glass storefront openings were introduced around the entire perimeter and more than 20 skylights perforate the roof, giving the interior an evenly lit experience throughout the converted office spaces. Openings within the retail area were left as-is, and historically appropriate wood-and-glass now replace the prior, deteriorated shopfront windows.

This successful collaboration between owner, design team and contractor concluded with a significantly improved existing structure that will serve its tenants, neighbors, and the City of Raleigh for decades to come.

McAdams

New headquarters showcasing the organization’s culture and work

Location:

621 Hillsborough Street

Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

Project Size:

46,958 GSF

Construction Completion: 2022

Over two floors at Bloc[83] Tower Two, this 47,000 SF interior fitup features a mix of open and closed offices, collaboration spaces, a large training room, a café and break area, a gaming area, staff locker and shower rooms, as well as a host of shared support spaces.

Upon arrival, a large reception area greets guests, with a two-story volume connected by a monumental stair. Users experience a mix of warm materials – oak wall panels and floating stair treads, jewel-tone textiles, rich leather and an abundance of plant materials – which contrast with the earthy “mass wall” that supports the stair and organizes all spaces adjacent to this central lobby. A ring of circulation wraps the building’s core, providing clear wayfinding and connection to all various office spaces.

McAdams’ unique departments are organized into a series of neighborhoods, separated by

pods of enclosed spaces – primarily offices and meeting spaces – creating a sense of rhythm while allowing daylight to penetrate deep into the building. Dotting each floor are open collaboration spaces, which feature punches of rich color expressed through both wallcovering and paint accents.

Gensler supported the clients with furniture coordination, building a design intent that aligns comfortably with the interior finishes and space itself. Furniture is both professional and simultaneously cozy, allowing staff to utilize varied settings and work modes throughout the day. The space offers a diversity of seating types that are varied and supportive to all users.

Cementing the design, Gensler helped reinforce the Client’s cultural values through branding and environmental graphic design. Through the artistic application of the Client’s brand assets, thoughtful interventions serve as reminders of McAdams’ sense of purpose, commitment to their projects, and the culture which their staff help build.

The design of the space is strategically organized yet not overly formal; it is comfortable without feeling too casual and offers a diversity of work modes for the firm’s growing workforce. In an ever-changing world of workplace environments, McAdams’ new headquarters seeks to be a place where great experiences unfold.

Re-imagined headquarters building for evolving financial industry needs

Location:

3600 Wake Forest Road

Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

Project Size: 98,000 GSF

Construction Completion: 2016

With the integration of technology into the banking industry, Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) needed a new headquarters that would allow them to get ahead of the shifting market conditions and their members’ changing needs. After acquiring an abandoned 1980’s office building (the former Wake County Schools headquarters), LGFCU turned to Gensler to deliver their vision into a reality: a new home, an optimized workplace, and a space that communicated the future of banking to their employees and customers.

The design team took advantage of the building’s existing geometry to create a conceptual “main street”: A corridor that both delineates and joins public and private spaces and gives shape to the building’s main lobby, conference rooms and other shared amenities, as well as links the building with a new adjacent parking deck. In its newest incarnation, the building offers

greater variety, more transparency, and easier access to public transportation. Transparency and collaboration are facilitated through a much more open plan than the company's previous traditional offices, and provides formal and informal meeting spaces to support a variety of work styles and the technology needed to encourage an agile work environment.

Gensler's design strategies were successful in creating the community that LGFCU had envisioned. "We thought we were just renovating a building, but ended up renovating our culture," said Mark Caverly, LGFCU's Vice President.

Wood at the entry provides a warm, welcoming point of arrival that is carried through the “Main Street” signifying important places of program and circulation. A monumental stair connects users to the 2nd floor balcony that includes additional meeting spaces and multipurpose space for community events. On the typical floors, neighborhoods function as communities utilizing space as a shared asset. The organization of materials and space allow significant amounts of daylight and views to filter through the space and reinforces the culture of open and lateral communication.

LGFCU's repositioned space provides a workplace that captures their values and equips them to excel as the financial industry continues to evolve for years to come.

Before: Exterior Main Entry

Before: Typical Upper Floor Corridor

Wycliff Amenities

Contact: Lindsey Breitschwerdt

SAFEchild

Contact: Lindsey Breitschwerdt

Bandwidth

Contact: Brad Burns + Lindsey Thompson

Bandwidth

Contact: Brad Burns + Lindsey Thompson

Healthy Materials

A series on selecting, researching & specifying healthy materials

Gensler Raleigh's Design Resilience co-leader Lindsey Thompson and Interior Designers Gabby McCloy and Olivia Thomas presented an internal educational series on how to select, research, and specify healthy building materials.

The series is loosely based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification systems as a reference. Each month a new topic surrounding materiality has been presented - Environmental Impacts, Sourcing & Local Materials, and Material Ingredients.

Each session gave Raleigh G's the opportunity to gain a high level understanding of the various lenses materiality can be understood and implemented in our daily work. By looking at materials through varying lenses we can reduce the overall lifecycle impacts of materials, source and support local economies and improve the health and safety of the users and environment.

Through this educational series and Gensler Firmwide's upcoming release of the Gensler Product Sustainability Standards (GPS) - Gensler Raleigh aims to continue to educate, implement, and advocate for healthier materials for our built environments. Upcoming topics for our Design Resilience meetings will include a deep dive on the new

GPS standards, Tally Life Cycle Assessment workshops, and Library Ambassador materials curation. We look forward to continuing the conversations.

At Gensler Raleigh we understand the importance of leading our market on the Design Resilience front and are excited to partner with clients and industry leading manufacturers to drive this change forward.

More Information:

For Gensler Raleigh teammates, the series presentation slides can be found on the following Miro Board: RL Resilience Champions Miro Board

Material Series Overview:

Session 01: Environmental Impacts

Intro to Embodied Carbon and environmental reporting.

Session 02: Sourcing + Local Materials

Intro to better sourcing practices and how to research local materials.

Session 03: Material Ingredients

Intro on understanding material ingredient reporting and red list.

Image Credit: (top) Tyler Kuss, (bottom) Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Community Impact

Earth Week trail clean-up in April Benefiting Anderson Point Park and City of Raleigh Greenway System

Walk for the Animals group walk in May Benefiting APS of Durham

Recent Initiatives:

Wake Up and Read

Book Donation Drive

Volunteer Shift

Anderson Point Park

Earth Week Trail Clean-Up

Raleigh City Farms

Garden Clean-Up Volunteer Shift

Walk for the Animals, APS of Durham

Group Walk

Run for Love 5K Group Run

SAFEchild

Comfort Capes Assembly + Donation

Snack Kits Assembly + Donation

Blood Connection

Blood Donation Drive

Upcoming Initiatives:

Rocky Creek Greenway Tunnel Mural

August 29th | Mural Assistance

Gensler Contact: Sarah Smith

ACE Mentor Program:

August 24th | Mentor Orientation

September 7th | Student Orientation

Gensler Contact: Dustin Brugmann

AIA Triangle Barkitecture:

September 1st | Design Due

September 15th | Poster Due

September 30th | Event Day at Fenton

Gensler Contact: Anna Viccica

Run for Love 5K group run in June Benefiting Raleigh Pride + LGBT COR

Comfort Capes assembly in July Benefiting SAFEchild

As fate would have it, there are occasional twin sightings in the office. We first observed this phenomenon in 2015 and have documented these rare encounters ever since.

Until next time, we leave you with this twinspiration