may/june 2011
Redesigning “The Wing”, p.84
100 years of SHCA, p.96 Omega Goes Platinum, p.12
CALIFORNIA cool Emiko Design’s luscious resorts, p.66
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Feature
feature
84 Preserving History
After spending years under used and under appreciated, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience gets a functional, forward-thinking face lift from Olson Kundig Architects.
Photo: Courtesy Olson Kundig Architects/Photo by Lara Swimmer.
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Contents Briefs
Departments
6
Editor's note
15 Residential Building
8
american spaces
14
abq building excellence awards
16
ys development
issue announcement
20
Builders etc., inc.
144
american homes
22
sandhollow homes, llc.
146
materiality
24
verdeco designs
27
Legacy environments inc
29
stebnitz builders, inc.
31
dwell development, llc.
34 smoke rise construction 36 pgc building + design 39
cobblestone homes
42
amacher & associates architects
44 lewallen architecture llc.
47 Nonprofit Housing 48
coachella valley housing coalition
52
wesley housing development corporation
55 Commercial Construction 56
evesham building associates, llc.
57
spiezle architectural group, inc.
59
repp & mundt
16 4
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144 61 Resorts & Clubhouses
107 Multifamily Housing
62
melzer deckert & ruder architects, inc.
108
Warrenstreet architects, inc.
66
emiko design, inc.
112
Group 70 international inc.
114
rutledge alcock architects
69 Real-Estate Development
117 Community Construction
70
hoyt street properties
73
tebo development company
118
marion construction, inc.
75
balke brown associates
122
engan associates, p.a.
77
entegra development & investment, llc
79
santa lucia preseve
81
park towne development corporation
95 Niche Resources
125 Diverse Designers 126
norwest designlab
129
mdc architects
131
studio j2
96
swanke hayden connell architects
133
the interior design firm, inc.
99
disaster restoration, inc.
136
taylor architecture inc.
101
wachter inc.
137
t.w. beck architects
103
construction indemnity group
139
sem architects
104
delcon, inc.
141
wsv architects
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editorÕs note
The IW Club in Indian Wells, CA, created by Emiko Design.
I
n this issue of American Builders Quarterly, we take a look at some very diverse structures across the country, from the West Coast to New York City and back again. Featured in these pages are museums, homes, schools, and resorts—all with their own unique qualities and all adding something special to the American landscape. The firm featured on our cover occupies a unique niche in the building industry. Ann Motokane, owner of Emiko Design (p.66), made a smooth career transition from architect to interior designer in order to focus her efforts on the comfort and daily pleasure of her clients. Because of Motokane’s background, she has an excellent relationship with the architects she works with. “I always try to implement what they’re trying to do,” she says. “I don’t come up with totally separate vocabulary for the interior design, but I pay attention to what they’re doing and copy their work on the interior.” The firm’s ability to incorporate both interior design and architecture into each project is an inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Yet another inspiring firm featured in this issue is Olson Kundig Architects (p.84). Their design of the new Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is revitalizing its surrounding community through its innovative architecture. The museum now provides a space for community gathering, cultural education, and a place to honor the eclectic tradition of the area. According to Stephen Yamada-Hiedner, project manager on the renovation, “The Wing Luke Museum was likely the only institution that could possibly bring the whole community together.” We are seeing more and more projects with just such ambitions, and the idea that architecture can change a community is most definitely encouraging and inspiring. As you explore this issue of ABQ, we urge you to think about your own contributions to the construction community. ABQ has always covered builders who embody excellence in their fields, and as we approach our first-ever Building Excellence Awards issue, we continue that tradition proudly. I look forward to featuring the best of what the American building community has to offer. As always, we hope the articles in this issue motivate, inform, and inspire your work. Enjoy
Molly Soat Features Editor
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contents american
spaces
Manassas Park Elementary School The manassas park elementary school in Virginia stands in the vanguard of sustainable structures, an eco-friendly teaching facility that itself has been designed to teach its occupants sustainable strategies and further foster their environmental consciousness. The architects outfitted the building with all the traditional green accoutrements and then took it several steps beyond. Classroom ceilings are slanted to maximize daylighting while projecting shades keep the rooms glare-free. Each space looks out on either a nearby oak forest or a mossand fern-covered courtyard with informal learning areas and signs that offer facts about sustainable design and the local plant life. Throughout the building, the architectural team used a number of low-emitting construction products and local materials—including brick cladding from a regional manufacturer. Significant wood materials were also incorporated into the structure, and floor-to-ceiling paneling in the grade-house area was crafted to resemble the trunks of the trees populating the forest outside. ABQ Project Details Location: Manassas Park, VA Completed: 2009 Client: Manassas Park City Schools Architect: VMDO Architects Photography: Sam Kittner; Prakash Patel; VMDO Architects
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The north-facing monitors and solar tubes of the sawtooth-shaped pre-kindergarten building deliver 100% of the light required by the classrooms beneath.
The school’s principal bio-retention area also serves as an outdoor classroom and performance stage. Students line up on the benches while waiting for parents to pick them up. The stepped terraces visually register the relative scale of storm events as the water rises. Intentionally carved out at a campus low point, the outdoor classroom and adjacent bio-filtration area can accommodate a major storm-water event before slowly releasing the excess water downstream.
WORKING WITH THE LAND The designers took great care to keep the exterior of the Manassas Park Elementary School as natural and fertile as possible. When the project was first getting underway, the architect walked the grounds with an ecologist from the Virginia Department of Forestry and took stock of the area’s plant life. During construction, large portions of the land were replanted with native grasses and wildflowers, and white-oak tree trunks were positioned as natural benches in the courtyard.
Cubby windows in the pre-kindergarten building are turned northwest, slightly away from the setting sun. Inside, these window nooks are favorite nesting areas with preschoolers.
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spaces
TEACHING SCHOOL Overall, VMDO’s strategic design has made the building a learning tool for the student body where energy systems and the surrounding landscape can be examined and understood. Science displays on the walls teach students about the sustainable construction strategies of the building and create an interactive museumlike atmosphere.
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The Plans Summer House
Winter House
Autumn House
Spring House
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1 2 3 4 5 6
Typical Pre-K Classroom Typical Classroom Teacher Support Cafeteria and Commons Music Department Gymnasium and Assembly
The multipurpose cafeteria’s broad floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the room’s daylighting, and multiple acoustic design elements ensure that noise from the space does not reach a disruptive level in neighboring classrooms. The space opens directly onto the courtyard, and the wood slats on the ceiling, which stylishly expose some of the building systems, are made from ash, a plentiful tree species in the nearby forest.
Stage Deliveries Administration Library Art Department Bio-Retention Classroom Educational Courtyards
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EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED Zero lights are on in the above photo of the gym. Tubular skylights were installed in place of expensive artificial lighting to illuminate the room naturally without surrounding the basketball court with too much glass. Additionally, the ceiling’s high-volume, low-speed fans prevent the need for excessive heating and air conditioning.
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Omega Center for Sustainable Living The omega centerÕs wastewater-filtration facility represents the holistic learning center’s penchant for sustainable innovation. The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies wanted to redesign its system to use alternative methods of water treatment, and its new building has been designed to clean water and return it to the local ecosystem. A biological wastewater-treatment system was incorporated that cleans the water using natural elements such as earth, plants, and sunlight. The architects have calculated the precise amount of daylighting needed—via skylights, expansive windows, and slanted roofs—to keep plants healthy and make the sun the main source of illumination without overheating occupants. The building was also meant to teach people about water conservation, and to that end the designers sustainably accounted for virtually all water use: drinking water is drawn from a local well, and rainwater is collected from the roof for toilet flushing. Additionally, in construction, the builders used a host of reused materials, including lumber, plywood, interior doors, beech-wood paneling, and toilet partitions— all of it salvaged from other projects, including the 2009 presidential inaugural stage. ABQ
STructural statement Overall, the idea is to render the building as a lens through which the water-filtering Eco Machine™ and surrounding landscape can be viewed and understood.
Project Details Location: Rhinebeck, NY Completed: 2009 Client: Omega Institute for Holistic Studies Architect: Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects Photography: © Assassi
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100% of the building’s energy needs are supplied by on-site renewable energy, and photovoltaic panels are positioned in three strategic locations. The building also has passive features such as operable windows for natural ventilation.
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contents american spaces
All window frames are made of FSC-certified wood. The highly reflective roof, made from recycled metal, keeps interior spaces cooler and mitigates the “heat island” effect.
Rich landscape areas adjacent to pedestrian spaces are planted with native or adaptive drought-tolerant plants that don’t require extensive care or irrigation.
Cleaner living The main interior was built almost exclusively with materials unsullied by chemical finishes, and wastewater now passes through a natural filtration system of plants that still effectively complements the space aesthetically. Image: © BNIM Architects
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ECO-FRIENDLY ELEMENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6
Photovoltaic Collectors Metal Roof Constructed Wetlands Aerated Lagoons Wood Rainscreen Siding Solar-Tracking Skylights
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7 Sunshade 8 Mechanical and Electrical Room
9 Interior Finishes 10 Woodlands Restoration
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THE
ISSUE
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Honoring development, innovation, and a committment to excellence American Builders Quarterly速 is celebrating the best in American building and design with the 2011 Building Excellence Awards RECOGNITION: The first annual ABQ Building Excellence Awards have been launched to recognize achievements in architecture, design, and community planning. Winning projects will receive featured coverage in the November/December 2011 issue of ABQ. CATEGORIES: One residential and one commercial project will be designated as the Project of the Year, and awards and
honorable mentions will be given in over 15 categories across all residential and commercial building sectors. APPLY TODAY FOR THE 2012 AWARDS PROGRAM: Registration is now open for all categories in the second annual ABQ Building Excellence Awards. For more information on registration deadlines, a complete list of categories, and downloadable entry forms, visit americanbuildersquarterly.com/awards
Residential Building
YS Development ....................................................... 16 Builders Etc., Inc. ..................................................... 20 SandHollow Homes, LLC .......................................... 22 Verdeco Designs ...................................................... 24 Legacy Environments Inc. ........................................ 27 Stebnitz Builders, Inc. .............................................. 29 Dwell Development LLC ............................................. 31 Dimension Smoke RiseIVConstruction ........................................................... ......................................... 34 18 JAIR PGC LYNCH BuildingDevelopment + Design ............................................. Partners............................ 36 21 Cobblestone Wyoming Land Homes Trust .................................................. ............................................... 39 23 Amacher Dover, Kohl & Associates & Partners.............................................. Architects ............................. 25 42 Lewallen Windsor/Aughtry Architecture Company LLC ........................................ ....................................... 44 27 Pictured: Dover, Entryway Kohl of & the Partners' Archie Briggs I'On Village custom in Mt. home, Pleasant, built bySC. PGC Building + Design.
Photo: Simone Paddock of Photo: BruceBay Damonte. Emerald Photo
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residential building
YS Development. Educating homeowners in sophisticated eco-sensitive policies At a Glance Location: Bellevue, WA Founded: 2007 Employees: 2 Specialty: Custom-home design
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Yuval Sofer, a technology entrepreneur who grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel, and lived in Asia and Europe, was stunned to find predominantly big, dark, energy-gobbling houses when he and his family moved to the United States in 2001. “I was under-whelmed when I looked for a home,” Sofer says. “We couldn’t find anything that fit our needs—that was open, bright, and efficient. Our first home was 2,000 square feet, and we were paying $400 a month for energy. This is the Pacific Northwest—a place we thought would be filled with homes that addressed the climate, landscape, and environment.” “I asked myself,” he adds, “‘Is there a way to create a well-designed house that works well with the area’s trees, lakes, and natural vistas? Let’s build homes that
are reasonably priced and that meet these criteria. If we were challenged to find such a thing, others must be as well.’” Turns out, he was right. The experience stirred Sofer’s entrepreneurial spirit and his background in creating partnerships, new services, and technological solutions. Sofer had been vice president for strategy and business development for M-Systems Ltd., an Israeli producer of flash memory storage products that grew to be a $1 billion revenue generator in its first six years of business. M-Systems was acquired in November 2006 by SanDisk in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.55 billion. “I had grown accustomed to creating new-market developments, creating a ‘build’ proposition, and making it happen,” Sofer says. He decided to leverage
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Opposite page: The Harbinger residence, originally built in the 1960s, was remodeled with an entirely new section by YS Development, proving the firm could perform a historical upgrade. Top: The entrance to the Harbinger residence. SoferÕs firm worked eco-friendly materials into the redesign to make the home more sustainable. Left: The living room of the Harbinger residence, redesigned with a wealth of space.
his 15 years of investing and consulting experience in the real-estate industry to upend the Pacific Northwest housing market. Sofer’s decision to create YS Development in 2007—shortly before the U.S. real-estate market went downhill—proved a challenge, but it ultimately became an advantage as families sought smaller, energy-efficient, value-oriented, and nurturing homes. The company got its start with the support of 25 investors, consisting primarily of Sofer’s friends and technology cohorts. YS Development operates in a unique way by partnering with a host of top-notch architects, designers, engineers, window makers, insulation designers, and even many future homeowners to develop homes
american builders quarterly
from start to finish without having to play the guesswork that has plagued speculative development. With this partnership approach, the firm gains access to top-quality products at a discount and passes those savings on to the homeowners. This enables clients to enjoy a better home all around at a price that fits current market conditions and addresses developing trends in home performance. The company made its mark in 2008, when its pioneering design of a sustainable home in Kirkland, Washington’s high-end downtown prompted city officials to rewrite zoning and land-use rules to incorporate green standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and the preservation of historic trees and other natural features.
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“We have been able to use the home, known as Kirkland DOU on 5th Street, as a platform to show people that you can build a modern, beautiful, and comfortable family house within a reasonable budget,” Sofer says. Well-known Seattle architects such as PLACE Architects PLLC, Kevin Spence Architect, Whitney Architecture, and Johnston Architects PLLC jumped
We help people open up the box and define their routines, their lifestyles, how they entertain, their indoor-outdoor preferences, and their desire for a safe, healthy environment. Yuval Sofer, Founder
into the process, creating high-quality homes on several sites in Kirkland’s Eastside neighborhood, generating media attention and city officials’ gratitude. Kirkland quickly became a model for other cities in setting up a green building process that takes less time than traditional planning, zoning, and permitting processes. YS Development also demonstrated that a historic home can be remodeled for sustainability while still maintaining its traditional design. The Harbinger home
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YS DevelopmentÕs Kirkland DOU on 5th Street home prompted Seattle city officials to rewrite zoning and land-use rules to incorporate green standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and the preservation of historic trees and other natural features.
in Bellevue, Washington, was originally designed by esteemed 1960s-era architect Ralph Anderson. “We took this home built in 1964, added a section, and revamped the entire house,” Sofer says. “We treated it as a celebration of the legacy of design and integrated natural and Eastern design elements into the reconstruction.” YS Development’s latest project in Bellevue features five custom homes on a 1.5-acre site with beautiful westward views of Seattle, the mountains, and natural vistas. The Bellevue 41st homes were sold prior to final design, allowing their future homeowners to create houses that fit their needs perfectly and avoiding the compromises common to purchasing homes that have already been built. The units measure from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, compared with pre-recession sizes ranging from 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. The homes, which sold for about $1 million each, are the first of many that YS Development has in its pipeline. “We expect to grow two- to threefold in the next year or two,” Sofer says. “We help people open up the box and define their routines, their lifestyles, how they entertain, their indoor-outdoor preferences, and their desire for a safe, healthy environment.” New homeowners are bringing coveted priorities to their neighborhoods in the process: They want to stay in the community, become involved in local activities, and take an active interest in their commitment to the earth.“We have great feedback and excited customers who want to know about our next projects,” Sofer says. “We are taking the time to listen to what our customers want and need and incorporating those things into the final product. Our approach is catching on, and we are pleased to be setting the standards for the future of modern/green residential development.” —Sandra Guy
american builders quarterly
Environmentally-friendly building and innovative custom design.
Creating high quality modern-sustainable homes at affordable prices. YS Development is a pioneer of modern-sustainable housing. We develop and build beautiful, innovative and thoughtful homes in the Seattle area, designed by the top local architects and designers, and meet the highest sustainable standards.
YS Development
P.O. Box 50026, Bellevue, WA 98015 | 408-627-9449 | www.ys-development.com
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residential building
Builders Etc., Inc. Success through attention to detail and green building technologies Tim Ayers never thought he’d go into the family business. At a Glance Location: Spokane, WA Founded: 1989 Employees: 2 Specialty: Custom-home building, remodeling, and light-commercial contracting
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His father, who started out as a framing contractor and moved into general contracting, opened his own company, Builders Etc., Inc. in 1989 after many years in the business. As Ayers recalls, he had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. Nevertheless, he did have high-school summer jobs on his father’s framing crews, and after graduating he worked for a lumberyard. He then tried online marketing and web development at another local company. But no matter what he did, he always found himself back in construction. “I didn’t think I’d get into the family business after growing up as a contractor’s kid,” he says. “But I couldn’t get away from it. And it has truly been a rewarding experience.” Ayers graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and joined the business in the late 1990s. He is now vice president and part owner, along with his father. The Spokane-based company specializes
in custom-home building, remodeling, and light-commercial contracting. Most of its projects—about 70 percent—are residential and can range from $50,000 remodeling jobs to $650,000 custom-home projects. In late 2010, Builders Etc. was working on a 2,200-squarefoot project, a 6,000-square-foot project, and a small commercial project for a nondenominational church. Not long before that, the company had finished a 2,200-square-foot restaurant and a 165-unit storage facility. Most jobs take anywhere from three months to one year to complete. “Each project is unique, depending on the size and customization,” Ayers says. As one would guess from its name, Builders Etc. is first and foremost a building firm and therefore does not have a designer on staff. The company works instead with several prominent local architects and occasionally does light design work on its own. According to Ayers, some of his clients show up with only an idea in their heads, and he and his father help flesh it out and perfect it. Other
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clients bring complete sets of plans, and Builders Etc. just puts together a bid for each. For every structure, the company subcontracts out the majority of its work, careful to collaborate only with the most experienced craftspeople in every industry. “Our strengths are our ability to hire quality subcontractors and our consistent communication with the customer,” Ayers says. “And we always make sure that
Our strengths are our attention to detail, our ability to hire quality subcontractors, and our consistent communication with the customer. Tim Ayers, Vice President
attention to detail, whether it [involves] architectural features or specially designed extras, [is] a priority on every project.” In addition, Ayers also makes a point of incorporating sustainable elements into the construction; he has even achieved a Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation. Examples of the firm’s sustainable projects
american builders quarterly
Opposite page: Builders Etc.Õs Three Star Energy and ENERGY STAR-certified home in Liberty Lake, WA, was featured in a single-site green building show featuring other energy-efficient homes. This page: A light-commercial project Builders Etc. constructed in Medical Lake, WA. The firm does construction on a range of projects, both residential and commercial.
include the Three Star Green- and Energy Star-certified home featured in the Spokane Home Builders Association’s Showcase of Homes or the recently completed 6,000-square-foot custom home situated on 15 acres at the base of Mt. Spokane. Like Builders Etc., the homeowners on the latter project were eager to make the structure as environmentally friendly and energy-efficient as possible. To that end, Ayers used BIBS System insulation in the exterior walls, inserted high-efficiency windows, and installed a geothermal heat pump system. He even used something called ZIP sheathing, which acts as a moisture barrier, in place of the more traditional plastic house wrap found on exterior walls. “We are truly embracing green building,” Ayers says. “I think it has made us pay a lot more attention to every aspect of the build.” Unlike some of its industry colleagues, Builders Etc. has not been dramatically affected by the slump in the housing market. Although the company has rented out some current inventory to help offset costs, Ayers points out that neither he nor his father got caught up in the rush to borrow money and increase overhead. As a result, business is moving along at a healthy clip. “We take a lot of pride in what we do, and we want to have lasting relationships with our clients,” Ayers says. “If we don’t meet the expectations that we have set out for them, we won’t be around long.” —Cristina Adams
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residential building
Sandhollow Homes, LLC. Energy Star offers a designbuild niche for Washington firm
At a Glance Location: Kennewick, WA Founded: 2006 Employees: 2 Specialty: Framing/finish carpentry, design-build work, and Energy-Star custom homes
Above: Rendering of a Freedom Series bonus-room house by Sandhollow Homes.
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When homebuyers buy a home or have one built by Sandhollow Homes, LLC, they get architectural talents and building expertise wrapped into one company. “Our biggest niche is design-build,” says Adam Hunkapillar, owner of the firm. “Most builders don’t offer that, and the ones that do usually don’t have the architectural experience that we have.” Sandhollow Homes is a custom design-build company based in the Tri-Cities area of Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and West Richland in Washington state, and it specializes in residential, multifamily, and light commercial structures. Hunkapillar says the company started building homes in the $350,000-450,000 price range, but with the economic downturn it is now doing more homes in the $200,000-250,000 range. The firm is currently building a series of 2,400square-foot ramblers with, typically, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open floorplan featuring a great room and a connected kitchen and dining area. The homes typically sell in the $250,000-275,000 range, including the land. Buyers of these homes are typically younger families who like to use the bonus room space
for their kids or older folks who are moving down to a smaller home after being in the same home for decades. “The bonus room is usually an area above the garage, about 350 square feet of space,” Hunkapillar says, noting the rooms are often used as storage areas for kids toys, as media rooms, or as man caves. He said bonus rooms have been popular in Sandhollow’s subdivision markets for the past year. “The bonus room plan is very versatile,” Hunkapillar says. “The majority of the living area is on the main floor, and so if you’re older and you don’t like stairs, you don’t have to go up there very often.” Hunkapillar notes that homebuyers including young couples are requesting home designs with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, which typically includes wider hallways and doorways. Popular with homebuyers are granite countertops in kitchens, tile countertops and floors in the bathrooms, and tile or hardwood flooring in kitchens, kitchen nooks, and dining rooms. Sandhollow is also a green company. Hunkapillar and his business partner Mark Miller understand energy-saving techniques and help clients find the best
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Our biggest niche is design-build. Most builders don’t offer that, and the ones that do usually don’t have the architectural experience that we have. Adam Hunkapillar, Co-owner
products. All of Sandhollow’s homes are Energy Star-certified to meet the stringent guidelines of the Pacific Northwest, and the company also follows the local Built Green program. “We’ve been building this way because we felt that was the way to build houses,” Hunkapillar says. The Built Green program requires Hunkapillar and Miller to take classes throughout the year to keep up on the latest green-building topics such as sealing building envelopes. Green efforts for Sandhollow include recycling cardboard and wood products and using finger-jointed studs that “allow you to use a lot of lumber products that might have gone to waste,” Hunkapillar says. He says the Tri-Cities is one of the few areas of the country with a thriving housing market and a “strong demand for new homes,” boosted by a thriving job base with the nearby Hanford Nuclear Site. Although there are scores of other builders in the Tri-Cities, Hunkapillar says his company’s customer service sets it apart from competitors. The top-notch customer service includes personally answering the phone and getting back to customers and potential customers right away, avoiding the “typical contractor’s stigma.” “On custom homes we meet them once a week and go through what’s happened and what will happen next,” Hunkapillar says. “We keep them abreast of the progress,” In late 2010, Sandhollow Homes had three custom homes underway and was in the design phases with about six other custom homebuyers. The company builds and designs about 10 homes every year and would like to boost that number to 12-15 homes per year. Hunkapillar says the biggest challenges to building and designing homes is keeping up with what the customer wants. Although bonus rooms are popular now, the consumer is often a moving target with changing desires, but Sandhollow welcomes the task of keeping up with trends. As Hunkapillar says, “We have the ability and the resources to build what they want once we determine what they want.” —Karen Gentry
american builders quarterly
Sandhollow Homes follows the Tri-CitiesÕ Built Green program, which requires the employees to keep up on new green-building topics before starting construction on projects such as this custombuilt stucco house in western Kennewick.
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Verdeco Designs. Energy-efficiency and sustainable design leads to national media attention At a Glance Location: Andover, MA Founded: 2006 Employees: 2 Specialty: Design-build work on residential and small commercial properties
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When Mark Yanowitz moved from Colorado to Massachusetts in 2006, he chose the name for his new firm, Verdeco Designs, to reflect his approach to sustainable development: Verdeco is a combination of the Spanish word for green and the earth-friendly “eco-” prefix. His firm offers comprehensive design-build services for residential, small commercial, and development projects—including energy and low-impact-design consulting.
Verdeco Designs currently completes 20 to 30 projects annually, which range from $25,000 to $2 million. Yanowitz’s assignment lineup is full of remodeling projects, and to establish himself in new project locations, he partners with local builders, engineers, energy consultants, and is seeking his Massachusetts’ construction supervisor’s license to offer full-service in-house design and construction. Yanowitz believes that such services need to be executed with respect to the environment and economy.
“Along with environmental concerns and the challenges of limited natural resources, we have a struggling economy and rising energy costs,” he says. “While everyone is looking at their utility and operating expenses, the focus within the design and construction professional communities should be towards the rehabilitation of the existing building stock. We’re at a threshold now; states throughout the country are adopting more stringent energy codes, and we have to design both new construction and renovation projects in a more accountable way.” Verdeco Designs recently completed a whole-home renovation and expansion of a historic ranch in Andover, Massachusetts. The original 2,200-square-foot resi-dence was gutted and transformed into a five-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot energy-efficient home. The original architectural details and vocabulary remained but were upgraded with 21st-century energy efficiencies to qualify for Energy Star Level 2 certification. Origi-
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States throughout the country are adopting more stringent energy codes, and we have to design both new construction and renovation projects in a more accountable way.
Opposite page: Verdeco DesignsÕ second-floor addition gracefully transformed this brick residence by blending details and materials, including the matching brick used on both levels. Above left: The south-facing exterior of this house in Shrewsbury, MA, might look relatively conventional, but Verdeco designed it to remain temperate year-round without conventional heating. Above right: Inside, open railings and punched openings set into interior walls allow light from the two-story entry to filter into adjacent spaces.
Mark Yanowitz, Principal
nally designed by architect Carl Koch, known for his contribution to early modular housing, the property was once home to famous children’s writer Munro Leaf, best known for The Story of Ferdinand. As a playful nod to the writer, Yanowitz incorporated decorative glass with an embossed-leaf pattern as a daylighting feature in a number of the home’s interior openings. Yanowitz stresses that the best investment is to lower the energy demand of a building through improvements in the building envelope. For this house, Verdeco Designs used a staggered-stud design to allow for continuous exterior-wall insulation. Other energy efficiencies include high-efficiency mechanical equipment, radiant floor heating, LED lighting, and the installation of a Control4 home-automation system. Another recently completed Verdeco Designs project is an area of new construction in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, that will receive both LEED and Passive
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House certification—one of the first houses in Massachusetts to receive both of these certifications. In order to qualify for Passive House certification, the dwelling must pass an extremely stringent energy analysis by adhering to passive-solar design principles and a combination of rigorous air sealing and the elimination of thermal bridging. “No matter where the home is geographically located, the goal is for the interior of the building to stay at a comfortable temperature year-round with minimal energy demand,” Yanowitz says. “This passive home is super insulated and has little need for mechanical equipment because it has 10 inches of rigid insulation under the basement, 20 inches of cellulose insulation in the walls, over 24 inches in the ceiling, and triple-pane windows. “As homes become tighter, you have to account for potential health considerations and the management of indoor-air quality,” Yanowitz says. “This is most often done through a sensitive selection of
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construction materials, particularly interior finishes that don’t [use] off-gas chemicals and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) to promote fresh air exchange while minimizing energy loss.” The house is such a leading example of energy efficiency within the building industry that it was featured on the DIY Network TV series This New House in September 2010. Although focusing heavily on sustainability, Yanowitz makes sure clients know there is more to Verdeco Design than just sustainable design. “As I continue to grow my business, one challenge I have is not to be simply labeled ‘the green guy,’” Yanowitz says. “I want to help people think of solutions in different terms. I’m open and willing to work within all shades of green as well as conventional projects. I find that most people are interested in efficiency upgrades, operating and maintenance costs, and health and environmental issues, so once options are identified and benefits better understood, most of my clients comfortably decide to select the upgrades.” In 2000, Yanowitz won Colorado Homes Magazine’s Home of the Year award and hopes that his new designs in Massachusetts and nationwide will continue to win awards for both overall design excellence and their energy performance. —Joyce Finn
Green Building Consultants, General Contractor LEG ACY E N V I RO N M E N T S I N C C H A N G I N G T H E WO R L D B U I L D I N G B Y B U I L D I N G
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Legacy Environments | Douglas Fryday 926 A Diablo Ave. #448, Novato, CA 94947 Bonded & Insured | CA State Lic. #917385 Phone: (415) 606-1969 | www.legacyenvironments.com
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Legacy Environments Inc. Balancing quality, service, and creativity with sustainability At a Glance Location: Novato, CA Founded: 2008 Employees: 12 Specialty: Sustainable residential building and remodeling Annual Revenue: $500,000
Above: As a remodeling specialist, Fryday handles additionsÑsuch as the deck, window, and French-door addition on this Victorian homeÑ with ease.
Doug Fryday, responsible managing officer of Legacy Environments Inc. (LE), literally wrote the book on building practices—or at least he wrote one of them. In it, his philosophy for success, much like the firm’s green practices, is clean and clear: create a company that emphasizes quality, service, and creativity with a focus on sustainability. LE came into being when Fryday’s younger son, Chris, also saw that the market was changing and suggested they create a corporation focused on green construction practices. “It was a natural for me, and it was time to merge my respect for the earth and its inhabitants with my construction knowledge,” Fryday says. Chris and Fryday’s other son, Josh, were both founding members, as was Ron Glass, a design consultant whom the firm still works with closely. Diane Gunderson is a current boardmember whose presence also permeates the firm’s operations. Fryday defines LE as a residential remodeling specialist. “We also do some additions and major alterations to homes, but most of our business is upgrading and dramatically changing the appearance of the rooms we work on,” he says.
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According to Fryday, reducing the “off-gassing” of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a critical practice in green construction. The firm does this by carefully choosing products that absolutely minimize all VOCs in the first place. “We don’t use any wood-composite products unless they have been proven to be void of VOCs,” he says. “When consumers demand that harmful VOCs be substantially eliminated from all products, our structures will be much healthier. Until then, LE will continue to advise our clients about the risks and choose alternative products,” Fryday says. Fryday supposes that a high degree of innovation is the key to his company’s competitive edge. Here’s how he puts it: “Here’s always the catch in our kind of work— answering the following questions: Can you take the customer’s vision—and oftentimes it’s only in their head— and translate it into reality? Will it meet structural and engineering criteria? Will the local building jurisdiction approve it? Will they accept alternative green products?” LE does most of its own design work, and working with customers who are also creative is a real plus. “Generally speaking, there is always some way to get the desired effect, and both parties have to be flexible at
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Left: This LE-remodeled kitchen, as with almost all of the firmÕs projects, uses low-VOC products to make the space more eco-friendly.
It’s very easy to produce volume and end up with unhappy customers or jobs you’re not really proud of—that’s not LE’s approach. Doug Fryday, Responsible Managing Officer
times,” Fryday says. “What people really want is to know that you care about their home, their needs, and them—they want a contractor who they implicitly trust with their castles.” As a real sign of its perpetual success, LE has doubled its business in the last year. “And we could handle doing it again this coming year,” Fryday says. He
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notes that growth is important, but LE is extremely careful to not allow company standards to drop as a consequence. “It’s very easy to produce volume and end up with unhappy customers or jobs you’re not really proud of—that’s not LE’s approach.” Rather, the company’s motto is, “Changing the World Building by Building,” and Fryday notes that LE always strives to give customers the complete service they deserve. According to Fryday, LE’s future goals can be gleaned from the company’s mission statement on “Conscious Capitalism.” “We believe that it is not necessary to compromise the environment and/or other social issues in order to be successful in our endeavors,” Friday says. “We believe that being successful in our business creates energy efficiency or complete independence, water preservation, healthier environments, and a sustainable economy that guarantees quality of life for future generations.” So, through incorporating better environmental products into homes and commercial properties, LE not only betters the lives of those who occupy those spaces—it leads the way in every area in which the company does business. As Fryday says, “Where industry standards and practices don’t do enough, we’ll do the research and development to advance technologies and standards to integrate all of the concerns, short- and long-term.” —Christopher Cussat
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Stebnitz Builders, Inc. Procedural listening ensures all client goals are met At a Glance Location: Delavan, WI Founded: 1972 Employees: 8 Specialty: Full-service designbuild firm Annual Revenue: $1 million
Above: Stebnitz Builders uses procedural listening to earn customer satisfaction with projects such as this thirdgeneration barn home.
It has been said that we were given one mouth and two ears so that we could listen twice as much as we speak. Many years ago, Chris Stebnitz took this to heart, especially after taking over the reigns of Stebnitz Builders, Inc. as company owner. By truly listening to clients, Stebnitz Builders has become one of the premier full-service design-build remodeling firms operating in and around Walworth County, Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. Stebnitz Builders was founded in 1972 by Stan Stebnitz and was later purchased by his sons, Dave, Gary, and Dan in 1985. The firm continued its tradition of family ownership through a third generation when Dave’s son, Chris Stebnitz, became an owner in 2005. Today, this nationally recognized and award-winning remodeling firm provides kitchen and bath work, additions, and whole-house renovations. SBI’s typical clients are residential homeowners living in the greater Walworth County area, but the firm also serves Illinois residents whose getaway homes are around one of the Wisconsin region’s many beautiful lakes. The firm’s large remodeling projects include additions, exterior renovations, kitchen and bath
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renovations, lower-level renovations, master bedroom suites, and whole-house renovations. Stebnitz Builders’ smaller home improvement and home maintenance projects include bathroom repair, basement sealing, decks, door replacement, drywall repair, electrical work, foundation repair, heating and air conditioning, kitchen repair, new siding, plumbing, roof repair and installation, skylight sealing, and window replacements. In addition, Stebnitz Builders offers caretaker services for its second-home clients. “Not only can we handle your major or minor remodeling projects; we can also provide services to act as the caretaker of your home—while you’re away, we’ll be here,” Stebnitz says, “In other words, our firm has the ability to be a second set of eyes on your getaway home—so when it’s time to visit and relax, you’re not burdened with the tasks required to enjoy your stay.” Stebnitz believes the firm’s competitive edge is a result of being the best listener in the industry. “The systems we’ve developed, as well as our focus, help us to be that,” he says. One specific system to which Stebnitz is referring was coined Procedural Listening (PL) within the firm. “PL is our proprietary method that ensures all
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client communication is documented and distributed throughout the entire organization,” he says. PL is a specifically tailored discipline of listening and documentation to ensure that all Stebnitz Builders’ associates hear and understand every detail discussed
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Procedural Listening (PL) is our proprietary method that ensures all client communication is documented and distributed throughout the entire organization. Chris Stebnitz, Owner
with clients. Stebnitz says, “PL teaches us to ask specific, relevant questions about our clients’ projects while completely documenting their every response every step of the way. For example, at the beginning of each project, our clients’ responses are collected and thoughtfully reviewed. We then work together with our clients to make sure that we have heard and understood their every wish—the end result is that we hear 100 percent of what they say and ensure that they are 100 percent satisfied.” Stebnitz sees what he refers to as “economic guilt” as one of the greatest current challenges in his industry. “When this economy came, it added a whole different perspective that we hadn’t even thought about,” he says. “Not only were people questioning whether or not they should spend money right now because they don’t know what’s coming around the corner next—there’s also a fear of being looked at poorly in the eyes of friends, family, and peers because someone they know lost their job.” In other words, people are concerned about how spending money on luxuries is going to appear to others. Stebnitz Builders has overcome such challenges and remained successful by offering to clients an unmatched experience that focuses on listening and accounting for personal concerns. Stebnitz says, “Our crystal clear understanding of what our clients want—as well as our ability to ensure that and to deliver a fun and stress-free experience—come from having the best team members in this area.” —Christopher Cussat
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Dwell Development LLC. Sustainable designs with the power to change communities At a Glance Location: Seattle, WA Founded: 2005 Employees: 2 Specialty: Modern, sustainable residential design
What do professional hair-salon products and cutting-edge green home design have in common? Well, not much—unless you count Anthony Maschmedt, principal at Seattle-based Dwell Development LLC. After 13 years working in marketing and sales for the professional hair-care industry, Maschmedt’s career path took a sharp turn, and he has spent the last six years leading his own firm with modern, sustainable design. Although Maschmedt’s career shift was certainly dramatic, it was not without precedent—he and his wife had been flipping homes for years. “My heart, my passion, was always in real estate and in design,” he says. So when he had a chance to join the family business—Maschmedt Design & Construction—he took it. After three years, though, Maschmedt decided that while building quality Craftsman homes was all well and good, he wanted to pursue work that was a little edgier and a lot greener. Thus, Dwell Development was born.
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Maschmedt set off on his own in 2005, and his first step was to brush up on his sustainable building techniques and technologies. He was quick to put what he learned to use, building high-efficiency spec homes with a sleek, modern aesthetic. With every home the company built, Maschmedt says, their knowledge and skills improved. “Every project to me was a step in the evolution [of the company],” he says. A few years ago there were plenty of green-minded home buyers to go around, but nowadays building spec homes is a daunting prospect economically. Although the down market has certainly made spec homes a riskier proposition, Maschmedt isn’t overly concerned. For one thing, he’s sold every property his firm has developed. For another, Dwell Development’s approach to green design has proved very popular. The majority of the firm’s properties are in the Columbia City, Beacon Hill, and Central areas of Seattle,
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through each of which runs the city’s recently built light-rail system, and available public transit makes it easier to embrace a sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, Dwell Development incorporates eco-friendly building materials and techniques, and its designs encourage vibrant, walkable, sustainable neighborhoods. “Let’s put people in a position to make green lifestyle choices above and beyond buying a green house,” Maschmedt says. This philosophy, especially when combined with the firm’s keen eye for modern design, has set Dwell Development apart from the crowd—another reason they’ve been able to weather the recession. “Two years ago there were 40-50 guys doing what we’re doing, and now there’s like five of us,” Maschmedt says. “Those guys that are still around are really good at what they do.” Not only has Dwell Development made a name for itself with homeowners—Maschmedt is in the process of preselling a space to a couple who are moving to Seattle for the express purpose of living in a Dwell Development home—but they also have a reputation
Let’s put people in a position to make green lifestyle choices above and beyond buying a green house. Anthony Maschmedt, Principal
Previous page: Dwell Development is always looking for additional ways to make homes sustainably sound. In this photo, refined, well-lit interiors preside over the urban landscape. On the outside walls, rainwater is funneled through pipes and collected in barrels for future use. Top: The kitchen in the 3508 S. Edmunds home features oak cabinets, composite counters, engineered hardwood floors, and steel architectural detailing, all done in simple, clean lines. Bottom: The living area of the S. Edmunds home at dusk. The substantial glasswork admits ample daylighting into the space.
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Above: Dwell DevelopmentÕs designs are eco-friendly, but they also encourage green living throughout the neighborhood by promoting walking and new vegetation. Left:The front entry of the S. Edmunds home includes wood, glass, cement steps and stepping-stones, and even grass. Dwell Development often incorporates several materials into its exteriors to vary each home's texture.
in the local sustainable building community as a resource. For example, a recent envelope-efficiency test on one of their homes turned unexpectedly into an impromptu demonstration for green builders, manufacturers, and even students from around the Pacific Northwest. As far as they’ve come, this is only the beginning for Dwell Development. Not only have Maschmedt and his team already begun to offer their services à la carte—from consulting to custom homes—but they also have plans to start producing net-zero modular homes. In addition, the firm is considering hiring itself out as a green building consultant to do workshops and training for other green builders—which would be good for the industry as well as the company. “Now is the perfect time to promote and blow the horn loudly on designing and building green, energy-efficient homes,” Maschmedt says. “It’s the future for this industry, so when the housing market does come back, I want Dwell to be out front, leading the charge.” —Kelly O’Brien
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Harris Painting & Maintenance Seattle, Washington 98118
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Smoke Rise Construction. Steady growth and adaptability keep an energy-efficient builder going strong At a Glance Location: Portland, OR Founded: 1997 Specialty: Framing/finish carpentry Annual Revenue: $500,000Ñ1,000,000
Above: Smoke Rise Construction specializes in custom classic homes (like the one pictured) in the greater Portland area.
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Frank Zolfo moved to Portland, Oregon, with a degree in geology and limited knowledge of the construction field in 1996. While looking for a position in soil conservation with various local engineering firms, he accepted a position in framing to help pay the bills. As Zolfo’s skills grew, so did the building industry in Portland, and he soon moved from being employed by one of the area’s largest contractors to opening his own company, Smoke Rise Construction, a firm crafting custom classic homes in the greater Portland area. The company has since built a solid reputation with its knack for adapting to a changing construction landscape and its passion for energy efficiency. “I always knew I wanted to work outside and not in a 9-to-5 office situation,” Zolfo says. “After I started, I realized I really enjoyed working in construction—it seemed to be a perfect fit.” Zolfo started out subcontracting for his former employer and, within a few years, was negotiating his own contracts with several building firms. As the housing marketing continued its boom, Zolfo decided he needed to diversify the business and teamed up with a local realtor. “The partnership helped the company in two
ways. First, we began to perform basic general contractor and remodeling services by referral for new home owners,” he says. “We also began to purchase distressed properties, which we then remodeled and resold.” During the same time, Zolfo also developed a niche market: purchasing oversized lots with existing homes, subdividing the lots, remodeling the existing home for resale, and retaining the remaining lots for future new construction. “In a short time, I built a fairly substantial inventory, and when the building industry started to take a downturn, I was able to develop new homes on the lots I already owned,” Zolfo says. “I found I could do what I loved to do—being a framer—while also being an investor and builder.” Zolfo also developed a greater interest in energyefficient building, mainly through constructing and remodeling homes based on Energy Star standards for features such as lighting, windows, and insulation. “I’ve always felt we’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to energy efficiency,” he says. “Homeowners are sometimes hesitant to spend money on energy upgrades, but I always tell them if they’re already paying for the
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residential building Right: Founder Frank Zolfo and his team construct homes to fit Energy Star efficiency standards, which include ensuring all windows and doors are properly sealed.
At the end of the day, I am proud of the work my company does because I know that the homes I build are going to be around for generations. Frank Zolfo, Founder
labor, they might as well put in the extra dollars needed to make their home efficient. They can recoup the extra cost in just a few years; plus, energy-efficiency upgrades can make your home more attractive if you ever decide to sell. I see no negatives to the decision.” Zolfo’s favorite project was a recently completed custom home in north Portland that he crafted as a replica of a 1910 Craftsman-style house, complete with period-appropriate finishes and details. “It was a 21st-century energy-efficient home with modern conveniences built to reflect the charm of a 19th-century residence,” he says. “We knew we succeeded when the realtor complemented me on the skillful remodel.” Currently, Smoke Rise is looking to expand its services into the central Oregon area, specifically in the area around Bend. “Central Oregon’s real-estate market is starting to see a rebound, and we’re looking at some investment opportunities that include purchasing and remodeling distressed properties for resale,” Zolfo says.
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“I feel there is a great deal of opportunity and potential in this market.” While he is glad to be busy, Zolfo feels that continuing a “hands-on” approach and maintaining the quality of his company’s work is most important. He says, “At the end of the day, I am proud of the work my company does because I know that the homes I build are going to be around for generations.” —Julie Edwards
White Lightning Electric Inc. 7524 EX 52nd Avenue Portland OR 97206 Phone: 503.453.3256 Email: whitelight7524@aol.com White Lightning Electric, Inc. offers all phases of electrical work for both commercial & residential applications in the Portland, OR area. Our residential services range from basic work, such as installing light fixtures and new outlets, to more complex jobs, like remodeling or complete wiring on new construction. White Lightning Electric, Inc. offers its commercial clients basic service maintenance along with an array of other service work including: installing generators, outdoor lighting, signs, tenant improvement; and service changes on all commercial buildings, such as: warehouses, grocery stores, & car lots.
At White Lightning Electric, Inc. we are committed to fostering long- term business relationships with our customers and providing the best quality services by having the best- trained personnel, low turnover and dedication to our customer needs.
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PGC Building + Design. From custom homes to handyman projects, it’s all in a day’s work At a Glance Location: Bend, OR Founded: 2006 Employees: 8 Specialty: Custom-home design, high-end remodels, fire/water restoration, and maintenance
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Ed Busch, president of PGC Building + Design in Bend, Oregon, was destined to work in the building and construction industry—but it took him years to realize it. Although he had worked for his father’s construction company throughout his young life and during college, his heart was in films. After college, he spent 10 years working in visual effects for feature motion pictures. “I worked on some big projects, went to lots of parties, and met some stars, but something was missing,” he says. Finally, he and his wife had their fill of Tinseltown, and moved to Bend. After working at a software company, “I took a job with a fire/water restoration contractor,” he says. That is when he realized that construction would be his life’s work: “I found that I loved seeing the look on people’s faces when they saw the completed project.”
When a few people asked him to build their houses, everything clicked—and he founded PGC. The company specializes in custom homes and high-end remodels but also offers services in fire/water restoration, architecture, interior design, maintenance, and repair in central Oregon and the Los Angeles area. Smaller projects have never been out of the question. “My dad taught me never to be too proud to do anything,” he says. “When I came to Bend, contractors and subs were so busy they concentrated on production and paid less attention to their customers’ needs. I decided my company wouldn’t be like that. “When we take on small jobs, we make it clear that we want to be our clients’ contractor for life. So we work closely with them to be sure they get exactly what they need.” Case in point: PGC built a custom home for a client who lived a three-hour drive away. His busy schedule
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Opposite page: PGC Building + Design built this kitchen with extensive woodwork for added aesthetic warmth. Above: A spacious living room and kitchen setup from PGC. Right: PGC added hints of color to enliven this monochromatic space. Photos: Simone Paddock of Emerald Bay Photo.
PGC Building + Design built a custom home for a client who lived a three-hour drive away. The client’s busy schedule precluded traveling to Oregon to select materials—so PGC went to him. american builders quarterly
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precluded traveling to Bend to select materials—so the firm went to him. “We went there almost every week for five or six weeks,” Busch says. “We took him and his wife on shopping trips. It was absolutely worth it.” That attitude has brought the firm significant repeat business. PGC is currently building a $1 million home in the Tetherow development for a client who first hired PGC for handyman work in 2007. The foundation for PGC’s award-winning custom-home project, located in the Awbrey Butte neighborhood in Bend, was hammered out of a 50-degree slope of volcanic rock. The two-story, four-bedroom house has an interesting “split” design. The main floor of the home includes the master bedroom, great room, kitchen, laundry facilities, and a home office, and the lower level includes a home theater/media center, wet bar, rec room, wine cellar (with enough space for hundreds of bottles), and other amenities. The media
Above: An award-winning great room done in warm woods and rough stone by PGC. The company prides itself on its ability to enhance overly dull homes. Left: An interior-design firm as well as a construction firm, PGC is able to build elegant spaces such as this living room while also populating them with complementary furniture and display pieces.
room won the Best Feature category in the Central Oregon Builders Association 2008 Tour of Homes. “Essentially, my client lives on the main floor,” Busch says, “while the lower level is ideal for entertaining friends and family—it’s almost like having a separate party room.” Another project completed in Awbrey Butte shows how PGC works to spruce up a sparse space. “The whole house was monochromatic,” Busch says, “done in shades of beige and white. My client liked the lines of the home but hated the lack of color.” Rather than do a complete makeover, PGC added touches of warmth and color throughout the home: it
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replaced original white fireplace stonework with variegated brown and gray stones; it placed complementary metallic tiles on a nearby wall; it re-faced beechwood kitchen cabinets with red-stained alder panels and added custom glasswork to other panels; it added a dark tan cumaru insert to the living room’s beige carpeting; and it applied beech and alder stepped molding around cabinetry for a two-tone effect. The final product shows how PGC can create maximum impact from a minimum investment. “It’s one of my favorite projects,” he says. “We basically just gave it a face-lift, but their friends were awed by the results.” —Frederick Jerant
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Cobblestone Homes. Local partnerships help custom builder create Michigan’s first net-zero energy home Cobblestone Homes owners Melissa and Mark Wahl one or two build projects that will deepen our undermet in high school, where they found a shared passion for standing and stretch our knowledge,” Melissa says. At a Glance real estate. Mark earned his degree in business manageCobblestone started this practice many years ago by ment while Melissa studied education. Together, the winning Michigan’s Energy Star grant. From there, the Location: couple started purchasing and renovating rental properties company has produced many area firsts including a Saginaw, MI before another builder turned them on to the idea of Green Built Michigan-certified green home, a healthy Founded: 2001 custom building. “We were fortunate enough to cross paths home built in partnership with the American Lung Specialty: with another builder who quickly became our friend and Association, a LEED Gold home, and Vision Zero. Each Custom homes and mentor and encouraged us to start building new homes,” unique project benefits Cobblestone’s mainstream energy efficiency Melissa says. “After years of learning and some prodding, customers. “Whatever we learn from a special project is we dug our first basement.” Ten years later, Cobblestone applied to our daily construction work,” Melissa says. Homes is a leader in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay region, “It’s now just a part of our culture.” For example, in and last year the Wahls completed Michigan’s first net-zero working with the American Lung Association, Cobbleenergy home. stone learned about the need for passive radon systems, The ground-breaking project, located at 3118 which are now standard in all the company’s homes. Summerhill Lane in Bay City, is known as Vision Zero With the Vision Zero project (a three-bed, two-bath, and represents the latest in a series of energy-efficient 1,750-square-foot net-zero ranch house), the Wahls Cobblestone projects designed to help the company learn. fulfilled a long-standing goal. “We had learned enough “We started building energy-efficient homes because they and assembled a brilliant team that would allow us to are healthier—both for the home’s structure and take on such a large project,” Melissa says. “We were longevity and also for the homeowner,” Melissa says. finally educated enough to tackle it.” Cobblestone Above: Cobblestone HomesÕ Creating energy-efficient homes requires builders to stay realized success would come with full participation from net-zero energy home, the updated with the latest innovations and study how the community and worked to engage several organizafirst one completed in the state of Michigan. science relates to building practices. “Each year we select tions, including Building Knowledge, who offered the
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residential building Left: The net-zero home is designed as an educational tool; signs throughout the dwelling offer insight into how various portions were built to meet the many requirements of net-zero construction and operation.
services of a building scientist, and local companies such as Dow Chemical and Dow Corning. Cobblestone and its partners focused on the building envelope, insulation, air sealing, and renewable energies. The vision, however, grew bigger than simply completing a net-zero energy home. The Wahls wanted the project to provide “information, innovation, and
air sealing and insulation practices, the idea of net-zero living cannot be accomplished,” Melissa says. Vision Zero is designed as a living building and science museum in which visitors can learn, view, and interact with a variety of energy conservation and green practices, including GreenSwitch phantom power reduction, geothermal heating and cooling, mechanical air-exchange systems (i.e. energy recovery ventilators), recycled materials, solar hot water, dual-flush toilets, air-sealing practices, and insulation. Although Vision Zero is still in its first year, Melissa says the home already uses 70 percent less energy than a conventional residence and produces more energy than it consumes. Best of all, the sustainability principles on display are being embraced by local and distant communities alike. Over 4,500 people, including members of Boy Scout troops, universities, energy think-tanks, the Department of Energy, and other groups have toured the property since its openingB:9.25” in early 2010. The house B:9.25” T:8.25” T:8.25” performs as expected andS:7.3125” willS:7.3125” save an estimated $3,500 in annual energy costs while diverting nearly 45,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. —Zach Baliva B:9.25” T:8.25” S:7.3125”
Each year we select one or two build projects that will deepen our understanding and stretch our knowledge.
© 2010 Masco Cabinetry.
© 2010 Masco Cabinetry.
© 2010 Masco Cabinetry.
S:10”
EVERYONE HASHAS A PERSONALITY. SHOULDN’T YOUR KITCHEN HAVE ONE TOO? EVERYONE HAS PERSONALITY. SHOULDN’T YOUR KITCHEN HAVE ONE TOO? EVERYONE AAPERSONALITY. SHOULDN’T YOUR KITCHEN HAVE ONE TOO? KraftMaid Cabinetry help createaa KraftMaid cancan help KraftCabinetry Maid Cabinetry cancreate help create a kitchen so personal, it could only belongto to you. you. kitchen so personal, it could kitchen so personal, it only couldbelong only belong to you. Visit KraftMaid.com or call 1-800-488-1980 Visit KraftMaid.com or call or 1-800-488-1980 Visit KraftMaid.com call for your free cabinetry idea book.1-800-488-1980 for your cabinetry idea book. forfree your free cabinetry idea book.
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inspiration.” They also wanted the public to embrace sustainability as a viable lifestyle. “The house needed to feel comfortable for mainstream society and prove that people can have a TV and a microwave and still be efficient,” Melissa says. The design reflects these ideals, and the home is open for tours to show those in the community small or large green steps they can take in their own homes. The Dow Chemical Powerhouse photovoltaic shingles also are showcased on the home and will be available to the general public this year. The Wahls added BP solar panels, too. “While the renewable energies often take the spotlight, Vision Zero shows that without proper
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8605_StyleMaven_825x10875.indd Live: 7.3125” x 10” Project Manager: c. bebensee Cyan Trim: 8.25” x 10.875” Studio Artist: Jodi Tupy Client: KM Magenta Yellow Bleed: 9.25” x 11.125” Account Manager: None Ad Number: 8605 Black Scale: 1”=1” x 10” 8605_StyleMaven_825x10875.indd Art Director: clint c. bebensee Live: 7.3125” InDesign CS4 Project Manager: Cyan 8605_StyleMaven_825x10875.indd 7.3125” x 10” Project Manager: c. bebensee Printed: NonexLive: Copy Writer: None Jodi Trim: 8.25” 10.875” Studio Artist: Tupy Client: Date: KM 12-16-2010 3:03 PM Magenta Trim: Studio Artist: Jodi Tupy Client: KM Final Output 100%8.25” x 10.875” Account Previous User: Jodi Tupy Yellow Bleed: 9.25”At: x 11.125” Manager: None Ad Number: Page: 8605 1 of 1 Bleed: 9.25” x 11.125” Account Manager: None Ad Number: 8605 Black Scale: 1”=1” ArtProduction:8605_StyleMaven_825x10875.indd Director: clint InDesignDocument CS4 Path: ...aftMaid:2010 KraftMaid:8605_KM_Reds&StyleMaven_Ads:Studio-Final Scale: 1”=1” Art Director: clint InDesign CS4 Used Fonts:3:03 Helvetica Neutraface (Bold), Neutraface Display (Bold) Printed: None 2 Text (Book), Neutraface 2 DisplayCopy Writer: None Date: 12-16-2010 PM Neue (55 Roman), Printed: None Copy Writer: None Date: 12-16-2010 3:03 PM ppi, 574 ppi; 70.69%, 70.69%), Square book.psd (470 ppi; 63.75%) Output At: 100% Previous User: Jodi Tupy Page:Linked 1 of 1Content: CC134955_1a06.tif (574Final
american builders quarterly
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Melissa Wahl, Co-owner
residential building
Amacher & Associates Architects. A lifelong fascination with green architecture gives firm a competitive edge At a Glance Location: Cambridge, MA Founded: 1996 Specialty: Sustainable residential and commercial designs, historic renovations, and community planning
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Franziska Amacher knew her career path of choice from a very early age—three and a half, to be exact. That’s when her family moved into what she describes as a “1928 modernist” home in her native Switzerland, and even though she was just a toddler, she quickly became enamored with its design. It ultimately fueled her drive to become an architect, but it was its sustainable roof that helped push her drive in a very specific direction when she launched Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Amacher & Associates Architects in 1996. “I’ve been taking green approaches my entire career,” Amacher says. “I try to present options to the client, to see what makes sense for them.” She has come to terms, though, with the cultural differences between North America and her native Europe, differences that occasionally require her to tweak her approach. “Sometimes you cannot convince a client to do something,” she says. “And although many green products or strategies are price-competitive, sometimes they’re more expensive. But we try to show [clients] that, over time, it certainly makes sense to go green.”
Though going green has become much more mainstream in the architecture industry over the past several years, Amacher recalls times in the 1990s when her approach came across as a very hard sell, even to fellow architects. But with so many more years of green expertise now behind her, Amacher’s firm has a leg up over the competition. It has also allowed her to cast a wide net when it comes to project variety. “A lot of architects have a certain specialty,” Amacher says, “but we try to look at things from different scales because truly sustainable strategies go from the very individual to the urban scale.” Amacher’s most recent projects include a host of innovative structures in New England. One of the most high-profile of these, known as the Resource Time Tunnel, is a 50-foot long sculpture that has been featured at several different locations, including Boston’s GreenFest, since 2008. “The tunnel tries to show how humans have abused the earth,” she says, “how the natural world has become more and more artificial, and how not paying attention to the earth’s cycles will result
american builders quarterly
residential building Opposite page: Small energy-guzzling one-bedroom apartments were connected and transformed by Amacher & Associates Architects into a few efficient, spacious two-story apartments in a house in a historic Boston suburb. Photo: Keitaro Yoshioka. This page: AmacherÕs Time Tunnel of Resources, an interactive sculpture on the environment, leads you from an increasingly artificial and polluted world through a black hole. On the other side, you find both simple and sophisticated solutions for caring for a healthy future.
in catastrophes. We’re trying to show people alternative ways to help leave a healthier world.” Another fairly high-profile Amacher effort, the Ring House, was featured on the Planet Green network series Renovation Nation in 2009. Amacher says, “There was a lot of collaboration with the owner/contractor in figuring things out,” including exterior detailing issues (to prevent “cold spots” that could cause condensation). Details were a problem on another project with an absentee supervisor. “There was also a project where the general contractor ended up running for mayor in a neighboring town.” she says. “We ended up having to replace the contractor, which caused a lot of problems.” But with Amacher’s dedication to excellence in green design and eco-friendly structures, her firm is
And wherever her more family-oriented designs go, she hopes more community-beneficial opportunities are likely to follow. “I do like community-focused projects,” she says. “When you can build them with sustainable strategies, it just seems the rational thing to do. —Kelli Lawrence
A lot of architects have a certain specialty, but we try to look at things from different scales because truly sustainable strategies go from the very individual to the urban. Franziska Amacher, Owner
COWEN ASSOCIATES proud to stand behind each of the numerous projects from its 15-year history—whether it’s an 1850s Greek Revival house in Cambridge undergoing a condominium conversion or an urban development mixed-use facility in Boston’s South End. She sees her firm getting more involved in the future with smaller projects, such as the greened Colonial home in the Boston suburb of Newton— a strong example of a classic structure made infinitely more compatible with 21st-century needs, including a 40 to 50 percent reduction in energy costs. “This house we redesigned so it’s much easier for the family to interact,” Amacher says. “It was just traditional old separated rooms until we opened it up, helping with a more family-oriented lifestyle.”
american builders quarterly
CONSULTING STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS We are consultants specializing in the structural design of buildings and special structures. Our principal clients are architects, contractors, developers and building owners.
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Congratulations to Amacher and Associates. We wish you continued success!
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residential building
Lewallen Architecture LLC. Sustainably minded firm’s contemporary designs bring homeowners’ dreams to life At a Glance Location: Portland, OR Employees: 3 Specialty: Contemporary homes and offices with sustainable elements
Above: Michael LewallenÕs Cooper residence includes an even-heating air-to-water system.
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Michael Lewallen learned about construction the oldfashioned way: his dad, a construction-company owner, often rousted him out of bed at 4 a.m. on Saturdays to do drywall work or metal-stud framing on a hotel project. Lewallen’s hands-on work gave him invaluable experience, fashioning the interiors of projects including pre-1980s Las Vegas hotels and San Francisco’s Bank of America building and Embarcadero Center buildings. Yet he knew he really wanted to sketch those buildings as the architect; his finger painting of a house at age 6 hangs on his office wall as a reminder of his vision. Lewallen, who earned his bachelor’s of architecture at the University of Oregon, has fulfilled his dream by running a small, collegial architecture firm, Lewallen Architecture LLC, which specializes in contemporary design. The firm’s work is guided by Lewallen’s own experiences and world views while still fitting each project’s context, budget, and building type as well as the client’s values and visions.
“A building must relate in a high level of detail to these elements,” he says. “Architecture is a high art form. The aesthetics have to be absolutely premium. Yet the solution doesn’t have to cost a lot. It takes thought and effort.” Lewallen’s philosophies have kept his Portland, Oregon-based firm thriving during the recession, though Lewallen Architecture’s business did shift from 40 percent residential and 60 percent commercial to 75 percent and 25 percent respectively. Lewallen is seeking to boost the commercial work by marketing the firm’s expertise in building handicap-accessible facilities as well as schools, hospitals, medical offices, and government buildings. Lewallen’s philosophies also entail a desire for sustainability, which he tries to incorporate into every project however he can. The Cooper residence in Amboy, Washington, embodies that ideal. The 3,000-square-foot, $500,000 home, completed in September 2010, features fabulous views of Mount St. Helens, LEED Silver certification, a
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unique air-to-water system that keeps everything in the house the same temperature, and rain-screen and rainwater-harvesting systems for high-level insulation and environmental protection. According to Tim Troffer, president of Troffer Contracting Inc., which handled the construction, “The family can keep a lower air temperature because the floor, the furniture, the countertops, and the moldings are heated. The air-to-water system—the only one I know of in the state—circulates water through tubes under the house’s concrete slab and turns it into a heating application. It’s the really efficient way to go.” Lewallen credits Troffer with doing “a masterful job” in keeping the project within budget. The family was so thrilled with the outcome that they decided to spend more money to build a green roof to complement the home’s environmentally friendly features, which include super-efficient aluminum-clad windows, all-natural cedar wood, and natural-stone finishes. Lewallen also designed the lighting system to showcase the family’s art collection. The home reflects Lewallen Architecture’s signature Northwest style, using natural materials, prominent roof overhangs, big expanses of glass, and wide-open floor plans. Another example is the Goodman residence, a 4,000-square-foot home based on the Ayurvedan system of Indian healing that the firm is building for a married couple and the husband’s parents in Lake Oswego,
Architecture is a high art form. The aesthetics have to be absolutely premium. Yet the solution doesn’t have to cost a lot. It takes thought and effort. Michael Lewallen, Founder
Oregon. The modern, fully sustainable home, situated on the site of a former apple orchard, sports rain-screen walls; radiant floor systems; a green roof with photovoltaic panels; and super-insulated roofing, walls, and floors. The house helps preserve water so that dams in the area can release enough of it to sustain salmon populations. Another example of the firm’s combination of stylized design and affordability is the Lenahan Cottage in Long Beach, California. The cottage features two-story windows on the south and west sides to make the most of reflected sunlight and the ocean view, and it includes pine planking and birch plywood for the walls, ceiling,
american builders quarterly
Above: Much of the Lenahan Cottage in Long Beach, CA, was constructed from pine planking and birch plywood. The homeÕs second-floor windows take advantage of natural sunlight and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
and non-mechanical efficiency systems. Another residence, the 2,000-square-foot Burningham home in Oceanside, Oregon, is designed as a more complex but low-maintenance building, with rain screens, heat-recovery ventilators, radiant floor heating, a ground-source heat pump, and a 45-foot wall of curved glass that allows for ample natural light and provides a sweeping view of Haystack Rock. The attention to detail is reflected in the firm’s time frame for residential construction. Lewallen spends nine months to a year building a home. “We choose every nail, nut, bolt, and trim,” he says. “Most homeowners don’t realize the level of detail it takes.” Many homeowners also aren’t sure what they really want. “It’s my goal to listen and try to answer the clients’ questions with a piece of architecture,” Lewallen says. “Where will the house be? How do you live? How much money will you be spending? What do you really like about the photo you cut out of a magazine? What element do you love? It may be the fabric on a couch or light on a windowsill. It’s an architect’s job to decipher what people really love and why.” —Sandra Guy
A Message from Natural Cedar Siding Inc We've championed the benefits of energy-efficient, sustainable design for the past decade by partnering with forward-thinking firms such as Lewallen Architecture and Troffer Construction bringing ÒgreenÓ practices into the marketplace. As you can see, the results can be outstanding. We think you should consider Natural Cedar Siding ... durable, energy-efficient, renewable, and, of course, beautiful, the perfect choice for your project. Call 360-921-0888 or visit naturalcedarsiding.com.
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Massaad Engineering Group (M-GROUP) provides structural
and civil engineering services. Our fundamental philosophy is to explore creative solutions while remaining abreast of industry advances in structural and civil engineering. Our professional service concept is to pursue new and innovative methods to accomplish our clients’ goals; meet and serve our clients in a professional and timely manner; and utilize innovative methods in design and construction to best serve the needs of each customer.
Professional Services | Structural Engineering | Civil Engineering www.mgroupengineering.com
Tim Troffer
Phone: (360) 261-3507 E-mail: TimTroffer@aol.com
General Contractor WA#TROFFC1024NP OR#136820
Nonprofit Housing
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition ............................ 48 Wesley Housing Development Corporation ................ 52 Pictured: Wolff Waters Place, built by the Coacehlla Valley Housing Coalition.
Photo: Š2010 Mark Davidson Photography Photo: Bruce Damonte.
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nonprofit housing
Coachella Valley Housing Coalition. Nonprofit puts affordable, comfortable housing within farm workers’ reach The Coachella Valley in southern California is a study At a Glance Location: Indio, CA Founded: 1982 Employees: 37-42 Specialty: Homes and apartments for low-income and special-needs individuals and families
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in contrasts. At one end, there’s Palm Springs, a lush playground for the rich and famous, but travel east, and everything changes. “It’s much more of an agricultural area,” says John F. Mealey, the first and only executive director of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) in, Indio, California. “Residents are mostly Latino farm workers with low incomes.” For years, substandard housing was their only option. But in the early 1980s, a group of activists, stakeholders, and elected officials were determined to change that. With a $10,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation, CVHC was founded as a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to improve the living conditions of the low-income families through advocacy, research, construction, and operation of housing and community development projects. By 1986, Mealey’s group had completed 50 housing units and thought their mission had ended. But the need for affordable housing continued, and CVHC expanded. To date, the group has developed 3,788 homes and apartments (including acquisition and rehab projects) in Riverside County and Imperial County; another 400 to 500 units are in various stages of production. Additionally, CVHC provides many services for its tenants and the surrounding community. “We try to help all kinds of low-income people,” senior project manager Maryann Ybarra says, “including families and individuals
with special needs such as mental or developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses. We’ve also established an apartment complex for persons who are HIV-positive.” The company comprises three primary divisions, says John Aguilar, Director of Multi-Family developments. “My group develops and builds apartment complexes like Wolff Waters Place, our latest,” he says. “The site was owned by the city of La Quinta’s Redevelopment Agency, and we competed with about a dozen other developers for the project.” CVHC handled everything from entitlements to construction to leasing. The first residents moved into the 218-unit dwelling in December 2009, and the complex now boasts 100-percent occupancy—with a waiting list. The units range from 590 to 1,400 square feet, and Wolff Waters is CVHC’s first LEED-certified development. Nine of the 24 buildings are certified Gold; the majority are Silver. “We used numerous approaches to attain certification,” Ybarra says. Among them were Energy Star-rated appliances, high-efficiency lighting, fiberglass window frames, and high-efficiency toilets and other plumbing fixtures. “We were even able to divert 90 percent of the construction debris from landfills,” Ybarra says. The buildings themselves are far from gray concrete monoliths. The Santa Barbara Mission Revival’s design features smooth white stucco walls, wrought-iron balcony and patio railings, and other details and touches
american builders quarterly
nonprofit housing
of bright colors including red-tile roofs and blue shutters. “The buildings and grounds are very attractive,” Ybarra says. “In fact, during construction many people asked how much these ‘condos’ would sell for.” Major funding for such projects comes from federal tax credit programs that encourage corporations and banks to invest in low-income housing. “The funds come in as equity,” Mealey says, “so they are not repaid. And the housing becomes affordable because total debt has been reduced.” “Another division promotes the building of mutual self-help homes; houses are constructed in groups of 10 or 12 single-family homes at once,” Aguilar says. This group, in partnership with the USDA, helps future residents to build all the homes cooperatively. Families put in 40 hours of labor per week per family, Mealey says, usually during evenings and weekends. “Our construction supervisors oversee their work and teach them,” he says, “and in 10 months, they all have houses.” CVHC’s services go far beyond providing low-income housing solutions. Its community services group sponsors many helpful programs for the residents of its apartment complexes. “Each one has a community room, where we provide after-school programs, ESL lessons, computer training, and nutrition education,” Ybarra says. “Many also have day-care centers on-site.” Mealey adds that music and dance classes are also sometimes available, as are tennis lessons from pro coaches. CVHC’s record of success has earned it recognition as the most accomplished affordable housing developer in the country. The group has won several awards, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 Energy Star for Homes Leadership in Housing Award. It has also
american builders quarterly
The Coachella Valley Housing CoalitionÕs Wolff Waters Place in La Quinta, CA. It is the organizationÕs first LEED-certified development, and it is already at 100% occupancy because of its popularity. Photo: ©2010 Mark Davidson Photography.
received Green Building magazine’s Affordable Project of the Year Award (for Wolff Waters) and earned an Honorable Mention in the Best Project Category from the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (also for Wolff Waters). Even so, the group does not work for the accolades. They are there to create a community, and in that spirit the group has a rule that no family moves in until all the houses have been completed. “The process forms an instant neighborhood,” Aguilar says. —Frederick Jerant
A Message from Citi Community Capital Affordable housing is a powerful formula for transforming peopleÕs lives, and Wolff Waters Place is a great example. Working with partners like Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Citi finances beautiful multifamily apartments, recreational play areas, and community centers with supportive services. As a result, people experience safety and well-being, and the impact reverberates beyond the neighborhood. WeÕre attuned to the bigger picture since Citi Community Capital originates construction and permanent financing for residential, commercial, and mixeduse community development properties throughout California, ranging from 100% affordable, restricted-rent multifamily complexes to mixed-use developments with large or small retail components.
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Wolff Waters Place La Quinta, CA
Beautiful, Child-Friendly, Green and 100% Affordable Community revitalization begins at home. When 215 lowincome families moved in to Wolff Waters Place, they found well-designed living space, community services, and high environmental standards. That’s our vision of affordable housing, and we’re proud to partner with the award-winning Coachella Valley Housing Coalition on this Gold and Silver LEED certified development. At Citi Community Capital, we know that neighborhoods have a transformative impact beyond the local community. Our goal is to finance affordable housing for our clients through responsible lending practices—and we’ve achieved 77,000 premier units over the past three years. Talk to us about your neighborhood. Contact Alice Carr, Managing Director, alice.e.carr@citi.com or 213-239-1934.
nonprofit housing
Wesley Housing Development Corporation. Nonprofit group provides affordable housing for those in need Thanks to the state of the current economy, the number At a Glance Location: Alexandria, VA Founded: 1974 Employees: 60
Above: Wesley Housing Development CorporationÕs renovated community center at Strawbridge Square Apartments. The homes will be affordable for the next 40 years.
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of working individuals and families unable to find affordable housing has skyrocketed, particularly in the tight real-estate market of Northern Virginia. To combat the trend, leading nonprofit developer Wesley Housing Development Corporation builds, preserves, and manages affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and the disabled. “The need for affordable housing has turned critical,” says president Shelley Murphy, who spent 20 years in corporate America before joining Wesley Housing in September of 2007. “Wait lists for housing vouchers from local governments can last years.” For example, in the city of Alexandria, where three of Wesley Housing’s communities are located, a 2008 survey found that nearly 10,000 units had been lost since 2000, and 40% of the city’s residents were in jobs with salaries that did not meet the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s threshold for living
expenses. Thus, even for working families, affordable housing is scarce. Since 1974, Wesley Housing has acquired 23 development communities and provided over 20,000 people in six cities with stable, quality housing. Eighteen percent of its portfolio is composed of accessible units, and Wesley Housing was first in the region to provide housing for individuals with HIV and AIDS in the 1980s. They were also the first in the region to provide a barrier-free, universally designed complex for individuals with special needs, such as those with traumatic brain injuries, affording them the opportunity to live on their own in a safe environment. The latest product of Wesley’s advance housing efforts has become a new standard for local governments and other developers. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the Ben Franklin House is a universally designed group home for residents with disabilities. “Here, we partnered with the programs service
american builders quarterly
nonprofit housing
provider from the planning stages,” Murphy says. “That way, the specific needs of the residents were front-andcenter through the entire development process. The result is a gorgeous home with fully accessible baths, kitchen, pantry, bedrooms, living areas, exercise room, and deck with container gardens.” With 56 percent of Wesley Housing’s current portfolio consisting of two-bedroom or larger units, the firm is known for providing affordable housing for larger families in an industry that—because of dwindling financial resources and the need for an economy of scale—is marked by one-bedroom units. Several of Wesley Housing’s projects have involved reconfiguring and enlarging units rather than performing a one-to-one renovation. At Colonial Village, a historic transit-oriented community in the initial stages of being renovated and preserved for an additional 60 years, Wesley Housing is adding 33 bedrooms via bump-outs. Strawbridge Square was Wesley Housing’s first project, completed in 1979, and recently the complex has
The need for affordable housing has turned critical. Shelley Murphy, President
undergone a complete renovation, preserving affordability for the next 40 years. All of the units, including rare three- and four-bedroom townhomes, have received new bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, and mechanicals. “The community center space was doubled, and residents now have a separate computer lab for use in the resident programs and activities,” Murphy says. “Wesley Housing has long believed that a successful community is not merely ... well-built housing. If you want the community to thrive, you have to provide residents the tools and resources necessary to help build new futures for themselves.” For example, the property manager at one community building invited a high school dropout who had just become a new mom to try the on-site computer class even though the thought of going back to school in any form was daunting to her. “Our staff reached out to her because she is the reason we combine affordable housing with residential programs,” Murphy says. “A computer class led to a GED, which led to college. Now, this same woman, who thought her life couldn’t change, is a successful labor and delivery nurse in nearby Fairfax County and living in market-rate housing.” —Tricia Despres
american builders quarterly
Top: One of Wesley HousingÕs universally designed kitchens in a group home for disabled adults in Fairfax County, VA. Above: The Strawbridge Square Apartments now have an additional computer lab where residents can communicate and take online courses.
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Commercial Construction
Evesham Building Associates, LLC. ........................... 56 Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. ............................... 57 Repp & Mundt ......................................................... 59 Pictured: A rendering of the Philadelphia University Center for Sustainable Energy Efficiency and Design, by Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc.
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commercial construction
Evesham Building Associates, LLC. State-of-the-art medical facility features energy efficiency, water conservation, and improved recycling At a Glance Location: Voorhees, NJ Founded: 1995 Specialty: Medical office buildings
Below: Evesham Building Associates designed and built the medical facility at 2401 Evesham Road with a number of eco-friendly features, including low-flow water fixtures and a geothermal energy system.
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Real-estate developer Lee H. Hudson, Jr. had a vision, and it was green. His goal was to design and build the first LEED Silver-certified office and medical building in the State of New Jersey, and with the project currently under construction, he’s very close to fulfilling his ambitions. “Not only is it the first LEED building that we have ever developed; it is the most efficient building in South Jersey,” says Hudson, managing member of Evesham Building Associates, LLC. “We are currently pre-certified LEED Silver and are trying to go for the gold by making it as green as grass.” Hudson owns and manages commercial and residential properties. “Our clients are people—people that need somewhere to live, work, or keep their cars,” he says. Evesham Building Associates’ customer base is primarily composed of medical providers, but Hudson makes sure the company doesn’t limit itself to doing just one line of business. “We own and manage residential property, doctors’ offices, storage facilities, and now we are starting to take on more adaptive reuse and new developmental projects,” he says. “As property owners, we have many competitors,” Hudson adds. “The only way to compete in the market is to find ways to minimize expenses so you can bring those savings to the client and provide high-quality projects.” One of those cost-saving measures involves taking steps to reduce environmental footprints; Evesham Building Associates fits properties with alternative energy systems. “I have long been an advocate of efficiency, both economical and environmental,” Hudson says. “The great thing is these are now one and the same.” Evesham Building Associates recently has been focused on the construction of the green medical facility at 2401 Evesham Road in Voorhees, New Jersey. The new building has been designed and constructed so as to reduce or eliminate its negative environmental impact, including improving the operational practices of the tenants by using low-flow fixtures to manage water use and adding recycling areas for the storage and collection
of paper and plastic. Hudson also made the building more energy-efficient by installing geothermal energy systems and by “using reflective materials on the roof to deflect solar heat gain, thermally broken windows, additional insulation in the walls, and other items,” he says. The MEP engineer estimates that the building will use “38 percent less energy than a similar building using current standard design and construction practices.”
Our hope is that someday all buildings will be designed and constructed using sustainable practices to responsibly address our footprint on our surroundings. Lee Hudson, managing member
In addition, the building will include clean-air ducts, walk-off mats to limit contaminants from shoes, operable windows, increased ventilation, high MERV air filters, and paints and sealants with low levels of VOCs. Other site features include storm-water quantity and quality management as well as site and building lighting that limits illumination of the night sky. “There are currently only 89 LEED-certified buildings in New Jersey,” Hudson says. “The building will be the first LEED-certified Silver CS Office/Medical Building in Camden County, and the first to incorporate solar and geothermal elements. The project will be one of the first sites in the state of New Jersey to have electriccar-charging stations.” The project will also include educational programming provided at the building and on its website, including tours of the mechanical room that will highlight the solar and geothermal systems. Hudson says, “Our hope is that someday all buildings will be designed and constructed using sustainable practices to responsibly address our footprint on our surroundings.” —Brigitte Yuille
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commercial construction
Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. Drawing on a wealth of green expertise to promote sustainable principles and practices Truly sustainable design needs a lot more than At a Glance Location: Trenton, NJ (with branches in PA & MD) Founded: 1954 Employees: 40 Specialty: Sustainable design Annual Revenue: $10-12 million
cutting-edge techniques and technology—first and foremost, it requires a comprehensive understanding of sustainable principles and a holistic approach that allows those principles to be applied to every facet of a given project. With over 50 years of industry experience and a deep-rooted, well-cultivated green-building knowledge base, Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. is in an excellent position to deliver just that. Jason Kliwinski, director of sustainable design, has been with the Trenton, New Jersey-based firm since 2007 because he wanted to work for a company that had sustainability in its blood. “I wanted sustainability to be a culture in the office, not just something we’d talk about,” Kliwinski says. And he’s definitely found that passion with Spiezle Architectural Group, where the sustainable mindset is pervasive. “It runs from chairman straight down to the interns,” says Steve Leone, one of the firm’s principal architects. The chairman, Scott Spiezle, is another reason Kliwinski wanted to work for the
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company. “The CEO was building passive solar houses in the ’80s—he got it,” Kliwinski says. As revolutionary as their early work was, Spiezle Architectural Group has come even further in the last 30 years. With three branches and 40 employees, the firm has done sustainable design in virtually every sector of the construction market—and they bring that experience with them to every new project. “There is this culture of sustainability embedded in everything we do,” Kliwinski says. “Whatever kind of projects we’re working on, ... we bring that element to the table on all of it.” Another way that Spiezle Architectural Group displays their sustainability drive is by committing to meet the Architecture 2030 Challenge. Started in 2002 by an architect named Edward Mazria—and now adopted by the AIA, USGBC, and US Conference of Mayors, among many others—the Architecture 2030 Challenge represents a commitment by construction and design companies and organizations to achieve carbon neutrality in the building industry by
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the year 2030. In order to achieve that goal, Spiezle Architectural Group developed an exhaustive carbonneutrality master plan for the firm. “The first piece with a plan like that is to figure out what you’ve got, what’s your
There is a culture of sustainability embedded in everything we do. Whatever kind of projects we’re working on ... we bring that element to the table on all of it. Jason Kliwinski, Director of Sustainable Design
footprint,” Kliwinski says. “Then, it’s understanding what the sources are and how much each source contributes.” The final element is coming up with strategies for reducing and offsetting that footprint … until there’s nothing left of it.
Previous page: The West Village Student Residence Halls at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, designed by Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. The firm is working with several universities to create carbon-neutral student housing. Photo: ©Halkin Photography LLC. Below: Plans for Burlington County CollegeÕs new Culinary Arts Building, currently under construction in Mount Holly, NJ. The project has already earned LEED Silver certification.
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The development of that master plan is laudable in its own right, certainly, but it’s also given the company an unexpected leg up in catering to the higher-education market. Spiezle Architectural Group does a lot of sustainable design work for colleges and universities, and just recently they have helped three separate institutions develop their own carbonneutrality master plans. “The education marketplace has really received sustainability probably better than most markets,” Leone says, “because saving operating costs while leading by example to train our sustainable leaders of the future just makes sense in the education sector.” The central question that an educational carbonneutrality plan has to answer, Kliwinski says, is this: “How does a university continue to grow in terms of student population and facilities and yet become carbon-neutral?” It is not an easy question, but having a diverse green-building portfolio certainly helps answer it. The three plans that Spiezle Architectural Group has developed recently were for Rider University, a residential school with a 1.2 million-square-foot campus; The College of New Jersey, also residential and weighing in at 3 million square feet; and Mercer County Community College, which is around half a million square feet and 100-percent commuter. Three very different schools with three very different footprints. Spiezle Architectural Group’s own carbon-neutrality plan includes strategies ranging from upgrading their building’s envelope to helping a client in Mexico set up video-conferencing capabilities to cut down on travel. For their school plans, they’ve used a similarly broad approach that has included high-efficiency upgrades for campus buildings, emissions-offsetting with renewable energy sources, and incentives for students to leave their cars at home. But as varied as their methods may be, the message that Spiezle Architectural Group sends is quite singular—they are the go-to professionals for cuttingedge, comprehensive sustainable design. —Kelly O’Brien
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commercial construction
Repp & Mundt. Delivering buildings with a long-standing tradition of design At a Glance Location: Columbus, IN Founded: 1948 Employees: 50 Specialty: General contractor and expert brick mason
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said building “is the noblest of all the arts.” Columbus, Indiana-based Repp & Mundt, a general contractor working in a small town that values its preeminent architecture, views the industry with an equal measure of esteem, which has led to a good deal of business. In fact, a local architectural tour of the Columbus area would reveal that Repp & Mundt has built nearly half of the feature-worthy buildings in the city. “Columbus is a unique town,” says Dan Perry, Repp & Mundt president. “It has a long history of fine architecture dating back to the late 1950s, when the city went through a redevelopment brought on by Cummins Engine and Irwin Miller Sweeney Foundation that brought this about and paid the architectural fees.” The town’s dedication to fine design has given Repp & Mundt the opportunity to construct many challenging projects designed by some of the world’s foremost architecture firms. Repp & Mundt got its start when Willis Repp, a journeyman mason, founded the company in 1946, just before the town began its design renaissance. Today the firm is a general contractor specializing in institutional, commercial, and industrial restorations. The company self-performs masonry, concrete, and carpentry and has 50 employees who work on about 150 smaller projects a year as well as 2 to 3 larger projects. “Our forte is public works, including schools as well as churches, banks, and industrial projects,” Perry says. “I think our identity is that we stress quality and we stress honesty with our customers and give them fair treatment.” The firm’s recent signature projects include a new Fairview Elementary in Bloomington, Indiana, where Repp & Mundt served as a prime masonry contractor, and the Columbus fire station, located at the Columbus airport. In 2009 Repp & Mundt finished a $5 million classroom and gymnasium addition to Jennings County High School. The project was a load-bearing masonry project. “We still identify greatly with our masonry work and take it very seriously,” Perry says, and the firm has the accolades to prove it. The Columbus fire station received the Indiana Concrete Masonry Association Award of Excellence. Historic restoration also has always been a significant part of Repp & Mundt’s business, including work on courthouses and older industrial buildings converted for new uses. During a phase of downtown
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revival, Repp & Mundt completed renovations to Columbus’ Cerealine Building, which is thought to have been the first manufacturing factory for breakfast cereal. Willis Repp had purchased the building many years before and used it as a warehouse. In the early 1980s Cummins Engine purchased a significant portion of downtown and built a new corporate office. The centerpiece of that corporate campus is the old Cerealine
I consider our workforce, the union workforce in Indiana, to be highly skilled. Dan Perry, President
Building, which is used today as a cafeteria and meeting rooms. Repp & Mundt completed a new foundation, repaired the brick, installed new windows and roofing, and finished the interior. Another historic renovation by Repp & Mundt is the Columbus Visitors Center, an older home in the downtown area that was restored to create a visitors center. More recently, Repp & Mundt completed a renovation of the Jackson County Courthouse, a $6 million restoration that included the addition of an annex to an old jail. Repp & Mundt’s employee base is laborers, carpenters, cement finishers and brick masons, all members of building trades unions. “We’ve been an organized company since the inception,” Perry says. “I consider our workforce, the union workforce in Indiana, to be highly skilled.” Shortly after the company’s founding in 1946, Repp took on a partner, Alvin Mundt, and the firm grew. In the late 1960s Mundt left the partnership, but the name remained. Repp’s son Bill eventually came into the business, but today none of the Repp family members are part of the business. Yet the firm retains its family-friendly culture. “We all tend to come to work for the company and stay many years,” Perry says. —Laura Williams-Tracy
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Resorts & Clubhouses
Melzer Deckert & Ruder Architects, Inc. ................... 62 Emiko Design, Inc. ................................................... 66 Pictured: Emiko Design, Inc.ﾃ不 Escena Golf Club clubhouse in Palm Springs, CA.
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It is a full-time commitment to keep up with building practices, technology, and codes and then focus everything into a final, finished environment that will stand the test of time. Mark Melzer, Principal
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resorts & clubhouses
Melzer Deckert & Ruder Architects, Inc. Resort and hospitality designers work hard at play At a Glance Location: Irvine, CA Founded: 1997 Employees: 12 Specialty: Recreational, retail, residential, resort, and hospitality facilities
Opposite page: The lobby of Westin Desert Willow. MDR Architects built the resort to LEED standards even though it was not required.
A 52,000-square-foot luxury clubhouse in Cairo, Egypt; a 17-unit high-end condominium development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and a mixed-use marina project also in the UAE: these are just some of the projects currently on the boards for Irvine, California-based Melzer Deckert & Ruder Architects, Inc. (MDR). The work sounds glamorous, sure—but the decades of effort required to achieve it took more discipline than dazzle. Mark Melzer, Steve Deckert, and Tim Ruder founded MDR in 1997, and together the three have worked closely for more than 21 years. The boutique design firm takes on recreational, retail, and residential projects both large and small. The bulk of the business, though, comes from new and refurbished resort and hospitality projects. According to Melzer, MDR listens carefully to the objectives and goals of clients in the planning process, and the firm strives to provide thorough designs and construction drawings. The involvement of each
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principal in each project as well as expert communication skills also contribute to MDR’s personalized client service. But approaching each project as a unique puzzle remains most central to the firm’s philosophy. “We try not to bring preconceived ideas as to form, function, or architectural character to the initial design process,” Melzer says, “although past experience with certain building solutions is very important.” That past experience is wide and diverse. It includes an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California, that Golf, Inc. magazine named Clubhouse of the Year in 2006—an agrarian, ranch-style outpost that evokes informal Western heritage. The firm’s indoor-outdoor Hali’ipua Villas, on the other hand—situated in Kona, Hawaii, on a championship golf course and surrounded by lava fields—draw tropical design inspiration from indigenous Hawaiian and Balinese traditions by incorporating large lanais and lush landscaping. As for the MDR-designed, 210-acre youth wilderness camp
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Top: The contemporary Bishopsgate Residences, presently under construction in Singapore, feature a Greenmark Platinum rating. The 38 luxury condominiums are equipped with state-of-the-art energy-saving appliances, a communal storm-water retrieval system, smart meters, and an ultra-efficient building envelope. Above: The Westin Desert Willow ResortÕs villa buildings in Palm Desert, CA, feature deep roof overhangs and stone cladding to respond to the Southern California desert setting. Opposite page: The Santa Rosa Mountains and 10,400-foot San Jacinto peak provide a dramatic background to the resortÕs pool and amenity areas.
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developed for the Boy Scouts of America, the firm left the majority of the property ungraded in order to preserve native coastal sage scrub and oak forests; instead, unpaved trails and walking paths connect the facility’s buildings. And though the firm’s service is sought mainly for its creative design ability, a sustainable and energy-efficient approach to building systems is a core tenet of the practice—even when LEED status is not on the table. For the recently opened Westin Desert Willow Villas in Palm Desert, California, for example, MDR designed five 30,000-square-foot residential buildings and a 70,000-square-foot, bi-level clubhouse—all built to LEED standards even though the property wasn’t seeking certification. Furthermore, MDR’s green culture seems to be catching: According to Melzer, the firm’s consideration of the long-term use and functionality of individual environments often fosters its clients’ receptiveness in pursuing eco-friendly approaches. “Clients tend to respond very well to making the design of their projects as enduring as possible,” Melzer says. “After all, it is their investment.” Reputation and referrals are critical in selection for international work, which the firm has consistently taken on since inception. Projects have included hotels and golf clubs in India and Egypt as well as a master-planned, multiphase golf resort community in Indonesia with 4,000 residential units slated for the first round of development; a 200-room hotel and conference center, retail shopping, a regional park, and a university campus are slotted for later construction. For the Bishopsgate Condominiums, a 100,000-square-foot luxury development in Singapore, strategies such as controlled
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resorts & clubhouses
daylighting, natural cross-ventilation systems, and LED lighting helped achieve a Platinum designation from the BCA Green Mark Awards, Singapore’s equivalent to the USGBC’s LEED ratings. Melzer cites a number of benefits to working abroad. “International work is often less regulatory in nature,” he says, “and our clients are more receptive to creativity and thoughtful design.” He notes that because labor is less expensive than in the US, the firm tends to see more durable and better-quality building materials used, and he also commends the commonsense approach to building he finds in his firm’s international work. “There is not the false reliance on short product-warranty periods that’s prevalent in the states,” Melzer says. As for the future, MDR intends to continue expanding its reputation for designing the best aesthetic and functional building environments it can—and learning as much as possible from each project while providing continual challenges for the staff. In practice, the firm finds that marketing and learning from its services is a constant effort, one that should never be underestimated. The attention to detail is reflected in the firm’s time frame for residential construction. MDR spends nine months to a year building a home. “We choose every nail, nut, bolt, and trim,” Lewallen says. “Most homeowners don’t realize the level of detail it takes.” “It is a full-time commitment to keep up with building practices, technology, and codes,” Melzer says, “and then focus everything into a final, finished environment that will stand the test of time. Buildings are very complicated endeavors.” —Annie Fischer
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Ann Motokane believes the best marketing revolves around the old-fashioned concepts of doing a great job, charging great rates, and finishing on time.
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resorts & clubhouses
Emiko Design, Inc. Maintaining an international reputation for award-winning clubhouse designs Ann Motokane, owner of Emiko Design, Inc, started her At a Glance Location: Denver, CO Founded: 1989 Employees: 4 Specialty: Architecture design and interiors
Opposite page: The lounge of the Escena Golf Club clubhouse in Palm Springs, CA. The structure won an honorable mention at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference.
career in architecture, not interior design. The direction of her life changed during her first field project as a licensed architect at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. “I remember looking into a room, and the interior designers were having champagne and strawberries—they had just finished the model room,” she says. “My work at that time stopped at the drywall, and that’s where theirs started. At that moment, I decided I wanted to be the one having the champagne and strawberries with the owner. I wanted to be the one talking color and textures and not the one worrying about plumbing walls. I made the switch in professions and ended up staying on the Beverly Wilshire project as part of their design team.” Emiko Design, which Motokane founded in 1989, has a national and international reputation designing clubhouses for golf resorts. Motokane believes the best marketing revolves around the old-fashioned concepts of doing a great job, charging great rates, and finishing on time. This formula has led to long-term repeat
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clientele such as the Hyatt Hotel chain as well as new clients such as RockResorts. Hyatt, through their Vi brand, had acquired a lot of preexisting retirement communities that looked too institutional, too much like hospitals, so the hotel chain hired Emiko Design to add the Hyatt touch. Because of Motokane’s background, she has an excellent relationship with the architects she works with, “I always try to implement what they’re trying to do,” she says. “I don’t come up with totally separate vocabulary for the interior design, but I pay attention to what they’re doing and copy their work on the interior.” The firm’s ability to do both interior design and architecture makes it unique among interior-design firms. Motokane feels that many architects design with only the exterior in mind and no longer know or care about furniture sizes, room flow, or where windows should be placed. “Residential clients spend 90 percent of their time inside their homes,” she says. “They’re not sitting outside and looking at the façade of their property.
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resorts & clubhouses Left: The rooftop suite of the Sereno resort in Riviera Maya. Emiko Design planned the getawayÕs breathtaking interiors. Below: A sitting room in HyattÕs Vi retirement community center in Chevy Chase, MD. Hyatt commissioned Emiko Design to add a touch of class to many of the hotel chainÕs repurposed retirement community centers.
designs for the healthcare industry and is currently working on an Alzheimer’s facility. As the firm continues to grab awards and expand, Motokane is glad she moved from architecture to design. “Unfortunately, most architects after a few years in the field end up doing work they didn’t go to school for,” she says. “I’m still designing and still out in the field. With 25 to 30 years of experience, I love what I do.” —Joyce Finn
Of course it has to look lovely, but it’s how the interior functions that’s really important to them. I find it interesting that I’ll get an architectural plan, and there’s not enough room for the dining room chairs to be pulled back.” Motokane believes the next trend will be more energy-efficient retirement/golf communities because golf is a sport still relevant to retiring baby boomers. And she is the principal architect for Desert Bloom, an affordable golf/retirement community in Buckeye, Arizona. The location’s 3-bedroom homes are designed for aging and offer more room in the bathroom and wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs. “You preplan for the aging process, and it doesn’t cost you that much more to do at the initial stages,” Motokane says. “With slight changes, you can make your development costs smaller and homes really efficient and green.” Emiko Design has won major awards with its golf-course-clubhouse interior designs. In 2008, the IW Club’s clubhouse in Indian Wells, California, won the Clubhouse of the Year Award, presented by Golf Magazine. In 2010, the Escena Golf Club’s clubhouse won an honorable mention Gold Nugget Award at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference, sponsored by the California Building Industry Association. Although 70 percent of the firm’s work is in the hospitality sector, the firm also
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Westward Consulting is a LEED Green Associate and Certified Women Owned Company (WBE) specializing in purchasing and consulting of interior furnishings, fixtures, and equipment for the hotel and senior living industries. We have 28 years experience in preparing budgets, bidding, analysis, procurement, consulting, and project management. PO Box 519 Hampshire, IL 60140 Phone: 847-683-4038 | Fax: 847-683-4108
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Real-Estate Development
Hoyt Street Properties .............................................. 70 Tebo Development Company .................................... 73 Balke Brown Associates ........................................... 75 Entegra Development & Investment, LLC .................. 77 Santa Lucia Preserve ............................................... 79 Park Towne Development Corp. ................................. 81 Pictured: A rendering of The Metropolitan, a high-rise planned by Hoyt Street Properties.
Photo: Elliott Schofield
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Hoyt Street Properties. Refashioning Portland’s Pearl District with leading-edge sustainable communities At a Glance Location: Portland, OR Founded: 1994 Employees: 4 Specialty: Sustainable property redevelopment
Above: The Metropolitan is designed for LEED Silver certification and sits next to a four-story building built to attract commercial buyers. Photos: Elliott Schofield.
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Hoyt Street Properties (HOYT) developers saw a magnificent jewel in what most had written off as a ruined pearl—the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon, to be exact, an abandoned former train yard that, before HOYT arrived, had been dangerous and polluted. The developers bought the 34-acre site from Burlington Northern Railroad 18 years ago and set about plotting an entirely new future for it: they formed their development collective to dream big. “We worked with the city to map out the property, to set up blocks, and to extend a streetcar line into this part of town,” says Doug Shapiro, HOYT’s vice president of construction. Shapiro has spent six years with the company and spearheads the site’s cleanup, master planning, and emergence as a mixture of residential, retail, and commercial developments. Once completed, the project will boast its own streetcar line, more than 2,500 homes, three public parks, and more than 150,000 square feet of retail space. It is well on its way, with 2,000 residents already in place—including plenty of families with
children—and two thriving parks—an open park for those with active lifestyles, and a park built for contemplation with ample seating. The third recreation space is still being developed and will extend the Pearl District out to the Willamette River. “The third park, to be called The Fields, is going after a playful concept, complete with dog parks, a soccer field, interactive play for children, and a new development, Centennial Mills, extending to the river,” Shapiro says. Before the beauty could be realized, Shapiro worked with officials in Portland and at the state Department of Environmental Quality to dig up polluted dirt, categorize it, log it, and either remediate it on-site or truck it away according to environmental rules. “We’ve been through hundreds of cubic yards of soil,” he said, noting that carting off mountains of piled-up dirt for the initial phase of the cleanup cost $2 million. The latest addition to the revitalization project, a 16-story, 177-unit condo building on the riverfront named The Encore, features a unique curved face, spectacular views, green roofs, heat-recovery systems, and highly
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real-estate development
Top: The EncoreÕs dramatically curved face looks out over a large park and offers partial views of the Willamette River. Right: The Encore was designed with a green roof and heat-recovery systems that have earned it LEED Silver certification.
efficient components that qualify it for LEED Silver certification. Sixty-five of the units—which range from 700 square feet to 2,500 square feet and from $375 to $650 per square feet—are already sold, and sales continue weekly despite the slow economy, Shapiro says. HOYT worked a bit of magic with The Encore by registering a “quite zone” around the building, a zone which prohibits freight trains from blowing their ignominiously loud horns three times whenever they
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pass by. Obtaining the designation was no small feat given that 20 to 40 trains travel through the community each day. The entire process took HOYT five years to complete. The quiet zone extends—reaching a half-mile in length—through three crosswalks that HOYT redesigned to ensure that motorists are notified when trains are coming. HOYT, in partnership with the city of Portland, aims to extend the quiet zone to another three crossings
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real-estate development Right: The Encore at night. Hoyt Street Properties spent years establishing a Òquiet zoneÓ around the building so that freight-train operators would be prohibited from blowing their loud horns nearby.
HOYT has set up its offices there, as have an ad agency, a law office, and a wood broker—all of whom enjoy features such as gardens and outdoor fireplaces. The developer is committed to obtaining LEED Gold status for all future buildings on the site. Its plans call for rental buildings, Class A office space, destination sites such as hotels and a movie theater, and even manufacturing spaces. “This area has gone from an industrial area to a vital neighborhood,” Shapiro says, noting that the developer turns over the residential property to homeowners associations but retains ownership of the retail property in order to ensure friendly development. “We have everything from a supermarket to a nonprofit organization to boutique-y restaurants, martini bars, and coffee bars,” he says. “Just outside of our property, another developer is building a school.” So far, HOYT’s efforts have added millions of dollars in new property-tax revenues to the city of Portland and created one of the best examples of a sustainable, mixeduse neighborhood in the country. Both HOYT and the city share in its success. —Sandra Guy
This area has gone from an industrial area to a vital neighborhood. Doug Shapiro, Vice President
in the future, requiring the developer to invest further in car-notification alert systems and the redesigning of the crosswalks. Another condominium building, the 19-story Metropolitan, features units ranging from 900 to 3,000 square feet at prices of up to $1,000 per square foot for a penthouse unit. The Metropolitan, also eligible for LEED Silver certification, sits next to a four-story building designed to attract small businesses so that people can live and work within walking distance.
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real-estate development
Tebo Development Company. Retail developers stick to trusted strategies to build region’s most successful portfolio At a Glance Location: Boulder, CO Founded: 1972 Employees: 28 Specialty: Retail owner and developer
Above: The Tebo Development Company remodeled the 1222 Pearl Street commercial space by splitting the first floor in two with a set of stairs that leads to the second level.
Over the course of almost 40 years, one firm has emerged as Boulder, Colorado’s top owner and developer of commercial properties: Tebo Development Company. Started in 1972 by Stephen Tebo, the company now boasts 450 tenants in over 200 buildings that account for more than 2 million square feet of space. James Dixon, director of leasing and special projects, says the company’s makeup helps it tower above its regional counterparts. “Unlike most real-estate developers, we purchase and manage properties and handle maintenance and leasing in-house,” he says. “We only own and operate our own buildings.” Stephen Tebo entered the business with retail developments, and those properties remain his company’s focus today. “We look for the best quality high-exposure buildings that we can fit perfectly into our portfolio,” Dixon says. Boulder’s growth boundaries prevent a flood of available buildings, but Tebo is always on the lookout for lighted intersections and well-sized structures situated near successful companies. One recent remodel at 1222 Pearl St. displays Tebo Development Company’s strengths. Tebo found a
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two-story downtown building whose space was arguably mismanaged. Dixon split the 6,500-square-foot first floor and built a staircase to a second floor of office space. “We created two useable retail platforms and the ability to lease both floors,” he says. Pearl Street was a considerable investment at $3.1 million (plus $600,000 in renovations), but the move was strategic—Dixon knew several existing clients were looking for downtown space of a certain size in that exact location. In fact, Tebo bases many company decisions on feedback from the business community. That feedback, Dixon says, comes quickly because the company handles its own projects. “We answer the actual calls on our properties instead of getting monthly summaries from a listing broker,” he says. “We hear issues right away, and that gives us a head start.” The firm’s upper management also remains active in several industry groups to stay on top of changing regulations. Boulder—a progressive city—has strict sustainability codes that require buildings to top ASHRAE standards by 30 percent. Dixon and Tebo, driven by Boulder’s green rebate programs, are working to turn
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real-estate development Left: While Tebo Development concentrates on commercial structures, they have the know-how for home construction as well. The Arete is a mixed-use building with close to 30 residential units situated above 24,000 square feet of first-floor retail space.
those requirements into an asset. For example, a recent lighting retrofit at a 100,000-square-foot warehouse will save $1,000 per month. Although the company has been active for more than four decades, Tebo Development is still looking for new success. “We are always looking to buy great properties where people want to operate their businesses, and we have success because we are consistent,” Dixon says. He compares the company today to a taut rubber band. “We’re pulled back and ready to go. As soon as the economy turns around, we’ll let the rubber band fly.” New projects will include vacant retail parcels of 3,000 to 4,000 square feet next to large tenants on the outskirts of town.
top-level mixed-use building,” Dixon says. “We had to go for it in a big way.” An unusual keyhole layout allowed Tebo to double the number of corner units, and most of the condos have stunning views of Flatiron Mountain. Now complete and partially leased, the building represents a great success for Tebo—but Dixon says his company doesn’t plan to extend much into residential development. Instead, Dixon, Tebo, and their partners will focus on what has worked for the past 39 years—acquiring the best buildings that become available and operating them at the highest standards. —Zach Baliva
Unlike most real-estate developers, we purchase and manage properties and handle maintenance and leasing in-house. James Dixon, Director
Although primarily a Boulder commercial developer, Tebo does have a few out-of-state and residential projects. One mixed-use building in Boulder—known as the Arete (1095 Canyon Blvd.)—displays the company’s versatility well. “Our goal was to provide one of the best buildings in all of downtown Boulder,” Dixon says. The high-end structure boasts 24,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space situated below almost 30 residential units. A Tebo restaurant tenant whose lease expired occupied the original lot. “The lot was one of the last of its kind in the city, and we knew it had to be this kind of
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A company committed to excellence.
303.848.0095 PO Box 709 | Mead Colorado 80542 american builders quarterly
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Balke Brown Associates. Midwestern real-estate development company thrives by keeping its business local At a Glance Location: St. Louis, MO Founded: 1979 Employees: 40 Specialty: Commercial, industrial, and residential real-estate development, leasing, and management
Above: Balke Brown AssociatesÕ $29 million Parkway Lakeside Apartment Homes project in OÕFallon, IL. The upscale complex will feature 232 one- and two-bedroom units in 20 two-story garden-style buildings. Photos: Provided by Balke Brown Associates.
Steve Brown had always been interested in building and design. As an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame, he studied architecture, and he went on to obtain a master’s degree in architecture and urban design from Harvard University. But it was during his years in graduate school that he learned about real-estate development, what it was, and how it worked. So, two weeks after finishing his master’s degree, he went to work for developer Gary Balke in St. Louis. “He had a different perspective on real-estate development,” Brown recalls. “His emphasis was on good design in addition to good numbers.” It’s that kind of equal approach—where design matters just as much as the bottom line—that has contributed to the success of Balke Brown Associates, the firm founded by Gary Balke and now headed by Brown. Two years ago, Brown finished a 10-year ownership succession plan, whereby he bought out Balke’s share of the firm, became CEO, and brought new principals in to help grow the business and explore new opportunities. Balke Brown started out as an office-only development company. But since its founding, the firm has expanded its reach, becoming a developer of industrial, medical-office, multifamily, and hotel properties. Its portfolio has grown impressively over time, and Balke Brown now owns, manages, or has developed more than 60 projects boasting 6.4 million square feet of Class A office and industrial space.
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The services side of the business has expanded as well. What began with simple property management has since grown to include a broad range of brokerage services. Mike Donovan, a partner and head of the brokerage division, joined the company in 2007 with the goal of beefing up the brokerage business. Prior to Donovan joining the company, most of its service work was for internally owned properties or properties that Balke Brown owned fully or partially. But over the past four years the firm has cast its service net more widely to include third-party service—meaning service work for properties in which it has no ownership position. Apparently, it was an idea whose time had come. Over the past four years, brokerage revenue has increased fivefold, largely due to an uptick demand for services. The overall numbers also bear witness. In 2010, brokerage services accounted for 90 percent of the firm’s revenue while development contributed only the remaining 10 percent. “Eight years ago, it would have been the reverse,” Brown says. “Every time we develop a property, services also grows because the development jobs are managed and leased by the company.” It was good timing. Real-estate development has been hard hit in the recent economic downturn, and even Balke Brown has seen its business shrink in the construction field. In 2010, the firm broke ground on one new project, but when times were booming, there were four
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market. They know the area and have been successful in it for more than three decades. “We think like owners, and owners like that,” Brown says. “We’re not just transaction-oriented.” Donovan echoes that thought, adding that though they have been approached by national networks about expanding beyond their traditional market, that’s not in the cards for now. “Real estate is a local business,” Donovan says. “And we’re the local market experts.” —Cristina Adams
Above: Balke BrownÕs Pointe 400 apartment building offers 118 luxury units at an average of 1,034 square feet apiece. The building has received many honors, including the St. Louis Apartment AssociationÕs Property of the Year award in 2008.
A Message from the Korte Company The Korte Company, founded in 1958, specializes in designbuild, construction management, and construction services and is headquartered in Highland, Illinois with offices in St. Louis, Missouri, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Korte Company is a fully integrated design-build general contractor with in-house design, estimating, project management, and construction services. The firm's project expertise includes the design and construction of medical office buildings, warehouse/ distribution centers, religious facilities, commercial buildings, schools, recreation centers, office complexes, as well as a variety of projects for federal, state, and local government agencies. The Korte Company manages, on average, an excess of $330 million in annual construction volume. For more information, log on to korteco.com.
Real estate is a local business, and we’re the local market experts. Mike Donovan, Partner
to five projects per year. “From the development side, the pipeline is smaller,” Donovan says. “We don’t want to build unless there’s demand.” The services side, however, still shows growth potential. A weak economy can be a boon to real-estate services. Commercial property owners whose buildings are partially vacant may decide they’re unhappy with the services they’re getting—maybe they want more for less, or maybe they just want a better deal. Whatever the reason, part of the economic fallout is that owners are more open or willing to switch service providers. And that bodes well for companies like Balke Brown. Perhaps more importantly, however, is BBA’s experience, expertise, and history in the greater St. Louis
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Entegra Development & Investment, LLC. Making the financial case for achieving LEED and Energy Star certifications At a Glance Location: Andover, MA Founded: 2007 Employees: 2 Specialty: Sustainable real-estate consulting and development
Above: The Hillview Townhouses in Burlington, MA, designed by Entegra Development & Investment. The green building has improved insulation and carefully selected materials.
What's exciting in green building? Photovoltaics are hot. So are green walls, geothermal heating, wind turbines, and clever architecture that captures heat when you need it and blocks it when you don’t. What’s not so exciting are newer-generation HVAC systems, low-flow water faucets, tighter building envelopes, and CFB lighting—that is, until you look at the numbers, which is what Brian Salazar and Michael Manzo do constantly. Salazar, a LEED AP, is president of Entegra Development & Investment, LLC in Andover Massachusetts, and Manzo, also a LEED AP, is the firm’s chief investment officer. They are both developers and consultants to other developers, resolutely focused on the dollars and cents of green. Both came from big-company backgrounds—Salazar from the corporate realestate department at Liberty Mutual insurance, Manzo from a job as a portfolio manager for FleetBoston Financial (among other companies)—and recognized a few years ago the near universal interest in green buildings among owners, developers, architects, contractors, and, importantly, tenants. They decided to build a
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business around development and also work with other developers looking to achieve LEED certification but lacking resources to do so effectively. “There is a growing movement to incorporate energy costs into ‘green leases,’” Salazar says, explaining that more and more tenants are asking for sustainable features in their offices. He cites findings from a multiyear study (“Business Benefits of Green Buildings SmartMarket Report,” by CB Richard Ellis et al., released in updated form at Greenbuild 2010) that say 94 percent of green-building tenants experience higher satisfaction levels, and 83 percent appreciate having a healthier indoor environment. “The resounding sentiment among real-estate brokers in the Boston area is that green is being pushed from the tenant side,” Manzo says. “Tenants are saying they get better employee recruitment, retention, and productivity. Property owners need to adapt and understand the lingo quickly.” Manzo says that most work currently is in commercial interiors and less in ground-up construction. Entegra handled LEED project administration at 15 Crosby Dr. in
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Bedford, Massachusetts, where their expertise helped the AEC team with upgrades and improvements to an existing 70,000-square-foot mixed office-laboratory space. The LEED process included a complicated comparison evaluation against other laboratories, an analysis that otherwise would have exceeded the design and construction team’s available resources. Instead, Entegra’s expertise at reviewing contractor and subcontractor submittals ensured compliance with such things as low-VOC material standards and other vital minutiae. In this project there were no photovoltaics, geothermal systems, or other attention-getting building features. The appeal was in the savings. Improvements to the lighting system alone yielded an $18,000 one-time
We expect to focus on mixed-use projects further down the road … We plan to build for a projected flight back to concentrated live-workplay environments.
Above: 15 Crosby Drive in Bedford, MA, hosts a number of meeting and break-out areas. Entegra Development was careful in its selection of everything from furniture to finishes in order to maximize the amount of recycled and regional materials. Photo: AHP Architects.
Brian Salazar, President
utility rebate and a 31-percent reduction in lighting loads, providing savings that can be realized annually. Further, a 44-percent reduction in water usage will save more than 160,000 gallons ($6,000) annually. Combined with other incentives, the returns on investment were seen almost immediately. Entegra also advises on residential projects. The developer of a seven-unit townhouse project called Hillview at 129 Cambridge Street in Burlington, Massachusetts, hopes to achieve separate LEED certifications for each residence. By striving to achieve LEED standards—the developer’s strategy for standing out in a challenging housing market—the developer also qualified the project for Energy Star rebates, enabling project cost reductions. Looking to the future—when LEED criteria are likely to be standard legal code in Massachusetts’ progressive political climate—the firm plans to continue developing its own green buildings and is hopeful for an improved economy. “We expect to focus on mixed-use projects further down the road,” Salazar says. “The northeast region has historically been built within a half-mile radius of town nuclei. We plan to build for a projected flight back to concentrated live-work-play environments.” —Russ Klettke
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15 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA LEED CI Silver
Entegra is a new real estate company dedicated to environmental efficiency and sustainability.
The Future of Real Estate is Green.
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Santa Lucia Preserve. Combining legacy architecture with the preservation of Western lands ÒWe are arguably the most unique community in the At a Glance Location: Carmel, CA Founded: 1999 Land: 20,000 acres Homes: 300
Above: Penon Pond, a part of the Santa Lucia PreserveÕs vast landscape, 90% of which will remain untouched.
United States,” says Tony Dawson, CEO of the Santa Lucia Preserve. He may be right. A 20,000-acre private community amid California’s Santa Lucia Mountains, the preserve is indeed a rarity, 90 percent of which will remain untouched to protect the area’s unique natural and scenic resources. The Santa Lucia Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with a $25 million endowment, is charged with protecting and managing these 18,000 acres in perpetuity. The preserve is a pioneering experiment in the field of communal conservation, preservation, sustainability, and land stewardship. it serves as a model for other developments and community stewardship organizations. But who are the lucky few who get to live in this Western outdoor paradise? Just 10 percent of the land contains carefully sited lots for residences, recreation, and community services, and only 298 carefully sited home sites are available in the entire space. “In 1999, when the project that became the preserve was launched, there was an active group of individuals from Silicon Valley seeking a private community experience where they could ultimately create a legacy home that would stay in their families and be passed
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down to future generations,” Dawson says. “The preserve is ideal because they could commute to San Jose but still have their dream home and all this land not too far from their careers.” It didn’t take long for the appeal of the Santa Lucia Preserve to catch on. The preserve’s entrance is located less than 4 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, and its western boundary extends to within 2 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 90 homes have been completed so far on the property, many more are under construction, and all but nine lots have been sold. Average lots run around 10-15 acres (though one lot is, enviably, 600 acres), and a golf course, a fitness center, an equestrian center, and a fine dining restaurant can also be found on the grounds. “From the beginning, the developer, Tom Gray, wanted legacy architecture,” Dawson says. “A design review board was created to ensure all development maintained a high level of standards, the goal of which is to allow owners to design homes that express their individual styles [and] that harmoniously recede into their respective landscapes and celebrate and enrich the ongoing history of this land. When you drive through the community, you rarely see a house.” (Another impressive
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Left: The secluded homes, occupying just 10% of the preserveÕs land, have been carefully sited and built with materials that blend with the surrounding environment. Many homes are also designed spatially to connect the inside with the outside as much as possible. Right: Homeowners are using drought-tolerant landscaping, water-efficient irrigation systems and plumbing fixtures, and solar energy in an effort to disturb the landscape as little as possible.
Preserve is one of the largest private land holdings in coastal California, its 298 lots tucked into an area one-half times the area of Manhattan Island. “Part of our role here is to promote creative, intuitive architecture that will literally last lifetimes. But the land is our most important asset, and preserving it is our primary concern.” —David Hudnall
figure regarding the preserve: there are 42 miles of roads, and a full 26 of those are driveways.) To design with that level of sensitivity to the landscape, each home must be carefully sited and designed with forms and materials that recede and blend in rather than attract attention.
The land is our most important asset, and preserving it is our primary concern. Tony Dawson, CEO
Despite this, a wide variety of architecture can be found throughout the Santa Lucia Preserve: traditional California mission-style homes, ranch homes, modern homes with sod roofs. One home, completed in 2010, has the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum-certified residence in Monterey County. “Sustainability is definitely a part of the vision of the preserve,” Dawson says. “Owners employ drought-tolerant native landscaping, water-efficient irrigation systems, and water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Solar energy is common as well, and recommendations for conserving energy and resources are made during the design review process. “Generally, the people who want to live here would prefer to be off the grid,” Dawson says, and the residents will certainly feel that way because the Santa Lucia
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ucina construction The Vucina Team - we are not a "paper" contractor. Vucina Construction provides a crew of highly qualified supervisors and journey level carpenters that have worked together for many years. From foundation to finish work we have complete control of the quality throughout the project.
Building High Quality Custom Homes for Over 20 Years Vucina Construction, Inc. | 3771 Rio Road, Suite 112 Carmel, CA 93923 | (831) 625-2140 | Lic. # 750792
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Park Towne Development Corporation. Oldfashioned values meet cutting-edge real-estate development The generational roots of the Park Towne DevelopAt a Glance Location: Madison, WI Founded: 1965 Employees: 13 Specialty: Development, property management, and brokerage services
Below: The 48-unit assisted-living facility leased to Brookdale Senior Living.
ment Corporation run deep. Started in 1965 by Gerry Ring, his brother-in-law, Gerry Dohm, and builder John DeBeck, the Madison, Wisconsin, firm has since passed into the hands of Gerry’s three sons, Jim, Mike, and Joe. The fraternal trio has continued the original mission of a firm that understood the importance of diversification, innovation, and strategic partnerships long before they were buzzwords. And, over the years, the Midwestern real-estate company has solidified its development reputation through a variety of residential and commercial projects. One of the firm’s early residential projects was the Parkwood Hills community, which is now a highly sought-after neighborhood of 420 residential lots, 150 apartment units, and a commercial area set off by Clock Tower Court. The development features a variety of housing styles, and its prime location allows residents and patrons to bypass the busy belt-line highways nearby. The location, in what was once the far western edge of Madison, was the first to experience executive-level housing, and it spurred commercial growth in the area, Jim Ring says. Park Towne got its first taste of commercial-building success when Gerry Ring and Dohm bought 177 acres near West Towne Mall. The partners built the infrastructure, sold the lots, and instituted then-cutting-edge principles such as underground wiring, principled
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architecture, and low-profile, sophisticated signage. The Park Towne commercial development now boasts a variety of hotels, restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, and auto-sales and services businesses. The development enables the people who work there to easily get meals and other services quickly and efficiently. The company expanded into managing and leasing its properties as it continued to recognize business opportunities, and it also opened a niche market that now accounts for slightly more than half of its $10 million in yearly revenues. Park Towne began setting up strategic alliances with trusted partners in what became triple-net-leased properties. Basically, Park Towne would partner with, for example, a builder who would bring a tenant looking to lease a commercial building. Park Towne would then develop and lease the property. Park Towne developed several senior-care facilities, a T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant, and a Jared Jewelers building by forming such construction triumvirates. “At one point, the company developed and owned four senior-care facilities,” Jim says. But the crucial part of making triple-net-leased properties successful is bringing a high-end skill set to the development and standing behind it. “We are a handshake kind of company,” Jim says. “We are very loyal to a builder with whom we can work because that builder did a great job, on time, at a fair price and returned if there were problems, showing he is reliable. If there is an
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issue in the future, we’ll stand behind our part of the development. We find people with the same core values.” After a six-year series of negotiations with the land’s former owner, Park Towne is now working on Conservancy Place, a 652-acre site in DeForest, Wisconsin, a 10-minute drive north of Madison. The area is designed as a master-planned community boasting a businesstechnology park, homes with sustainable features, an environmental corridor running alongside the Yahara River, and a mix of retail, single-family, and multifamily
We want to make it easy for people to get involved in the community through design, activities, and events—making it feel like home right away. Jim Ring, CEO
housing units. The overall development—in the beginnings of its third of four planned residential communities—is expected to add 2,500 residents and 6,000 to 8,000 jobs when completed in 15 to 20 years. The green elements of Conservancy Place include the creation of swales with natural vegetation to reduce runoff along the river. And, home designers are offered incentives to meet the Madison Area Builders Association’s Green Built Home checklist for energy efficiency and sustainable principles. Also, Park Towne took advantage of the scenic beauty of the project’s river by installing nature trails and clearing the river for kayaking, and the firm ensured that an educational curriculum would be created to teach local schoolchildren about nature, native species, and other ecological components of the site. Park Towne is now looking at new ventures, including building and running a sports center and continuing to develop build-to-suit sites. “We want to make it easy for people to get involved in the community through design, activities, and events,” Jim says, “making it feel like home right away.” —Sandra Guy
Innovative thinking is the rope that supports businesses so they can reach higher ground. Without it, a company’s ability to prosper is limited. At Michael Best, we admire innovative thought and we practice it every day. We are continually looking for new ways to solve legal problems and deliver results our clients cannot achieve by doing business as usual.
wishes Park Towne and its Conservancy Place hearty congratulations! William F. White, Partner One South Pinckney Street, Suite 700 • Madison, WI 53703 608.257.3501 • michaelbest.com
Imagine the Possibilites
The Watts Difference A Message from Michael Best As a broad-based business law firm, Michael Best offers the experience needed to handle a complete range of business legal matters. Services provided to our clients include: Business; Labor and Employment; Litigation; Health Care; Intellectual Property and IP Litigation; Real Estate; Renewable Energy; Venture Capital; Tax; and Wealth Planning.
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A family tradition since 1950
Call to Schedule Your In-home Consultation “Proud to partner with Park Towne in creating “green” solutions.”
608-833-3535
www.wattslandscape.com american builders quarterly
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olson kundig Architects ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Photo: Courtesy Olson Kundig Architects/Photo by Lara Swimmer.
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preserving history
Client: The Wing Luke Asian Museum Location: Seattle, WA Completed: 2008 Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
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p r e s e r v i n g
preserving history
h i s t o r y The Kong Yick buildings get a culturally relevant update from Olson Kundig Architects by Annie Fischer american builders quarterly
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Above: The tall windows of the East Kong Yick buildingÕs remodeled fa ade provide daylighting in the lobby of the new Wing Luke Museum. Opposite top: The redesign of the building, planned to satisfy the needs of SeattleÕs diverse Asian-American community, later received an American Architecture Award. Opposite bottom: In its first year at the new site, the Wing Luke MuseumÕs attendance increased 350%. Photos: Lara Swimmer.
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In 1910, as the story goes, 170 ChineseAmerican pioneers pooled their money to fund the construction of twin buildings in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District (CID). Original residents contributed independent shares to have the structures developed—the investment received no financial backing from banks. The East and West Kong Yick Buildings, as they were known, fulfilled retail, social, and residential needs of the city’s growing Asian community: the Yick Fung Co., an import-export store, operated on the ground level; the Gee How Oak Tin Family Association meeting hall served as one of the area’s earliest community centers; and the Freeman Hotel filled the east building’s top two floors, providing single rooms to itinerant workers from Pacific Northwest canneries, mills, and other job sites. As the Chinese population grew, so did its Japanese and Filipino counterparts, and former storefronts along Canton Alley between the Kong Yick buildings were also converted to family apartments. After nearly a hundred years, though, this fragmented ownership impeded a badly needed restoration or repurposing of the boardedup structures. And because of CID’s rich cultural makeup (the neighborhood is also home to Americans of Vietnamese, Korean, Laotian,
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Exterior, covered balconies are part of the framework of the building, a design element specific to Chinese American architecture. The balconies originally would have been decorated with lights and banners as displays of community pride. Artist Gerry Tsutakawa designed the fan-shaped steel canopy that covers the museumÕs main King Street entrance, and he also conceived the curvy, asymmetrical bronze handles for the doors.
Cambodian, and Burmese descent), any organization taking on a redevelopment of the Kong Yick Buildings needed to be cognizant of the stakeholders’ diverse perspectives. In 2004, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience—a Smithsonian affiliate popularly known as “The Wing” and the only museum of its kind in the country—emerged to take on the project. Chinese-born Wing Luke, a Seattle City Council member and one of the first Asian Americans elected to office in the Pacific Northwest, helped pass an open housing ordinance in Seattle in 1963, which instituted punitive provisions against racial discrimination in the selling or renting of real estate. When he died unexpectedly in 1965 at the age of 40, friends
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and supporters donated money to found a museum that would preserve the history of the CID neighborhood—a museum Luke had originally suggested the need for. Because the East and West Kong Yick Buildings were born from the same housing discrimination that Luke worked to fight, the tribute seemed a natural fit. Or, as architect Stephen Yamada-Heidner puts it, “The Wing Luke Museum was likely the only institution that could possibly bring the whole community together.” Yamada-Heidner, a principal at Seattlebased Olson Kundig Architects (formerly Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects), served as project manager for the museum’s redevelopment of the East Kong Yick Build-
ing—an ambitious $23 million project completed in 2008 that recently received an American Architecture Award, the Chicago Athenaeum prize that celebrates the most significant pieces of new contemporary architecture in the country. “It was like a puzzle,” Yamada-Heidner says regarding the challenge of programming an unconventional building for multifunctional use. “We were solving a puzzle.” The firm had to plan the building in a way that would fairly accommodate the number of communities the museum serves: Space for neighborhood meetings and socialization, a theater for performances and presentations, family-centered learning environments, galleries to exhibit traditional and
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Top right: A recreation of the Yick Fung Co. import and export shop inside the Wing Luke Museum. Many of the materials were donated by the original store, which closed in 2008. Right: The buildingﾃ不 original zinc doors were refashioned into an information desk.
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contemporary Asian Pacific American art, and space for art and leadership youth programs all had to be included. To glean an accurate understanding of the community’s landscape, Olson Kundig hosted a number of outreach meetings. The firm brought each individual group along through the process by asking questions such as “What should the museum be?” “What words describe a successful institution for you?” and “What spaces inspire you?” “We got a little warm-and-fuzzy that way,” Yamada-Heidner says. “Not the typical architectural process.” He says many of the responses had to do with community itself—the neighborhood wanted a place its residents could identify with, a social gathering spot. It was also important to consider what the museum should not be, he says, to take into account whether the community really needed more library space, for example, or whether the neighborhood’s sports and recreation needs were already being filled. “There was conceptual talk as well,” Yamada-Heidner says. “Talk about hope, the future—we heard adjectives like ‘serene,’ ‘vibrant,’ ‘exciting.’” As the team grappled with functional elements, there was also the building’s form to consider. The 60,000-square-foot structure was a significant upgrade for The Wing—the museum’s
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This was a building that was just never conceived as the space itÕs used for now. Stephen Yamada-Heidner, Project Manager
previous home was a 7,500-square-foot, leased garage—but it was also an unlikely choice for adaptive reuse. “This was a building that was just never conceived as the space it’s used for now,” YamadaHeidner says. “The single-residence occupancies, the creaky turn-of-the-century Western wooden staircase … we spent a lot of time looking at the programming, trying to figure out how to fit a large museum into a series of small spaces.” Lightwells existed in the center of the building, so the architects took full advantage by opening up the long corridors of airspace and installing skylights above them. In order to draw people upward, they installed a central staircase below the skylights and capitalized on the double-height opportunities afforded there to create the largest gallery space. A multipurpose hall on the main floor filled the need for a rental facility—one with easy street access—and a spacious museum store was reimagined as a smaller retail area. The building itself also took seismic upgrading. “It was a huge challenge to upgrade the concrete and steel support systems,” Yamada-Heidner says. “A major construction feat by the contractors, really.” At the same time, it was imperative to preserve the patina, and the original building’s resources were used as much as possible. Rough
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Skylights illuminate these open corridors from the original building design. The west lightwell houses a site-specific sound-sculpture installation by Erin Shie Palmer and Susie Kozawa called ÒLetter CloudÓ in which hundreds of sheets of folded white paper flutter amid the spoken words of letters from the past. Fir-tree joists and timbers cut from between the original floors were recycled as stair treads.
Opposite: Original windows were removed, cleaned, and reinstalled throughout the Kong Yick building, particularly in the longer double-height spaces that now serve as large galleries.
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Right: SeattleÕs Nippon Kan Theatre was a Japanese theater opened in 1909 and boarded up in 1942 during the Japanese American internment. Rediscovered in the 1970s, covered in advertisements, the original 15Õ x 30Õ stage curtain was restored and mounted for hanging as the 59-seat Story TheaterÕs permanent backdrop.
Below: Temporary exhibits at the Wing Luke Museum alternate between traditional and contemporary Asian Pacific American art. Opposite top and middle: Immersion exhibits in the hallways and rooms of the upper floors give visitors a sense of how early occupants of the Kong Yick buildings lived. Much of the original paint and detailing has been preserved. Opposite bottom: The Wing Luke MuseumÕs permanent exhibits deal largely with the history of Asian Pacific Americans, and a five-part ÒHonoring Our JourneyÓ gallery is now the heart of the space.
materials, such as fir joists and timbers cut out from between the floors, were recycled as stair treads. The original zinc fire doors were refashioned as an information desk, and windows and doors were cleaned, repaired, and reinstalled; other objects deemed no longer functional served as material for new furniture and works of art. The scale and character of the original space were also thoughtfully considered: Olson Kundig kept the upper floors’ narrow doorways, hallways, and small rooms—which house the museum’s immer-
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We spent a lot of time looking at the programming, trying to figure out how to fit a large museum into a series of small spaces. Stephen Yamada-Heidner, Project Manager
sion exhibits—to preserve the intimacy of the original space. In order to balance these grand preservative choices, supplementary flooring and wall finishes—made from drywall, MDF, and steel— were kept simple and smooth. Operable windows and the two-story light wells encourage natural airflow, and daylighting filters down to the main entry level. The main staircase displays donor names and incorporates fiber-optic lighting; elsewhere, the hanging fixtures tend to be industrial.
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The result is a successful combination of the old and new—the hip but still historical— that speaks to the Seattle museum’s efforts to both attract visitors and immerse them in unique stories of struggle, survival, and hope. Changing exhibits rotate traditional and contemporary Asian Pacific American art, and permanent exhibits include a Killing Fields memorial and a gallery devoted to Cambodian culture. Including the themes “Home,” “Getting Here,” “Making a Living,” “Social Justice,” and “Community,” the five-stage
“Honoring Our Journey” gallery is now the heart of the museum. The Wing welcomed 50,000 visitors in the first year of its new home—a 350-percent increase over any other period in the museum’s 43-year history. So it would seem that Olson Kundig Architects succeeded in creating a space celebrated not only by the local Asian American community but also by the general population as a whole. Such a victory would have made the structure’s original occupants proud.
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WSP Flack + Kurtz is pleased to support our friend and partner, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects. It is always a pleasure to work with you.
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Niche Resources
Swanke Hayden Connell Architects ........................... 96 Disaster Restoration, Inc. .......................................... 99 Wachter Inc. ........................................................... 101 Construction Indemnity Group ................................ 103 Delcon, Inc. ........................................................... 104 Pictured: Swanke Hayden Connell Architects work on the Statue of Liberty circa 1986.
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Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (DC office). Safety and form emphasized in firm’s government, international, and sustainable work The first jersey barriers—makeshift chunks of At a Glance Location: Washington, DC Founded: 1906 Employees: 250 Specialty: Architecture, interior design, historic preservation, and graphics
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concrete, originally designed as highway dividers—began to ring federal government buildings in the 1980s, a response to terrorist attacks on American sites abroad. Those unattractive but necessary physical blockades have become commonplace in the years since 9/11. Safety, for the most part, has taken precedence over beauty. Icons including the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, hundreds of federal office buildings, and many corporate headquarters have had no choice but to fortify themselves against potential attacks. Architects, therefore, have had to find ways to protect these structures while still honoring their importance with exemplary form. The designers at Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA) know a few things about this. The firm and its
designers, spread among eight offices on three continents, have dealt with this conundrum across the globe, but it is a particular issue of focus in their Washington, DC, and New York bureaus. “You need to harden the building without making it look like a fortress,” says George Alexander, a principal in the DC office with more than four decades experience. He explains that SHCA’s far-reaching work for various government agencies—the US Department of State (DOS), the DOS’s Overseas Building Operations (OBO), the General Services Administration (GSA), Veterans Administration, and the United States Postal Service— has honed the firm’s skills considerably in the sphere of aesthetically protected buildings. “We have built new [structures] and created perimeter upgrades for existing buildings here and abroad,” Alexander says. “From the
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You need to harden the building without making it look like a fortress. George Alexander, Principal
Opposite: Swank Hayden Connell ArchitectsÕ sweeping design of the Lublino housing project in Moscow. Top: The fa ade of New York CityÕs new Office of Emergency Management. SHCA designed the protected building to also meet the requirements of LEED Silver certification. Photo: Chuck Choi Photography. Above: An aerial rendering of the Mareno Housing Project, also planned for Moscow. SHCA has eight offices on three continents.
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lobby to the outside, we use fences, planters of solid concrete, and graduated, anti-ram low walls.” The 105-year-old firm historically has worked on structural and functional improvements to buildings most of us learned about in grade school: The Statue of Liberty (prep for its 100th anniversary in 1986), the Capitol building extension (early 1960s), the James Madison Annex to the Library of Congress (late 1960s), restoration of the old Senate chambers, and the Supreme Court chambers in the Capitol building before a new structure was built. When the firm was tapped to modernize the 1.4-million-square-foot Internal Revenue Service headquarters building in Washington under the GSA’s Design Excellence Program, it conducted a blast assessment that led to the incorporation of a laminated-
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window assembly system that preserves the appearance of the 1936 building. SHCA is now doing a number of projects with the DOS, specifically a series of new buildings within the new US embassy compound in New Delhi. “We won this long-term contract not just because of our experience in government but also because we are experienced in the private sector,” Alexander says. “The General Services Administration insists on three things of all federal buildings: that the building be secure, accessible, and inviting to the public which it serves.” This follows a State Department edict for all new embassy compounds, to “try not to build fortresses in cornfields.” The firm’s design of New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) headquarters in Brooklyn underscores its security credentials. “This is a 24/7 operation,” Alexander says. “It required redundancies in mechanical systems. And it houses people who must spend long periods of time sitting and staring at screens. We had to give a lot of attention to color and ergonomics.” The OEM headquarters also was one of the first LEED Silver-certified structures in the city, providing a good example of how future municipal buildings can be sustainable, Alexander says. The building was renovated from a preexisting structure, and the designers included green features such as an interior layout that places workstations close to the window wall—with glass-fronted offices inboard to allow maximum daylighting—and occupancy sensors that control electric lights and carbon dioxide levels, enhancing employee alertness. Because the previous OEM headquarters was lost on 9/11, the city decided to relocate the agency to a lessprominent, lower-density neighborhood. The idea is to call less attention to itself. But that doesn’t mean that SHCA does not create signature structures elsewhere. The firm also has offices in London, Moscow, Shanghai, Istanbul, Sheffield (UK), and Miami. Principal John Jappen oversees two multi-building, 19- to 51-story developments with 2,000 total units that have replaced dilapidated low-income, low-rise housing from the Soviet era. “In Moscow, there is a need to increase density and satisfy a pressing need for housing and commercial space,” Jappen says. In a single generation, building requirements have evolved significantly—as have the countries building them. But SHCA keeps itself prepared for another 105 years of business by recognizing current trends in protection, sustainability, and urbanization. —Russ Klettke
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Right: An aerial rendering of buildings that SHCA designed for the US embassy compound in New Delhi.
Geotechnical Engineering Environmental Consulting Construction Materials Testing Facilities Consulting
Congratulations to Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA) for 100+ years of design excellence. ECS is proud to have the opportunity to serve as an engineering teaming consultant to SHCA.
www.ecslimited.com
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Above: The before-and-after shots of a fire-damaged home that Disaster Restoration, Inc. quickly restored. The firm works with fire- and waterdamaged properties across the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
Disaster Restoration, Inc. Fast, efficient restoration services for residential and commercial clients At a Glance Location: Denver, CO Founded: 1986 Employees: 140 Specialty: Residential and commercial disaster restoration
While leading a historical-restoration company in Colorado in 1986, Michael Griggs saw a need for a more extensive 24/7 disaster and restoration company, and so he founded Disaster Restoration, Inc. His Denver-based company now serves as a one-stop shop for all fire- and water-damaged properties, offering help to industrial, commercial, and residential customers alike.
When a crisis happens, Disaster Restoration coordinates all the details to get the job done quickly, eliminating the need to deal with several different people. “We were the first full-service, one-stop shop for insurance, restoration, and reconstruction,” Griggs says. “One group doesn’t have to rely on the dependency of another group in order to get their work done.” Disaster Restoration works with facility mangers,
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property managers, fire departments, and insurance companies to coordinate its work. The company will repair damages from insurance claims, and it tackles any sort of issue—from blown-down fences and blown-off shingles to substantially flooded basements. The breadth of services also includes complete structural repair and reconstruction; waste management; mold remediation; water extraction; drying of carpets, pads, walls, and floors; emergency board-up service; electronic equipment restoration; smoke residue removal; cleaning and restoration of valuables and fine arts; sewage extractions; and drying of commercial floors. About 65 percent of Disaster Restoration’s business is residential, in part because there tend to be more mishaps with residential structures. Although a lot of
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business is in Denver, Disaster Restoration has nine offices strategically located around the country to serve clients. Many of their national clients are large retailers, including an outdoor recreational sporting goods company and a nationally known theater entertainment group. “I have the capability to operate anywhere in the country,” Griggs says. “Within two to four hours, I will have somebody at [the damaged] facility.” Griggs says his business model, based on square footage, differs from his competitors. “My approach to doing things is a lot more cost-effective,” he says. “A lot of emergency-service companies want to charge time and materials. With my model, I’m going to charge you by the square foot. If it takes me longer, bad for me; if it’s a shorter time frame, good for me. A lot of competitors are not willing to do that.”
Griggs has been in business 25 years in an industry where five years is considered a long time. “A lot of companies come and go quite quickly,” he says. “They think the entrée is easy. People don’t realize the
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dynamics where it can take 90 days to get paid.” Disaster Restoration keeps up on the latest trends in the industry, including advanced techniques for cleaning processes, structural drying procedures, wall pressurization, ultra-sonic cleaning, soda and cryo blasting, and guaranteed odor removal. “We’re always having to reinvest in equipment that needs updating or when new equipment comes out,” Griggs says. Some of the challenges of running Disaster Restoration include the quick reaction time required to respond to customers’ needs. And, “there also tends to be less of a courtship between two parties,” Griggs says. “With us, oftentimes the two parties don’t know each other, and a few days later we’re in a large project together. It creates its own hurdles.” Disaster Restoration has grown from four employees in 1986 to 140 employees today, including project managers, estimators, and technicians. Griggs says the company does about $15 million in annual sales, a sales figure that has remained stable in the last few years. Griggs pushes his firm to look to the future as well, though, and he provides extensive ongoing training for his employees, many of whom already have 10 or more years of experience. Such strategies put Griggs’ firm in good position to carry on through the years and continue its mission of coordinated reconstruction. —Karen Gentry
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Wachter Inc. Modern innovations for age-old services keep growth steady at accomplished company Some veteran companies fall into the trap of expectaAt a Glance Location: Lenexa, KS Founded: 1930 Employees: 1,450 Specialty: Electrical and network services
Above: The atrium of Hanger 10, a classy lounge built by Wachter Inc. for pilots and passengers at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, MO.
tions and become content to sit idly by and rely on one static method of operation—but not Wachter Inc. The company began 80 years ago, when William Wachter staked his claim for a place in Kansas City’s electrical construction industry. Now, Bradley Botterton, Wachter’s grandson, serves as CEO and chairman of an international firm that’s close to hitting $150 million in annual revenue. David Price came to Wachter in 1996 as a PM and was named president of Wachter Electric Company in 2001. Earlier this year Wachter Electric Company merged with Wachter Network Services and became Wachter Inc. Wachter’s emerging status as one of the largest contractors in the country is a testament to its adaptability. “We offer traditional full-service electrical and network services and support in a way that other companies don’t,” Price says. Three unique divisions— rollout, service, and construction—are helping the seasoned company meet clients’ needs in new ways. Wachter’s construction arm builds large and complex structures including Gatorade plants, Bass Pro shops and missile-launching facilities. “Our goal and mission is to serve Fortune 1000 clients,” Price says, adding that 40 of his 500 current customers fit the bill. The remainder inhabit smaller retail, office, and
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manufacturing spaces. A sales force focused on major clients has led Wachter to an average annual growth of 15 to 20 percent over the last 10 years. Two decades ago, Wachter landed Walmart as a major partner. Wachter doesn’t actually perform new construction for the company. Instead, Wachter serves Walmart with unique rollout and rapid-deployment services. “When a company wants one electronic device, like a kiosk or a TV display, in every store throughout the country in a short amount of time, we step in to make that happen,” Price says. Through the rollouts, Wachter offers clients an attractive alternative to the stale business model that would require them to hire hundreds of local and random technicians across the country. “We have many Wachter teams installing the same devices in the same way. It’s a very unique service most companies are incapable of doing with their own employees,” Price says. The move gives Wachter complete control over what happens during the process, and clients receive uniform installations. Rapid deployments are buoyed by a robust menu of support services to keep systems and infrastructures running at all times. A call center in Arkansas remains open around the clock to respond in four hours or less to every request. “Our service technicians might dispatch
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on an inexpensive ticket, but last year we had 35,000 work orders,” Price says. Forethought and technology have increased this effort—an in-house development team created a web-based portal that allows clients to dispatch service tickets without even placing a call to Wachter employees. Wachter has also embraced technology by becoming an industry leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3-D modeling. While many mechanical contractors offer similar services, Price believes his staff is able to maximize the benefits of computer-aided design. “We don’t use BIM just because it’s a fancy new tool,” he says. “Even if our customers don’t realize we’re using it. It helps our staff visualize projects in a congested area and save our clients valuable time.” The services are performed in-house and not farmed out to separate engineers and architects. Additionally, Wachter delivers interactive electronic-operations manuals in an updatable PDF format via flash drive instead of handing customers stacks and stacks of books. With 1,450 employees split between 10 domestic offices (plus one in England) Wachter is showing no signs of slowing down. Two major projects—a high profile Sara Lee facility and an automated grain elevator—are keeping Price and his colleagues busy. As the company enters its eighth decade, the management team will continue to pursue aggressive growth while providing relevant and modern business solutions. —Zach Baliva
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Construction Indemnity Group. Protecting builders with specialized insurance services At a Glance Location: Arlington Heights, IL Founded: 2008 Employees: 5 Specialty: Contract-protection insurance for building-industry contractors
Construction Indemnity Group (CIG) in Arlington Heights, Illinois, was designed to aid the build industry’s historical Achilles heel. “Getting paid for work and materials has always been one of the most significant challenges facing the construction industry,” says Todd Golin, president of CIG, “Contractors extend credit in most circumstances to people that they do not know very well, and without the help of an intermediary, the customer will typically act as judge and jury when disagreements arise.” An “all-too-familiar’ scenario depriving contractors of their hard-earned cash led Golin, a former contractor and lien specialist, to start his own company, which produces specialty insurance products as a means of protection. The occurrence can happen during any economic climate, but for Golin it happened in 1997. A client owed him close to a million dollars for services that were supplied as a carpentry contractor building upper-end homes in the suburbs of Chicago. The client refused to pay. Golin spent thousands of dollars and several months working with an attorney and managed to collect almost 95 cents on the dollar. “I had to learn about mechanic liens and how to use them to collect the monies that were owed,” Golin says. He felt lucky. He had the resources to litigate, but he grew concerned for other contractors who might not have the necessary time and money. In 1999 Golin decided to start a company that would help contractors and suppliers with their mechanic lien filings nationwide. As his company developed, he realized the lien filings were great in some circumstances but unfortunately didn’t guarantee payment. “I wanted to provide a service that guaranteed that contractors and suppliers would be paid,” he says. Golin developed an insurance product that would support not only his clientele but any contractor or supplier nationwide. This was accomplished by spending a year working with attorneys and seasoned insurance executives. The policy ensured that contractors’ customers would be accountable for their contractual obligation to pay. This initial work, he says, was the easy part, and it took another year to find the right conduit to offer the policy. “There were captive opportunities, RRGs, and hundreds of insurance companies. After many months I met with Rick Lindsey, the president of Prime Insurance Company, and immediately knew that he understood the policy, the risk that we wanted to insure, and how to be profitable offering the policy.” CIG’s contract protection insurance provides a minimum of $25,000 worth of coverage for around $1,250 annually with larger limits available upon request. With guaranteed financing options and down payments as low as $150, the value exceeds the price exponentially. Claims get paid in a fraction of the time when compared
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to traditional methods, he explains in his press statement, and it’s the insurance company that “takes on the burden of subrogation.” Currently, CIG is using its revolutionary risk-management tool to navigate the insurance market in the soft economy. Golin is finding that many insurance brokers have bundled the company’s product with the portfolio of other products they offer to customers, but he is still battling challenges. “We had to convince people to purchase something that they have never had an opportunity
My goal, which some might view as utopian, is to change the construction industry so the players always know that they will be paid and debtors understand that there is a serious consequence to non-payment. Todd Golin, President
to purchase before,” he says. “Therefore we don’t currently exist in budgets, and it takes time to penetrate budgetary constraints. You can’t cheat time.” Regardless, Golin attributes the company’s daily successes to principal and key staff members who have over 75 years of combined construction experience plus 50 years of mechanic liens and lien law experience. He also gives credit to support from the company’s underwriter, Prime Insurance Company. Golin wants construction professionals to view the CIG policy as the one line item that is necessary in their monthly budget. “My goal,” he says, “which some might view as utopian, is to change the construction industry so the players always know that they will be paid and debtors understand that there is a serious consequence to nonpayment.” —Brigitte Yuille
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Delcon, Inc. Performing energy-efficient electrical work in the heart of the nation’s greatest natural preserve At a Glance Location: Jackson, WY Founded: 1960 Employees: 35 Specialty: Electrical and mechanical contractor
Above: The Grand Teton Music FestivalÕs Walk Festival Hall. Delcon, Inc. minimized nearby ski-lift noise to keep it from interfering with the music.
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With more than a half century of business as an electrical and mechanical contractor at the base of Wyoming’s towering Tetons, Delcon, Inc. has longevity on its side. President Dean Lewis joined a partnership of long-term owners in 1972, but he had been working in the Midwest electrical trade on large commercial and industrial projects since 1961. “Our philosophy was always to attract good people, give good benefits with a good working environment, and turn out the best product we could,” Lewis says. “That’s all any of us have to sell, and that’s the key to any business’ survival.” Over five decades, Delcon has done more than survive. The firm has long-standing relationships with some of the most iconic institutions in Jackson, Wyoming, a vacation destination at the entrance to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Tourism brings more than 3 million people to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem each year, and Delcon provides electrical and mechanical service at many favorite lodging destinations and outdoor recreation
retailers. “We have a lot of open land that is national forest and state lands and a lot of outdoor activities here from mountain biking to snowmobiling, hiking, and fishing,” says Tim Jacobson, Delcon’s vice president of mechanical operations. “We are privileged to provide service to the recreational businesses in the area.” Delcon was chosen in 1964 as the electrical team during the building of the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village. Two years ago the company was selected to return and install a new electrical system, an electrical switch-gear and backup generator system, and a boiler system for deicing the gondola platform. “This is an internationally known mountain resort that you see in all of the ski magazines, so it was a privilege to be selected to come back,” Lewis says. Delcon has put its mark on projects throughout Teton Village, including the famed Grand Teton Music Festival’s Walk Festival Hall. Originally designed and built in 1974 to host a summer concert series, the
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Left: Delcon was chosen in 1964 as the original electrical team for the Jackson Hole Mountain ResortÕs aerial tram. The firm was invited back to make renovations, and the new system they installed included this 1.2-megawatt generator.
Our approach is that the architect and the owner put the soul into the building. We put in the lifeblood, and you can’t live in it without the lifeblood. Tim Jacobson, Vice President
facility’s symphony-quality structure and popularity among musicians around the nation helped the space evolve into a year-round venue. Delcon’s employees worked with the team of architects, engineers, and builders to minimize noise from ski lifts and other attractions so that it wouldn’t interfere with the music in the hall. Delcon also provided a full electrical and mechanical upgrade and snow-melting system around the building. “It has acoustics that are the envy of a number of other halls around the world,” Jacobson says. “Sound engineers worked with us to set up the equipment and fine-tune the mechanical motors to run at a certain hertz so they didn’t interfere with the music.” Delcon began as an electrical contractor with locations in Casper and Lander, Wyoming—and the
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Jackson office opened in 1964. Today the firm’s work is split between 30 percent mechanical work and 70 percent electrical. Along with large commercial and retail projects, Delcon designs and engineers traffic signals, interstate highway luminaires, lighting systems for airport runways and taxiways, and water and wastewater treatment systems. The firm also handles mechanical and electrical work for high-end mountain homes and recently completed a geothermal heating system for an 8,000-squarefoot home that extracts heat from ground water. “People are interested in energy-saving equipment when they are looking at upgrading service work,” Jacobson says. Delcon employs one engineer who is a PE, CEM, and LEED AP BD+C and who is also ground source-certified. The company’s electrical-supply retail outlet, called DEMCO in Jackson, stocks a large number of lamps, fixtures, and bulbs for homes and businesses. Over the years Delcon has had 40-60 employees working as electrical and mechanical technicians and engineers, many serving a decade or longer. Lewis says he enjoyed the electrical trade so much as a younger man that he never expected to leave site-work to own a large contracting company. “It was not where I ever imagined myself going,” Lewis says. “I was more interested in running large projects and having the fun of putting them together and coordinating the construction.” Lewis says his former partners encouraged him to move into management, and his love of the industry compelled him to do his best at growing the company. “Our approach is that the architect and the owner put the soul into the building,” Jacobson says, speaking on his and his business partner’s work. “We put in the lifeblood, and you can’t live in it without the lifeblood.” –Laura Williams-Tracy
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Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram Building.
Delcon Inc. is proud to be celebrating fifty years in business providing quality electrical and mechanical installations for the great people of Wyoming. We can handle all your needs from planning and design through installation to maintenance and service. Small or large, simple to complex, custom homes, commercial and industrial including geothermal heat pumps, radiant and forced air, ventilation, controls and all phases of wiring, we have a team of experienced professionals that can handle the job. Our philosophy is to provide quality systems that are matched to the owner’s and structure’s needs while maintaining simple and efficient operation. P.O. Box 1748 / 3520 South Park Drive / Jackson, Wyoming 83001 / Tel. (307) 733-2240 / Fax (307) 733-7082
Multifamily Housing
Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. .................................. 108 Group 70 International Inc. ..................................... 112 Rutledge Alcock Architects ...................................... 114 Pictured: A rooftop space of the Inman Green condos, by Rutledge Alcock Architects.
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Warrenstreet Architects, Inc. New England design firm embraces cooperative ownership At a Glance Location: Concord, NH Founded: 1990 Employees: 12 Specialty: Collaborative design of health and civic facilities and housing developments
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In Concord, New Hampshire, there’s a saying that everyone shops on Warren Street. At Warrenstreet Architects, Inc., an 11-person professional design firm located in the New England town’s quaint retail hub, everyone can become an owner. This is because the firm may be one of the nation’s only employee-owned cooperatives among professional design firms. It is a structure that lends itself to a vibrant collaborative of professionals equally invested in each project’s success. “When you come to work, you are working for yourself, so there’s pride in ownership,” says Jonathan Halle, principal architect and managing partner of the cooperative. “People interact with each other differently without that hierarchy of power and work more as a team. In my opinion it’s been a positive experience.” Today, Warrenstreet Architects focuses on a diversified portfolio of project types, including healthcare
facilities, corporate and commercial buildings, educational projects, libraries, and religious facilities. Halle says the cooperative business structure is important to clients who value the firm’s collaborative culture. “We have a reputation for being a small, boutique kind of design firm, and when you hire us, you get the culture of the firm,” Halle says. “In many firms, the senior principal shows up for the interview. Once the job is won, he hands it off. Before you know it, the client is working with someone two years out of school. We tell our clients, ‘When you hire us you get the whole firm, and 11 people will touch your project in some way.’” Warrenstreet Architects was formed in 1990 as Sherman, Greiner Halle, Ltd., but the name was often confused with a law firm, Halle says. In 2004 the firm adopted its new name, which tied it to the popular Concord streetscape where it is located. When just one of the
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Opposite: Warrenstreet Architects, Inc.Õs Merrimack County Nursing Home. The firm does a significant amount of work on federally funded healthcare projects. Above: The lobby of the Merrimack County Nursing Home, located in Boscawen, NH. Left: Warrenstreet ArchitectsÕ Friedman Court II in Concord, NH. The 41-unit building has been designed to reduce energy use by as much as 47% when compared to standard energy consumption, and 50% of construction waste was recycled while the structure was being built.
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Above: The South Cove Activity Center in Grantham, NH. In addition to its extensive healthcare work, Warrenstreet Architects also does work on municipal structures. Middle and bottom left: The firmÕs renderings for a residence for the Eastern Lakes Region Housing Coalition, a nonprofit that works to provide affordable workforce housing.
original partners remained in 2008, Halle decided to convert the small business to a cooperative. The cooperative is different from a more typical ESOP (an employee stock ownership plan, where management often owns the lion’s share of the stock) because in a cooperative, each employee-owner has one share of the business for equal ownership. At Warrenstreet Architects there are six cooperative members, one managing partner, and five employees. Employees are eligible to buy into the cooperative after seven years of professional practice, three of it with Warrenstreet. The company hopes to one day be 100-percent employee-owned.
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Lee F. Carroll, PE Together the cooperative focuses on a wide variety of project types, including federally funded healthcare work. Warrenstreet is currently designing a sterilization facility for the VA hospital in White River Junction, Vermont. The 30,000-square-foot addition to the VA campus is Warrenstreet’s fourth project there in the last two years. The firm will soon begin construction on a residential care facility for soldiers returning from wartime trauma. Warrenstreet has also designed a 20,000-squarefoot orthopedic surgeon’s office in Londonderry, New Hampshire, that will break ground in the spring. Other work includes municipal structures, including fire stations and nonprofit housing developments.
[Because of the cooperative structure], people interact with each other differently without that hierarchy of power and work more as a team. In my opinion it’s been a positive experience. Jonathan Halle, Managing Partner
In 2008 Warrenstreet participated as the design architect for a home on ABC’s popular reality television show Extreme Makeover Home Edition. “I was not a believer that they could build a house in a week, but they did it,” Halle says. “It was an incredible team effort.” The firm also contributes its talents to nonprofit efforts and in the past five years has been recognized twice by the Better Business Bureau for its efforts. Warrenstreet is a founding member of Building On Hope, a grassroots organization of companies that pool skills and resources to contribute to worthy nonprofits. Over eight months the members planned renovations of a bungalow operated by Easter Seals of New Hampshire into a boys home. Warrenstreet participated with other volunteer companies to complete $300,000 worth of renovations. “We do a project like that every other year,” Halle says. “It was like a mini Extreme Makeover.” —Laura Williams-Tracy
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Electrical Consultants Services provided include electrical engineering design assistance for engineers and architects, governmental agencies, and utilities. Projects include substations, electric rate studies, power generation facilities, and systems protection for utilities; water and waste water facilities, solid waste facilities, and airfield facilities for engineers; a wide range of buildings for architects; and various facilities and on site stand-by power installations for governmental agencies; forensic reports and expert witness services for electrical accidents and losses. This firm is presently licensed to practice in 18 states.
P.O. Box 357 - 1 Madison Avenue, Gorham, NH 03581 Tel. 603.466.5065 | E-mail: lcarroll@ne.rr.com
Hunt Building Company, Ltd. is an affiliate of Hunt Companies, Inc., a privately held diversified investment, real estate investment management, real estate development, design-build, construction management and asset/property management holding company. Founded in 1947, Hunt and its affiliated companies have become one of the nation’s leading privately owned real estate investors, managers, developers and contractors with a focus on public-private ventures, military housing, mixed-use, multi-family housing, masterplanned communities, retail, office, and value added asset management. Hunt’s real estate investments consist primarily of ownership interests in over 44,000 multi-family housing units across the country. In addition, Hunt owns commercial and industrial space, and residential and commercial land. In total, Hunt’s owned portfolio of real estate assets is in excess of $5 billion.
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Group 70 International Inc. Designing LEED-certified homes in a tropical paradise At a Glance Location: Honolulu, HI Founded: 1970 Employees: 74 Specialty: Sustainable structures and LEED design-build
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Group 70 International Inc., a Honolulu-based community.” Several partners worked together on architecture-planning firm founded in 1970, allows Kaupuni Village, including the Hawaiian Electric and projects to evolve naturally with the desires of clients. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Kapuna “As clients’ needs arise, we can put together a team and (Hawaiian elders), to synthesize the cultural and serve as more of a problem solver,” says Jim Stone, design aspects. principal of the company. The pilot project in Waianae, a farming community, Currently, Group 70 is completing the Kaupuni includes 19 single-family residences of three or four Village, a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands housing bedrooms with a community center. The community will development for native Hawaiians that Stone is pleased only use the amount of energy it creates through to have been involved with. The subsidized homes are photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters. The part of a homestead law in Hawaii where those chosen development also includes Energy Star appliances, from a waiting list are given 99-year leases. Stone says spray-foam insulation, and simple things such as this will be the country’s first net-zero housing project clotheslines for each residence. The board-and-batten and also the country’s first affordable housing develophomes include standing-seam metal roofs. ment that will attain LEED-Platinum certification. The plantation-inspired designs of the residences Although the company’s core service is architecture are in keeping with the existing community structures. and planning, Group 70 also has divisions for interiors “We decided we weren’t going to experiment; we did not and asset management and recently launched a technolwant to deviate too far from that,” Stone says. “At the end ogy department that works on GIS software development. of the day, they will still feel and operate like a home.” But even with the diversity of its focus, Group 70’s Kaupuni Village harkens back to Hawaii’s early history reputation is still built on sustainable projects, and the when Hawaiians grew everything they needed. The firm currently has 17 LEED projects in the works. It development will include an aquaculture center for growcompleted its first LEED project in 2004 and now has 32 ing fish and vegetables. LEED-accredited professionals on staff. Achieving the energy goals for the homes was “We don’t want to provide standard spec homes,” challenging. Group 70 used some very sophisticated Stone says. “We want to lead and provide a sustainable software to estimate energy use based on the presump-
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Left: A rendering of Kaupuni Village, which Group 70Õs principal Jim Stone says will be the first net-zero housing project in the US and the first affordable-housing development to attain LEED Platinum certification in the US.
We don’t want to provide standard spec homes. We want to lead and provide a sustainable community. Jim Stone, Principal
tion that residents will live in a sustainable manner. The balance was to not over design, which would leave excess electricity deposited on the grid, or provide too little energy so residents wouldn’t receive electric bills. Group 70 has worked on many sustainable projects, including a LEED-certified Army barracks and an oceanic biology lab for the University of Hawaii. Although projects costs a lot more to build in Hawaii, designing with energysaving features and strategies usually pays for itself within five to seven years, Stone says. Every year Group 70 works on about 75 projects ranging from small planning deals to multimillion dollar
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contracts. Stone expects the company to gross $14 million in 2010, a sales figure down from more than $20 million about four years ago. Even with all its success, though, the company is still looking for other ways to push sustainability. Recently, in 2009, the firm launched Sustainable Marketplace Pacific, which serves as an educational tool teaching students and clients about sustainable innovations such as photovoltaic panels, recycled material, and reclaimed wood. Beyond this, Group 70’s technology group also developed a global sustainability map, based on Google Earth, where designers and developers can populate the map with sustainable projects. Stone says it’s intended as a worldwide map, and Group 70 is looking for a larger investor to “take it to the moon.” —Karen Gentry
A Message from Hunt Building Company Hunt Building Company is proud to have been a team member on this breakthrough and very worthwhile project at Kaupuni Village. These nineteen families are very deserving of these well-planned homes, and we look forward to working with Group 70 International in providing more quality homes and communities to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and its beneficiaries.
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Rutledge Alcock Architects. Cost-effective green architecture without losing the creative edge At a Glance Location: Atlanta, GA Founded: 2004 Employees: 4 Specialty: Municipal, medical, commercial, residential, and adaptive-reuse projects
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In many ways, Andrew Rutledge and Joseph Alcock still embody the same freedom of spirit that drew them to Auburn University’s Rural Studio in the mid-1990s. The space has made its mark as an incubator for innovation, encouraging architectural students to experiment with nontraditional materials and edgy designs. Rutledge and Alcock’s class of ’97 built a house out of bales of hay—and it is still standing. Subsequent classes have generated buzz with houses made of carpet or cardboard bale (the latter of which now serves as a studio and dormitory). The Rural Studio was also working with corrugated metal—capitalizing on its water-resistant potential—before it was a fashionable alternative to wood in nonindustrial settings. In this creative environment, Rutledge and Alcock learned to view architecture beyond a blueprint, which
led to the founding of their firm, Rutledge Alcock Architects, in 2004. “One of the biggest things we’ve always tried to do is to continue to design the way we did in school, to be on the forefront of design, to let buildings be creative,” Rutledge says. “We are constantly looking for new materials and ways to use old materials in a different light,” he adds. The firm’s focus is environmentally conscious architecture, including strategies such as rainwater harvesting for landscaping, the use of solar panels and daylighting, and the reduction of overall energy consumption. When a client envisioned solar panels for a retail center, Rutledge Alcock Architects found bifacial panels from Sanyo that insert the solar cells between two sheets of acrylic, allowing light to pass through. The
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multifamily housing
Opposite page: Inman Green, a LEED Gold-certified project that Rutledge Alcock Architects completed in 2009. The structure was one of GeorgiaÕs first LEED Gold condominium buildings. Above: Rutledge Alcock Architects is constantly looking for opportunities to use repurposed materials and items. In one room of the Inman Green homes, sections of tree have been smoothed, lacquered, and made into short tables. Right: A combination living, dining, and kitchen space in the Inman Green condos. Below: A bedroom of the Inman Green condos with its own connection to an outdoor lounge area.
firm installed the panels in the folded canopy of the patio roof to create a modern trellis dining space that harnesses the energy of the sun. In 2009, the firm completed one of Georgia’s first LEED-Gold condominium buildings, Inman Green. At a minimum, the company strives for all its buildings to meet LEED certification. Rutledge Alcock Architects works primarily in the commercial sector because it allows the firm to push limits. “When people are forming companies and creating a look with a building, they are able to step a little farther out than with their personal life,” he says. Although commercial design often carries a hefty price tag, Rutledge Alcock Architects has mastered the cost-versus-quality equation. In fact, the team’s forte is in meeting cost parameters while preserving the flair of
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the concept. Rutledge says the company might replace a material—such as metal for brick—to stay within cost projections, but they still make sure to honor a project’s theme. “We always try to start a project in some way that relates to what it’s about or to the impact of its surroundings.” he says. Plans are underway to remodel the 80,000-squarefoot Beacon School Municipal Complex in Decatur, Georgia, a historic town five miles from Atlanta. The 1950s center was an African American school before desegregation and holds a special place in the community’s heart. At present, it is headquarters to a local police department, county offices, and a community arts center. Rutledge Alcock Architects has redesigned the enclosed exterior, the odd interior layout, and the storm-water system (which now stores excess rainwater for HVAC cooling towers). “A portion of the building at the street will be removed to create a pedestrian courtyard, complete with a stream-water feature,” Rutledge says. By opening up the space—which currently houses a court and recreation center as well as an artist co-op with dance groups, a chorus, painters, photographers, and more—each function will be more clearly defined. As a crowning addition, a terraced green space “will be transformed into an outdoor movie theater on spring and summer nights.” Ultimately, the entire project is a mix of green techniques, cost efficiency, and public interaction—just what Rutledge Alcock Architects thrives on. —Ruth E. Dávila
We always try to start a project in some way that relates to what it’s about or to the impact of its surroundings. Andrew Rutledge, Cofounder
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Community Construction
Marion Construction, Inc......................................... 118 Engan Associates, P.A. ........................................... 122 Pictured: One of two tiered fixed-table classrooms designed by Marion Construction, Inc. for the new Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, DC.
Photo: John Snogren, Snogren Design
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We strive to be our clients’ advocate, manage projects aggressively, and anticipate problems prior to them becoming a problem. David R. Michaelson, Principal
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Marion Construction, Inc. Moving ahead with clients by maximizing quality and service At a Glance Location: Arlington, VA Founded: 2003 Employees: 8 Specialty: Green buildings, corporate interiors, heavy renovations, and medical and government facilities
Opposite: Marion Construction, Inc. has worked on a number of corporate interiors, including this 6th-floor lobby at 1850 M Street, built for the Alliance to Save Energy. Photo: John Snogren, Snogren Design.
David R. Michaelson has had two key dreams in his career—the first to start his own successful construction company, and the second to make green building practices commonplace. Michaelson witnessed his first dream come true after founding Marion Construction Inc. (MC)—and he is diligently working to fulfill the second. MC is a service-driven company doing projects ranging anywhere from $200 to more than $10 million— and 70 percent of the company’s work is for a repeat client base. “There is not much we have not built in our career,” Michaelson says. The firm’s three main clients are Manulife Financial, American University, and the John Akridge Management Company. Currently the firm is also doing work for Apple Federal Credit Union and M & T Bank. About a year and a half ago, Michaelson added a key project executive to the firm, and MC is now doing work nationally on a design-build basis for Unysis and the federal government. According to Michaelson, the projects MC pursues are green buildings; corporate interiors; heavy renovations; base buildings; historic preservations; data centers; retail facilities (with a focus on financial institutions); and medical, government, institutional, and service-work facilities. In addition, the firm actively integrates green building principals into all of the work it does. “All of our
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jobsite waste is managed with a waste-management plan to maximize its diversion,” Michaelson says. “Plus, all our projects have an indoor-air-quality plan.” This plan usually includes sealing all ductwork prior to placing it in service, maintaining MERV 13 air filters on all return air ducts during construction (prior to turnover to the client), and the use of low-VOC paints and adhesives, whether requested or not. “One of my long-term goals for MC would be the ability to do all my work as green-building projects,” he says. Michaelson believes MC’s competitive edge directly correlates with his company’s inclination toward sustainability—as well as quality of service. “Everything we do has a certain shade of green,” he says. “I always make efforts to lead the marketplace toward green construction. For example, I’m a past chair and founding board member of the [National Capital Region] chapter of the US Green Building Council [USGBC].” Annette Osso, MC’s president and Michaelson’s wife, developed one of the first ever contracts with the USGBC where it and MC worked together to write a sustainable building guide for the federal government. Another thing that differentiates the firm is the long-term relationships it builds with clients. “This is a business about relationships, and we’ve worked hard over the years to develop and maintain them, and there’s no substitution for that,” Michaelson says. “Integrity
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community construction Opposite top: This LEED Gold-certified office space is located in the heart of Washington, DCÕs Georgetown district, one block from the Potomac River. Opposite bottom: The Waterford, a 45,000-square-foot banquet facility. Photo: John Snogren, Snogren Design. This page: A state-of-the-art SCIF space and secure conference facility for the US MarshalÕs service, built by Marion Construction.
with a capital ‘I’ is an important part of who we are and what we are—and it’s right out there, up front with what we believe and how we run our business.” The firm also prides itself on providing a level of service that exceeds the competition. “Service to our clients is the most important aspect of what we do,” Michaelson says. “We strive to be our clients’ advocate, manage projects aggressively, and anticipate problems prior to them becoming a problem.” Michaelson states that the keys to his company’’s success are its people, its philosophy of service, and the fact that the company treats everyone fairly. “We all work as a strong advocate to make every project successful at a high level of quality with the least amount of muss and fuss—not just for our clients but for all involved parties: designers, architects, owners, building engineers, and subcontractors.” In building his company, Michaelson says that one of the most important things he has learned is the need to
constantly recognize good people and their deeds. As Michaelson puts it, “Continuing to reinforce values that foster loyalty and a work ethic that is comparable to mine is paramount—not to mention also recognizing that there is no such thing as the word ‘can’t!’” —Christopher Cussat
To build a solid repeat client base for our construction services that is the by-product of a level of service and commitment, unmatched in the marketplace and exemplified by a lasting legacy of satisfied clients.
4401 S Fourth Street | Arlington, VA 22204 703.822.4089 | www.marionconstructioninc.com
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Engan Associates, P.A. Generating a larger client base through small, consistent projects At a Glance Location: Willmar, MN Founded: 1979 Employees: 10 Specialty: Faith, health, and community architecture
Above: The Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is set in a natural landscape of prairie, woods, and water. Engan Associates oriented its addition to the structure to maximize views of the countryside. Photos: Barbara Marks.
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Richard Engan is no stranger to operating an architectural firm during hard times. In fact, the designer founded his Willmar, Minnesota-based design firm in 1979, just as a deep recession was settling in across the United States. Engan began his practice by designing earth shelters, passive solar-heated housing, and providing services to institutions—“roof replacements, window upgrades, maintenance,” he says. As the economic forecast brightened, it was those kinds of nuts-and-bolts jobs that led to larger projects. “Every institution has problems to solve, and if you can solve a problem on an existing building, you’re putting yourself in a good position when their next, new, larger project comes up,” Engan says. “We developed a practice based in serving health, faith, and community.” In the current recession it is once again those ”nuts-andbolts” jobs that are carrying the firm. “New work is lean, but we’re getting by doing things like dental schools, hospital administration buildings—things that are built regardless of the economy,” he says. The firm also is continuing its early focus on green building; three of its 10 architects on staff are LEED APs. And, recently, Engan Associates designed an addition for
the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, in Spicer, Minnesota. “It’s a very rolling, glacial area with lakes, ponds, native prairie,” Engan says. The addition makes the building more sustainably sound and gives it a new orientation that takes advantage of outward views, including one of a tree house overlooking a bird sanctuary. All the surfaces are composed of local Minnesota woods, and the ceilings were made from aspen, which in Minnesota is used primarily for paper. “The flooring was made from ash, which is typically used for things like industrial palettes,” Engan says. “And we used burr oak for the trim.” The firm’s proposed designs will expand the scope of the learning center, which serves to educate visitors about the environment and provide a venue for outdoor activities. “We’re hoping to build zero-carbon, energyself-sufficient housing units on the property so students can come and visit and stay overnight,” Engan says. “The experience is much more valuable when you have the evening to explore nature—you can go out, see stars, take hikes, see the nocturnal animals.” As conceived in Engan’s preliminary plans, the addition would include a variety of eco-friendly elements, including a solar water
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community construction Right: Engan Associates even incorporated less conventional environmental strategies into the learning center. These Òtree houseÓ windows in the bird-feeding area are angled to reduce bird injuries.
Every institution has problems to solve, and if you can solve a problem on an existing building, you’re putting yourself in a good position when their next, new, larger project comes up. Richard Engan, Founder
heater, composting toilets, natural ventilation, a green roof, recycled materials, a photovoltaic electric system, energy-efficient windows, biomass heating, low-emitting materials, and locally grown food. Located in a rural area, the firm’s practice also includes agricultural projects. A current project for United Farm Credit Services (FCS) is a 20,000-squarefoot structure in Willmar that incorporates a number of sustainable elements, including devices for storm-water retention. “Storm water is a major issue in this region,” Engan says. “And the public has a negative image associated with things done to retain water. We’ve incorporated design features similar to those that existed in the geography of this area before it was settled, and we’re controlling drainage in three ways.” Since the building is a corporate headquarters, the front lawn will be mowed. After a hard rain, water will be retained for a day. On another area of the site, water runs down into native prairie grass. “It may remind local farmers of ‘pot holes’ they have traditionally drained, but we’re trying to improve its image so people will see its beauty and understand its use,” Engan says. A third feature is an open pond surrounded by native grasses, which will be used for summer cooling in addition to providing water retention and settlement. After thirty years in the industry, Engan Associates continues to focus on healthcare, church, and community projects, all the while pushing for sustainable solutions wherever it can. “We just had our best year since 2006,” Engan says. “I’m an optimist. I think things are continuing to improve.” —David Hudnall
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Diverse Designers
Norwest DesignLab ................................................ 126 MDC Architects ...................................................... 129 Studio J2 ................................................................ 131 The Interior Design Firm, Inc. ................................. 133 Taylor Architecture Inc. ........................................... 136 T.W. Beck Architects ................................................ 137 SEM Architects ...................................................... 139 WSV Architects ....................................................... 141 Pictured: WSV ArchitectsÕ Ridgecrest Residential Community in Alabama.
Photo: Brian C. Robbins
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Norwest DesignLab. General contractors use retail experience to marry design savvy and budget consciousness At a Glance Location: Portland, OR Founded: 2008 Employees: 12 Specialty: Commercial interior renovation, remodel, and build-out projects
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Prior to founding Portland-based Norwest Contractors, Inc., in 1993, brothers Dean and Jim Lampus owned a chain of accessory stores and operating in a business sector where success depends on a client-minded business strategy. But that ethos had been instilled long before their initial venture. “We grew up in a family of retailers,” Jim says. “That’s been the mindset our whole lives: ‘What else can we do for our customers?’” So when Norwest determined that the speed of its commercial renovation, remodel, and build-out projects was often arrested because customers didn’t have design help, a seed was planted. The company worked with designers to develop color boards and amass product samples for individual clients, who found the experiential process of mixing and matching tangible selections of materials and finishes at Norwest preferable to poring over photo reproductions. The company, in turn, discovered potential savings in time, money, and frustration by avoiding redesigns and revisions. As a result, in 2008, the Norwest DesignLab was born.
The diversification has played to the Lampus brothers’ individual strengths: Dean works in the field and supervises project managers—Norwest currently employs 12—while Jim handles sales, marketing, and administration. (“Dean can build, and I can talk,” Jim jokes.) The importance of staying current, gleaned from their previous retail experience, is used here as well. Norwest recently solicited input by various professional designers regarding how to improve its 2,000-squarefoot showroom. The result is an updated, integrated environment that offers a spectrum of countertops, casework, ceilings, floors, doors, general and decorative lighting fixtures, and other miscellaneous essentials (think fire alarms, sprinkler heads, and exit signs) for Norwest clients to research and compare. Many designers mistakenly believe Norwest does all its design in-house, which is not the case. If customers have not yet selected a design professional, Norwest makes introductions based on project and customer
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diverse designers
Above: The wide variety of casework materialsÑincluding reclaimed, sustainable, and composite materialsÑprovides designers and customers the components to create custom desks, walls, and architectural elements. Right: Realizing that a complete selection of decorative lighting fixtures would not practically fit in their space, NorwestÕs lighting vendors collected an assortment sorted by size, shape, and light source to educate customers on their range of options. Previous page: Floor samples form cabinet faces that conceal extensive flooring choices. The table in the foreground allows designers to experiment with design alternatives while receiving immediate customer feedback, and the far display offers examples of translucent panels and window-film options.
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profiles, and the company has found that creativity and input explode as more designers work in the DesignLab. The flexibility of the environment enables each designer to visually experiment and receive immediate feedback. “The DesignLab totally changes how the project comes together,” Jim says. “You see customers walking through the space for the first time, and there’s always this moment of, ‘Oh, now I get it.’” The showroom selections are as mobile as possible— hardware can be mixed and matched with doors and counters, for instance, and two-by-two-foot paint samples are large enough to conduct adequate color comparisons. “It’s edited, certainly,” he says. “There are
The DesignLab totally changes how the project comes together. You see customers walking through the space for the first time, and there’s always this moment of, “Oh, now I get it.”
which to choose interior architectural features and aesthetic picks from the DesignLab. By the company’s calculations, design-to-build time can be reduced by as much as one third, and Jim says nearly 70 percent of Norwest’s clients take advantage of the DesignLab. Every bit counts in the post-recession economy as Norwest rebuilds: at its peak, the company employed 18 and posted annual revenues of $11 million, but Jim estimates that sales currently hover around 50 percent of that. The design-to-budget process empowers clients to choose what they like, but it also instills discipline. With the Norwest strategy, customers thoroughly understand how much money is available for design so that they can decide how they want to allocate it—all before an architect’s rendering has ever been drawn up. Rather than see clients become deflated by a price tag they can’t afford, Norwest helps them understand how a budget really works. “It’s like walking into a grocery store with $50,” Jim says. “No check, no credit card— just cash. What are you going to make for dinner?” —Annie Fischer
Commercial Interior Construction Serving Oregon & Southwest Washington
Jim Lampus, Co-Founder
higher-end options we don’t have on the floor—as well as less expensive ones. But we feel like the important looks are represented.” In other words, the range is wide enough to provide informed decisions but narrow enough to avoid overwhelming customers. Norwest operates under a design-to-budget philosophy, one that involves a mixture of building assessment, project estimation, and DesignLab planning sessions. Early on in projects, the contractors complete an evaluation of the site to determine whether the infrastructure requires any upgrades prior to renovation—a process they call “know your building.” (“We might learn, for example, that we have to put in a larger water line,” Jim says, “or that redoing this or that floor would require an asbestos abatement.”) Any essential improvements go into the baseline project estimate, which also includes required permitting and administrative fees. Once clients have a solid understanding of how much a project will cost at the minimum, they know how much money remains with
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The one place to see, feel, & touch the commercial interior materials for your project. www.norwestgc.com OR CCB License # 89425
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diverse designers
MDC Architects. Firm grows project scope while staying intimately connected to client base “Obviously, in a lot of ways, architects are a dime a At a Glance Location: Orlando, FL Founded: 2008 Employees: 4 Specialty: Residential, commercial, and mixed-use structures
Above: One of the several Roberto Cavalli stores designed and built by MDC Architects.
dozen these days,” says Matt Cormia, founder of Orlando’s MDC Architects. “So the question is, ‘How do you stand out in an economy like the current one and grow your customer base?’” Cormia’s approach is to rely on some advice his father gave him years ago. “He told me early on that in business, you need to worry about relationships—everything else takes care of itself,” he says. “And that’s essentially the core of the way we run our firm. Client retention and word-of-mouth marketing are the firm’s biggest priorities.” “Once you get a client, you should be able to keep them,” he adds. “We believe that sustaining a successful, long-term operation is best done by keeping existing clients. We do this by spending extra time in service rather than typical advertising.” Cormia has been in practice as an architect for over 16 years but only recently did he found his own firm. “I always had that desire,” he says. “I have a real love of the
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profession and of client services and the built environment.” Convinced that his talents could be channeled into creating a sustainable business, Cormia founded MDC Architects in 2008. “Some architects tend to have a rigid way of viewing things—they see their design ideas as the most important part of the equation,” Cormia says. “I try to take a different approach. The design is important, but when it gets in the way of someone’s business being profitable, you have to take a step back and ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. For your own ego? Or for your client and their business?” MDC Architects—composed of four employees in total—currently occupies itself doing a variety of retail and commercial build-out projects: grocery stores, liquor stores, hotels, churches, etc. “We’re a small firm, but we’ve done everything from little yogurt shops to high-rise condos,” Cormia says. “We aim to be very adaptable. And we don’t treat the smaller projects as though they are beneath us.”
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A larger project MDC Architects recently undertook was designing the Cardo Plaza and the Church of All Nations theater at The Holy Land Experience, a Christian theme park in Orlando owned by Trinity Broadcast Network. Built in collaboration with T&G Constructors, the Church of All Nations venue houses a 2,000-seat auditorium and will be used for concerts, ministry events, and television broadcasts. This expansion of the park will establish the Roman Quarter (or “Cardo” region) in Jerusalem. The circular structure, made from structural steel with metal studs, is highly ornate and includes historically referenced architectural details. Outside, a waterfall blends into a pool, where full-immersion baptisms take place. There is also a virtual theater called Christus Gardens where the major life events of Jesus Christ are dramatized with wax figures. “The goal is to create a place where it is possible to bring the message of Christ to crowds in a realistic setting.” Cormia says. On this and other projects—MDC Architects has designed a number of religious facilities as well as more commercially minded projects, such as a number of Roberto Cavalli stores—Cormia stresses what he refers to
DESIGN DESIGN WITH WITH INTEGRITY INTEGRITY
MDC Architects, Incorporated was created to achieve a high level of built projects with complete client satisfaction. The goal of any client relationship is just that, a relationship. MDC Architects strives for superb technical knowledge by working closely with all engineering consultants, vendors and contractors. We take a pragmatic approach to solve issues during design to result in minimal construction related problems in the field. ‘Design with Integrity’ is achieved with attentive listening for the client’s design and business goals, and relating that information to unique designs that fit our client’s budget and fulfills their business objectives.
We believe that sustaining a successful, long-term operation is best done by keeping existing clients. We do this by spending extra time in service rather than typical advertising. Matt Cormia, Founder
as “Design with Integrity.” “It’s about listening to what the client is saying in terms of both design goals and business goals,” he says. “We take a pragmatic approach to solve issues during design that results in minimal construction-related problems in the field.” Like many young firms, MDC Architects seeks to grow as an organization, but Cormia is resolute in his intention to do so without sacrificing the most common quality firms lose due to growth: client relationships. “As you grow, you by nature become increasingly removed from projects,” he says. “But there’s a lot to be said about a firm where the owner has a day-to-day knowledge of all projects being undertaken at the firm. I believe I can do that here. I still want to be involved. I still want to be a part of the built result.” —David Hudnall
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mixed use | commercial | hotels churches | schools | retail
mDC R30
R29
A902
architects 5
MDC Architects, Inc. 8623 Commodity Circle, Ste. B Orlando, Florida 32719 P: 407.792.3200 F: 407.792.3005
www.mdc-architects.com american builders quarterly
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Studio J2. A professional and personal union leads to beautiful design for residential, commercial, and cultural spaces At a Glance Location: Lincoln, MA Founded: 2003 Employees: 2 Specialty: Spaces for the arts (cinemas, performingarts centers, art galleries), new private residences and additions/renovations, and small commercial buildings
Above: Studio J2Õs lobby-view rendering of the Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth, NH. The venue includes a 120-seat theater, an art gallery, and offices.
Founded in 2003, Studio J2 is the professional union of Jennifer Steffek and John Lynch. They began working together in 1994 when, while working for the same firm, they designed the Kendall Square Cinema, an art house theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that won a Design Excellence award from the New England chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. The pair immediately found they had a very similar way of seeing the world and designing buildings, and in 1998 their partnership turned personal when they decided to marry. “Ultimately, we realized we performed our best work together and wanted to eliminate the separation of our work and private life, so it naturally followed that we should form our own company together,” Steffek says. A boutique architecture firm with expertise in residential and commercial design, Studio J2 offers a high level of personalized attention to each project while striving to create a unique expression of each client’s needs. “We believe no project is too small or insignificant and that all deserve the same amount of creative effort, whatever the size or budget,” Steffek says. “In turn, we do not adhere to any particular style but rather believe the aesthetic should grow out of a response to the particular context.” Currently, Studio J2’s design aesthetic is anchored by a modernist approach fused with the tastes and lifestyle of each project’s client. “One of our fundamental principles is that each project must have an overall
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design narrative, which is carried throughout the design, down to the details,” Lynch says. “In addition, with each new project, whether commercial or residential, we explore solutions which use contemporary technology and materials to address current issues and challenges.” Members of the US Green Building Council, Studio J2’s founders consider sustainability an important element of the firm’s work. Both Steffek and Lynch have studied and worked in Europe and were influenced by the way buildings there are designed when faced with space constraints. “We believe that beauty comes from designing efficient, well-proportioned spaces, a philosophy which is consistent with concepts of sustainability,” Steffek says. “As a result, many of our projects are renovated urban buildings, and we try to use as many sustainable materials as possible.” The firm specializes in spaces for the arts—such as cinemas, performing arts centers, and art galleries— as well as residential construction/renovation projects and small commercial buildings, and the principals try to approach each project in a fresh way. This approach has become a hallmark of Studio J2’s work and has attracted clients, too, including a homeowner who recently worked with the firm on an addition to a Lincoln, Massachusetts, home. “The client found us through our website; they liked the aesthetic of our work and the fact that we had a unique approach to each project,” Steffek says. “As is
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I honestly feel that no one can surpass the passion and energy we bring to the design process. John Lynch, Cofounder
typical for our work, we developed a master plan to establish an overall vision for the house. In this case, the addition that was built is part of a design that can be implemented in phases.” “We feel very strongly that if the client has an overarching vision that needs to be implemented in phases, each addition or renovation should be a step towards the ultimate goal,” Lynch says. “The existing house is post-and-beam construction with a very simple, clean aesthetic, so we responded with a bold, simple
dormer, which at once relates to the existing house and establishes its own identity.” The firm also was recently awarded a “milestone” project: The Music Hall Loft, a center for performing arts, literature, and education in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, that includes a 120-seat theater for performances and classes as well as a cafe, a retail space, an art gallery, executive offices, and support spaces. “The project was meant to have a very different identity from the existing traditional theater,” Lynch says. “The resulting space is very contemporary, loft-like, and dynamic and uses unique, sustainable materials such as recycled cotton fabric for acoustic panels, translucent panels containing a high degree of recycled material, and countertops made of a combination of recycled paper and natural resins.” While the project incorporated many elements in a relatively small space and with a tight budget, Lynch notes that such challenges actually energize the firm’s work. “I honestly feel that no one can surpass the passion and energy we bring to the design process,” Lynch says. “The process of design, from programming and research through construction administration, really gets us charged. We love what we do for a living.” — Julie Edwards
Constructing Custom Homes, Remodeling and Era Renovations for over 25 Years.
ABRN Development Corporation Marlborough, MA 01752 | 508-251-1307
www.abrndevelopment.com
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The Interior Design Firm, Inc. All-female company has a firm foundation in family and community The Interior Design Firm, Inc. (IDF) of Omaha, At a Glance Location: Omaha, NE Founded: 1977 Employees: 17 Specialty: Interior design
Above: The openness of this kitchen and dining space by The Interior Design Firm allows guests to move around comfortably.
Nebraska, is an award-winning company founded in 1977. The firm’s commitment to customer service and excellence in design is shown by their 95-percent repeat customer base. “We’ve been around for 30 years, so that’s a lot of history,” owner Pam Stanek says. “We’ll do the same home or business two or three times, and then we’ll end up doing their children’s homes.” Not only does IDF have loyal customers, but there is also little staff turnaround in this family-friendly firm. Commenting on the firm’s versatility, Anita Wiechman, a designer with IDF for 28 years, says that in the past year the firm has completed interiors for a bank, a car dealership, four apartment complexes, and three clubhouses. “Because of the recession, our business changed in the last couple of years,” Stanek says. “We went from mostly new construction to mostly renovation, but the business is still there because we’re practical and beautiful at the same time. Our designs can’t just look good—they have to work.”
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When asked about their marketing plan, Becki Wiechman, an interior designer and LEED AP for the firm, says, “We don’t have a set marketing plan, but we do encourage all our designers to get involved with the community. That’s been the best direction for our marketing. It gets us in touch with the people we’re working with.” Stanek agrees, saying, “Our community involvement has always brought us more business than print advertising. All our designers are so committed to their set of customers that when a customer comes forward and tells us they’re working on a charitable project, we offer our design assistance however possible. We support many charities through donations of time and product.” IDF has three designers who specialize in senior living throughout the Midwest and recently completed work on the Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Community, sited on a 62-acre lake in Omaha. The community, still under construction, encompasses independent
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diverse designers Left: IDFÕs ultra-contemporary great space in this beach house uses attractive and durable finishes. 50% of the firmÕs projects are residential. Below: Architectural features in this modern home by IDF have a slight Asian flair. Opposite page: A sophisticated, comfortable period-style living room by IDF. The companyÕs new and seasoned designers work together to create rooms with precisely balanced aesthetics.
apartments, assisted-living residences, and Alzheimer’s memory-care suites. IDF designed everything in the interior—from the café, the beauty shop, and the common areas to the model apartments—and the firm is currently working on several new buildings that are scheduled for completion sometime in 2011. “When you walk into these buildings, you don’t feel as though you’re in an elderly situation,” Stanek says. “Our designers are mindful of the latest information on dementia and how to designate different activity areas and still maintain an open floor plan. They incorporate vibrant colors for a youthful feel.” Fifty percent of IDF’s projects are residential. The firm recently designed the interior of a $1 million property in a gated retirement community. Their clients planned for eventual wheelchair use by installing an elevator and walker/wheelchair accessible doorways. “The most successful projects are when we’re brought in at the beginning,” Stanek says. IDF’s expertise has not gone unnoticed in the industry. For the Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Community, the firm won a 2010 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) chapter project award. The firm also has won Best of Omaha for eight consecutive years and in 2010 was awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award. In 2010, seven of their recent projects won ASID chapter project awards, and three of the firm’s designers received the chapter Medalist award, which is the highest award a chapter can offer to a single member.
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Designing Your Home to Perform Simply and Beautifully
Our young, fresh designers keep the more seasoned designers on their toes with new technology and techniques, while experience and history give a good structure to the business.
402.334.4900 • EchoTechOmaha.com • 4315 S. 120th St. • Omaha, NE 68137
Pam Stanek, owner
When mentioning these accolades, Stanek says, “A lot of our success stems from the fact that we have a wide range of ages in our designers. Our young, fresh designers keep the more seasoned designers on their toes with new technology and techniques while [the older designers’] experience and history give a good structure to the business. We need both, and we learn from each other.” —Joyce Finn A Message from Echo Tech and Echo Lighting & Design Echo Tech and Echo Lighting & Design brings its 50 years of experience to bear for its clients. Our commitment to customer service and competent work has generated a long list of satisfied clients. We are proud to count The Interior Design Firm as a valued industry partner.
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Taylor Architecture Inc. Years of experience, combined with youthful innovation, creates extraordinary projects With interests as diverse as photography, aviation, and sports-car racing, it’s no wonder that Richard Taylor Jr., At a Glance FAIA, chose a creative field such as architecture to build a business in. After earning a master’s degree in architecLocation: ture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Taylor Atlanta, GA became a partner in Taylor & Williams Architects Inc., Founded: 1966 and in 1992, the firm became Taylor Architecture Inc., Employees: specializing in commercial, institutional, and residential 4 projects as well as development and general contracting. Specialty: Over the years, the company has received numerous Full-service commercial, awards in everything from design to energy efficiency to institutional, and community service. residential architecture Taylor Architecture’s office is located in The Stove Works in Atlanta, a century-old factory that the firm transformed into a thriving complex of businesses and restaurants about 10 years ago. The company’s open loft space, which includes a custom garage for Taylor’s racing cars, a two-story work area, and many other uniquely designed features, feels like a home, especially since Taylor works there with his son and daughter-in-law, Richard Taylor III and Sara Farracho, who recently moved back to Atlanta from New York to join the company. “We’ve been restructuring the company to add more Taylors as the next generation comes in,” Taylor says. Taylor’s wife, Nancy Mitchell, is an interior designer with her own home firm, Nancy Mitchell & Associates, and he and she have worked together frequently over the years. In addition to The Stove Works, the list of other high-profile projects the firm has tackled over the years is long, and it includes the Atlanta Silverbacks’ stadium, the Butts-Meier building at the University of Georgia, and a wide variety of schools, religious institutions, and residential buildings. “Our style is very project-driven,” Taylor says. “I love responding to the calling of a project.” Sustainable design also is very important to Taylor Architecture. Taylor taught a course on sustainable architecture at Georgia Tech for 10 years, and Taylor III and Farracho both have LEED certifications. Creating unique solutions to problems is Taylor’s passion. “Architecture is a teaching profession,” he says. “We take what the clients want, then teach them how to make it better, taking them as far as we can without losing them. Innovation is one of our hallmarks.” One of the things that distinguishes Taylor Architecture Inc. from other firms is the fact that it is often the first to try new things, and Taylor points to three innovative projects in particular. The firm’s American Securities
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Building was one of the first buildings to use liquid-coolant fireproofing, its Shenandoah Solar Building was one of the first large-scale solar-heated and -cooled buildings, and its St. George Island Building was one of the first aerodynamic, lifting-body-design buildings. With the wide variety of projects the firm has completed over the years, Taylor says that it would be impossible to choose a favorite. “That’s like having a
We take what the clients want, then teach them how to make it better, taking them as far as we can without losing them. Innovation is one of our hallmarks. Richard Taylor JR., Principal
favorite child,” he says. “We give 110 percent on every project, and I always have a feeling of disappointment when it’s finished. The accomplishment is great, but it’s hard to let it go.” The company’s love for the industry is evident in its work. “Our success comes from our dedication to the profession,” Taylor says. “Personally, I will never retire. Once you’ve been established in the industry for a while, you can choose projects less for the money and more for the purpose of developing your mission statement.” With this in mind, the focus of Taylor Architecture is on building a strong future. The younger Taylor is looking forward to growing the business and bringing in new work and fresh faces. “Our past has been great, and now it’s going to be Richard’s and Sara’s job to use it as a foundation for the future of the firm,” Taylor says. “They’re computer-savvy, talented designers with loads of energy and imagination. They’re out there swinging for the stars while I’m the deep well of experience.” —Laura Judy
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T.W. Beck Architects. Sustainable architecture meets rustic luxury in residential and commercial applications Thomas Beck, owner and principal architect of the Estes
At a Glance Location: Estes Park, CO Founded: 1998 Employees: 3 Specialty: Sustainable design and mountain-lodge style
Park, Colorado-based firm T.W. Beck Architects, participated in his first solar-energy conference in 1974 after the Arab oil embargo and has practiced sustainable design ever since. “I recommend to clients that, if they can’t do active solar, to consider thermal heat and take steps to become more energy-efficient,” Beck says. Although Beck’s own home in Estes Park is 5,800 square feet, it is totally off the grid. Power is provided through photovoltaic panels, two small wind turbines, and a generator shed that houses a supply of storage batteries, “I use very efficient appliances, CFL lighting, and all pumps are DC, which is more efficient than AC-powered,” Beck says. “I use a gas stove and dryer and greatly reduced the amount of electricity needed for my home.” With demand growing for sustainable design, Beck says that more clients are requesting smaller homes and
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renewable materials, including bamboo and sustainably harvested and replanted woods, which are endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council. Many of the homes Beck creates are modeled in either a mountain-lodge or Craftsmen style, both of which typically use heavy timber beams to achieve warmth and an informal grandeur. He tends to favor Midwestern hardwoods for interior trims. Beck’s residential and commercial projects are found primarily in Estes Park and other Front Range communities of Colorado, but he is also licensed in Idaho, Wyoming, Indiana, and British Columbia. His most recent work has involved primarily commercial projects, including medical clinics for Salud Family Health Centers, a nonprofit organization with nine clinics serving northern Colorado’s Hispanic community. Beck designed Salud clinics in Estes Park and Commerce City and oversaw renovations of the Fort Lupton and Frederick health centers. His most recent
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project for Salud is a new 38,000-square-foot clinic in Fort Morgan. The $6.5 million facility will be heated and cooled with a geothermal system. The design of the facility includes the use of Kalwall—insulated fiberglass sandwich panels—and Solatubes, which admit only healthful, natural light. Beck says the clinics’ designs feature vaulted ceilings in the lobbies with structural insulated panels (SIPs) that have sheathing on each side and a foam core. “We’ve been designing with those for probably ten years. The other thing we’re doing is using closed-cell, sprayfoam insulation, which has an R value of about 6.5 per inch,” Beck says. He notes that the spray-foam insulation seals the building and is superior to fiberglass insulation because its R value decreases with air movement. Beck’s previous projects include movie theaters in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Whistler and Squamish, British Columbia—each one designed with a mountain-lodge feel using heavy timbers.
Thomas Beck participated in his first solar-energy conference in 1974 after the Arab oil embargo and has practiced sustainable design ever since. T.W. has also done historic-preservation work for the legendary Stanley Hotel, made famous by Stephen King’s The Shining. The interior and exterior renovations included a redesign of the 3,000-square-foot concert hall; reconfiguration of the presidential suite; and a new office building, beauty salon, and day spa. T.W. also designed the restoration of the historic Mary’s Lake Lodge—known for its panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park—after the structure sustained major damage from a fire. The project included redesign of a modern kitchen, major deck structures, and all new HVAC and plumbing systems. Original wall-hung sinks and claw-foot tubs were incorporated into the renovations, and the 1920s-era windows were reglazed and restored. The Mary’s Lake Lodge project also included the redesign of 16 rooms and luxury suites. Each year, T.W. completes 35 to 40 design projects, ranging from simple energy audits and small remodels to large new homes and commercial facilities. Beck has owned and managed the firm for 12 years, and as it moves forward with new projects, he hopes to continue his mission of sustainable design and energy efficiency in both single-person cabins and multilevel, multi-room lodge resorts. —Karen Gentry
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Previous page: The lobby of the T.W. Beck Architects-designed Salud Family Health Center enjoys maximum daylighting, which shines down through clerestory windows and is supplemented by highly efficient interior lighting. Above: Thomas BeckÕs 5,800-square-foot home exists completely off the grid. Power comes from a combination of photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, and efficient appliances and a gas-powered stove and dryer all reduce the amount of electricity needed in the home.
Providing cost effective structural designs for all types of projects including large commercial office buildings, complex homes, challenging heavy industrial facilities, and large developments.
LT engineering, LLC, D/WBE, SBE
Structural Consultants
We are a versatile structural consulting firm that specializes in the design and development of construction drawings, specifications, and construction administration for a variety of projects.
5620 Zuni Street Denver, CO 80221
Ph: 303.477.3861 Email: lesanntyson@msn.com
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SEM Architects. Evidence-based design guides firm’s work in large-scale development As is typical in the current commercial-retail market, At a Glance Location: Denver, CO Founded: 1978 Employees: 12 Specialty: Full-service architecture
Above: SEM ArchitectsÕ Streets at SouthGlenn was renovated in 2009 and now contains retailers, a library, offices, and apartments.
the Streets at SouthGlenn, a mixed-use facility in Centennial, Colorado, is not yet at full occupancy. But this formerly enclosed regional mall, renovated in 2009, is full of people—exactly as planned by the redeveloped structure’s designers, SEM Architects. “It’s the public gathering place for the western portion of the city,” director of design Kristoffer Kenton says. “Before, it was a black hole—retail that was largely dissociated from the surrounding community.” The redevelopment preserved two large anchor tenants, Sears and Macy’s, but flanking its outdoor gardens and promenades are other retailers, a public library, restaurants, theaters, a health club, offices, and 220 rental apartments. If that sounds like a new-urbanist development, well, it is. But don’t call SEM just a new-urbanist firm. Such a description would not account for the breadth of their work. “We believe in doing what’s right for the
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project as a whole, not just applying a label,” principal Todd Decker says. The firm’s approach is right for the time. Because of economic factors, they are frequently called upon to work with existing buildings and developments. “We focus on trying to maximize the redevelopment by utilizing as much of the existing structure as makes sense,” Kenton says. “As with the SouthGlenn program, we work with existing properties that have lost value and need to be brought up to today’s standards.” This service provides a green dividend because it enhances community assets instead of abandoning them. As for sustainability features, that’s simply a matter of course for the Denver-based firm. “Basic tenets of green [building and design] have been part of the mindset for a long time now,” Decker says. “Where we are located, in an arid state where water use and quality have been an issue for a while, makes it a bigger deal. Regional material sourcing and energy use are always part of the
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discussion.” What the firm principals happily take advantage of are newer building materials and construction practices that negate “a need to make compromises in design” for environmental reasons, he says. “How we orient and site buildings can play more to concerns for function and aesthetics because of highperformance glazing and improved HVAC systems, for example,” Decker says. The firm translates what it knows from its considerable work in large-scale mixed-use developments to commercial, office, and industrial projects, employing what they call lateral thinking. “In lateral thinking we use evidence-based design, where we use proven ideas and develop unique design solutions for each specific project,” Kenton says.
It helps to develop things in phases, where each use is self sustaining— not necessarily reliant upon future phases but integral to the overall project.
Above: The Twenty Ninth Street Mall in Boulder, CO. SEM has been involved in the master planning of this and other large-scale mixed-use communities such as Lowry Vista in Denver. Photo: © LaCasse Photography.
somewhere,” Kenton says, but he quickly qualifies this response. “Though more of them will be mixed-use facilities in the future. For most projects to make sense, [they] need to take advantage of multiple purposes and services.” —Russ Klettke A Message from Monroe & Newell Engineers Monroe & Newell Engineers has provided Structural Engineering services for SEM, including Twenty-Ninth Street and The Streets at SouthGlenn. Consistently SEM has proven their abilities to manage a wide variety of projects that have difficult programs, aggressive schedules, and challenging budgets while achieving the ownersÕ original vision with timely delivery.
Urban to Resort. Structural Engineering.
Todd Decker, Principal See Forever Lodge | O’Bryan Partnership
More broadly speaking, SEM has gotten involved in master planning for communities such as SouthGlenn, The Twenty-Ninth Street Mall, and Lowry Vista. “What we do well is apply expertise to the whole project,” Decker says. “It begins with land planning—not just designing buildings but creating entire environments. It helps to develop things in phases, where each use is self-sustaining—not necessarily reliant upon future phases but integral to the overall project.” Does that mean they may once again design a big-box community mall like the one they replaced in Centennial? “There may always be a need for a regional retail amenity
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DENVER 1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 200 Devnver, CO 80202 (303) 623-1927 denver@monroe-newell.com VAIL 70 Benchmark Rd., Suite 204 PO Box 1597, Avon, CO 81620 (970) 949-7768 avon@monroe-newell.com
Streets at SouthGlenn SEM Architects/Alberta Development
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WSV Architects. Staff, clients, and projects represent multiple areas of specialization Jim Ward became interested in designing buildings at a At a Glance Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Founded: 1983 Employees: 18 Specialty: Full-service architecture for healthcare, financial, educational, municipal, and collegiate residential communities
very young age in Sylacauga, Alabama, when he began watching his mother draw individual house plans. During the third grade, Ward decided that he would attend Auburn University to study and then later practice architecture. Never wavering from that goal, he moved to Tuscaloosa after college graduation in 1975 and worked for an architectural firm, and his childhood dreams and young adult experience culminated in the establishment of his own company in 1983. After growing steadily in size over the years, Ward’s firm took on Keith Scott and Rex Veron as partners, and in 1999, WSV Architects—formerly known as Ward Scott Veron Architects—was officially born. WSV provides architectural design and construction-administration services primarily in western Alabama. By concentrating its work in this geographic area, the firm has had the opportunity to provide design
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services for a broad spectrum of healthcare, financial, educational, municipal, and collegiate residential buildings. According to Ward, now the company’s president and principal, WSV’s success is founded in building long-standing relationships with clients who have ongoing construction needs. The first of two recent projects that perfectly reflect WSV’s diversified design portfolio is the DCH Cancer Center. This facility provides state-of-the-art medical and radiation oncology services and provides an environment conducive to the healing of the whole patient in mind, body, and spirit. The center seeks to enhance each patient’s well-being through its strong connection to the outdoors, ample use of natural light, a dramatic two-story entry rotunda, and a second-level outdoor garden terrace. The center also creates a new image for DCH so that it can celebrate its uplifting healing environment with all who enter.
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Previous Page: WSV ArchitectsÕ Ridgecrest Residential Community, a five-story student-housing structure the firm completed for The University of Alabama. The building was constructed atop a three-story parking deck. Photo: Barry Fikes. Above and left: Exterior shots of the DCH Cancer CenterÕs arcing fa ade. Amenities in the center include a boutique, a chapel, and a fitness room. Above photo: Brian C. Robbins.
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diverse designers This page: The Ridgecrest Residential CommunityÕs outdoor recreational area, designed as an enclosed activity space exclusively for students. Photos: Barry Fikes.
We always listen to our clients and focus on their needs. Jim Ward, President
Special Amenities in the center include a boutique, a chapel, art therapy, a fitness room, a research center, and a spa atmosphere. The facility also has an MD Anderson Cancer Center affiliation, one of only eight facilities with this distinction in the world. There will also be a future victory garden where patients can celebrate survival The second project is The Ridgecrest Residential Community (RRC) at The University of Alabama; it provides five stories of student housing built on top of a three-story parking deck. The facility has 962 beds contained within 220 separate units, which have apartment-style configurations that include a living room, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, and four bedrooms. The layout of the building on top of the 950-space parking deck creates two large plazas that provide an outdoor space for students. The plazas are appointed with paving patterns, tree planters, and pavilions where students can gather. Indoor amenities include multipurpose spaces for Housing and Residential Communities (HRC) programming; media, game, and laundry rooms; community kitchens; and vending spaces. In addition to designing diverse building types, WSV actively seeks opportunities to implement green design principles at all times. For example, The Faucett Brothers Park Activity Center, done for the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, is designed to achieve LEED certification by the US Green Building Council when it is complete. The 60,000-square-foot facility will provide recreational opportunities for the public and is situated in the center of an 80-acre passive park. WSV’s competitive edge is specifically related to how its representatives communicate with customers.
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“We always listen to our clients and focus on their needs. WSV knows that the next project comes only if you do a good job on the current project—we never lose sight of that,” Ward says. “I enjoy knowing that the people for whom we work have total confidence in our ability to successfully take care of their building design and construction requirements—and always in their best interest.” Another unique aspect of the firm is the varied expertise of WSV’s staff in multiple areas of specialization. “Our senior staff has significant experience in a complementary variety of architectural specialties, at this firm, and at others,” Ward says. As WSV continues to strengthen and grow, Ward has and always will appreciate those talented individuals who have helped him and his business along the way. “I continue to learn each day from the people around me,” he says. “While in collaborative efforts [with] our design team members, as well as [with] our clients to solve problems toward a common goal, I am constantly impressed by the creativity and intelligence of these people.” —Christopher Cussat
Barnett Jones Wilson, LLC Structural Engineers congratulates WSV Architects, Inc. on another successful project DCH Cancer Treatment Center We wish you much continued success!
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Candid Rogers
R Project Details Project: Casa 218 Location: San Antonio, TX Completed: 2006 Designer: Candid Rogers
enowned lecturer Candid Rogers opened his own studio in 2004 after practicing throughout Europe, Latin America, and North America. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas–Austin and now teaches at UT’s San Antonio campus. While Rogers’ portfolio varies from ultra-compact dwellings to urban infill projects, one common thread colors his work: Rogers offers thoughtful designs with respect to both place and environment. While he has worked in both single- and multifamily residential architecture as well as commercial architecture, it is perhaps Rogers’ design for his own residence— Casa 218—that best personifies his evolving style. ABQ: What projects are most important and appealing
to you? Candid Rogers: I enjoy all project types and look forward to the unique opportunities and challenges offered by each project. My work is collaborative with designers, clients, fabricators, and others.
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ABQ: How have you developed your own style? What
ABQ: How were you able to connect the new portion and
defines a Candid Rogers home? CR: I work in a contemporary style with respect to local vernacular traditions. My work is best described as being in and from a particular place in regards to space, light, climate, and the environment.
the existing structure in a seamless way? CR: For the original house, the removal of the plaster and exposing of the caliche limestone walls is an example. This added the quality of the texture and the age in which it was placed there. In the new addition, the metal wall cladding was patterned to reflect the stone coursing and yet contrast with the original structure and material.
ABQ: For your own house in San Antonio, Casa 218, you
added almost 1,000 square feet to the original structure. What did you want to accomplish there? CR: The 1873 home was 500 square feet with a stone basement that was caved in and unused for many years. What existed was a small ruin. I wanted to respect the scale and placement of the original house with my addition, so I sited the new 960-square-foot rear of the existing house to allow for an uninterrupted placement and siting of the original house. The scale and proportions of elements were translated into a new idiom in the new addition. ABQ: What influenced your design choices most? CR: Influences were scale, scale, scale. The intimate scale
of the home had to be preserved.
ABQ: What were the major challenges and solutions
during construction? CR: There was an effort to not replicate the original home but rather respect and contrast it with a different material palette by using regional materials that are respective of their place and connection to the original home. The connection of the roof for the existing and new addition was resolved with two single-sloping shed roofs joining in a single valley, which facilitated the rainwater collection. ABQ: How is this home an ideal example of your design
style? CR: This home reflects the sensitive response given to the unique historic home and its place in the vernacular urban landscape of Texas. ABQ: What is the best part of the finished project? CR: The pleasure is derived from enjoyment and
reflection of both the original structure and new structure in the harmony created through use of spatial connection, materiality, and contrast. My favorite space is the front room of the original house. The scale and proportion of the room is very pleasing, the materials were exposed, and raw light enters from three elevations, making for a constant change of light quality throughout the day. —Zach Baliva
american builders quarterly
Opposite page: Candid Rogers added 960 square feet of space to the back of this 1873 home in San Antonio. Exposed caliche limestone walls and metal wall cladding give distinctive textures to the homeÕs old and new segments. This page: Inside, modern appliances and piping in the kitchen and living room are combined with classic elements such as the wood-beam ceiling. Photos: Chris Cooper.
may/june 2011
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diverse designers Materiality
Wallpaper One of the quickest, easiest ways to dramatically enhance an interior is to replace its sterile white walls with a pattern that pops. These modern designs can help add flair and visual interest to any space, residential or commercial. The wallpapers here, all of them available at wallpapercollective.com, can be printed on either standard woven paper or type-II fabric-backed vinyl paper, which is more durable and perfect for applications in commercial settings. Whether adding flair to a home, restaurant, or retail space, here are a few premier designs to consider for your next interior-design project.
Delight-Water/Peppercorn / modgreenpod.com / Take a step back in time to the Art Nouveau-era of the 1960s with this curved pattern. This Mod Green Pod wallpaper was hand-printed using healthy, eco-friendly non-toxic inks.
Amaze / Julia Rothman / juliarothman.com / This pattern, designed in New York City and screen-printed in Chicago, is made with durable, fade-resistant paper.
Pieces / Julia Rothman / juliarothman.com / This jagged pattern by a Brooklyn-based artist and designer adds an element of texture to any rigidly defined space.
Loops Chalk / Aimee Wilder / aimeewilder.com / This design, conceived in the Williamsburg neighborhood of New York, is muted in tone but still highly engaging because of its curving, criss-crossing pattern. All of designer Aimee Wilder’s paper comes trimmed to minimize waste. 146
may/june 2011
american builders quarterly
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