How to Succeed in Architecture: Project Architects #39; Best Practices
How to Succeed in Architecture: Project Architects #39; Best Practices.

By: Novedge

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How to Succeed in Architecture: Project Architects' Best Practices - Video

A team of architects from the firm ACI Boland gave the Jefferson City Public Schools a C letter grade, in an appraisal they recently did for the districts Long Range Facilities Planning Committee which met Thursday night.

The districts elementary schools performed marginally better than its secondary schools, but both sets were rated satisfactory overall by the architects who used a rating system suggested by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International.

Michael Kautz, principal architect, said he and a colleague toured all the districts facilities, meeting mainly with principals, to gather their concerns. He said the appraisal tool essentially a scorecard is subjective, but used all over the country to evaluate school buildings.

Were comparing these facilities to new buildings that are being designed today, he noted.

Among the districts 11 elementary schools, only one Pioneer Trail was deemed excellent and eight were deemed satisfactory.

But West Elementary School and East Elementary School are teetering on the border between being acceptable and unacceptable, earning scores of 60.7 and 57.4 respectively.

(Interestingly, within Jefferson City, the two schools perform at opposite ends of the states accountability standards spectrum, with West Elementary earning 97 percent of the points the state awards for academic achievement and attendance and East Elementary earning 52.9 percent.)

The Southwest Early Childhood Center is considered a special building. It earned a 77 rating and was deemed satisfactory.

Among the citys six secondary institutions, the architects consider three of those buildings satisfactory and three of them borderline.

The older the buildings were, the worse they performed. The three borderline schools were Simonsen 9th Grade Center, the Jefferson City Academic Center (JCAC) Building and Jefferson City High School.

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JC school facilities graded as 'C' or satisfactory

MONTPELIER -- The American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter (AIAVT) has announced the winners of its 2013 Annual Design Awards Program, awarding its Citation Award to Benningtons Centerline Architects & Planners.

Six projects -- including three "farmhouses" and a farm stand -- were recognized for design excellence by a jury of architects from the Boston Society of Architects that viewed 39 entries submitted by AIAVT member architects.

Centerline Architects & Planners, P.C., of Bennington received a Citation Award for "Down on the Farm," a collection of Salem, N.Y. structures dating back to 1840-1880 that now include a renovated farmhouse, dairy barn, and stable. Wherever possible, materials were salvaged and reused or repurposed -- including doors, floor planks, slate roof tiles, and marble. Jurors said, "There was a high level of creative thought about the existing buildings. Smart decisions were made, right down to the paint color. Structures were preserved and enhanced to remain sensitive to the farms history."

Middlebury-based McLeod Kredell Architects received two awards, including the Honor Award for a 1700-square-foot residence built for $283,000 on the recently subdivided Foote Farm, outside Middlebury. The jury, especially impressed with the outcome given the relatively modest budget, which included site work, said, "The building is quite beautiful and the relationship between inside and outside is very strong. It is beautifully sited and the materials have been combined to create a distinct sense of place. While there is a feel of traditional architecture, the work does not copy."

McLeod Kredell Architects also received a special category Collaborative Student Project Award for "Island Farm Stand," designed and built completely in the span of just one week with Marvel Architects, New York, N.Y., and eight architecture students from three colleges, including Middlebury College. The jury was impressed with the fact that participants came together on remote Bear Island in Penobscot Bay, ME, to construct a 160-square-foot structure on a materials budget of under $2,000. The farm stand will be used by a local school whose students will sell produce harvested from the school farm.

A Guilford "Sound Studio and Residence" project that included the restoration of an 1800s farmhouse was recognized with a Merit Award. The two-structure project was designed by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects of New York, NY. "These two buildings walk the line of being simple, but beautifully done," said jurors. "There is a lot more work here than initially meets the eye. This is a simple yet elegant solution; even though it was fussed over, it doesnt feel that way." Brattleboro builder David Ross led construction of the Sound Studio and Guilford builder Shaun Murphy managed the restoration of the residence.

The Shelburne Museums Pizzigalli Center for Art and Education earned the Boston-based firm of Ann Beha Architects a Merit Award. About the project, by PC Construction of Williston, jurors said, "The center is modern and sensitive with a wonderful palette of materials that are harmonious with the site. The building responds well to Route 7 on one side and the other museum buildings on the other side. The building captures the spirit of Vermont without being too reverential."

The Welcome and Admissions Center at Roger H. Perry Hall at Champlain College garnered a Merit Award for Goody Clancy & Associates of Boston and contractor Engelberth Construction of Colchester. Champlain College Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration David Provost said, "In college admissions, first impressions are everything."

The college wanted a building that would immediately represent to a prospective student the progressive kind of educational opportunities the College provides, he explained. "Goody Clancy was up to challenge."

The jurors said, "The Welcome Center deals well with sustainability. The project respects the historic nature of the existing building and neighborhood and is very well integrated into the landscape.The project is also well refined and controlled while still taking some risks."

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Bennington firm among Vermont Architecture Awards winners

How is this possible? The American Institute of Architects, the largest and most influential architecture organization in the country, had never, ever awarded a Gold Medalits highest honor, which it has been bestowing upon architects since 1907to a woman. Until now.

I only really have one question here.

The woman in question is no doubt worthy: Julia Morgan was the first female architect licensed in California and had a long and influential career, designing over 700 buildings. She is best known as the designer of Hearst Castle, collaborating for 28 years with the mercurial William Randolph Hearst.

Hearst with Morgan at the site of La Cuesta Encantada, better known as Hearst Castle, in 1926, photo by Irvin Willat

But she also designed dozens of YWCAs in California, including the the Asilomar conference center near Monterey; many private homes; and the gorgeous (and currently vacant) Los Angeles Examiner Building in downtown L.A. She majored in civil engineering at Berkeley and was an early expert in reinforced concrete construction methods, which came in especially handy after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The Oakland YWCA, designed by Morgan in 1915, photo by Sanfranman59

It was a female AIA board member, Julia Dohono, who nominated Morgan after realizing the Gold Medal had never gone to a woman. She nominated Morgan because she felt that the organization needed to go back and recognize Gold Medal-quality women who were "overlooked," she tells Karrie Jacobs in Architect.

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The AIA Finally Gave A Medal To A Female Architect. She Died In 1957.

Tulsa, OK (PRWEB) December 19, 2013

KSQ Architects recently named new associates representing leadership across three of the firms offices in New York, Oklahoma and Texas.

Blake Auchincloss, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, was named an associate. He serves as a project architect in the firms New York office, providing more than 25 years of expertise and leadership in all project phases, from business development to construction administration for a wide range of projects including multi-family housing, educational and institutional. Mr. Auchincloss holds a bachelors degree from Williams College and a master of architecture from Columbia University. He joined KSQ in 2012.

Scott Dunning, AIA, LEED AP O+M, was named an associate. Scott serves as a senior project manager in the firms Texas office, providing more than 20 years of experience in the areas of sustainable construction as well as contract documents and construction administration. His project type expertise includes K-12 schools, university student residential and dining facilities, healthcare, luxury hotels and casinos. Mr. Dunning holds a bachelors degree in architecture from the University of Texas and joined KSQ in 2011.

Chester Ehrig was named a senior associate. Mr. Ehrig serves as the firms director of design, providing design development leadership for projects across all four KSQ offices. He is passionate about creating innovative buildings with aesthetics matched equally by functionality. Mr. Ehrig offers more than 30 years of expertise in a wide range of project types including educational facilities, corporate offices, multifamily housing, museums and private residences. He joined KSQ in 2003.

Juana Gomez, Associate AIA, was named an associate. Ms. Gomez serves as a project manager in the firms Oklahoma office, working with such clients as Texas Christian University and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She offers 15 years of expertise specializing in both educational and healthcare projects. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of Zulia in Venezuela and a masters degree from Florida International University. Ms. Gomez is a member of the Project Management Institute and joined the firm in 2009.

Leisa McNulty, AIA, was named an associate. Ms. McNulty serves as project designer and project architect in the firms Oklahoma office on various KSQ projects including Tulsa Public Schools, Undercroft Montessori School, the University of Central Oklahoma and Rogers State University. Her 25-years of project expertise includes educational facilities, urban planning and historic preservation. Ms. McNulty joined KSQ in 2007 and holds a bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma. She currently serves on the professional advisory board for the OU College of Architecture.

Monica Roberts was named an associate. Ms. Roberts serves as communications manager for the firm, providing more than 17 years of expertise and leadership in the areas of marketing, public relations, business development and strategic planning. Her background includes expertise in account management, presentations, copywriting, campaign development and media relations. Ms. Roberts works in in the firms Oklahoma office and holds a bachelor of arts in English from Oklahoma Christian University. She joined KSQ in 2012 and is a member of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS).

Doug Willim was named an associate. Mr. Willim serves as a project architect and provides more than 30 years of in-depth expertise in the creation of quality construction documents for all KSQ offices nationwide. His expertise includes creating documentation standards for educational facilities as well as national retail and hospitality projects. Mr. Willim holds a Bachelor of Arts in architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma and joined KSQ in 2012.

Leslie Zimmerman was named director of operations and human resources. Ms. Zimmerman oversees all aspects of financial management and human resources for the firm. Her expertise includes revenue analysis and maintaining operating budgets as well as administration of employee benefits. Ms. Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. She joined the firm in 2009.

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KSQ Architects Announces Promotions

Margulies Perruzzi Architects Holiday Video 2013
Everyone here is a kid at heart.

By: Margulies Perruzzi

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Margulies Perruzzi Architects Holiday Video 2013 - Video

Austin-Based Architects Design and Build Better With Box
Andersson-Wise Architects is a fantastic example of how small organizations everywhere are using Box to speed up production, share their vision and work more...

By: box

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Austin-Based Architects Design and Build Better With Box - Video

Four firms present ideas in design competition for Whitefish city hall, parking structure

A partial rendering from one of the four proposed new Whitefish City Hall designs. | Image courtesy of MMW Architects

In 2011, the council established the steering committee to help usher the divisive project to fruition. The project was approved only after a months-long process during which council members clashed over fundamental differences about whether using a full city block in downtown Whitefish is an appropriate use of the property.

The $11.5 million project passed after Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of building at the current city hall location.

The committee includes Muhlfeld, a city council member, city staff, a licensed architect, members of the public and representatives from the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of Whitefish downtown support group.

These presentations are very early concepts and are just one part of the selection process for an architect for City Hall, City Manager Chuck Stearns said. The final design might not look anything like any of these presentations and there will be public involvement in the design process.

Last year, the city rolled out conceptual drawings about what the facility could look like, but the final design choice will determine where the entrances to city hall and the parking structure will be set. The number of parking spots will range from 190 to 265 depending on the layout; a study showed the need for 200 additional downtown parking spaces during periods of high demand and congestion in the downtown area.

A new City Hall building has been in the cards for Whitefish since 1987 when it was identified as a priority in an urban renewal plan. In 2005, a downtown master plan also specified the need for a new facility.

Whitefish city employees are spread out across several locations and the existing building is outmoded, according to the downtown master plan. The city looked at remodeling the existing building, but it wasnt logistical or financially feasible due to structural deficiencies.

More information is available at the city of Whitefish website at http://www.whitefish.govoffice.com. Project-specific information can be found by clicking on Committees, Boards and Commissions and selecting Future City Hall Ad Hoc Steering Committee.

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Architects Contend for Whitefish City Hall Project

Tom Liebel, Mark Thomas Architects: VRF Benefits

By: MitsubishiHVAC

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Tom Liebel, Mark Thomas Architects: VRF Benefits - Video

Tom Liebel, Mark Thomas Architects: Design Challenges
Tom Liebel discusses the design considerations for the Union Mill project.

By: MitsubishiHVAC

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Tom Liebel, Mark Thomas Architects: Design Challenges - Video