BOSTON, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today that the new corporate headquarters of Forrester Research, Inc. (FORR) has been certified LEED Platinum for Commercial Interiors by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). MPA provided interior architecture and corporate design services for Forrester's six-story, 190,000 square foot headquarters at Cambridge Discovery Park in Cambridge, Mass. LEED Platinum certification is the highest possible rating from the USGBC, and Forrester's project is one of the few commercial interiors projects in Cambridge to earn the distinction.

A global research and advisory firm, Forrester moved into its headquarters in August 2011. The building overlooks a newly restored "Urban Wild," a naturalistic designed landscape that can be used for recreational purposes. Forrester's office was designed to provide views of nature to everyone: all enclosed rooms are on the interior, and the perimeter windows are accessible to all employees and guests. Factors that contributed to the LEED rating include:

"Our 10-year relationship with MPA has produced our largest and most sustainable design project yet," said Jean Baranowski, vice president of corporate services at Forrester Research. "MPA has created a collaborative and flexible workspace that offers sustainability and a healthy working environment. We are proud of our new corporate headquarters and this well-deserved LEED Platinum distinction."

About Margulies Perruzzi Architects

Consistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and corporate interior for clients who value design. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, search/lab, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. Clients include Manulife/John Hancock, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Reliant Medical Group, Sapient, Hobbs Brook Management and Forrester Research. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.

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Margulies Perruzzi Architects-Designed Forrester Research Headquarters Receives LEED® Platinum Certification

HEATH, TX--(Marketwire -08/21/12)- Fund Architects LLC, (http://www.fundarchitects.com) a provider of dynamic asset allocation portfolios designed for a broad range of investors, today announced that two of its strategies have been added to Transamerica Financial Group's (TFG) approved investment list.

TFG, a division of Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., works with a team of some of the most well known product providers and third-party money managers in the industry, giving its representatives the ability to choose appropriate products and services for their clients' financial circumstances.

Fund Architects has also been approved as an overlay manager for TFG's variable annuity and variable life product offerings.

"We think highly of the team at TFG, and we're particularly pleased to be approved for their advisers," said Keith Reed, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Fund Architects. "Inclusion on such an important platform is another step toward our goal of making independent, quality money management easily accessible to the marketplace."

All Fund Architects portfolios are constructed from a broad universe of exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual fund managers, using fundamental and quantitative analysis. Specific strategies approved for the Transamerica Wealth Management Strategies Platform include:

Fund Architects recently announced it had hired three prominent investment professionals to help direct the firm's asset allocation models. The new team -- co-Chief Investment Officer J.C. Waller, Henry Ma, Ph.D., CFA, and Jun Zhu, Ph.D., CFA -- is working with the firm's president, Burt Snover, who has been leading the Investment Committee since January.

"I think our team's ability to deliver sophisticated asset allocation strategies is second to none," says Mr. Snover, who serves as co-CIO with Mr. Waller. "We're eager to get to work with the financial advisers at TFG."

Fund Architects, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm, employs its allocation models in the design and construction of funds for Separate Accounts, Retirement Management Services, and Private Money Management. The firm's strategies include global macro, strategic global diversification, dynamic allocations, high-quality active fund managers, and alternative or non-correlated strategies.

Launched in 2007, Fund Architects today has relationships with major custodians and clearing firms. Information on the firm's investment strategies is available on the Fund Architects website -- http://www.fundarchitects.com -- or by calling 866-539-4186.

About Fund Architects LLC Fund Architects is a discretionary, fee-based money management firm providing professional asset allocation models and management to financial advisory firms. Headquartered in Texas, the firm has arrangements with Broker/Dealers, Insurance Companies, Qualified Plan Providers, and Registered Investment Advisors around the country. Fund Architects' proprietary asset allocation models are constructed from a broad universe of managers using a fundamental and quantitative analysis to conduct fund selection. Offerings include Separate Accounts, Retirement Management Services, and Private Money Management. For more information, visit http://www.fundarchitects.com.

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Fund Architects Portfolios Approved for Transamerica Wealth Management Strategies(SM) Platform

By Anna Edwards

PUBLISHED: 10:55 EST, 18 August 2012 | UPDATED: 12:12 EST, 18 August 2012

It's the ultimate flatpack to challenge even the keenest DIY enthusiast - a kit of wooden pieces that can be clicked together without nails or concrete to create an entire two-bedroom house.

And if you ever felt like just packing up and moving away - you could do with this home.

Architects created this flat-pack 1,250-square-foot 'property' that can be simply slotted together.

London-based architecture specialist Facit Homes partnered up with a pair of Danish architects to make the impressive villa - which took just six weeks to build.

The ultimate DIY project: The flat pack house can be quickly assembled

Unique! The lightweight home can snap together like Lego blocks

The easy to assemble home is an environmentally friendly alternative to building a new house

The parts were produced in a rapid-prototyping machine, Fast Code Design website reported.

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A real DIY job! The flatpack house you can build yourself

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -08/17/12)- Mortgage Architects would like to announce the recent appointment of Francois Begin as a Mortgage Architect Lead Planner in Quebec City. Francois cited Mortgage Architect's industry leading tools, products, solutions, and professionalism as key reasons for joining.

Francois joins Mortgage Architects from a major bank where he was a mortgage specialist for 4 years. Francois ranks amongst the top 100 specialists in Canada continually keeping abreast of mortgage industry trends and practices. Committed to giving back to his community, Francois was named National President at JCI Canada in 2012. He is also a member of Jeunes Philanthropes de Quebec.

Francois is proud to join the team at Mortgage Architects - his decision to join Mortgage Architects as a Lead Planner is directly linked to his philosophy of providing his clients with the best experience possible.

"By joining Mortgage Architects, I am better equipped to present solutions to my clients that meet their needs. I can offer more competitive rates and will have the best tools on the market to stay in touch and provide them with value-added services. This association will help me establish myself as an industry leader. I am excited to become part of a professional, dedicated and committed team."

Luisa Simonetti, RVP Quebec and Atlantic Canada, is proud to welcome Francois to the ranks of Mortgage Architects. Luisa is convinced that his professionalism, business savvy and the passion for the business will successfully integrate with the industry leaders at Mortgage Architects. Francois has the qualities of an elite advisor and knows how to pinpoint his clients' needs. His energy and attentive qualities make for a very positive mortgage experience. Mortgage Architects provides the tools and support that will undoubtedly create value for Francois, his team and his distinguished clientele.

We are honoured and thrilled to welcome Francois to our Mortgage Architects professional broker network. His passion and dedication will strengthen and grow business in our Quebec market place.

Mortgage Architects is a national mortgage brokerage with a network of brokers across Canada and offices in Toronto, Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, Laval and Halifax.

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Francois Begin Joins the Mortgage Architects Broker Network

(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker speaks outside of the site of the future Utah Performing Arts Center on Main Street Wednesday Aug. 15, 2012. Becker announced that HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will design the Broadway-style theater touted as a regional attraction and key to new vibrancy downtown.The $110 million mega-theater will be designed to draw traveling Broadway musicals.

Contractor Layton Construction will build $110 million project.

It will be the jewel of Main Street but nobody knows what it will look like yet.

Mayor Ralph Becker announced Wednesday that HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will design the Utah Performing Arts Center, touted as the new cultural centerpiece of Salt Lake City.

Layton Construction won the contractor bid on the $110 million project.

The planned 2,500-seat playhouse is intended to attract traveling Broadway musicals and other big shows and complement the citys new retail and finance center just up the street at City Creek Center. Proponents also believe it will attract audiences from beyond the Salt Lake Valley, boosting businesses and sales tax receipts.

"Were here to celebrate an incredible milestone for Salt Lake City and the broader region," Becker said at a press conference at 135 S. Main St. where the mega-theater will be built. "With this new performing arts center, we will expand beyond the horizon to bring live shows who will have a place to perform like we have not had in Salt Lake City."

The mega-theater will take a prominent place on Main Street, the mayor said.

Michael Vela, managing principal with HKS, said form will follow function on the complex facility. And he noted that input from user groups and the public is essential to the design.

"The Utah Performing Arts Center has to work on a day in- and day out-basis," Vela said. "Those are the things that will drive the design."

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HKS Architects tapped to design Salt Lake City downtown theater

Kasian Postioned for Continued Growth and Prosperity in Alberta

EDMONTON , Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd (Kasian), one of Canada's largest global architecture, interior design and planning firms, has entered into an agreement to merge the Edmonton-based practice of HIP Architects into its existing operations.

Originally founded in 1938, Edmonton's HIP Architects has evolved through seven decades of practice to create some of the most recognizable buildings in Alberta's capital city. These include the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and the Sturgeon Community Hospital Expansion. Kasian also has deep roots in Edmonton , with its establishment in the city nearly 30 years ago.

HIP Architects provides consulting services to clients in Edmonton and Northern Alberta, with particular emphasis on the core areas of commercial and retail, conservation, culture and recreation, industrial and medical. Under the terms of this agreement, HIP Partners Stewart Inglis and Randy Krebes will become Principals with Kasian. In addition, fifteen members of HIP staff will transfer to Kasian's Commerce Place headquarters in Edmonton , significantly increasing office capacity and capability. Craig Henderson of HIP will continue in his position as Senior Consultant assisting with business development for emerging key clients and providing design leadership on complex new projects. This merger is the latest strategic growth investment for Kasian, building on the company's established track record of disciplined and pragmatic expansion.

Combined, Kasian and HIP Architects offer over a hundred years of design experience and share a strong common culture. "Both companies have an established customer-focused delivery approach, with a desire to serve clients with passion, energy and commitment. This merger will enable us to continue providing sustainable, community-based solutions for clients, and an excellent platform of growth for our employees," commented Randy Krebes, Principal with HIP Architects.

Both Kasian and HIP Architects are recognized as industry leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which facilitates new ways of technical collaboration, drawing production and coordination. The two companies also share a joint commitment to an established and dynamic mentoring program, which ensures that staff are guided by senior members of the firm to ensure consistency of design and delivery.

"We are committed to maintaining a large presence in Edmonton , the birthplace of our company. This merger allows two excellent organizations to better leverage their collective talents and address significant market opportunities" noted Don Kasian, President of Kasian. "Together we will continue to provide an attractive and exciting company for our employees and seek new opportunities to grow the Kasian brand throughout Alberta" concluded Jim Ebbels,Kasian's Managing Senior Principal in Edmonton .

About Kasian

Kasian is one of the leading 100 architecture, interior design and planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver , Edmonton , Calgary , Toronto , Abu Dhabi and Shanghai . Our goal is to harness the collective expertise and imagination of our global team of innovative professionals to find feasible solutions to the complex questions posed by our clients. We employ an integrated, collaborative approach to design to create exceptional places and sustainable environments for people everywhere. Our award-winning projects range from the most advanced children's hospital in the world, to master plans for the most densely populated cities on the planet. Kasian's landmark projects in Edmonton include the new Epcor Tower on Station Lands and the redevelopment of the Federal Building and new public plaza which will create an enduring expression of Alberta's history and future interests. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.kasian.com. To learn more about HIP Architects, please visit http://www.hiparchitects.com

SOURCE: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

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Edmonton's HIP Architects to Merge with Kasian

Downtown Three city firms in running to design Utah Performing Arts Center.

It probably wont be a duet. But Nicole Parker, the green witch from the Broadway musical "Wicked," will perform alongside Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker on Wednesday when he announces the architects who will design the mega-theater planned for Main Street.

It isnt likely that Becker will warble Glindas part in "Defying Gravity," like the good witch does with Parkers Elphaba in "Wicked." In fact, a city news release says shell belt out instead a solo of "The Wizard and I."

Announcement set

Meanwhile, Becker will make known the city-based firm that won out to design the $110 million venue to be located between 100 South and 200 South.

The finalists announced in May are: Architectural Nexus, in conjunction with H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; GSBS Architects in conjunction with Pfeiffer Partners Architects; and HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.

Renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who put his stamp on downtown with the design of the citys showcase Main Library, failed to make the list of finalists for the theater project.

In all, 14 firms had applied for the job to shape the planned 2,500-seat Utah Performing Arts Center, which is expected to attract traveling Broadway shows such as "Wicked." The mayor and the citys Redevelopment Agency tout the planned playhouse as key to spreading downtowns renaissance.

The city has invited Salt Lake County to partner on the project. The County Council is weighing the proposed $28.2 million buy-in. The price tag comes attached to an operating agreement for the county that would split profits 50-50 up to $2 million. It also would pay the county $600,000 a year to mitigate impacts to the Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall and Rose Wagner Theater, which the county operates.

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Becker to announce mega-theater architects

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith and County Mayor Jim Coppinger selected TWH Architects for the new East Brainerd Elementary School last week, and now they're asking the County Commission and school board to approve their selection.

Seven commissioners voted in June to halt the architect selection process until the schools disclosed plans for the current East Brainerd Elementary site. The schools are pushing to have the school designed, built and open in the fall of 2014.

Since then, a list of 13 applicants was narrowed to three finalists, and Smith and Coppinger chose TWH Architects.

"It was the consensus of the people that listened to all the interviews and presentations," Coppinger said Monday. He said TWH's local reputation weighed into the decision.

"They've done some outstanding work in the past," he said.

With continued growth in East Hamilton County, Smith said it's increasingly urgent to get to work on the new school. He said today's release of school-by-school first-day enrollment figures will show that crowding continues at East Brainerd Elementary.

"That will again indicate the importance of us getting busy in the eastern part of the county," he said.

The selection was added as a late item to the County Commission agenda for Wednesday.

Tim Boyd, the commissioner who made the motion to stop the architect selection, said he still wants an answer about the current school site.

"I don't mind using the architect," said Boyd, who served on a committee that chose the three finalists. "I will be asking the question again: what, if any, plans do you have for the sale of the current East Brainerd property?. I'll be asking [assistant superintendent for facilities] Gary Waters and Rick Smith that again. I want them on public record to tell us what their answer is."

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Architects for East Brainerd school need final OK

HEATH, TX--(Marketwire -08/09/12)- Fund Architects LLC, a provider of dynamic asset allocation portfolios designed for a broad range of investors, has released a summary report on the current state of Chinese investment markets.

"A Conversation on China" is one of Fund Architects BLUEPRINTS FOR BETTER INVESTING series. The report was authored by the firm's Chief Market Strategist, Dr. Henry Ma -- a native of Southern China -- who recently visited with executives at local banks and other financial institutions in mainland China to gain an 'on-the-ground' perspective of the country's ongoing economic miracle.

With stops in virtually all the nation's major economic and political centers across a four-week period, including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, Dr. Ma brought back a timely point of view on the issues China is currently facing and how they might play into a global asset allocation strategy.

"China is facing a number of big challenges these days, and a global investor needs firsthand knowledge of these challenges if he or she intends to stay on top of returns," says Keith Reed, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Fund Architects. "I can't imagine anyone better equipped to analyze the state of the Chinese investment markets than Henry."

Reed says that as a result of Dr. Ma's comprehensive view of the marketplace, Fund Architects is able to allocate a distinct portion of its investment models to Chinese investments. In addition, the firm plans to introduce an Asian-only strategy to its lineup of strategic global diversification strategies sometime this quarter.

Dr. Ma, who is a member of the Fund Architects Investment Committee, earned BA and MA degrees in Finance and Economics from Beijing University before coming to the U.S. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University. Now a resident of Boston, Dr. Ma maintains a large circle friends and family in China.

"I'm convinced that on-the-ground insight into China is important to form a long-term investment thesis and gain conviction," says Dr. Ma. "Newspapers and research reports too often have biased views from the authors."

For a copy of "A Conversation on China," call Keith Reed at 866-539-4186.

About Fund Architects LLC Fund Architects is a discretionary, fee-based money management firm providing professional asset allocation models and management to financial advisory firms. Headquartered in Texas, the firm has arrangements with Broker/Dealers, Insurance Companies, Qualified Plan Providers, and Registered Investment Advisors around the country. Fund Architects' proprietary asset allocation models are constructed from a broad universe of managers using a fundamental and quantitative analysis to conduct fund selection. Offerings include Separate Accounts, Retirement Management Services, and Private Money Management. For more information, visit http://www.fundarchitects.com.

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New Report From Fund Architects Takes "Up Close and Personal" Look at the Chinese Investment Markets

DALLAS, Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IA Interior Architects (IA) is pleased to announce that Michel L. Hurst, IIDA, RID, Jason Franz, and Amanda Stokowski, LEED AP have joined the firm's Dallas office.

Michel L. Hurst, a Project Manager, has 18 years of experience in corporate interiors and has worked with clients such as Liberty Mutual, Ryan Inc., and Marcus & Millichap. Michel is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Interior Design through Savannah College of Art and Design.

Jason Franz joins IA from Jones Commercial Interiors, where he served as a Designer. In Jason's new role with IA, he will work closely with IA Dallas's design team as a Project Designer.

Amanda Stokowski recently graduated from Texas Christian University and worked as a Sales Assistant for Knoll prior to joining IA. Amanda's new role at IA is Junior Designer.

"We are so fortunate to have these exceptional individuals joining us to expand our Dallas office. Each brings a unique set of talents and skills, which will help us continue to provide the best possible service to our clients," said Frances Bruns, Managing Director.

About IA Interior Architects

Founded in 1984, IA Interior Architects is the first and largest global architectural firm focused exclusively on interior architecture and workplace strategies. IA helps clients in diverse markets worldwide align their business strategies and core values with the dynamic use of space. IA has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, London, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, Raleigh, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Washington, DC and has partner affiliates in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia and Australia, Canada, and Latin America through the IA Global Alliance. For more information, visit http://www.interiorarchitects.com.

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IA Interior Architects Expands its Dallas Team