Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) October 01, 2014

John and Anne Adams have followed their dream and recently opened the doors to their new architecture firm, Adams Architecture, based in Seattle, WA. The Adams duo has worked in the Seattle area since 2001, achieving acclaim and a solid client base while practicing with Stuart Silk Architects. Annes work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, Southern Accents and Luxe Interiors + Design, and Johns innovative commercial designs have been featured in Interior Design magazine. John is one of the Seattle areas leading providers of dental architectural services.

The pair decided that the time was right to join forces and create an architectural firm that combines their diverse talents.

The fact that we have both residential and commercial design experience is unique in the industry, says John. We can bring elements of commercial design into a residential project where that makes sense, as well as creating moments of residential refinement within commercial projects.

Both John and Anne value the relationships theyve built up with both clients and construction companies over the years, and strive to find the best possible fit on each project. Its a partnership between the architect, the client and the builder, comments Anne. It has to work well, because youre working with each other for long periods of time: years in some instances.

This attention to detail is very much appreciated by clients. Geoff and Kathy Osler started working with Anne in 2004 when she designed a new third floor for their 1929 Tudor home that seamlessly integrates with the exterior. At the same time, the entire kitchen was remodeled. When we first met, it was immediately apparent that Anne just got us, and understood everything we were trying to do, says Geoff. Anne has also worked with the Oslers on a complete interior remodel, and the team is now embarking on their latest project: a glass and steel deck, blending modern and traditional. Anne and John handle projects all the way to completion and thats a great asset, says Kathy. It makes the entire process quicker and more effective in the long run.

Linda David, another happy client, echoes the Oslers sentiments.

John was the project manager and designer of many of the most unique elements of our residential retreat in the mountains. John worked closely with us to stay on track according to our schedule and budget. He kept in contact so we were always aware of what was happening and he responded immediately when we had questions. His communications skills are outstanding and were critical to the success of our project.

Design is an ongoing dialog for us, says Anne. The benefit of working together as husband and wife is that we are always talking back and forth about projects and sharing ideas. Its not work, its our passion.

John and Anne are both active in the community and are avid supporters of the Kirkland Arts Center, a building on the National Historic Register. John donates his time to serve on the Kirkland Arts Centers Facilities Committee as they embark on an ambitious multi-year renovation of the building. In addition, he provides pro-bono design services for The Elizabeth Gregory House, a womens shelter in Seattle. Anne has served on the board at the Henry Art Galley at the University of Washington.

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New Architecture Firm, Adams Architecture, Opens for Business in Seattle, WA

Shares of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. ( APOG ) have gained since the company reported second-quarter fiscal 2015 results on Sep 16, trading in the above $40 range in contrast to the prior $30 range. The upbeat results led the shares to gain 8% in a day, hitting a 52-week high of $39.49 on Sep 17. The shares have amassed 39% year-to-date return.

This leader in technologies for design and development of value-added glass products, services and systems, reported a 67% year-over-year improvement in earnings per share to 35 cents in the quarter aided by a strong architectural market. Earnings also benefitted from an IRS 48C energy-efficiency investment tax credit, with startup and commercial production of coatings on the new architectural glass coater.

Backlog increased across the board and was at the highest level in the last 6 years at $480 million. Approximately 59% of the backlog or $285 million, is expected to be delivered in fiscal 2015 and the balance 41% or around $195 million in fiscal 2016 and beyond.

In addition, based on the robust bidding activity, the company guided revenue growth in a range of 20% (up from the previous 15% to 20% range) and earnings per share in the range of $1.62 to $1.72 for fiscal 2015.

During the conference call, Apogee's Chief Financial Officer, Jim S. Porter, pointed out that Apogee's architectural businesses are gaining share as revenues for all of them increased 34%. Organic growth at 25% was well above the expected 10% market growth this year. The architectural markets have strengthened earlier than anticipated by the company; hence it is experiencing some costs and ramp up to meet demand. Porter mentioned that gross margin for the year will be 22% to 23%, down from the previous outlook of 23%, due to these factors.

Apogee's Chief Executive Officer, Joe F. Puishys, stated that strong results so far along with a growing backlog and strength in architectural markets has set the momentum for improved results in 2015. Puishys added that this is a stepping stone to achieving the company's previously-stated goal of $1 billion in revenues and 10% operating margin by the end of fiscal 2016.

Regarding capacity additions, Puishys mentioned that Apogee has reopened its Architectural Glass facility in Utah. The facility, which has been closed since Apr 2013, will resume operations by Jan 2015. This will help the company to meet the growing demand for Architectural Glass. Apogee will also expand its Architectural Finishing facility in Wausau, WI by the second half of fiscal 2016. This will add more than 50% capacity to a critical growth operation.

Coming to the segments, Puishys pointed out that Viracon architectural glass fabrication business, in its Architectural Glass segment, continues to benefit from the U.S. tall-building sector, which is at its peak since 2007. The segment continues to benefit from improved operating leverage and pricing.

In the Architectural Framing Systems segment, the U.S. storefront business will benefit from the recently announced price increases and will continue to be a profit driver for Apogee moving forward. Despite delivering a decline in revenues and profits in the second quarter, Puishys remains positive that demand for the Large-Scale Optical segment will pick up in the third quarter for holiday picture framing glass and acrylic requirements.

Puishys is confident that the company will outperform its commercial construction markets. He highlighted that McGraw Hill Financial, Inc. ( MHFI ) has increased to approximately 10% for the fiscal year. Furthermore, the Architectural Billing Index is at its highest level since 2007, delivering consistent monthly gains in the last 24 months. Despite the weak start in Canada, commercial construction markets are now expected to grow for the rest of the year. Moreover, Apogee's Canada backlog is now at a historical high.

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Apogee (APOG) Gains on Architectural Market Strength - Analyst Blog

Ryan Cos. US Inc.s 222 Hennepin Project, an apartment complex anchored by a Whole Foods store, won the NAIOP Minnesota Award of Excellence in the mixed-use category. (File photo: Bill Klotz)

The NAIOP Minnesota commercial real estate group recognized 11 of the years best projects during its Awards of Excellence ceremony Thursday.

The ceremony at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis united professionals from brokerage firms, construction companies, banks, architecture and design firms and development companies. A cross-section of members played in an eight-member band called the NAIOPs.

Doug Fulton, executive director of brokerage services for Cushman & Wakefield/NorthMarq, said the nominees and many other developers in the room delivered projects that clients and investors want in the high-demand Twin Cities market.

Ryan also won the award for industrial build-to-suit for the Shutterfly Inc. facility at 5005 Dean Lakes Boulevard in Shakopee. (File photo: Bill Klotz)

He pointed to several encouraging signs like medical office development at an all-time high, 2 million square feet of industrial space currently in development, more than 6,500 multifamily units built this year, and a new level of interest in Minneapolis-St. Paul from the investment capital market.

In the midst of all this demand, our industry and our market is fortunate to have some of the best developers and real estate professionals in the U.S., Fulton said.

Eva Stevens, vice president of asset management for Bloomington-based United Properties, was the 2014 recipient of the Presidents Award the associations highest honor. Stevens was recognized for her role in the industry, leadership in NAIOP and service to the community.

United Properties renovation of the Loose-Wiles Building at 701 Washington Ave. N. in the North Loop neighborhood won a NAIOP award for renovations larger than 100,000 square feet. (File photo: Bill Klotz)

TCF Bank Chairman and CEO Bill Cooper touched on some trends shaping the future of the commercial real estate industry during a keynote address.

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NAIOP Minnesota honors top local projects

Please join us in the Commission Chambers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2014. The meeting opens with five special presentations:

Employee recognition Certificates of Appreciation to be presented to Paola Villa, Building Department Manager, and Police Officer Tifany Stephenson.

A proclamation to be presented proclaiming September, 2014 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Sunny Isles Beach.

A presentation honoring the City of Sunny Isles Beach with the Government Finance Officers Assoc. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2012/2013.

A special presentation to former City Commissioners Roslyn Brezin and Gerry Goodman for their dedicated services to the City of Sunny Isles Beach.

A special presentation to Vice Mayor Aelion by the Brazilian Soccer Team.

THERE WILL BE ONE ZONING HEARING:

Request of Palazzo Di Acqualina for property located at 17901 Collins Avenue for site plan approval for a 51-story residential condominium with 190 units, utilization of public TDRs for 15,797 square feel of floor area and zero dwelling units, an extension of 48 additional months to pull a building permit, from the date of expiration of the development order based upon site plan approval and request for use of graphics and murals on a temporary construction fence.

THERE ARE TWO ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING:

Amending Chapter 156, Article I, of the Code of Ordinances entitled Fees, Miscellaneous, to create expedited, specialized permitting services for interior remodeling.

Go here to read the rest:
The City Commission Agenda

The UPS Store is increasing its 3D printing services to almost 100 locations across the US.

In collaboration with Stratasys, UPS was the first nationwide retailer to launch 3D print services in-store last year. Now,following the success of six pilot locations along with a continuing demand, small business and retail customers now have easier access to professional 3D printing services.

UPS Store VP of Sales and Marketing Michelle Van Slyke said: We launched the pilot to evaluate if there was demand for high-quality, professional 3D printing andareexcited to be announcing an expansion.

During the pilot programme, small businesses, startups, inventors, artists and other professionals used the services, which include print functional prototypes, custom accessories, jigs and fixtures manufacture and the ability to build architectural models using a Stratasys professional grade 3D printer.

There are significant differences between home 3D printers and professional 3D printers, said Daniel Remba,SmallBusinessTechnologyLeader at The UPS Store.

Many of the challenging and time-consuming steps used to prepare a simpler printer are fully automated on the Stratasys printer, leading to added precision and reliability, higher print quality and a success rate that is unmatched by a home printer.

Watch Daniel Remba discussing3D printing:

San Diego (CA), USA

Tags: 3D printers , 3D printing , Stratasys , UPS Store

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Editor's choice

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 23, 2014

The JM Internet Group, the leader in online SEO training, is proud to announce that Jason McDonald has successfully concluded his September, 2014, training on SEO in Austin, Texas, for photographers. The training was focused on the issues of Internet promotion for Austin-based photographers but was open to the general public. While the attendance was small, the group was extremely focused and consisted of Austin photographers ranging from those specializing in weddings to commercial photographers to architectural photographers and beyond. The workshop was concluded just one week prior to Dr. McDonalds online SEO course, which is available to anyone anywhere with a computer and Internet access.

SEO, of course, is the art and science of positioning ones company at the top of search engines, explained Jason McDonald, director of the JM Internet Group. While these sessions focused on the needs of photographers in the Austin, Texas, area, the tactics and tools explained are of wide use to the general small business public. With our upcoming online trainings in SEO, weve made it easy for small businesses and marketers who are not located in the Austin area to partake in the knowledge of SEO.

For more information please visit http://www.jm-seo.org/. There one can learn about the services of the JM Internet Group, including their upcoming seven-part course in search engine optimization. Please note that that course kicks off with a no-cost introductory webinar on Friday, September 26, 2014 interested parties can register online.

Austin SEO Training for Photographers: Workshop Agenda

The workshop was divided into three separate sessions. Session #1 explained the basics of search engine optimization, with a keen eye to the special needs of photographers as well as others in the Texas small business community. Session #2 focused on local SEO an issue of importance to both photographers and any local business in Austin, Texas. Session #2 also explained Yelp optimization issues. Session #3 focused on image optimization, namely how to get images to appear in Google searches and how to use those images for not only SEO but as a tool to attract new business. Though focused on the needs of photographers, any Texas business that has an interest in SEO would have benefited from these sessions, and is encouraged to participate in the forthcoming online version of Dr. McDonalds SEO training, beginning September 30, 2014. About JM Internet Group

The JM Internet Group provides SEO, Social Media Marketing, and Google AdWords training and courses for busy marketers and businesspeople. Online search engine optimization training helps explain keywords, page tags, link building strategies and other techniques needed to climb to the top of search engine rankings for Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The teaching methodology is hands on, with live examples and discussions, taught from the convenience of each students computer.

Contact: JM Internet Group, Media Relations Web. http://www.jm-seo.org/ Email. jm.internetgroup(at)gmail(dot)com Tel. +1-510-713-2150

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Successful Austin SEO Training for Photographers Concluded, Announces JM Internet Group

Making a great leap forward, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, the new commercial paradise situated in the historic fortress of the renowned world heritage city of Galle was declared opened for public on Saturday.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest. Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the driving force behind urban development was also present at the event.

Chief Guest, President Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion amidst the distinguished guests at the entrance and also visited the shops during the session.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the officials and other personnel who contributed their valuable services towards the successful completion of the project by the President. Musical and dance performances mixed with cultural features enthralled the invitees in the intervening time.

Located in the renowned Galle Fort, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dutch Hospital is an iconic structure that was originally built by the Portuguese and later developed by the Dutch. Today, the Galle Dutch Hospital has been transformed in to an attractive shopping mall just similar to the one in Colombo Fort.

In accordance with the heritage buildings development project, steps were taken to renovate the historical buildings in the Galle Fort under the directions of the Defence Secretary. Thereupon, plans were drawn to give this exclusive fortress a facelift while entrusting 10th Engineering Service Regiment of Sri Lanka Army with the construction duties. Combining the expertise of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Army, internal ambiance blends with modern facilities has been developed while retaining its original architectural designs.

The astonishing shopping complex has eight shops on the ground and 10 on the first floor. Comprised with gems and jewellery shops, tea and spice shops, antiques collectibles shops and classy food and beverage serving restaurants, it would definitely entice a large number of tourists to the venue. It is also an ideal setting to spend leisure time and buy souvenirs while enjoying the real Sri Lankan spirit.

The Southern Expressway, Sri Lankas first highway linking the Colombo with the historic city of Galle has currently reduced the time spent to travel to an hour.

Ministers, Galle Chief Minister, Parliamentarians, Galle Governor and the Mayor, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Commanders, Provincial Councillors, UDA Chairperson and the Director General, Project Architect, Senior State Officials and a large gathering were also present at the event.

defence.lk

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Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, the new commercial paradise

(PRWEB) September 21, 2014

According to a new market research report "Smart Glass market by technology (Electrochromics, SPD, Liquid Crystal, Microblinds, Thermographic and Photochromics), by application (Architectural, Transportation, Solar power generation, Electronics & others), by geography - Global Forecast to 2014 - 2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, the value of Smart glass market was worth $1581.4 Million in 2013, and is expected to reach $5814 Million by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 20% from 2014 to 2020.

Browse 131 market data Tables and 76 Figures spread through 520 Pages on "Smart Glass market - Global Forecast to 2020". http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/smart-glass-market-907.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

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"Smart Glass" is also known as "Switchable glass". It is a kind of glass which changes its light transmission properties when provided with stimulus such as light, voltage or heat. In its application to windows, smart glass is also referred as 'Smart windows' which can control the amount of light passing through them. When activated, the glass changes from transparent to translucent, blocking some or all wavelengths of light. In this way, a chromogenic smart window responds to heat, light and voltage.

"Smart Glass" from its early introduction in 1986, has evolved enormously and witnessed a commercialization after 2000. Traditionally, applications of Smart Glass were limited to a few experimental projects but now potential applications of Smart Glass has reached various sectors such as architectural, transportation, power generation (solar) and electronics & others.

The architectural segment is recognized as a major market for smart glass. Due to its ability to allow or block the light and (thereby heat), smart glass has been increasingly used in commercial and residential buildings in the form of windows, doors, sky lights, partitions and so on. In addition, transportation sector (automotive, bus/rail, aerospace, marine) is another significant market which holds the potential for growth, in terms of demand, for smart glass. Adoption of "smart windows" in aviation sector is started by Boeing Company. This aviation player used smart windows in 787 Dreamliner aircraft to offer passengers customize luxurious experience. In order to further analyze the integration of smart windows in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, a case study based on the same is included in this report.

The technological development is expected to lead the growth of smart glass in various commercial applications. Smart glass technologies covered in this report are, Thermochromic, Suspended particle device (SPD), Electrochromic (EC), Liquid crystal (LC)/ Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), Photochromic and so on. In addition to this, the latest, emerging smart glass technology 'Micro blinds' are analyzed.

It is expected that in the coming years, healthcare sector will adopt smart glass products in order to achieve healthy and natural ambience in cost efficient manner. Need of energy efficient products, presence of key industry players will continue to be the driving factors for making Americas and Europe as the major market places for smart glass. Also, APAC and RoW are expected to show rapid growth in coming years due to the presence of developing economies such as China and India.

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Smart Glass Market by Technology Projected to Reach $5814 Million by 2020 New Report by MarketsandMarkets

Shares of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. ( APOG ) rose 1.8% as the company reported second-quarter fiscal 2015 adjusted earnings of 35 cents per share, which increased 67% from the prior-year quarter and also came ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents per share. The year-over-year growth mainly resulted from a strong architectural market. Earnings also benefited from an IRS 48C energy-efficiency investment tax credit, with startup and commercial production of coatings on the new architectural glass coater, as announced last month.

On a reported basis, earnings were 57 cents per share, improving a whopping 171% from 21 cents in the year-ago quarter. Apogee's earnings included a benefit of 22 cents from tax credit in the reported quarter, while the prior-year comparable quarter had no one-time items.

Total revenue increased 30% year over year to $231.9 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $213 million.

Operational Update

Cost of goods sold increased 30.7% to $182.6 million in the quarter. Gross profit improved 28% year over year to $49 million. However, gross margin decreased 30 basis points (bps) to 21.6%. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 16% year over year to $33.8 million. Operating income was $15.5 million, which grew 66% from $9.4 million earned in the year-ago quarter. Operating margin rose 140 bps to 6.7%.

Apogee Enterprises, Inc - Earnings Surprise | FindTheBest

Segment Performance

Revenues from the Architectural Glass segment increased 20% year over year to $84.2 million. Operating income in the quarter grew four-fold year over year to $3.3 million, aided by higher volume and improved pricing.

Revenues from the Architectural Services segment rose 41% year over year to $59.4 million on the back of strong project timing and cost flow. The segment reported an operating profit of $1.8 million, reversing the year-ago quarter loss of $0.8 million. Growth in bottom-line resulted from strong project timing, cost flow and improved project margins.

The Architectural Framing Systems segment's revenues increased 55% year over year to $76.7 million, with an organic growth of 28% excluding the Canadian acquisition. The three U.S. businesses in the segment reported double-digit growth, with strong performance from the window business. The segment's operating income grew 44% year over year to $7.4 million.

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Apogee Beats Q2 Earnings on Strong Architectural Market - Analyst Blog

Source: Apogee Enterprises.

This article originally appeared as part of ongoing coverage in our premium Motley Fool Hidden Gems service... we hope you enjoy this complimentary peek!

Glass-solutions specialist Apogee Enterprises reported its fiscal second-quarter earnings yesterday afternoon, and the maker of architectural glass and framing products gave investors another solid quarter of growth. With the stock responding favorably to its report, Apogee shareholders hope that the company can sustain even further growth both for the rest of the year and in future years.

Growth investors have counted on Apogee to deliver solid numbers, and the company had plenty of good news to report. Revenue for the quarter came to almost $232 million, up more than 30% from year-ago levels and well ahead of the roughly $218 million investors had expected to see. Operating income soared 66%, and even after adjusting for the positive impact of a tax credit, earnings per share came in at $0.35, which topped last year's figures by 60%.

Source: Apogee Enterprises.

Boding even better for the future was the fact that Apogee saw its backlog soar by 58% to more than $480 million. CEO Joseph Puishys noted that all three of Apogee's architectural segments produced huge amounts of revenue growth, and backlogs for all three as well as the optical technologies segment were up from the first quarter. Architectural glass sales rose 20%, while architectural services soared 41%, and architectural framing revenue topped the list at 55%, but with about half of that figure coming from Apogee's acquisition of Canadian storefront business Alumicor.

In addition to its past success, Apogee sees a bright future ahead. The company raised its earnings-per-share guidance for the full fiscal year, although the boost only reflected the one-time tax credit that Apogee earned rather than any intrinsic success in the company's operations. An increase in revenue guidance to growth of 20% is at the top end of Apogee's previous range, though, reflecting solid sales prospects. Even the optical technologies business, which hasn't seen the same growth as its other counterparts within the company, should recover enough to let the segment perform similarly to how it did last year.

For his part, Puishys is optimistic about the future. He specifically noted that Apogee's backlog is the largest in six years, boding well for the company's next fiscal year. The CEO was also proud that Apogee has been able thus far to overcome some higher labor costs in order to grow its business more quickly and meet increased demand. Reopening a previously closed facility and expanding existing capacity show the confidence Apogee has that conditions will remain good for the foreseeable future.

Source: Apogee Enterprises.

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Apogee Enterprises' Growth Is as Clear as Glass