Design Detailings: Feb. 6 lecture on Paul Thiry

Jodee Fenton of Seattle Public Library will present an illustrated lecture on the late Northwest architect Paul Thiry at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave. N.E.

The free presentation will explore Thiry's career and life. Thiry was principal architect for the 1962 World's Fair and architect for the North East Branch at 6801 35th Ave. N.E. He was responsible for some of Seattle's most prominent public buildings of the 1950s and 1960s. Thiry also served on local, regional and national planning commissions. He gained prominence for his development of Modernism, and the Northwest regional style.

Fenton is manager of the library's Arts, Recreation and Literature Department. For more information call (206) 386-4610.

Thursday lecture on global cities

The University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning on Thursday presents a lecture by Shenglin Chang of the University of Maryland and John K.C. Liu of National Taiwan University. The topic will be "Building a Global City in My Backyard: Transforming Local Memories and Identities in Shanghai and Hsingchu."

The lecture will be held at noon in Gould Hall, Room 100. It is part of the Public Spaces and the Public Sphere Series, supported by the Institute of Transnational Studies.

For more information on the Winter 2003 Landscape Architecture Lecture Series, contact landscape architecture assistant professor Jeff Hou at (206) 543-7225 or jhou@u.washington.edu.

Design Detailings: Bench auction to benefit arboretum

One-of-a-kind outdoor seating returns to downtown Seattle in January and February with the silent auction of 15 lawn and garden benches at two locations.

The third annual Take a Seat auction, benefiting the Washington Park Arboretum, features benches made of new, re-used and found materials. Benches, created by gardeners, landscape designers, architects and craftspeople, range from traditional to fashionable, from practical to whimsical. Designs include an elaborate sailboat bench and a tea bench-table topped by a colorful glass mosaic.

Benches are on display throughout Pacific Place until Feb. 15 and at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show at Washington State Convention & Trade Center from Feb. 18 to 23. Silent bids may be submitted at each location. Bidding closes at noon on Feb. 23. For information on Arboretum events and programs, call (206) 543-8800 or visit http://www.arboretumfoundation.org.

Public agency managers give '03 outlook

American Society for Engineering Management tonight hosts a forum featuring leading public agency managers from around the Puget Sound region. The managers handle their agency’s consultant roster and on-call services programs. They will share information regarding their programs, policies and anticipated 2003 workloads, as well as offer insight into their consultant on-call/roster processes.

The event is an opportunity for administrators, managers and engineers, and for all those in the consulting community -- principals, managers and marketers -- to learn how some of the leading agencies in western Washington manage their rosters and programs. It is also an opportunity to find out what is coming up for consultants in 2003 and beyond, and how and when these various projects will be handled.

The panel includes moderator Clive Shearer, a management consultant and Daily Journal of Commerce columnist since 1984; Neil Thibert, drainage and wastewater system integrator, Seattle Public Utilities; Matt Nolan, supervising engineer, Road Services Division, King County Department of Transportation; Mike Mattar, Design Division manager, city of Bellevue; and Frank Davidson, project manager, Facilities Development, Port of Tacoma.

The event will be held from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rock Salt Steak House at Latitude 47, 1232 Westlake Ave. N. The program runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Cost is $30. For information, contact Mohammed Kashani at (425) 388-6493. For reservations, call Shannon & Wilson at (206) 695-6670.

Freiheit & Ho does Albertsons makeover

Freiheit & Ho Architects has designed the remodel for Albertsons Lake Stevens marketplace store, scheduled to be complete in May. The store is located at 303 91st Ave. N.E., in Lake Stevens. The building is undergoing a major remodel of the existing 50,724 square feet to introduce new and expanded departments. All work is designed to be completed in stages to allow full operation of the store.

The remodel includes a new decor package, with new interior finishes, accent lighting and signage, along with the addition of a new photo center. Design team members with Freiheit & Ho Architects include: CSHQA, electrical engineers; McClure Engineering, mechanical engineers; Protection Consultants, Inc., Fire Protection engineers and Rex Harrison, Structural Engineer. The general contractor is Ebenal General, Inc.

Design Detailings: AIA members wanted for residential exhibit

AIA members are invited to exhibit their work in residential design at the AIA booth at the 2003 Seattle Home Show Feb. 15 through Feb. 23. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and valid only with accompanying payment.

Cost is $75 for each board, and $135 for each model. Registered members need to drop off display materials at AIA by Feb. 13. AIA has a seminar, "How to Select and Work with an Architect," on Feb. 22 to serve booth visitors who seek information about connecting with an architect. For more information, contact AIA Seattle program director Peter Sackett at (206) 448-4938.

ASCE discusses I-90 interchange

The Seattle Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Washington State Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers invites ASCE members, ITE members and interested civil and transportation engineers to the tonight's joint meeting at the Ballard Yankee Grill, 5300 24th Ave. N.W.

The technical program will feature Matt Preedy and Hung Huynh of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and Dan Irwin of the engineering firm RH2, speaking on the 1-90 Sunset Interchange Project. The Issaquah interchange is a key component in a system of transportation improvements to enhance mobility in and around Issaquah, Fall City, Pine Lake and the Highlands.

The project evolved from efforts of the Washington State Department of Transportation, King County and the city of Issaquah. It includes four major bridges, significant earthwork, new freeway ramps, existing roadway connections, extensive retaining walls and bike lanes, paralleling I-90.

The social hour is 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15, business meeting at 7 and program at 7:30. Cost is $21, or $23 if registering after noon Monday. The reservation line is (206) 926-0482, or e-mail house@seattleasce.org.

UW looks at eco design

The University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning, which recently hosted an ecological design forum, plans more events on the topic. Panelists, students and educators addressed the integration of ecological design into current design and construction practice.

Topics ranged from the psychological impacts of urban form to the understanding of how evolving technologies impact the character and function of society. The discussion centered on ways to achieve change in both academic and professional arenas. Jonathan Scherch, professor of Environment and Community at Antioch University, and Don Miller, professor of Urban Design and Planning at the UW, participated in the discussion.

"Despite disagreement in approach, everyone involved shared the motivation for a healthier, more sustainable environment," said Jesse Hager, who helped organize the forum. "The perspectives of both the panelists and audience invited us all to think in terms broader than the focus of our own profession. Through collaboration and shared resources the potential for growth in this topic is exponential."

For information on future events, contact uwEcoDesign@yahoo.com.

Design Detailings: Swimmer photos on display

Photo by Lara Swimmer

AIA Seattle will host a party from 5 to 7:30 pm. Thursday for photographer Lara Swimmer. Swimmer will be showing "Structures Rebuilt; Seven Projects," an exhibit that will run through Jan. 31.

Swimmer's work chronicles Seattle's civic renaissance through the remaking of its major buildings. The exhibit of 13 large-scale photographs includes the new Central Library project by OMA, the Opera House renovation at the Seattle Center, demolition of the Kingdome, restoration of the historic Cinerama Theater by BOORA Architects and the SODO Center post-earthquake restoration. AIA Seattle is at 1911 First Ave. For information, call (206) 448-4938.

Allied Arts takes on the waterfront

Allied Arts will tackle the subject of what to do with the downtown waterfront Friday at its Beer and Culture Nights, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

What kind of public space do we need on a potential post-viaduct waterfront? Recreational? Ceremonial? Festival? What land is potentially available to create this public space? What balance should we strike between park and promenade, between the intimate and the grand? Participants will be asked to imagine the waterfront as the civic showpiece.

Guests will be former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer; Karen Daubert, executive director, Seattle Parks Foundation; John Rahaim, executive director, City Design; and the hosts will be Deborah Daoust and Randy Apsel. The event will be held at 622 38th Ave. Suggested donation is $25 per person, $15 for members of Allied Arts. For information, call (206) 624-0432.

Finding a voice for design

AIA Southwest Washington Chapter will host a discussion from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday. The luncheon topic, "A Voice For Design: How Can We Have a More Effective Voice?" will cover how to help promote the value of good design to local government and to the public.

The discussion builds on the proposition posed at last month's meeting, that if the architectural community does not talk about the importance of design -- or if the message is not getting through to the public -- then design is not valued in the community. It will be held at Johnny's Dock Restaurant in Tacoma, 1900 E. D St., Tacoma. For information, call (253) 627-4006.

Design Detailings: NBBJ wins for Swedish Institute

NBBJ Swedish Cancer Institute brings the natural environment's healing benefits into this dense urban setting.

NBBJ's design of the addition and renovation to the Swedish Cancer Institute recently earned the firm Modern Healthcare's 2002 Award of Excellence.

"This award means a lot to many people here at the medical center and at NBBJ," said Dr. Albert Einstein Jr., executive director of the Swedish Cancer Institute. "From the beginning, the design process for this three-year project was very collaborative between our two organizations. Most impressive was NBBJ's quest for input and feedback from physicians, clinicians and even patients, and the firm's ability to implement these ideas into the design. Performing that daunting task successfully is a huge reason why this beautiful state-of-the-art cancer-care facility will meet everyone's needs well into the future."

"Engaging physicians and other medical caregivers, we were able to uncover why they chose healthcare as a profession and what they hoped to accomplish," said Richard Dallam, NBBJ partner-in-charge of healthcare design. "Our design for the Swedish Cancer Institute embodies their vision for how to conduct optimal care -- bringing the natural environment and its healing benefits into this dense urban setting."

FSi renovates Navy warehouse

FSi consulting engineers has teamed with Anthony Construction on a design-build project for the Navy in Everett. FSi is the prime consultant and lead mechanical engineer. The team was selected for a $5.5 million renovation of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse space into a shore intermediate maintenance facility. The project scope involves industrial ventilation for a shop area along with HVAC for offices and calibrations labs. Of particular design interest is the diesel engine test facility, which includes an engine exhaust system, diesel fuel system and cooling system for the engine and load test equipment.

The FSi team includes ECS for electrical engineering, Merritt+Pardini for architectural design and KPFF for civil and structural engineering.

FSi is a 15-person mechanical and fire protection engineering firm located in Seattle's Pioneer Square. Currently, FSi is designing projects for the Federal Aviation Administration, University of Washington, Tacoma School District, South Seattle Community College and the Seattle Housing Authority.

UW forum looks at eco design

The University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning recently hosted an ecological design forum. Panelists, students and educators addressed the integration of ecological design into current design and construction practice.

Topics ranged from the psychological impacts of urban form to the understanding of how evolving technologies impact the character and function of our society. The discussion centered on the avenues of possibilities with which to achieve change in both academic and professional arenas. Jonathan Scherch, professor of Environment and Community at Antioch University, and Don Miller, professor of Urban Design and Planning at UW, participated.

"Despite disagreement in approach, everyone involved shared the motivation for a healthier, more sustainable environment," said Jesse Hager, who helped organize the UW Ecological Design Forum. "The perspectives of both the panelists and audience invited us all to think in terms broader than the focus of our own profession. Through collaboration and shared resources the potential for growth in this topic is exponential."

For information on future events, contact uwEcoDesign@yahoo.com.

Design Detailings: EBDG's finishes Mare Australis

Photo courtesy of Nisa Navegacion The 74-meter Mare Australis has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, and four observation decks.

Elliott Bay Design Group has announced the delivery of the 71-meter Mare Australis. The Mare Australis has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Unique features include passenger lounges which convert to lecture halls where naturalists lead educational programs on wildlife and ecology. The transom is designed so that all passengers can safely access rigid inflatable boats used for the numerous shore excursions. A bow thruster was added for extra maneuverability and every passenger cabin has a window.

Client Nisa Navegacion was looking to design a new vessel and EBDG was selected because of their expertise with small cruise ships.

According to EBDG project manager, Douglas Wolff, the design was based on the design of her sister ship the Terra Australis.

In 2000, Wolff traveled to Chile to ride the Terra and learn of the vessel's operations and layout so that similar elements could be incorporated into the new design. The contract design for the Mare Australis was completed in fall 2001. The vessel, constructed at Asenav Shipyard in Chile, was delivered Nov. 11.

Learn to facilitate with style

The Jan. 9 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Dee Endelman, an expert in communication and how it relates to productivity and cooperation. MAS is bringing Endelman from Seattle for the special engagement.

Endelman will provide an overview of communication styles during the lunch meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. The interactive workshop, "Facilitating With Style," will be from 1:45 to 5 p.m.

The meeting be held at the WestCoast River Inn, 700 N. Division St. in Spokane. Cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members for the luncheon only. Cost for the workshop is $25 for members and $45 for non-members. Cost for the entire program is $35 for members and $60 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Jan. 6. For membership information or to make a reservation, contact MAS vice president David Dowers at (509) 536-3853 or see the MAS Web site at http://www.maspokane.org.

Measuring labor efficiency

Looking for a way to test your A/E firm's labor efficiency? There are many ways, such as chargeability, net multiplier and revenue factor, according to AEC WorkForce Employer. One of the simplest is net service revenue per total staff. This measure can be a useful tool for assessing a firm's productivity and measuring trends within the firm, or making comparisons to similar firms in a region.

To calculate performance measure, divide net service revenue (gross revenue less subconsultant and reimbursable expenses) for a given period by the firm's total number of staff. Be sure to use full-time equivalent staff. In other words, if the firm employs two part-timers who work 20 hours per week, count them as the equivalent of one full-time employee. Include all staff, not just technical and professional employees. Finally, be sure to use the average staff level over the period of time you are examining. This is particularly important if your firm is growing, or if staff levels fluctuate over the course of the year due to seasonality. When analyzing results, compare to prior periods to help spot productivity trends.

AIA names national winners

The American Institute of Architects national board of directors this month selected C. James Lawler as the 2003 recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award. Named in honor of the AIA's first executive director, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the profession of architecture through service to the AIA. Lawler is the founder and principal of C.J. Lawler Associates in West Hartford, Conn.

The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association was selected as recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. The award honors the late civil rights and urban leader Whitney M. Young Jr.

The HACIA is a 23-year-old business membership organization whose mission is to promote participation of its members in public and private construction projects throughout the Chicago area.

Edmund W. Ong of San Francisco and Susan Williams of Indianapolis were selected as the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. The award recognizes excellence in architectural advocacy and achievement in public and private sector architecture, and public officials who advance awareness and appreciation of design.

In his 30-year career with the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, Ong has been responsible for commissioning and bringing a range of work that has helped to define San Francisco as one of America's most livable and civilized cities.

Williams has spent a large part of her career advocating quality design and historic preservation, as an Indianapolis City-County Council representative and in her current position as the executive director of the Indiana State Office Building Commission. In her current role as executive director of the Indiana State Office Building Commission, Williams has administered design and construction of more than $500 million of new correctional facilities, selecting design teams based on QBS principles. She is currently leading efforts to develop three state hospitals, ever mindful of neighborhood context, historic preservation and environmental impact.

The awards will be presented in May at the 2003 AIA National Convention in San Diego.

Design Detailings: FSi renovates Navy warehouse

FSi consulting engineers, the prime consultant and lead mechanical engineer, teamed with Anthony Construction Inc. on a design-build project for the Navy in Everett. The FSi team was selected for a $5.5 million renovation of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse space into a shore intermediate maintenance facility. The project scope involved industrial ventilation for a shop area along with HVAC for offices and calibrations labs. Of particular design interest is the diesel engine test facility, which includes an engine exhaust system, diesel fuel system and cooling system for the engine and load test equipment.

The FSi team includes ECS for electrical engineering, Merrit+Pardini for architectural design and KPFF for civil and structural engineering.

FSi is a 15-person mechanical and fire protection engineering firm located in Seattle's Pioneer Square. Currently, FSi is designing projects for the Federal Aviation Administration, University of Washington, Tacoma School District, South Seattle Community College and the Seattle Housing Authority.

WSU prof helps Kabul rebuild

Rafi Samizay, professor in the Washington State University School of Architecture and Construction Management, recently returned from Afghanistan where he was leading a conference on the rebuilding of the city of Kabul.

He has also been working with Kabul University on several projects to improve the environment there. A year ago, one student was killed and several students injured in protests over poor living conditions in Kabul University's dormitories. Students have protested a lack of heat or electricity in the dormitories.

Samizay was forced to leave his native Afghanistan more than 20 years ago, but he has been working with engineers and architects throughout the world to begin rebuilding his homeland. Before he left Afghanistan, Samizay, an expert in historic preservation and indigenous Afghan architecture, directed the architecture school at the University of Kabul.

Design Detailings: SMPS 'power' luncheon Dec. 19

The Seattle chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services hosts the second luncheon in a series titled "Brand You: Showing Up Powerfully." The luncheon, focusing on developing excellence in our personal and professional lives, will be held Thursday, Dec. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Washington Athletic Club.

Michele Corey, co-owner of Advanced Approach, will explain how corporate branding can apply powerfully to helping individuals communicate their business value and skills.

The cost is $30 for SMPS members, $35 for member firms, and $40 for non-members. To register, contact Tami Tedrow at The Austin Co. at (206) 674-8307 or visit www.smpsseattle.org.

ASCE hosts viaduct talk Thursday

The Seattle and Tacoma/Olympia Sections of the American Society of Civil Engineers invites ASCE members and interested civil engineers and guests to a joint section meeting to discuss the Alaskan Way Viaduct and seawall project on Thursday at the Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St.

Presenters will be Tom Madden and Maureen Sullivan of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and Bob Chandler of the city of Seattle. They will discuss the need to rebuild the 49-year-old Alaska Way Viaduct and the 68-year-old waterfront seawall due to their age, risk to public safety, seismic vulnerability, deteriorated condition and role in the region’s transportation system.

Social hour is at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:15 and the program begins at 7. For reservations, call (206) 296-0482 or e-mail adam.slivers@members.asce.org. Cost is $24.

Berger Partnership wins award

The Berger Partnership, a landscape architecture and site planning firm, is a joint recipient of the American Planning Association Washington Chapter’s, Physical Plans Honor Award for working with the city of Renton in development of the South Renton Neighborhood Plan.

The city, in collaboration with Berger, Marcia Gamble-Hadley, Real Vision and Mithun, created the South Renton Neighborhood Plan as an economic development tool for revitalization of a evolving area of town.

APA judges said were impressed by "the thorough integration of land use regulations, cost/market research, and detailed designs for the city’s private and public improvements."

Outstanding planning efforts in Washington are recognized at the annual Awards Program for Excellence in Planning, sponsored by the American Planning Association/Washington Chapter and the Planning Association of Washington.

UW tsunami expert opens OSU center

A world expert on tsunami waves has been appointed to Oregon State University's engineering department to establish a nationally recognized tsunami research center at the school.

Harry Yeh, who has served as a professor of environmental and civil engineering at the University of Washington for the past 20 years, will fill a newly endowed chair in the engineering department. "It is quite a coup to get Dr. Yeh down here," said Gregg Kleiner, spokesman for OSU's engineering department. "He is one of the top tsunami researchers in the world."

Yeh has completed tsunami research in Indonesia, Nicaragua, Turkey and Greece. His international contacts will help in the global sharing and networking of tsunami and ocean research, Kleiner said. Yeh's official appointment begins in January.

The wave research center at OSU has three wave pools, including one that is 360-feet long and produces waves so large they can be surfed on. Information technology at OSU will enable the tsunami research center to perform experiments live over the Internet, sharing the results with researchers around the world. It will also allow the center to maintain live connections with earthquake and tsunami sensing facilities.

Parametrix makes CE's Top 50

CE News Magazine recognized Sumner's Parametrix as a Top 50 Civil Engineering Firms to Work For. CE News released the complete rankings in its October issue and ranked Parametrix 33rd out of 102 companies nominated from across the nation.

The panel of judges commented that "... despite the wide range in size and scope, all firms listed offer excellent benefits as well as less tangible perks such as clear, open communication between personnel and managers; opportunities for all staff members to advance; positive, flexible working environments; and training programs that allowed their employees to advance in their careers."

According to Cathy Murphy of CE News, "The 50 firms identified ... offer employees amazing places to work and opportunities for the future." Some of the major areas that were looked at in the competition were training programs, percent of growth in total billings over the past five years, total benefits package, philanthropic and community involvement, and company philosophy.

Parametrix is an employee-owned, Northwest-based company providing services in transportation, environmental sciences, water and wastewater engineering, waste management, and architecture.

New guide for AEC job hunters

Job seekers in the design and construction industry can pick up a few tips in the new "AEC WorkForce Guide to Finding the Right Job in the Design and Construction Industry." The book is written specifically for job hunters in the design and construction industry.

The guide contains advice such as how to tailor a resume to the job description. Having a one-size-fits-all resume is a mistake, it says. The book also instructs applicants to include significant contributions in past jobs, keep your resume short, and don't include salary information. Hold off discussion of money as long as possible. "Raising the money issue first may send a signal to an employer that compensation is the only thing that matters to you," it says. Lastly, applicants are advised to "proofread, proofread, proofread."

AEC WorkForce is a career portal for architecture, engineering and construction jobs on the Internet. The Web site is AECWorkForce.com. The 240-page book is $23.95 plus $4 shipping and handling. For information, call (508) 651-1559, or e-mail customerservice@AECWorkForce.com.

Design Detailings: Chinese architect speaks Monday

Yung Ho Chang's Split House in Beijing is part of a single-family development at the Great Wall.

Leading Chinese architect Yung Ho Chang will speak at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. His appearance is part of Space.City's lecture series that seeks to bring intriguing young Asian architects to Seattle.

Space.City previously sponsored lectures by Toyo Ito and Shigeru Ban, and now taps Chang, who, like Shigeru Ban, spent his formative years in the United States.

Having experience in both the West and China, Chang critically observes and analyzes the urban explosion in China and proposes inventive solutions. Inspired by traditional Chinese architecture and urban planning, as well as by contemporary developments in architecture, economics and technology, Chang and his firm, Atelier FCJZ, have developed new approaches to high-density living.

Chang's Venice Biennale entry of the split house is part of an ambitious single-family home development at the base of the Great Wall of China.

China is undergoing a tremendous building boom, at 10 times the rate of the United States. In this urbanization process, questions of international influence and Chinese tradition have become the main issues in architectural debates and practice.

Advance tickets are $12, available at Peter Miller Books in Seattle. Remaining tickets will be $15, sold at the door. For more information, contact etc@space-city.net or call (206) 842-2283.

Miller hosts Arcade party, book signing

Peter Miller books on Thursday will host a release party for Arcade's December issue, as well as a book signing for "Seattle Case Study Homes" and CoCA's "Blurred" catalogue.

"Seattle Case Study Homes" is available at Peter Miller Books, 1930 First Ave. The event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

IIDA sponsors stocking auction

The Washington State Chapter of the International Interior Design Association sponsors its sixth annual holiday stocking event from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Local design principals will judge stockings created by design firms. The stockings will be auctioned in a live auction, with some of the proceeds going to Rebuilding Together. Stocking categories include local icons, neighborhood charm, Northwest style and farmer's market.

The event will be held at A Contemporary Art Center, 500 Boren Ave. N. Cost is $15 for IIDA members, and $25 for non-members. For information, call (206) 762-6471, or visit www.iida-wa.org.

Three artists wanted for Seattle parks

The Seattle Arts Commission seeks three artists to develop art in three urban parks. The projects are the first artworks to be created for Seattle Parks and Recreation under a new Pro Parks art plan.

Applications and the Pro Parks art plan are available on the Arts Commission Web site at cityofseattle.net/arts (select "Funding Opportunities) or by calling (206) 615-1801. Applications must be at the Seattle Arts Commission office, 312 First Ave. N., second floor, by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.

The projects are the first stage of creating a legacy of artwork in Seattle's park system that will occur over the next five years. Budgets will range from $60,000 to $90,000. Each project has the possibility of additional construction dollars.

They include:

• Interstate 5 space -- a large piece of land under an elevated portion of the freeway north of downtown will be developed into a one-of-a-kind park, reconnecting two neighborhoods. It will have of views toward Lake Union and the Space Needle.

• Mineral Springs Park: a wooded smaller park site that melds the only disc golf course in Seattle with a newly designed natural section of the park. The new portion of the park will function as a multi-use passive park space. The open space blends new landform and landscape components with existing stands of trees and landforms.

• South Lake Union Park: a new waterfront park under development on Lake Union. The park will combine access to the lake, open space and references to the city's maritime heritage.

Design Detailings: Conflict resolution forum Dec. 4

The American Society for Engineering Management will host a discussion on "Reducing Conflicts During Design and Construction" on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The scenario is common: a project goes to construction and conflict between the design engineer, construction manager, contractor and owner surfaces. This can lead to costly delays and strained working relationships.

Representatives will be available from all interest groups for the panel discussion, focusing on how parties can communicate and work together. Panel members will use real life examples and lessons learned.

The panel moderator will be engineer Mohammed Kashani; Dick Andrews of Perteet Engineering; Gordon Sivley, Snohomish County deputy prosecuting attorney; Franchot Fenske, principal, KPG; Gene Williams, Snohomish County project manager; and Mike Skagen, project manager, RW Scott Construction Co.

The discussion will be held at Rock Salt Steak House, 1232 Westlake Ave. N. It will run from 4 to 9 p.m. Cost is $45 pre-paid for members, or $55 prepaid for non members. For information, call Mohammed Kashani at (425) 388-6493.

Gustafson designs 'Big Dig' park

Seattle-based Gustafson Partners Ltd. has been selected to design Boston's North End Parks, working with Boston's Wallace Floyd Design Group. The North End Parks will be constructed over a portion of the Big Dig tunnel, also known as the Central Artery Project. The project will be in one of downtown Boston’s densest districts.

Gustafson Partners’ North End Parks design will create nearly three acres of urban open space over a portion of the Central Artery which houses approximately 65 vertical feet of infrastructure, including seven tunnels of freeway and transit lanes. Gustafson Partners specializes in designing landscapes in complex, urban contexts. The firm was founded in Seattle by partners Kathryn Gustafson, Jennifer Guthrie and Shannon Nichol. Gustafson is also designing the Lady Diana Memorial in London's Hyde Park.

Kathryn Gustafson, who practiced in Europe for 20 years before returning part-time to the U.S., received the 2001 Chrysler Design Award and is the recipient of London’s Jane Drew Prize. The London partnership, Gustafson Porter, is designing the Princess Diana Memorial in London’s Hyde Park. Other Gustafson Partners’ current projects include renovation of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, with London’s Foster & Partners; the Monroe "Shoulder" Garden in Chicago’s Lakefront Millennium Park; and landscape for the McCaw Hall Opera House.

Core Design relocates in Bellevue

Effective Sunday, Core Design, Inc. will have a new address. Core Design is moving from 4205 148th Ave. N.E., No. 100, in Bellevue, to 14711 N.E. 29th Place, No. 101, Bellevue. Telephone, fax and email addresses will remain the same. The e-mail address is LKB@CoreDesignInc.com, phone is (425) 885-7877 and fax (425) 885-7963.

Berger Partnership wins award

The Berger Partnership, a landscape architecture and site planning firm, is a joint recipient of the American Planning Association Washington Chapter’s, Physical Plans Honor Award for working with the city of Renton in development of the South Renton Neighborhood Plan.

The city, in collaboration with Berger, Marcia Gamble-Hadley, Real Vision and Mithun, created the South Renton Neighborhood Plan as an economic development tool for revitalization of a evolving area of town.

APA judges said were impressed by "the thorough integration of land use regulations, cost/market research, and detailed designs for the city’s private and public improvements."

Outstanding planning efforts in Washington are recognized at the annual Awards Program for Excellence in Planning, sponsored jointly by the American Planning Association/Washington Chapter, and the Planning Association of Washington.

Walker takes sustainable award

Rendering by Walker Macy Landscape Architects and Planners Center for Social Sciences

Portland-based firm of Walker Macy Landscape Architects and Planners recently received the first Honor Award for Environmental/Sustainable Design from the Oregon chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The organization introduced a new category this year to recognize projects designed with exceptional sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The award was for Walker Macy's work on Lewis & Clark College’s new Center for Social Sciences. The project was recognized for its stormwater filtration, storage and reuse system, and described by jurors as an "exceptional demonstration of developing an existing site in a way that honors the past, meets the needs of the present, and protects and preserves resources for the future."

Walker Macy’s plan for the Center for Social Sciences includes an innovative storm water filtration and recovery system; environmentally responsible use of plants, irrigation and construction materials; open spaces for flexible use; and ecological education opportunities that integrate with the academic program.

Photographer Stamets speaks Tuesday

On Tuesday, John Stamets will show recent photographs of the construction of two new buildings by Rem Koolhaas/OMA: the Seattle Central Library and the IIT Campus Center in Chicago.

The presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Room 322 of University of Washington's Gould Hall.

A lecturer in photography at the School of Architecture, University of Washington, Stamets has compiled more than 20,000 photographs that document construction and destruction of major architectural projects.

Design Detailings: AIA SW Washington awards Friday

The AIA Southwest Washington 2002 Honor Awards will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Thea’s Landing, 1705 Dock St. On Thursday, there will be a Meet the Jury event at 7 p.m., Hoodsport Winery, 1948 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. The jury includes Nick Milkovich, Mick Milkovich Architects, and Paul Hirzel, professor of architecture at Washington State University. Cost for Meet the Jury is $5. The awards event costs $20 for AIA members and $30 for non-AIA members. Social hour begins at 6:30 p.m. and the awards event begins at 7:30 p.m. For registration, contact Karin Poppy McCarthy at the AIASWW office. To reserve tickets via e-mail: karin@aiasww.org. For information, phone (253) 627-4006 or fax: (253) 572-2634. RSVP by the end of Wednesday.

Boxwood takes Gold Web award

Entablature.com recently announced winners of the 2002 Architecture Web Site Awards. Seattle's Boxwood received two design awards from more than 125 entries representing architecture Web sites from around the world. The awards were decided by Elizabeth Geary-Archer, David Munson and Ross Pullar, representing the marketing, design and business aspects of Web sites. Each Web site was reviewed and assigned scores for visual design, content, organization and interactivity.

In the first annual program to recognize excellence in architecture Web sites, the Gold Medal was awarded to Boxwood (http://www.eboxwood.com). Boxwood's site, designed in-house, was considered to be a "fun, informative site that sets the firm way apart from their competitors," said Geary Archer. The Web site's "graphic language works to synthesize the design firm with the concept of sustainability, with an appropriate level of interactivity," said Munson.

HBG, Inc., Memphis, Tenn., (http://www.hbginc.com), was awarded a Merit Award for its site, which was designed by Boxwood.Judges said the site "gave the feel of a funky, creative company" and "lots of interesting ways to get at the information."

"This year's winners will set the standard for the online presence of architecture firms," said Kriss Pettersen, organizer of the Architecture Web Site Awards. "I am proud to be in a position to honor the Web sites that show both the creativity and reflection of the work of architects."

Boxwood's graphic design team, led by Joe Farmer, is currently designing new Web sites for several Northwest wineries and vineyards, two Seattle area engineering firms and a Minnesota architecture firm. Boxwood offers graphic design, planning and architecture services, with an emphasis on sustainability.

SMPS luncheon on brand identity

The Seattle chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services hosts a luncheon Thursday focusing on building brand identity. The luncheon "From Marketing to Measurement: Building a brand in a quickly changing and interactive environment," will be at the Washington Athletic Club from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.

The program will feature Tim Garrigan, co-founder of the Garrigan Lyman Group. Garrigan will show how to add value to strategic marketing campaigns and how to successfully build brands.

The cost is $30 for SMPS members, $35 for member firms, and $40 for non-members. To register, contact Grace Vigil at Hart Crowser, (206) 328-5581 or visit http://www.smpsseattle.org.

Dressing for success

The local chapter of Society for Marketing Professional Services Outreach Committee spent October gathering professional clothes for Dress for Success/Seattle, and recently handed over the outfits. Local architecture, engineering and construction firm employees gathered more than 100 interviewing outfits and accessories for the Dress for Success Seattle facility, located at 620 Aurora Ave. N.

Dress for Success is a nonprofit organization that provides interview suits, confidence boosts and career development to more than 30,000 low-income women in 70 cities each year. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and a second suit when she gets the job. The Dress for Success Professional Woman’s Group Program then provides ongoing support to help clients build a successful career.

The Seattle chapter of SMPS has close to 200 members from architecture, engineering, construction and legal firms.

Three park artists wanted

The Seattle Arts Commission seeks three artists to develop art in three diverse urban parks. The projects are the first artworks to be created for Seattle Parks and Recreation under a new Pro Parks art plan.

Applications and the Pro Parks art plan are available on the Arts Commission Web site at cityofseattle.net/arts (select "Funding Opportunities) or by calling (206) 615-1801. Applications must be at the Seattle Arts Commission office, 312 First Ave. N., second floor, by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10.

The projects are the first stage of creating a legacy of artwork in Seattle's park system that will occur over the next five years. Budgets will range from $60,000 to $90,000. Each project has the possibility of additional construction dollars.

They include:

• Interstate 5 space -- a large piece of land under an elevated portion of the freeway north of downtown will be developed into a one-of-a-kind park, reconnecting two neighborhoods. It will have a variety of views toward Lake Union and the Space Needle.

• Mineral Springs Park: a wooded smaller park site that melds the only disc golf course in Seattle with a newly designed natural section of the park. The new portion of the park will function as a multi-use passive park space. The open space blends new landform and landscape components with existing stands of trees and landforms.

• South Lake Union Park: a new waterfront park under development on a lake at the north edge of downtown Seattle. The park will combine access to the lake, open space and references to the city's maritime heritage.