Design Detailings: Wanzer Munizza re-join Mithun

Seattle-based Mithun recently announced that Paul Wanzer and Kim Munizza are returning to Mithun after starting their own architecture and design firm Wanzer Munizza Design Studio in 1995. Wanzer and Munizza were key members of the Mithun team that developed REI's new look in the 1990s.

Wanzer and Munizza both return to Mithun as principals and will help build Mithun's strength in integrating architecture and interior design, most notably in the practice areas of retail, restaurant, hospitality and high productivity workplaces.

"Kim and Paul are extremely talented designers, and we feel very privileged to have them back on our team," said Bert Gregory, Mithun CEO.

Wanzer Munizza Design Studio served such clients as Microsoft, Starbucks, Publicis and Willows Lodge.

Wanzer and Munizza each have 20 years of professional experience in architecture and interior design. Wanzer is a graduate of Washington State University, and Munizza is a graduate of the University of Washington. Prior to creating their own firm, their work at Mithun included REI Seattle store; The World of Eddie Bauer, Oakbrook, Ill.; Broadmoor Golf and Country Clubhouse renovation, Seattle; and Indian Summer Golf and Country Club, Yelm.

Skilling opens Chicago office

The Seattle-based structural and civil engineering firm Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire has opened an office in Chicago.

The firm’s current Chicago projects include 2 East Erie, 111 South Wacker Drive, The Shoreham, the Chicago Courtyard Marriott and Epic Systems Corporate Headquarters, as well as Boeing’s recent move into the Morton Salt Building.

Ron Klemencic, president of Skilling, said, "Chicago is the first city where Skilling is employing a satellite approach. Linking the force of our Seattle office with the flexibility of Chicago personnel provides a unique opportunity to serve our clients in a new way."

Skilling’s headquarters will remain in Seattle, where the firm has been based for 80 years. The Chicago office will be lead by Kerry Galbraith. Galbraith has a 15-year background of work from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Middle East, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines, Seattle and Chicago. Klemencic, who also serves as chairman of the International Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, says Skilling is optimistic about future opportunities in Chicago and the Midwest. "We’re betting on Chicago and believe that it offers long-term growth and continued vitality."

Skilling's local projects include Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium and the Experience Music Project. World Architecture’s January 2003 issue named Skilling one of the top 10 structural engineering firms in the world.

ASEM forum on transportation crisis

"Transportation in Crisis: Lessons, Leadership & Legacy" will be the topic at the Feb. 26 American Society Engineering Management meeting. Kim Becklund, transportation policy advisor for the city of Bellevue, and Steven Thomsen, deputy director/county engineer, Snohomish County Department of Public Works will discuss focusing on our current situation, lessons learned and define steps towards a better transportation future.

The meeting will be held 5 to 7:30 p.m. at RockSalt Steak House/Latitude 47, 1232 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle. Program cost is $25 with reservations by Friday, or $30 thereafter for members and non-members. Reservations may be made by calling (206) 695-6670, or by e-mail to lkd@shanwil.com.

Olson Sundberg's first Asian project

Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects announced it is working on a private residence in Hong Kong. The project, the firm's first in Asia, explores connections between art, craft and architecture.

Located in Shek-O, a historic fishing village in the southeast corner of Hong Kong Island, the approximately 10,000-square-foot house is contemporary in design. The prominent rural site, which overlooks the South China Sea, has strongly influenced the design -- broad expanses of glass open to views in every direction; seamless transitions from inside to outside spaces merge the house into its landscape; and broad overhangs provide protection from the subtropical sun. The project is led by Jim Olson and Scott Allen, two of the firm's principals.

The Seattle-based firm is known for innovative designs of private homes, and also specializes in museums, galleries, university facilities and religious buildings.

Design Detailings: Skilling opens Chicago office

The Seattle-based structural and civil engineering firm Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire has opened an office in Chicago.

The firm’s current Chicago projects include 2 East Erie, 111 South Wacker Drive, The Shoreham, the Chicago Courtyard Marriott and Epic Systems Corporate Headquarters, as well as Boeing’s recent move into the Morton Salt Building.

Ron Klemencic, president of Skilling, said "Chicago is the first city where Skilling is employing a satellite approach. Linking the force of our Seattle office with the flexibility of Chicago personnel provides a unique opportunity to serve our clients in a new way."

Skilling’s headquarters will remain in Seattle, where the firm has been based for 80 years. The Chicago office will be lead by Kerry Galbraith. Galbraith has a 15-year background of work from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Middle East, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur, the Philippines, Seattle and Chicago. Klemencic, who also serves as chairman of the International Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, says Skilling is optimistic about future opportunities in Chicago and the Midwest. "We’re betting on Chicago and believe that it offers long-term growth and continued vitality."

Skilling's local projects include Safeco Field, Seahawks Stadium and the Experience Music Project. World Architecture’s January 2003 issue named Skilling one of the top 10 structural engineering firms in the world.

Hiawatha Park on Olmsted tour

Seattle Parks Foundation on Saturday hosts a walking tour of Hiawatha Playfield as part of the Olmsted Park Centennial Celebration. The tour begins at 10 a.m. inside the Hiawatha Community Center, Hiawatha Park, 2700 California Ave., in West Seattle’s Admiral District.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Olmsted-designed park and boulevard system. The centennial will include events and festivities all year long, organized by the Seattle Parks Foundation, Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation and community partners and businesses around the city.

Hiawatha Park was the first park designated as a city of Seattle landmark. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1910, it was at the time the largest public playfield in Seattle. Upon Hiawatha’s completion, the Parks Board deemed it the "most sightly and best laid out playground in the system." The park’s original design has undergone changes since its creation, which representatives of Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks will outline.

The Hiawatha Park tour is the second in the 12-month series of park tours. The Olmsted firm designed Seattle’s boulevard system, 37 of its parks and playgrounds, the UW campus, and other public and private landscapes. For more information call (206) 332-9900 or see http://www.seattleparksfoundation.org.

Miller/Hull talks about AIA honor

As part of its Honor Series, AIA Seattle sponsors a discussion with designers from Miller/Hull at noon Feb. 20.

In December, Miller/Hull won the AIA Firm Award -- the highest award the AIA gives to an architectural firm. Miller/Hull is the first Washington firm to win the award. Past winners include Cesar Pelli & Associates and Skidmore Owings and Merrill. Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership has also won the award in 1991, and amember of the firm will join the Miller/Hull speaker for the Feb. 20 event. Cost is $35, at the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel. For information, call (206) 448-4938.

Lecture on 'rural studio' for architects

Andrew Freear, co-director of Rural Studio at Auburn State University, will host a lecture at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Freear will discuss the Rural Studio, green design and recent projects. The lecture, held in Room 147 at University of Washington's Architecture Hall, will be introduced by U.W. architecture professor Steve Badanes.

In 1993, two Auburn University architecture professors, Dennis K. Ruth and the late Samuel Mockbee, established the Auburn University Rural Studio within the university's School of Architecture. The Rural Studio, conceived as a method to improve the living conditions in rural Alabama and to include hands-on experience in an architectural pedagogy, began designing and building homes that fall. Mockbee and Ruth sought funding to begin the studio and, through the years, it has received additional funding which has helped it become a vision of a process to make housing and community projects in one of the poorest regions of the nation.

Students who attend the Rural Studio expand their design knowledge by building what they have designed. The studio seeks solutions to the needs of the community within the community's own context, not from outside it. The Web site is http://www.ruralstudio.org. For a campus map showing Architecture Hall, go to http://www.washington.edu. For information on this free lecture, call (206) 616-2441.

Design Detailings: SWMB up for ACEC award for stadium

Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 37th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for its role in design of the Seahawks Stadium and Exhibition Center in downtown Seattle.

The project is among 162 engineering projects in the U.S. being recognized by ACEC as preeminent engineering achievements for 2003. Judging is being conducted by a panel of engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media and academia. Criteria include uniqueness and originality; technical, social and economic value; complexity; and success in meeting goals.

The 5,200-ton roof floats atop the Seahawks Stadium, dramatically reducing forces on the supporting pylons and foundations. Ends of the arched roof rest on pendulum damper bearings, designed to withstand the seismic characteristics of the Puget Sound region.

David Evans and Associates, Inc., of Bellevue, is a also a finalist in the competition, for leading the I-405 Corridor Program for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The I-405 Corridor Program successfully mobilized a broad and varied collection of communities and interests to reach agreement on a long-term strategy to address travel needs within the fast-growing 30-mile corridor. Combining a transportation study with an environmental impact statement, the program identified 150 separate projects and actions, most of which involve transit and roadway improvements, as well as the option to add managed lanes in the future.

Headquartered in Portland, David Evans and Associates provides transportation planning/engineering, civil engineering, surveying, planning, landscape architecture and natural resources services.

Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.

Announcement of the 24 category winners, including selection of the Grand Conceptor Award for the 2003 top engineering achievement, will be on March 18 in Washington, D.C.

Local architects form new firm

The newly formed M/G Architecture designed renovations for Saint Paul Church and School in south Seattle. The project called for replacing the entire non-masonry portion of the building’s cladding system with translucent wall panels, aluminum storefront glazing and concealed-fastener metal siding.

M/G Architecture is a new partnership between Daniel L. Miles and Richard Glasman. Both began practicing architecture in the mid 1980s and met while working at Bumgardner, a 50-year-old architecture, planning and interior design firm in Seattle.

As project architects and project managers, the two have worked together on religious institutions, private schools, golf course club houses, office buildings and exhibition space. Both have experience working with historic buildings and new projects.

M/G Architecture is located at 2212 18th Ave. S., and can be reached at (206) 323-2173 or by e-mail at richardglasman@attbi.com.

Feb. 13 luncheon on business plans

The Feb. 13 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Harvey Meier of Harvey A. Meier Co. Meier will discuss creating business plans in today’s market conditions. He is a certified management consultant with over 30 years of senior management and business consulting experience.

The meeting will be at noon at the WestCoast River Inn, 700 N. Division St. in Spokane. The cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Monday. 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 www.maspokane.org.

Affiliated wins contract for Snohomish project

Affiliated Engineers NW was recently awarded a $376,000 contract by the Snohomish County Council to safeguard construction components within the County’s Campus Redevelopment Initiative jail project.

AEI will perform engineering services for commissioning the new jail building. Commissioning is testing of various construction components (such as fans, electrical and security systems, mechanical systems or elevators) built by separate sub-contractors, to ensure they work correctly without failure, are built to specifications, and meet the owners’ requirements.

The project includes construction of a Snohomish County jail, an administration building and an underground parking garage on the current county campus, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., in Everett.

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.