Design Detailings: Kristen Scott leads Seattle AIA

Scott

Scott was elected in 2002 for a three-year commitment to the AIA board of directors, during which she will hold the positions of first VP/president-elect, president and past-president.

Scott's first task is developing a business plan. "This plan will broaden our programming to better serve local and regional members and forge stronger connections with the allied design community," said Scott. "Having fewer, bigger events on the calendar will allow those from afar to come to Seattle for a few days, catch up with colleagues and attend the workshops we have planned."

Another item on Scott's agenda for 2004 is preparing for the 2005 Pacific Regional AIA Conference, which will be held in Seattle to honor the 111th birthday of AIA Seattle.

Scott has been a principal at Weber + Thompson since 1996. She has led the master planning team and overseen all master planned community developments. Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in architecture.

SvR wins award for biking to work

For the second consecutive year, SvR ranked highest on the WRQ Bike to Work Challenge for mid-sized firms. Out of SvR’s 35 employees, 17 participated in the month-long challenge, posting a 49 percent ridership.

SvR participates annually for the former Bike to Work Day that was expanded this year into a month-long event from May 16 to June 15. SvR organized two teams this year -- Some Virtuous Riders and Spinning Velo Righteousness. Each participant was required to make at least eight round trips to work during the challenge. The firm's 18 riders logged 211 trips, 2,340 miles and just three crashes.

Freeman Fong's new office space honored

Freeman Fong’s new offices feature six environments, including conference and task spaces.

Freeman Fong Architecture's new office space at 505 Third Ave. W. recently received a 2003 Excellence in Remodeling Award from the Building Industry Association of Washington. The contractor was Thornberg Construction Co.

The space was selected for the award in the Commercial Under $100,000 category. The studio is located in lower Queen Anne and was a dark, cramped dot-com office before it was remodeled.

The open floor plan uses furniture layout and lighting, rather than internal structure, to create six distinct environments: reception, conference, task, library/layout, living and storage. The conference room features floating doors that are suspended from an I-beam track. The doors utilize transparent, corrugated plastic to create a private space without compromising the size of the office.

A double-decker perforated metal catwalk provides overhead storage for work stations, while plywood shelves tucked behind the conference room support product manuals and employees’ bicycles. Raw and original building materials create a natural minimalist feel in an industrial space. The stained concrete floor complements the natural wood of the workstations and furniture.

Design Detailings: Thursday talk: Skyspace construction

Photo by Laura Swimmer Skyspace visitors can see the sky through an opening in the roof.

Henry Art Gallery director Richard Andrews will lead a discussion Thursday titled "Light and Sky: Building the Henry's Skyspace." Bruce Donnally of Donnally Architects and Richard Manderbach, principal with KrekowJenningsInc, will also speak. The event will be at 7 p.m. in the Henry Art Gallery Auditorium.

This event explores the design, construction and details that went into creating James Turrell's Skyspace. Andrews initiated and directed the project, and Donnally was the architect. Richard Manderbach, project manager, will discuss the process of developing the design to Turrell's specifications, and describe the challenges of the work. Cost is $8.

Spending jumps for A/E marketing

Marketing expenses among architecture, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms have reached an all-time high of 5.3 percent of net service revenue, an increase of 18 percent over the 4.5 percent reported in 2002.

According to ZweigWhite's 2003 Marketing Survey of A/E/P and Environmental Firms, A/E firms are investing a greater percentage of net service revenue (gross revenue minus subconsultants' fees and reimbursable expenses) than ever -- a notable statistic in light of the economic difficulties many firms have been facing over the past couple of years.

A/E firms' total marketing spending has increased by 36 percent since ZweigWhite started tracking the statistic in 1998. The survey said more than a third of firm leaders are expecting to continue to increase their spending over the next year. For more information, call (508) 651-1559.

Weber + Thompson wins marketing award

Revolutionary Marketing, a bi-monthly newsletter, honored Weber + Thompson at the recent Ideas in Action conference with a 2003 Revolutionary Marketing Award. The award was for a two-level holiday package that Weber + Thompson developed.

Designed by marketing director Courtney Rosenstein, the award-winning piece has two levels. One level, sent to vendors and colleagues, is a card that enhances the Weber + Thompson brand. The second level, sent to clients, is a gift certificate to the Bellevue's SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar (designed by Weber + Thompson) enclosed in a special envelope sealed with a custom cast-glass sea-star.

"We wanted our clients to have a fabulous dinner at SeaStar to thank them for working with us," said Rosenstein. "At the same time, we wanted to keep our clients thinking about how they could use Weber + Thompson in other capacities. Educating them about our restaurant design skills accomplished both."

Stormwater Plus opens in Burlington

Stormwater Plus, a Burlington-based civil engineering firm, opened in May. The company provides stormwater related services to civil engineering firms and public agencies statewide, including stormwater reviews, analyses, designs, specifications watershed studies and permitting assistance.

Although primarily a subconsultant to other firms, Stormwater Plus can also provide general civil engineering services for surveyors, architects, developers, water systems and public agencies. Staff can work either out of the Burlington office, or directly at project sites or client offices.

Stormwater Plus is owned by Robert Freers. Freers has Puget Sound area consulting engineering experience since 1990, and became a licensed engineer in 1995. Stormwater Plus can be contacted at (360) 757-0380 or P.O. Box 1055, Mount Vernon, WA 98273; or visited at 130 Sharon Ave.

R.W. Beck adds fuel market services

Management consulting and engineering firm R. W. Beck, Inc. recently launched a practice area that will focus on providing fuel market consulting services to support the natural gas and power industries.

The practice will integrate power, fuel and gas market expertise. R. W. Beck has hired a 17-year energy industry veteran, Catherine Elder, to lead these activities. She will be based in Sacramento.

Elder has been involved in helping clients understand natural gas market risk and developing gas price forecasts and fuel plans to match that risk with power market economics.

The fuel market practice will offer market outlooks, natural gas market price forecasts, fuel plans, regulatory support, strategy development and due diligence reviews/studies for project financing, divestitures and acquisitions.

Mithun takes bike-to-work honor

Mithun earned a top-tier ranking in Seattle’s first Annual WRQ Bike to Work Month. Thirty-two Mithun staff members participated in what is one of the nation's largest bicycle commuting events. The former WRQ Bike to Work Day has been expanded into a month-long event to raise awareness of bicycle commuting benefits, including increasing physical fitness, reducing stress, saving money and reducing traffic congestion

Mithun earned the top prize for the highest percentage of riders in any workplace or organization with 100 or more people, with 32 of the firm's 132 people participating. At 24 percent participation, Mithun beat second-place-finishers the Washington State Department of Transportation and the National Parks Service by 15 percentage points.

Mithun’s biking team, "Top Heavy," finished second for the most new bike commuters and trips for one team, with 10 riders logging 82 new commuter trips.

"Our offices were designed with bicyclists in mind -- we have a newly expanded bike rack and showers on-site," said Mithun's Sean Cryan. "When your company goes out of its way to make biking to work this easy, there’s no reason not to do it."

Design Detailings: Arup’s Balmond speaks Aug. 6

Cecil Balmond

Balmond is chair of the London-based European division of the engineering consortium Arup. His structural systems are known for generating innovative solutions.

Balmond has collaborated with architects Rem Koolhaas on Seattle Public Library, Daniel Libeskind on the World Trade Center proposal and Lord Norman Foster on banks in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Philip Johnson said Balmond is "changing shapes for the world."

Balmond has published three works that explore the roots of creativity from his unique perspective: "Unfolding," co-authored with Libeskind, "Number 9: The Search for The Sigma Code," and "Informal."

Advance tickets are $10, at Peter Miller Books. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $12. For more information see www.space-city.net, contact etc@space-city.net, or call (206) 842-2283.

AIA: firms seeing modest increase

The American Institute of Architects released the results of its Work-on-the-Boards, a monthly survey that provides an up-to-date snapshot of what is happening in the architecture and construction industries.

The survey lends perspective to traditional analysis of the construction market and provides alternative data for use as economic indicators both nationally and regionally.

Highlights include:

• Business conditions continue to edge up gradually at U.S. architecture firms.

• Regional billings trends show that firms in a single region -- the Midwest -- are responsible for the monthly improvement in business conditions.

• Compensation increases are modest at firms: Overall weakness in the economy plus mixed trends in the construction sector have limited compensation increases at architecture firms so far this year.

Gensler uses open space design

Gensler’s open workspace design leaves ample room for growth.

Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning Worldwide has opened a new office in a renovated historic building in downtown Seattle.

The new design jettisons the typical formal offices and creates a single open workplace environment, inviting clients, vendors and consultants visiting the offices to view the Gensler projects at their core. Gensler’s 6,000-square-foot offices will allow for growth. The staff is now 15 designers and architects. Gensler will occupy the third floor of 1524 Fifth Ave.

"Our new office offers the opportunity of demonstrating our design capabilities and our philosophy about space usage. We are really excited about the 50-yard-line seat location in Seattle," said Linda Moriarty, Gensler Seattle’s managing principal and vice president. "By taking down the traditional closed-office design and opening up the floor it both floods the space with daylight and encourages internal knowledge-sharing and collaboration."

Luncheon on Spokane renaissance

The Aug. 14 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Rob Brewster, president of ConoverBond Development and ConoverBond Properties.

Brewster will discuss Spokane development projects and the overall vision for the city. Brewster will also look at how the architectural, engineering and construction industry can play a part in the city's future.

The meeting will take place at noon at the Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St., Spokane. Cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Aug. 11. For membership information or to make a reservation, contact David Dowers at (509) 536-3853 or visit the MAS website at www.maspokane.org.

Design Detailings: Architect Ann Beha speaks Thursday

AnnBehaArchitects is redesigning Portland's Masonic Temple as part of the Portland Art Museum expansion. The design establishes a new image for the landmark.

Ann Beha, of the Boston firm AnnBehaArchitects, will speak from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday in a presentation titled "Mass Versus Glass -- Portland Art Museum." The event, part of AIA Seattle Continuing Education, will be held at AIA, 1911 First Ave. Cost is $35 for members, and $70 non-members.

Participants will take part in a discussion and presentation on the Portland Art Museum expansion. The project will be located in the 1927 Masonic Temple, adjacent to the museum. The Masonic Temple presents formal, closed facades and the new design offers access and transparency, using glass and light to contrast with the masonry mass. For information, call (206) 448-4938.

Design Center forum on garden serenity

Seattle Design Center presents two seminars on Thursday, part of its Third Thursday design seminar series. The seminars are "Water Sculpture: Add Movement and Beauty to Your Designs" and "Blending Design Styles Effectively." Both will be held at 5701 Sixth Ave. S.

From 9 to 10 a.m. water sculpture artist Archie Held presents his ideas, using Seattle Design Center's newest outdoor/leisure showroom as a background. He will show how to create wonder and serenity in both home and garden design through the use of water sculpture. Held's work includes Harrah's Resort in Nevada, Sky Tokyo Club in Japan and Sephora in San Francisco.

From 11 a.m. to noon, discover how to pair eclectic styles of rugs and furniture to create pleasing and cohesive designs. Latitudes Carpet and Rugs and Designer Furniture Galleries will join guest speaker Jennifer Wilder to share ideas.

Third Thursday seminars are free and open to members of the design trade only. Call (206) 762-1200 to RSVP. Free parking is available in front of the Atrium entrance and in the parking garage located just north of the Atrium building.

Former TAM director to run Building Museum

The Board of Trustees of the National Building Museum announced the appointment of former executive director of the Tacoma Art Museum Chase W. Rynd as president of the Washington, D.C., museum.

Between 1993 and 1998 at TAM, Rynd helped coordinate exhibits, including the only North American viewing of ceramics from the Marina Picasso Collection, comprising pieces originally in Picasso’s private collection. He was also instrumental in the museum’s campaign to build its new facility, designed by architect Antoine Predock.

From 1990 to 1993, Rynd developed and directed Seattle’s Security Pacific Gallery, a public gallery space with programs designed to enhance the city’s arts environment. Prior to that he owned his own art gallery and studied architectural photography.

From 1988 to 1992, Rynd served as chairman of the Seattle Arts Commission, a position to which he was appointed by the mayor for two consecutive terms. He started his career as a financial analyst and portfolio manager in New York City.

Most recently, he was executive director of the First Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, which is dedicated to enriching educational and cultural opportunities for diverse audiences through special exhibitions and programming.

The National Building Museum opened in 1985. The museum recently began a major strategic planning process. Rynd will lead the development of this effort and be responsible for its fulfillment.

The museum’s programs focus on architecture -- ranging from pioneer log cabins to the Victorian houses of San Francisco to contemporary green architecture -- as well as construction, engineering, design, landscape architecture, urban planning and other topics.

Design Detailings: EBDG wins Seattle small business award

Elliott Bay Design Group won a Mayor's Small Business Award for 2003. EBDG owners John Waterhouse and Ken Lane received the award at a recent luncheon hosted by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.

Ten firms were recognized for their contributions to Seattle's small business community. Winners were selected for excellence in marketing, management, employee relations and community involvement.

This year, EBDG celebrates its 15-year anniversary. In 1987, Waterhouse and Lane purchased the design rights of Seattle naval architecture firm Nickum & Spaulding Associates, forming EBDG. They have steered the company to become one of the top naval architecture and marine engineering firms in the U.S. The firm recently completed contract design for the M/V Henry Island, an 81-foot landing craft for San Juan Ferry & Barge.

Other Small Business Award winners were Argosy Cruises, Asia First, Inc., Cristy Carner Salon & Spa, Family Resource Home Care, Hodge's Hair Quarters, Leschi Food Mart, Queen Anne Office Supply, Seidelhuber Iron & Bronze Works and Student Cleaning.

Design/build courses offered in Portland

The Northwest chapter of the Design Build Institute of America will sponsor two courses next week in Portland.

The first is a luncheon program, "Project Delivery Selection -- An Owner's Point of View," at noon July 16. It will be held at the Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 S.W Salmon St.

The course addresses the question: Is there one best delivery system for a project? A panel of public and private owners will provide an overview of the issues encountered and techniques used in choosing a delivery system for a project. Determining the right delivery system for a project requires an evaluation of factors such as risk, schedule, budget, performance and owner choice can impact the success of the project.

The panel will include Larry Eisenberg, director of facilities, Washington County, Ore.; Tuck Wilson, director, New Columbia Housing Project; and Robert Burns, Oregon Department of Transportation. The panel will be moderated by Bart Eberwein, Hoffman Construction Co.

The price is $25 per person for DBIA member firms, $35 for non-members. Price includes lunch. Registration received after today is subject to a $10 additional late fee. Register online at www.acteva.com/go/dbianw. For more information, contact Darlene Septeka, septelka@wsu.edu.

The Design Build Institute, along with Washington State University's School of Architecture and Construction Management also sponsors a two-day course, "Successful Design-Build Project Delivery," July 16 and 17 at the Multnomah Athletic Club.

The two-day course will be an interactive, problem-solving course, where students can apply principles of design-build project delivery in a structured team-learning environment. Course emphasis is placed on project implementation and developing enhanced design-build services.

Speakers include Ed Wundram, principal, Design-Build Group; Robynne Thaxton Parkinson, Groff Murphy Trachtenberg & Everard; and Darlene Septelka, associate professor, Washington State University.

Cost is $525 for members and $625 for non-members. Additional course information, cost and registration can be found at www.dbia.org.

Design Detailings: Rowland to lead ACEC Washington

John Rowland, principal and co-owner of Notkin Engineering, will lead the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington as president for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.

Rowland, a mechanical engineer, has been a director for the organization and participated on various committees since 1988.

The officers and directors who will serve with Rowland include: president-elect Jim Miller of GeoEngineers; vice president Kathy Robertson of SvR Design Co.; vice president Ralph Boirum of HWA GeoSciences; directors Kurt Gahnberg of the Transpo Group, Don Graf of Berryman & Henigar; Steve Bichich of Jacobs Civil; Dan Dixon of HNTB; Jeff Shupe of D. Hittle & Associates; and returning national director Jerry Williams.

"One of our primary goals this year is to help people understand what engineers do," said Rowland. "From attracting young people to the profession to helping people comprehend engineers’ commitment to the safety and comfort of the built environment, our message is that not only is our work vital but also interesting and fun."

For more information, contact (425) 453-6655.

Artists prepare for 'Library Unbound'

The Seattle Public Library board of trustees has named four artists to complete residencies at The Seattle Public Library and present proposals for permanent artworks at the new Central Library as part of the "Library Unbound" project.

The artists are: Mandy Greer of Seattle; Renée Green of New York City and Spain; George Legrady of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Lynne Yamamoto of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greer is a textile artist who creates soft sculptures based on imagery from children’s books. Green is a mixed-media artist who frequently combines audio work with text. Legrady addresses organizational systems through his new media work. Mixed-media artist Yamamoto uses symbolic imagery and historical and political material to examine cultural and social issues in her subtle installation work.

The artists will be invited to complete a one- or two-week residency at the Temporary Central Library in September to learn about library operations, collections and the new building, which will guide their design proposals. The library will select up to three proposals that deal with social structures, people and systems to install in the new building.

Security fears boost water work

Sixty-five percent of municipal water and wastewater systems serving the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. plan on contracting with design or construction firms to assist in projects directly related to homeland security.

This is one of several findings contained in the 2003-2006 Municipal Water & Wastewater Market For Design and Construction Firms, a new market research report by management consulting and publishing firm ZweigWhite.

Large municipal water systems have completed vulnerability assessments mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are implementing capital projects recommended in those assessments. Large municipal wastewater systems are awaiting enactment of federal legislation that will provide them with millions of dollars to conduct vulnerability assessments of their own.

"Many systems throughout the country are spending money on design and construction services to help them with capital improvements related to homeland security," said Christopher Klein, a principal with ZweigWhite and one of the editors of the 426-page report. Klein says that most of the homeland security market opportunities for design and construction firms are with the largest systems in the country.

The 2003-2006 Municipal Water & Wastewater Market for Design and Construction Firms is available from the publisher for $495, plus $4 shipping and handling. Contact ZweigWhite, P.O. Box 8325, One Apple Hill Drive, Natick, MA 01760, or call (508) 651-1559. The e-mail address is info@zweigwhite.com, or go online to www.zweigwhite.com/store/inwas03.

How Spokane saved Fox Theatre

The July program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will look at the marketing strategies that were used to save the historic Fox Theatre. The presentation will be made by Lorna Walsh of the Spokane Symphony.

The meeting will be held a noon Thursday, July 10, at the Fox Theatre, 1005 W. Sprague Ave. 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.

SMPS selects student for undergrad scholarship

The Outreach Committee of the Society for Marketing Professional Services Seattle Chapter has selected civil engineering student Eben "Cole" Olsen to receive the chapter’s first undergraduate scholarship.

Presentation of the $1,000 scholarship took place SMPS Markee Awards Gala June 18. Olsen has just completed his third year at of Oregon State University, where he is majoring in civil engineering.

This year’s award was open to students currently enrolled and pursuing four-year degrees in marketing, architecture, engineering, environmental, or construction management professions. The application process required that all applicants submit information and essays on the role marketing has played in their educational and professional lives. Applicants were asked to describe honors and awards they had received, activities they were involved with, their knowledge of marketing, and even to describe a marketing project in which they had played a significant role.

"His background with an engineering consulting firm, construction company, and local agency public works department was impressive, and demonstrated commitment and comprehension of the value of marketing within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry," said Tosha Vandegrift, Seattle chapter president.

The undergraduate scholarship was funded by SMPS Seattle and Berger/ABAM Engineers Inc., who has sponsored a portion of the award.

Design Detailings: EBDG cruises to win Quick & Dirty Race

Dan Thrush, Mark Ranson and Jason Bone of Elliott Bay Design Group raced to first place in the Quick and Dirty Boatbuilding Competition.

With $15 in materials and ample determination, Elliott Bay Design Group recently won the Seattle Pacific Maritime Festival Quick & Dirty Boatbuilding Competition on Lake Union.

The Seattle-based naval architecture firm built a 19-foot, 4-inch rowboat using 1/4-inch plywood and 2x4s. With only six hours to build the craft, the team's focus was on winning the racing portion of the event.

The Quick & Dirty Race was made up of three qualifying heats, with the winner of each heat competing in the final race. The EBDG team set a new course record of 1 hour, 45 minutes. Jensen Maritime Consultants came in second and Vic Franks Boat Co. was third.

ACEC design forum tackles principal issues

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington is sponsoring an eight-part continuing education curriculum for design firm principals and new/aspiring principals. The series runs Sept. 11 through April 20.

Registration begins Tuesday, and the cost is $1,500 for ACEC Washington member firms or $2,500 for non-members. The participation fee includes: a pre-class social at Gordon Biersch in Seattle; eight, four-hour sessions; resource materials; continental breakfasts; and a final session lunch. It also includes free meeting registration for the ACEC Washington Winter Meeting on Jan. 7.

The sessions include such topics as leadership/professional development; finance and accounting; ownership transfer planning; and contracts and liabilities. Participants are asked to commit to attend all sessions. Participants are eligible for four professional development hours per session, for a total of 32.

Make checks payable to ACEC Washington, and mail along with registration to: ACEC Washington, 700 112th Ave. N.E. Suite 207, Bellevue 98004. For additional information, call ACEC Washington (425) 453-6655. Deadline for registration is Aug. 8.

Rice Fergus designs college bookstore

Bremerton's Rice Fergus Miller Architecture & Planning will work with the state of Washington and Olympic College to design the college's bookstore renovation and expansion. Keith Smith of GGLO will design the bookstore interior.

The project will include adding 3,600 square feet to the display and customer service areas, and a "convenience store" will be added to the existing space. The Bremer Student Center entrance will also be renovated along with the project.

Rice Fergus Miller is an architectural and planning firm in downtown Bremerton.

Architecture a draw at Predock's TAM

Tacoma Art Museum, which in May celebrated the grand opening of its new $22 million, Antoine Predock-designed building, recently announced that it exceeded projections for both attendance and revenues for the first month.

As of June 3, 17,683 people came to see the opening exhibitions, 118 percent of what the organization projected, compared with only 2,567 people who attended in May 2002. Admission revenues were 132 percent of projections, as well. The museum store, in its first month of operation, took in more revenues than the store did all year in the previous building: $92,000 in May 2003 versus $84,000 for the entire year of 2002.

The museum credits the response to positive reviews of the architecture, how well the architecture supports the museum's mission to connect the community to art, and interest in the inaugural exhibitions.

AIA: After 4 bad years, construction to rebound

AIA chief economist Kermit Baker recently projected a commercial construction upturn next year, reversing a four-year slide.

Baker said the bad news is that the recovery is taking longer to materialize than most expected. The consensus is that nonresidential construction will be down about 5 percent this year, the fourth straight year of decline in nonresidential contracts. Cumulatively, the decline over this period is likely to total almost 25 percent.

The good news is that there is a firm consensus that the situation will improve next year. Overall, the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel is projecting an average increase of over 4 percent in nonresidential construction, with a 6 percent gain in commercial activity and a 15 percent increase in the industrial construction market.

For the whole forecast, go to http://www.aia.org/ecomark/tw0606/0606kermit_consensus.htm.

Design Detailings: Leavengood designs SAM studio

Photo by Sam Bennett Seattle Art Museum’s conservation studio, designed by Leavengood Architects, will be used for treatment of artwork.

Seattle Art Museum's new conservation studio opened this spring. The 1,600-square-foot Neukom Conservation Studio was designed by Leavengood Architects and is located on the fifth floor of SAM. The studio will provide space for preserving and examining works of art in the collection.

Led by Nicholas Dorman, SAM’s chief painting conservator, work in the studio will range from executing structural repairs to doing research in collaboration with curators.

Illuminated with daylight, fluorescent lighting and gallery lights, the studio includes its own heating, ventilation and air-conditioning unit as well as ceiling-mounted extraction tubes, a fume cabinet and a spray room to prevent conservation-studio aromas from disturbing workers in adjacent offices or visitors in the galleries.

The first works of art to be treated in the finished studio will include a number of paintings by Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves, Guy Anderson and Mark Tobey for the new Tacoma Art Museum’s inaugural exhibition.

Fall seminar: designing for fire

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers and the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers will host a conference "Designing Structures for Fire," in Baltimore Sept. 30 to Oct. 1.

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, building performance under fire conditions has received significant attention from the research and engineering communities. This two-day event will serve as a forum for exchange on recent advancements in fire resistance design among researchers, fire protection engineers, structural engineers, architects and regulators.

The conference kicks off with a session analyzing the failure of the World Trade Center structure. In addition, representatives from 12 countries will present 29 papers. Other sessions include: Fire Analysis; Alternatives to U.S. Codes; Fire Resistance Evaluation of Structural Members: Concrete, Wood, and Gypsum; Analytical Approach to Design Methods for Structural Response to Fire; and Real Building Design Case Studies.

Additional information for both programs can be found at www.sfpe.org or by contacting SFPE at (301) 718-2910.

Parametrix makes 'best companies' list

For the second consecutive year, Sumner-based Parametrix has been recognized as one of Washington’s best companies to work for by Washington CEO Magazine.

The Washington CEO’s "Best Companies to Work For" list includes 50 companies in Washington who ranked by their leadership, communication, hiring, training, rewards and recognition, responsibilities, standards, benefits and work environment.

Parametrix ranked 10th overall among medium-size companies based on total score and among the Top 50 companies in the state overall.

Founded in Washington in 1969, Parametrix is an employee-owned engineering, environmental sciences, and architectural company. The firm’s 425 employees are located in 10 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and New Mexico.

AIA survey: firms seeing a recovery

The American Institute of Architects recently released the results of its Work-on-the-Boards, a monthly survey that provides a snapshot of the architecture and construction industry. WOTB lends additional perspective to traditional analysis and provides alternative data for use as economic indicators both nationally and regionally. Highlights include:

• U.S. architecture firms reported an improvement in billings in April, continuing a recovery that began in March.

• Business absorbs principals' time. With project work scarce and budgets tight at many firms, firm principals and partners are finding that they need to spend a lot of their time on project management and business development activities.

For the Work-on-the-Boards survey results, see www.aia.org/ecomark/otb0418.pdf.

Allied Arts has a ball on solstice

Allied Arts will hold its annual summer party on Saturday at Pier 57. The Waterfront Crystal Ball, from 7 p.m. to midnight, will celebrate the longest night of the year and support the work of Allied Arts to make the waterfront Seattle a great civic space. The dinner buffet features food from Alibi Room, Campagne, Cutter's Bayhouse, Earth and Ocean, and Essential Baking Co.

Entertainment is provided by Afro-Cuban salsa music, carousel rides and Zen tarot card readings, and performances by DJ Shapeshifter, Dappin' Butoh P.A.N.

Tickets are $75 and support Allied Arts of Seattle. Call (206) 624-0432 to pay by credit card or send check to: Allied Arts of Seattle, 216 First Ave. S., Suite 253, Seattle 98104. For more information call Allied Arts at (206) 624 0432.

Design Detailings: SMPS Markee Awards June 18

The Society for Marketing Professional Services will honor local marketers at its annual Markee Awards ceremony 5:30 p.m. June 18. The event will be held at the Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave.

The keynote speech will be delivered by Craig Curtis, a principal with Miller/Hull Partnership, recipient of the 2003 Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects.

Finalists in this year’s program are: Entranco, ESM Consulting Engineers, Mahlum Architects and Parametrix for marketing communication achievement; KPFF Consulting Engineers and 5ifth Floor with MulvannyG2 Architecture for corporate marketing achievement; and Entranco and MulvannyG2 for special event achievement.

The cost is $75 for members and $85 for non-members. The event includes appetizers, dessert and drinks. For more information, contact Yessica Bolanos at KPFF Consulting Engineers, (206) 622-5822 or yessicab@kpff.com. To register, contact Grace Vigil at Parametrix, (425) 822-8880 or visit www.smpsseattle.org.

Building tour: prepare for a surprise

If you're in the mood for a surprise, check out the Seattle Architectural Foundation's Surprise Hard Hat Focus Tour from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday.

Since it's difficult to know for sure what will be accessible and when, this tour is kept a surprise until shortly before participants leave. Appropriate footwear will be required for admittance -- including work boots, hiking boots, or other thick-soled footwear. No tennis shoes. The tour has a limited capacity and requires registration and payment in advance. Meeting place and other details will be sent with registration confirmation. To register, contact the Seattle Architectural Foundation at (206) 667.9184, or info@seattlearchitectural.org. For more information, see seattlearchitectural.org.

Design Detailings: Schacht/Aslani to show library design

Schacht/Aslani designed the $4.8 million expansion of the Douglass-Truth Branch library.

Schacht/Aslani Architects' design for the expansion of the Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library will be on display from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way.

Frank Coulter, library project manager, and designers from Schacht/Aslani will be there to explain the design. Plans call for the expanded branch to be 16,493 square feet. The 8,008-square-foot Douglass-Truth Branch opened in 1914. Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board voted in November 2001 to designate the branch as a landmark building.

The $4.8 million expansion project will feature an updated collection of books and materials, more room and better accessibility for the African-American Collection, a new children’s area, more seating and computers, larger and more efficient staff work areas, and upgraded electrical, mechanical and ventilation systems. For more information, contact Coulter at (206) 615-1621, or frank.coulter@spl.org.

Affordable housing lecture Thursday

Architects Respond: Lectures on Design Community and Affordable Housing presents Johnpaul Jones of Jones & Jones on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will be held at Bainbridge Island Playhouse -- a short walk from the Bainbridge ferry terminal. The lecture is sponsored by Housing Resources Board. For more information call (206) 842-1909.

Catch Steve Holl speech on the Web

If you missed Steven Holl's sold-out presentation at Benaroya Hall on May 8, a streaming audio version of his lecture is available on the Praxis Web site: http://www.caup.washington.edu/praxis/sholl.html.

Spokane talk on attracting clients

The June program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by Jolene Barrington of Fruci and Associates. Barrington will discuss three ways to get your foot in the door with potential clients, to introduce a new service, enter a new geographical area or differentiate yourself from competitors.

The meeting be held at noon Thursday, June 12, at Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St., Spokane. The cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Monday. For 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.

SU students show engineering ideas

On Friday, teams of seniors in Seattle University's School of Science and Engineering will demonstrate projects in partnership with local corporations and agencies, including Boeing, Kenworth, Microsoft and the city of Seattle.

Projects include the Fremont Bridge north approach span replacement. Students produced a structural design for a new concrete bridge to replace the existing north approach spans of Seattle's Fremont Bridge. The team worked with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas.

Another project is dual purpose aero panels. The team worked with the Kenworth Truck Co. to develop a cab extender system called Dual Purpose Aero Panels. The DPAP system automatically closes the gap between the tractor and trailer at highway speeds to reduce drag and reconfigures itself to assist during high speed braking.

The event will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Student Center, at 12th and Cherry.

Design Detailings: Action: Better City's 'Viaduct' film June 4

On June 4, Action: Better City will premiere its film "Viaduct? What Viaduct?" as a catalyst for discussing options for Seattle’s waterfront.

The documentary looks beyond the Alaskan Way Viaduct to examine the potential waterfront environment and was is the best solution for the citizens. What legacy will today's leaders leave future generations?

Action: Better City is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and exploring the ideas that link Seattle and its environment, the connections of its downtown neighborhoods and the potential for unique public spaces.

Doors open at 5:30, and the film starts at 6:15, with a discussion to follow. It will be shown at Seattle Art Museum. The suggested donation is $5.

Capitol Hill library reopens Saturday

The 11,215-square-foot Capitol Hill Library will reopen Saturday.

The Seattle Public Library celebrates the opening of the Capitol Hill branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E., from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The $5 million branch, designed by Johnston Architects and Cutler Architects, is the fourth project completed under the 1998 Libraries for All building program.

The 11,215-square-foot branch replaces the 4,904-square-foot building constructed in 1954. The new branch features 40,200 books and materials, more seats, program areas for children and teens, computer work stations, a meeting room and underground parking. A 400-square-foot neighborhood service center is included on the mezzanine level of the new branch.

Speakers will include Seattle City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels and Seattle City Council President Peter Steinbrueck. Architects Ray Johnston and James Cutler, and building artist Iole Alessandrini also will be present.

Early design unveiled for Fremont Library

The public is invited to see early designs of the renovations planned for the Fremont Branch of the Seattle Public Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at 731 N. 35th St. Designers from Hoshide Williams Architects will be on hand to explain the design.

The $566,094 renovation will include converting a 780-square-foot storage area into space for the public and staff. The project also will feature an updated collection of 27,000 books and materials, more seating and computers, ventilation, and more efficient lobby, circulation desk and work areas.

The library is coordinating the renovation with Seattle Parks and Recreation, which is developing a park next door. The existing library, which opened in 1921, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board voted in December 2001 to designate the branch as a landmark building. The branch is expected to close in late 2003 for the renovation and reopen in the second half of 2004. The books and materials will be carefully packaged and stored during construction.

Value engineering class June 3-6 in Scottsdale

In a joint venture presentation, SAVE International, the professional society for value engineering, with MENG Analysis and D.H. Australia, is offering a 40-hour Module I Value Engineering training workshop June 3-6 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The training workshop will be conducted in accordance with the standards established by SAVE International for a Module I (40 Hour) course of basic instruction. This course provides basic educational requirements for individuals wishing to pursue certification as a Value Methodology Practitioner, Associate Value Specialist or Certified Value Specialist as well as American Institute of Architects and other continuing education credits for many other professional organizations.

This workshop includes training in both value engineering theory and how to apply it with hands-on experience from real projects.

For more information on SAVE International and to register online for the 40-hour Module I Training, visit www.value-eng.org or call Ashley Carson, project coordinator of MENG Analysis, at (206) 587-3797.