Design Detailings: Berger/ABAM moves to 720 Olive Way

The Seattle office of Berger/ABAM Engineers has moved four blocks to Seventh Avenue and Olive Street, across from Pacific Place. The 8,500-square-foot office is significantly larger than the previous space on Fifth and Virginia, and has a high-tech conference center.

The new address is 720 Olive Way, Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98101. The phone number is (206) 357-5600, and the fax is (206) 357-5601.

In addition to its Federal Way headquarters, Berger/ABAM has offices in Portland and Las Vegas.

MulvannyG2 grows its Portland office

MulvannyG2's new Portland office will be 35 percent larger than its pervious space.

MulvannyG2 Architecture's Portland office is moving in December to a larger space on the 12th floor of ODS Tower, which is located downtown and owned by Wright Runstad & Co. The address will be 601 S.W. Second Ave., Portland, OR 97204-3153. The phone number (503) 223-8030, and fax is (503) 223-8381.

The move is in response to the company's growth in Portland. The office's staff and billable work have grown 34 and 53 percent, respectively, said Brian Fleener, vice president and manager of the Portland office. The firm as a whole saw revenue rise 13 percent in 2002 and expects a 20 percent gain this year.

The new MulvannyG2 Portland office will increase its square footage by 35 percent to 13,528 square feet. The increased space will accommodate 70 employees.

The firm's interior design studio is creating the Portland office. It will feature an industrial look, with recycled flooring, post-consumer steel and re-claimed lumber throughout.

DLR designs Idaho public safety center

DLR Group has been selected to design the 40,000-square-foot Blaine County Public Safety Building in Hailey, Idaho. The facility will include 79 jail beds; a 911 dispatch center; sheriff's administration and patrol services offices; video visiting; a full-service kitchen; a laundry; and support services.

DLR Group designs justice, education, corporate, retail and sports facilities. It has 17 offices across the United States.

Bosnian gardens heal war wounds

Davorin Brdjanovic will give a lecture, "The Healing Landscape," tonight at 6:30, in the Architecture Hall 147 of University of Washington.

He will be speaking about the Bosnian garden project he created to help war refuge families stabilize their lives. Brdjanovic was in Sarajevo during the war 10 years ago, and later worked in partnership with the Friends Service Committee to develop gardens where Croatians, Serbs and Bosnians could reconstruct their lives.

The main goals of the community garden project are to build reconciliation among people that were in conflict during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to offer work therapy for those who suffer post-war traumas.

$400K to diversify HCC engineering

A $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will make it possible for more women and minorities to attend Highline Community College to study engineering. The grant will fund the Engineering Scholars program, and provide 29 scholarships for the next four academic years to encourage academically talented, financially needy students from under-represented groups to pursue an associate of science degree in engineering.

Lisa Skari, Highline's executive director of Institutional Advancement, said she pursued the grant because "engineering faculty members are concerned that students in the program don't reflect the demographics of the campus. Students pursing their transfer degree in engineering are predominantly Asian American and white men, so faculty members would like to attract and retain more Native American, Latino, African American and female students."

Among the Highline students' reporting their ethnicity, 22 percent are Native American, Latino or African American, but only 12 percent of those students are enrolled in the engineering program. Women make up 63 percent of Highline students, but only 16 percent of engineering program students.

Design Detailings: RoseWater celebrates its 20th anniversary

RoseWater Engineering celebrated its 20th anniversary in October. RWE has grown from a one-woman operation, founded in 1983 by Amy J. Haugerud in her basement, to a 40-person civil engineering consulting firm in downtown Seattle.

RWE provides civil engineering planning and design services in three main areas: site development associated with public buildings; water and wastewater piping and pumping systems; and surface water management and drainage systems.

Haugerud is active in the local and national consulting engineering community, serving as president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington from 1998 to 1999 and on the national Board of Directors for the ACEC from 1998 to 1999.

The company is providing civil engineering services for projects such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Sound Transit Light Rail, SR 509 improvements and the King County Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program. Construction is nearing completion on the Elliott Way Pipelines portion of King County's Denny Way combined sewer overflow reduction project in Myrtle Edwards Park, designed by RWE. RoseWater was also recently selected by Seattle Public Utilities to provide on-call engineering services over the next several years for CSO reduction, sewer replacements and drainage improvement projects.

Opening party Nov. 13 for SAM sales gallery

From 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, the Seattle Art Museum's Rental/Sales Gallery hosts a grand opening party for its new space, designed by Tom Kundig of Olson Sundburg Kundig Allen. Two inaugural exhibitions, "Works on Paper" and "New Painting," will showcase a selection of the gallery's most popular artists. The new location is 1220 Third Ave., in the Seattle Tower Building, one block east of the Seattle Art Museum.

The rental/sales gallery space was increased by 400 square feet to 2,600 square feet and has 16-foot high ceilings. "Works on Paper" and "New Paintings" will be on view through Dec. 13. "Works on Paper" features monotypes, collagraphs, drawings, collages and paintings on paper. The artists exhibiting work are Bobbi Ambrosini, Claire Cowie, Joe Max Emminger, Rachel Illingworth, Marilyn Jones, Gary Nisbet, Mark Rediske, Sally Schuh, Nina Seven and Anne Siems. The second exhibition highlights new works by 10 artists including Juan Alonso, Lisa Buchanan, Laura Castellanos, Margaret Coe and Junko Yamamoto.

For more information call (206) 748-9282. Rental/Sales Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Rice Fergus Miller gets 3 fire contracts

Bremerton's Rice Fergus Miller was recently awarded contracts to undertake strategic planning services for the following fire districts:

Northshore Fire Department: assessing the needs, physical condition, structural integrity and maintenance issues at the headquarters station located at the north end of Lake Washington.

Littlerock Fire Department: preparing preliminary building and site plans for replacing two stations south of Tumwater. The department expects to seek voter approval in the spring.

Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue: preparing a district-wide capital improvement plan giving the costs and justifications for replacing two stations and improving four others serving the city of Kelso and areas surrounding Kelso and Longview.

SMPS offers to help Dress for Success

The Outreach Committee for Seattle's Society for Marketing Professional Services encourages members and associates to clean out their wardrobe closets in an effort to collect professional women's clothing for Dress for Success Seattle.

Committee members will pick up interview-appropriate attire from participating SMPS businesses on Friday. They will also accept donations at the SMPS luncheon program on Nov. 20 at the Columbia Tower in downtown Seattle.

Dress for Success provides interview suits, confidence boosts and career development to more than 45,000 women in 75 cities each year. Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that helps low-income women make transitions into the workforce. 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 Program provides ongoing support to help the client build a successful career.

Women are referred to Dress for Success by not-for-profit and government agencies including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, immigration services and job training programs.

For more information on SMPS, visit the chapter Web site at: www.smpsseattle.org, or call Nikki Kloeppel at (425) 453-8822.

Design Detailings: Waterfront's future topic of Friday forum

Seatte's Planning and Design commissions will hold a second Waterfront Plan Forum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Odyssey Museum at Pier 66. A tour and reception will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The purpose of the forum will be to get more public input for the plan and discuss the first forum and the results of ongoing discussion groups. The commissions are developing a report on the waterfront. It will include several chapters on several topics, including history, land use, urban design, transportation, regulatory framework, economic conditions and natural conditions. For copies of review drafts of any of these chapters, contact Dennis Meier at dennis.meier@seattle.gov or at 684-8270.

The city also is issuing a call for groups to form charrette teams to develop their own concepts for the waterfront. The charrette will take place over a two- to three-day period in February. Those who would like to participate or form a team can contact Catherine Maggio, city waterfront planning project manager, at catherine.maggio@seattle.gov or (206) 684-5933.

Get a glimpse of SAM's new addition

Curious what the Seattle Art Museum's downtown expansion will look like? Tickets are available for the design unveiling, to be held at noon Nov. 13 at Town Hall. Portland-based architect Brad Cloepfil, principal of Allied Works Architecture, will present his design plans. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Call (206) 654-3226 or e-mail rsvp@seattleartmuseum.org.

SAM will also hold an Olympic Sculpture Park design update at noon Nov. 20 at Town Hall at noon. Weiss/Manfredi Architects of New York and Charles Anderson, Seattle landscape architect; and Lisa Corrin, SAM's deputy director of art, will discuss plans for the project.

Rice Fergus Miller gets 3 fire stations

Bremerton's Rice Fergus Miller was recently awarded contracts to undertake strategic planning services for the following fire districts:

Northshore Fire Department: assessing the needs, physical condition, structural integrity and maintenance issues at the headquarters station located at the north end of Lake Washington.

Littlerock Fire Department: preparing preliminary building and site plans for replacing two stations south of Tumwater. The department expects to seek voter approval in the spring.

Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue: preparing a district-wide capital improvement plan giving the costs and justifications for replacing two stations and improving four others serving the city of Kelso and areas surrounding Kelso and Longview.

Design Detailings: SABArchitects opens in South Lake Union

SABArchitects has opened in the historic Buffalo Building in the South Lake Union neighborhood. The firm provides design services for office interiors, single-family residences and biotech research, development and manufacturing facilities.

SABA was founded in September by Steve Erickson, Arthur Furukawa and Bob Vizenor. The architects have known each other for 10 years and worked together at NBBJ and Stock & Associates.

SABArchitects is located at 1124 Eastlake Ave. E., Suite 201, and can be reached at (206) 957-6400 or on the Web at http://www.sabarch.com.

Scientists to discuss local seismic hazards

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington will host a free public forum Tuesday to discuss seismic hazards in the Puget Sound region. The forum will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Grand Ballroom C, 1400 Sixth Ave.

A four-member panel will discuss how seismic faults are found, what faults look like above and below ground, the types of earthquakes faults have produced and will produce in the future, and where scientists next will search for faults.

Panelists include Ralph Haugerud and Brian Sherrod, both affiliate University of Washington faculty members in earth and space sciences, and scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey in Seattle. Joining them will be Rick Blakely and Tom Brocher, with the USGS in Menlo Park, Calif. Kathy Troost, a UW research scientist in earth and space sciences, will moderate.

Seminar tackles moisture control

AIA Seattle Continuing Education presents a two-day seminar, "Envelope Wall Design to Avoid Moisture Issues," on Thursday and Friday, at Bell Harbor, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66.

Architects will present a series of case study presentations to show how to prevent moisture intrusion. Interactive sessions with expert presenters and attendees will cover a variety of exterior envelope systems for low, medium, and high-rise buildings using wood, masonry, concrete, metal, plaster and curtain wall materials. The moderator will be Dave Matthews of LMN Architects.

Discussions will include projects such as Benaroya Hall, Seattle's Children's Theatre technical pavilion and Olympic College Shelton.

Cost for both days is $220 for AIA Seattle members, and $370 for non-members. Cost for individual day sessions is $170 for AIA members and $245 for non-members. For registration information, contact AIA at (206) 448-4938, or e-mail aia@aiaseattle.org.

Ulf Meyer speaks on Bauhaus myth

Ulf Meyer, a historian and author of "Bauhaus Architecture 1919-1933" and "Berlin: Capital City," will speak on "The Myth of the Bauhaus" tonight at 6:30 p.m., at UW's Architecture Hall 147.

Meyer will review the roles of Mies van der Rohe and Hannes Meyer as directors of the Bauhaus movement, as well as the role of the expressionist era in the early stage of Bauhaus. For more information on the talk, go to http://www.caup.washington.edu/praxis.

A/E team to study sustainability in Scandinavia

Representatives from CH2M, Vulcan, CollinsWoerman are going to Denmark and Sweden from March 27 to April 2, to study urban sustainability projects.

The group will be looking at projects concerning the key areas: sustainable sites and landscapes, including storm water management; water efficiency; energy; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; economics; corporate responsibility; and transportation choices.

The tour is organized with the assistance of urban planning offices in Denmark and Sweden. The study group has been invited to present their findings to members of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels cabinet and the City Council. Those who would like to join the delegation should contact trip leader Patricia Chase of grnNRG Consulting at Patricia@grnNRG.com.

Design Detailings: UW series looks at engineering future

University of Washington engineering faculty members will speak on a range of technology topics at a series titled "Engineering the Future."

The fall lecture series begins tonight with UW engineering dean Denice Denton, who will discuss "Crossing Boundaries, Forging Connections." Denton will explore how UW Engineering is working to unravel the mysteries of the genome, explore nanotechnology and microsystems, develop alternative energy sources and tackle the challenges of homeland security.

On Nov. 5, Yongmin Kim, chair of the Department of Bioengineering, will present "House Calls: High-tech Medicine on Your Doorstep." Futurists project that people will, for example, be able to use a portable ultrasound to gauge the health of one's arteries or the status of a high-risk pregnancy at home by sending the images to a doctor for evaluation.

On Nov. 19, Steve Kramer, professor of geotechnical engineering, will present "Shake, Rattle and Roll: Are We Prepared for the Big One?" An expert on soil behavior during major temblors and the effect on structures, Kramer will explore the causes, risks and consequences of big earthquakes, focusing on the Pacific Northwest.

Each lecture have a reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering. Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. in the adjacent Electrical Engineering Building, room 125. Cost of single lectures is $15, and admittance to the entire series is $40. For more information or to register, go to www.uwalum.com, or call the alumni association at (206) 543-0540.

Norten and Shim speak Nov. 7 at UW

Enrique Norten and Brigitte Shim, internationally known designers and jury members for this year's AIA Seattle Honor Awards, present their award-winning work at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, at UW's Kane Hall 130.

The presentation is part of the 2003 AIA Honor Awards, this year titled "Idea Realized," to be held Nov. 10.

Norten is founder of TEN Arquitectos in Mexico City. The firm uses a contemporary vocabulary that unites modern and local traditions. TEN's work includes furniture design; single-family apartments and houses; residential, commercial, and cultural buildings; as well as international parks, urban design and redevelopment projects.

Shim is a principal of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects in Toronto, a design firm focused on the integration of furniture, architecture and landscape. Her work has been honored with six Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Governor General's Medals and Awards for Architecture along with AIA, American Wood Council, Canadian Wood Council, Architectural Record Interiors and I.D. Magazine Design Review awards. Recent projects include Ledbury Park, Toronto, and the Moorelands Camp Dining Hall, Haliburton, Ontario.

Advance tickets are $10, available at Peter Miller Books, 1930 First Ave. For information, call (206) 441-4114. Tickets at the door will be $15.

Exhibit focuses on light and architecture

The Henry Art Gallery's new exhibit, "Architecture and Light," is a selection of photographs showing the ways shadow and light animate the surfaces of varied structures -- from church interiors to tents.

The exhibition was inspired by the James Turrell Skyspace in the Henry's sculpture court, and features a newly acquired sculpture by local artist Victoria Haven. The piece, "Supermodelcity," is a three-dimensional exploration of architecture and light.

Examples include works by Frederick H. Evans, who sought to capture the soul of cathedrals spending weeks living in a church studying the way light and shadow defined forms and created a spiritual atmosphere. Hiroshi Sugimoto's images of ornate movie theaters built in the 1920s and 1930s are lit purely by cinematic light, as the length of exposure for each photograph is the precise length of the film being screened.

"Architecture and Light" runs through Jan. 11. Cost is $8. For information, call (206) 543-2280, or go to www.henryart.org.

SMPS conference: post-boom marketing

The Society for Marketing Professional Services' regional conference: "Elevation -- Reaching New Heights in Marketing," will be held Thursday and Friday, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Portland.

The conference will feature "Life After the Boom," an economic panel moderated by John Mitchell of M&H Economic Consultants. The panel, which will address the direction of the industry in the face of the economy, will include Marty Brantley, director of the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department; Dick Larman, acting assistant director of the state of Washington's Office of Trade and Economic Development; and Ron Adams, dean of engineering at Oregon State University.

Additional programs offered throughout the conference include: "Communication Training," with Denise Harrington of Harrington & Associates; "Motivating Technical Staff to Market," with Sally Handley of The Marketing Partnership; and "Marketing for Tomorrow's Built Environment," with Kelly Coller of NBBJ.

Registration costs are $300 for SMPS Members and $375 for non-members. Individual sessions are available at $50 for members and $65 for non-members. Register online at smpsoregon.org/autumn.html or contact Sally Cox of Perteet Engineering at (425) 252-7700. For individual program registration, contact Janice Westcott of Lease Crutcher Lewis at (503) 223-0500.

Pyatok firm joins housing consortium

Pyatok Architects has joined the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County as an associate member. The addition brings the nonprofit trade association's membership to 29 nonprofit members and 34 associate members. All share an interest in affordable housing.

HDC's nonprofit members have developed nearly 15,000 units of affordable housing, primarily in the Seattle-King County area. Associate members include architects, contractors, financial institutions, law firms, consultants and government agencies.

"Most of our clients belong to HDC," said Tom Eanes, principal at Pyatok Architects' Seattle office. "Our firm focuses on affordable and market-rate multi-family housing, community planning, student housing and mixed-use development within inner cities and suburbs."

Pyatok Architects has offices in Seattle and Oakland, with a staff of 25 architects. The firm's most recent projects include the Refugee Women's Alliance Center in south Seattle and the Eliza B. McCabe Townhomes in Tacoma.

Design Detailings: Oct. 24 workshop on new submittal forms

The Society of American Military Engineers will host a SF 330 Workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24. The workshop will review the proposed SF 330, which will shortly replace the SF 254 and 255. Representatives from the U.S. Navy Facility Engineering Command and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be on the panel, as well as a local marketing director.

The session will be moderated by DJC columnist Clive Shearer, who will present a brief update on the status of the SF 330, and review the new form. A copy of the SF 330 will be available for all attendees.

The workshop is intended for principals of engineering, architectural and construction firms, as well as business development and marketing personnel. The workshop will focus on how agencies use submittals, their likes and dislikes, and how they see the SF 330 being used. There will be time for questions on the new form, its uses, drawbacks and benefits.

The workshop will be held at the Swedish Cultural Center, at 1920 Dexter Ave. N., and will be followed by the monthly SAME luncheon meeting, with Mic Dinsmore, CEO of the Port of Seattle, as the luncheon speaker. Dinsmore' s topic will be "Regional Leadership Needs In An Evermore-Competitive World Economy."

Cost for the workshop is $10, and $25 for the luncheon. For reservations, call Lynn Carroll at URS, (206) 438-2055.

CivilTech opens Portland branch

CivilTech Corp., a structural, geotechnical, and software engineering firm headquartered in Bellevue, has opened a branch office in Portland.

The office will be managed by John Yang, who has 18 years of engineering design experience. He has provided engineering for projects in the fields of transportation, telecommunications, solid waste, water resources/fish enhancement, industry, residential development and utilities. His experience includes design of road systems, airport extensions, sanitary sewers, storm drainage systems, municipal water systems, retaining walls and construction observation and contract administration.

The phone number is (503) 888-1688, fax (503) 466-1829, and the address is 14081 N.W. Eagleridge Lane, Portland, OR 97229.

Anshen + Allen builds health care specialty

Photo by Richard Barnes Anshen+Allen’s Santa Clara Valley Medical Center main hospital.

Anshen + Allen and Pacific Architects in January will celebrate one year as a merged firm. The firm's office is at 1500 Fourth Ave., Suite 450.

Anshen + Allen is a San Francisco-based architecture, planning and interior design firm specializing in health care and higher-education facility design. Founded by Adam Kerner in 1985, Pacific Architects developed a reputation in design of health care facilities in the Puget Sound region.

Anshen + Allen and Pacific first worked together on the Jinsenkai Medical Research Institute in Fukushima, Japan, and then formed a joint venture to pursue projects. After two years of a joint venture, the merger was completed in January.

The merged firm is working on the 1-million-square-foot replacement campus for Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene. Sacred Heart is owned and operated by Bellevue-based PeaceHealth.

The firm also is developing campus master plans for both Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland. Work continues on a number of projects at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, the V.A. Medical Center and Valley Orthopedic Associates.

"Both firms have a strong commitment to innovation and leadership in the delivery of patient- and family-focused health care design, as well as high-quality academic building design," said principal Adam Kerner. The firm's phone is (206) 652-0111, and fax (206) 749-0176. The Web site is www.anshen.com.

Design Detailings: Pike Place Market seeks applicants

Two positions are open on the Pike Place Market Historical Commission: one property owner position and one merchant position.

The 12-member Pike Place Market Historical Commission is responsible for the review and approval of all use and design changes within the 10-acre Pike Place Market Historical District.

The commission is composed of two market merchants, two market property owners, two market residents and two members each representing Friends of the Market, Allied Arts and the Seattle Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Members serve a three-year term.

Interested applicants for the property owner position must own a property within the Pike Place Market Historical District, and the merchant position must own a business within the district.

Send a letter of interest and resume by Oct. 23 to Mayor Greg Nickels c/o: Heather McAuliffe, coordinator, Pike Place Market Historical Commission, city of Seattle, Department of Neighborhoods, 700 Third Ave., Fourth Floor, Seattle, WA 98104.

Free tour of Tacoma downtown housing

What's it like to live in downtown Tacoma? Find out Saturday and Sunday, when 15 of downtown Tacoma's most popular new and renovated condos, town homes and apartments open their doors.

Tour downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and get a feel for the downtown Tacoma lifestyle. The downtown properties will serve food and offer entertainment. The tour is free and the public is encouraged to park at the Tacoma Dome Station and ride the Tacoma Link light rail into downtown. The homes include The Bostwick, 755 St. Helens Ave.; Cliff Street Lofts, 1120 Cliff Ave.; Harmon Lofts, 1944 Pacific Ave.; Hawthorn Hill, 3222 E. D St; and The Metropolitan, 233 St. Helens Ave.

"The more people we have living downtown the more Tacoma will continue its transformation into a vibrant, 24-hour city," said Juli Wilkerson, director of the Tacoma Economic Development Department. "Increased population will also support existing businesses and make us attractive to new retail and office firms considering locating in Tacoma."

Maps of the self-guided tour, including a list of participating properties and merchants, are available online at www.TacomaBIA.org/Housing.asp or www.CityofTacoma.org.

Does architecture affect the brain?

On Monday and Tuesday, the Southwest Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects sponsors a discussion on research into the links between architecture and neuroscience. Learn about current research into how the built environment affects functions of the human brain, including stress and the immune system.

From 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Washington State History Museum, John Eberhard, president of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, will present the film "Beyond Intuition," and provide an introduction to the field of architecture and neuroscience.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, a symposium at CI Shenanigans in Tacoma will explore architecture, design and neuroscience, as well as stress and the immune system. Joining John Eberhard in presenting the symposium will be Dr. Giovanni Cizza, senior clinician at the National Institute of Mental Health.

The cost for the Monday event is $30 for AIA members, $40 for the general public. The cost for the Tuesday symposium is $90 for AIA members and $100 for the public, with discounts available for those registering for both events. Registration information is available online at www.aiasww.org/docs/Events.asp, or by phoning (253) 627-4006.

NYC AIA chapter unveils new quarters

Photo by David Sundberg/Esto AIA New York's new 12,000-square-foot Center for Architecture has a common room, resource center and 18-foot-tall presentation hall.

The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter on Tuesday unveiled the Center for Architecture, an institution devoted to the role of architecture in urban life.

Designed by the firm Andrew Berman Architect and located in New York City in a former industrial space at 536 LaGuardia Place, the center has a 64-foot-wide glass façade looking into three floors of galleries -- establishing a relationship between the activity within and the life of the street. The 12,000-square-foot facility was renovated at a cost of $2.5 million and features galleries, a lecture hall, public resource center, library, meeting rooms and offices for the chapter and its affiliate, the New York Foundation for Architecture.

Tuesday's opening kicks off Architecture Week: six days of activities, including talks on contemporary architecture and free guided tours of new and historic buildings in the five boroughs.

"We hope this facility will serve as a catalyst to further the spirit of mutual support and respect, so that architects, planners, building industry professionals and the public can come together and learn from each other," said George Miller, president of the chapter. For more information, call (212) 683-0023 or e-mail info@aiany.org. The chapter's Web site is www.aiany.org.

Design Detailings: City seeks urban planner

The city of Seattle is looking for an urban planner with transportation planning expertise to serve on the Seattle Design Commission, beginning in late fall. Design Commission members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve renewable, two-year terms.

"I urge urban planners with a passion for keeping Seattle a great city to consider this important work," said Mayor Greg Nickels.

The Design Commission was established in 1968 to consult and advise city officials on the design and environmental aspects of capital improvements. The commission reviews projects at each design phase. Members also sit on the consultant selection panels convened by various departments for city projects. The commission consists of nine members: two registered architects, one artist and one member-at-large; and at least one of each of the following positions: urban planner, licensed engineer, landscape architect and urban or environmental designer.

Send a letter of interest and resume by Oct. 24 to Mayor Greg Nickels c/o: Layne Cubell, coordinator, Seattle Design Commission, City of Seattle, 700 Fifth Ave., Suite 2000, Seattle 98104-5070. For more information, contact Cubell at (206) 233-7911 or via e-mail at layne.cubell@seattle.gov.

Chico's taps Callison for retail concept

Chico’s FAS, Inc. has selected Seattle's Callison Architecture to develop the retail environment for its new intimate apparel and active wear concept. In addition, Callison will be working with Chico’s to refresh its existing store concept. Launch of the new concept is scheduled for 2004.

Callison provides planning and design services to retail, hospitality, residential, health care and corporate clients worldwide, and was ranked as the top retail design firm by World Architecture in January.

Oct. 2 lecture on rebuilding communities

Town Hall and CityClub present "Seattle 360: Better Together," an evening with authors Robert Putnam and Lewis Feldstein, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall. Putnam, a Harvard professor and author of "Bowling Alone," will discuss success restoring the American community. He co-authored, with Louis Feldstein, "Better Together," which studies how citizens rebuild communities by working together, bridging social divides and making space for new leadership.

Tickets are $5 in advance at Elliott Bay Book Co. Town Hall is at 1119 Eighth Ave. Call (206) 682-7395 or go to http://www.seattlecityclub.org.

O'Connor, Kriegh form Bainbridge firm

O'Connor

Kriegh

Architect Peter O'Connor, principal and owner of O'Connor Associates, and Julie Kriegh, owner of Loci Architects, have merged their Bainbridge Island-based practices to form O'Connor Kriegh Architects.

O’Connor has practiced architecture for 35 years, the past 23 years on Bainbridge. He has managed projects ranging from commercial, educational, religious, civic and municipal facilities to high-end single-family and multi-family residences.

Kriegh, who has practiced architecture for 23 years, worked for NBBJ, Miller/Hull Partnership and Weinstein Copeland Architects before founding her own firm three years ago. Her experience includes commercial, religious and medical projects, as well as single and multi-family residential construction. Kriegh currently serves on the Bainbridge Planning Commission.

Current projects include the Mammoth Hospital Orthopedic and Physical Therapy Building in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.; The Winery, a 42-unit housing project on Bainbridge; the University of Washington Bothell Donor Wall; and several new residences in the area.

Pyatok joins housing consortium

Pyatok Architects has joined the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County as an associate member. The addition brings the nonprofit trade association’s membership to 29 nonprofit members and 34 associate members. All share an interest in affordable housing.

HDC's nonprofit members have developed nearly 15,000 units of affordable housing, primarily in the Seattle-King County area. Associate members include architects, contractors, financial institutions, law firms, consultants and government agencies.

"Most of our clients belong to HDC," said Tom Eanes, principal at Pyatok Architects' Seattle office. "Our firm focuses on affordable and market-rate multi-family housing, community planning, student housing and mixed-use development within inner cities and suburbs. We specialize in providing architectural services to nonprofit housing development organizations and nonprofit social service providers in Washington, California and other western states."

Pyatok Architects has offices in Seattle and Oakland, with a staff of 25 architects. The firm's most recent projects include the Refugee Women's Alliance Center in south Seattle and the Eliza B. McCabe Townhomes in Tacoma.

Oct. 9 meeting on the art of etiquette

The Oct. 9 program and luncheon meeting of Marketing Associates of Spokane will be presented by etiquette consultant Merrily Bjerkestrand. She will speak about the skills needed to make a positive impression on clients and others. Bjerkestrand will present a refresher course in business etiquette and dining skills to help increase confidence and authority.

The meeting will be held at noon at the Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division St. Cost is $15 for MAS members and $25 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Oct. 6. For membership information or to make a reservation, contact MAS vice president Greg Sofio at (509) 534-0451 or visit the MAS Web site at http://www.maspokane.org.

Design Detailings: Port hosts master plan talk

The Port of Olympia on Thursday will host a discussion about developing a master plan for its East Bay property in Olympia. Bounded by State Avenue and Marine Drive, the property is zoned urban waterfront, a designation that allows mixed commercial/retail, residential, limited light industrial, open space and park in a waterfront environment. The area is centrally located, connecting the Port’s mixed-use Swantown and Market District properties, Olympia’s urban downtown, and the residential neighborhoods of East Bay and Bigelow.

The core of the planning process involves four public workshops scheduled for Sept. 25, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, and Jan. 29. All workshops will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Multipurpose Room A of the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia.

The first workshop will focus on history of the site, community values and possible land uses for this property. Information will also be presented concerning zoning and environmental considerations to be taken into account during the process.

The port selected NBBJ and Civic Partners to help with the discussion process. For information about the workshops or planning process, contact the port at (360) 528-8000, email inquiries@portolympia.com or go to the Port’s Web site at www.portolympia.com.

SMPS hosts kick-off party

The Society for Marketing Professional Services, Seattle Chapter’s kick-off party will be 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. The event, which will feature Karen Johnston of Johnston Training Group, will be held at the Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point in Kirkland.

The seminar will be "How to Really Win an Interview." A cocktail reception will follow from 5 to 8 p.m. Johnston is a member of the Seattle Chapter and author of "Relationship Selling: Building Trust to Sell Your Services."

The cost is $30 for SMPS members, $35 for member firms and $40 for non-members. To register, contact Grace Vigil at Parametrix, (425) 822-8880 or visit www.smpsseattle.org.

Predicting A/E's future

ACEC Washington hosts a Business Practice Breakfast 7 to 9 a.m. Oct. 1, titled "How to Predict and Impact the Future of Your Firm." Management consultant Ed Edelsteino will speak at the event, at University Plaza Hotel, 400 N.E. 45th St.

Edelstein works extensively with engineers, architects, attorneys and construction companies and is a contributor to ACEC and its member firms. He has taught leadership and personal development and strategic business planning in ACEC Washington’s Core Competencies for Principals Program since its inception. Register online at www.cecw.org.

Design Detailings: UW program on firm leadership

The University of Washington is offering a certificate program in design firm leadership and management, beginning this fall. The program is structured as a three-quarter sequence of three-credit courses: Design Firm Management, Leadership, and Strategy and Marketing. The program addresses the multi-disciplinary nature of design, and will include courses taught by Mithun's Anne Haerle.

The program is designed to give participants tools to move into leadership positions in large and mid-size design firms, or to better manage their own practices. Students are encouraged to learn and inspire each other through a hands-on format. Guest speakers will include Virginia Anderson of Seattle Center; Karl Bischoff of Phinney Bischoff Design House; Lee Copeland, Mithun; Craig Curtis, Miller/Hull; and Jon Magnusson, Magnusson Klemencic Associates.

The program is for design professionals with at least four years experience in architecture, construction, engineering, interiors, graphics or landscape architecture who seek to move into firm leadership and management. For more information, call (206) 685-8936 or e-mail tdvorak@ese.washington.edu.

WSU profs look at Islamic architecture

Bashir Kazimee and Ayad Rahmani, professors in the Washington State University School of Architecture and Construction Management, recently released a book on Islamic architecture, "Place, Meaning, and Form in the Architecture and Urban Structure of Eastern Islamic Cities.''

Kazimee, a native of Afghanistan, and Rahmani, originally from Iraq, examine how places play a key role in "elevating consciousness" and helping Muslims align spiritual values, according to the authors.

In many Islamic cultures, the orientation of buildings and architectural features means more than simply a shelter or a workplace, they said. The book examines specific places and features, such as the walls, paths and houses traditionally seen in Middle Eastern architecture, and how they represent important aspects of spirituality for Muslims. The professors did research for the book in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The book is published by Edwin Mellen Press.

Prakash speaks on teaching design

Vikram Prakash, chair of the University of Washington Department of Architecture, will present "The Future of Design Education in Washington and the World" today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. He will be joined by Greg Kessler, director of Washington State University School of Architecture & Construction Management.

The lecture will be held at the UW Bothell campus. For more information, contact AIA Seattle, (206) 448-4938, or aia@aiaseattle.org.

AUE celebrates six-month mark

Armour Unsderfer Engineering LLC, a structural engineering firm, is celebrating six months in business. The firm has worked on the structural design of mechanical unit supports, financial facilities, community centers and aquarium exhibits.

The firm was started by William Armour and Brian Unsderfer, who each have 15 years of structural experience each. The firm is at 13456 S.E. 27th Place., Suite 200, Bellevue 98005. The phone is (425) 614-0949.

Magnusson to speak at AIA event Sept. 24

Jon Magnusson, CEO of Magnusson Klemencic Associates, will speak Sept. 24 as part of AIA Seattle's Honors Series. The event will be held at noon at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Following Sept. 11, Magnusson shared insights into the engineering behind the World Trade Center. In May, the AIA named Magnusson as one of eight Honorary AIA members. For more information, call (206) 448-4938 or go to www.aia@aiaseattle.org.

New digs for Swimmer Photography

Lara Swimmer Photography, architectural photography firm, has relocated from 200 W. Highland Dr., No 301, Seattle 98119, to 3606 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle 98126. The contact numbers remain the same: telephone (206) 284-5213; fax (206) 284-2085; and e-mail is lara@swimmerphoto.com. The Web address is http://www.swimmerphoto.com.

Kersels: re-enacting his story at SAAM

Martin Kersels, a Los Angeles-based sculptor, will perform an episode from his artistic history at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Kersels works in performance art, photography, music, installation and video. He uses humor and explores themes of gravity and the human form. He has created a series of photographs that capture his body in midair as he trips on city sidewalks or shows his friends in midair as he tosses them skyward. One of Kersels’ installation pieces, created in 1995, consists of his disembodied voice booming out of a speaker submerged in water titled "Attempt to Raise the Temperature of a Container of Water by Yelling at It."

Hickory Chair unveils new line

Hickory Chair, a furniture manufacturer with nearly 100 years of history creating and reproducing classic American designs, will introduce a chair line to the Northwest design community Thursday and Friday. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will be in Atrium Suite 228 at Seattle Design Center, 5701 Sixth Ave. S.

The line includes more than 14 collections in a variety of styles.

"Designers and homeowners will appreciate how well this line blends with Northwest interiors, in terms of design details, styles and flexibility," said Lorry Greenberg, owner of L. Greenberg & Associates.

Design Detailings: ASCE hosts monorail discussion

The American Society of Civil Engineers Seattle Section sponsors a discussion on the monorail expansion project Wednesday, Sept. 17. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Ballard Yankee Grill, 5300 24th Ave. N.W.

The presenter will be Ven Knox, director of citywide public outreach. He will offer a monorail overview and update. For reservations, call (206) 926-0482 or e-mail house@seattleasce.org.

Portico to design Las Vegas museum

Seattle's Portico Group has been selected by the Las Vegas Springs Preserve and the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs to provide architecture, landscape architecture and exhibit design for the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas. Working in collaboration with Paul Steelman Design Group in Las Vegas, the project team also includes BRC Imagination Arts.

The Portico Group created the 2000 Master Plan for Las Vegas Springs Preserve, which is an ecologically sensitive site surrounding the historic spring that fostered the initial settlement of the Las Vegas area. Other facilities at the preserve include the Desert Living Center, the Mojave Desert Visitor Center and display and demonstration gardens.

The Nevada State Museum collects, preserves and interprets historical artifacts relevant to southern Nevada and the Mojave Desert. Its new building at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve will be approximately 70,000 square feet, including 20,000 square feet of interpretive exhibits.

The Portico Group is beginning its 20th year of business in Seattle. Other ongoing projects include the new building and exhibits for the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, exhibits at the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and a Master Plan for the New York Aquarium.