February 19, 2003

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.