September 17, 2003

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.