News

Eugene’s February One-Minute Mile

Dr. Eugene Thompson and IONIC CEO takes one minute to dive into his topic of the month!





#LunchtimeLive with Array Digital and D. Eugene Thompson

IONIC’s founder and Entrepreneurial Excellence Award winner, D. Eugene Thompson, recently sat down with Array Digital to participate in their Lunchtime Live series to talk about what it means to be an entrepreneur.
From speaking about the challenges he faced as a new business owner, to gaining the traction that got IONIC to where it is today, a lot is packed in the thirty-minute conversation.
Want to hear Eugene’s thoughts and the origin story on IONIC? The Lunchtime Live episode is still available! Stream it, below: 

 

CoVa BIZ and Eugene

Eugene was featured in the recent edition of The Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia – CoVaBIZ. Not only his efforts with IONIC but also his upcoming charity run for Diabetes – The 777 Challenge where he runs 7 marathons in 7 days in each of the 7 cities of Hampton Roads. Talk about Community!

Take a read through his article and if you want to know more about his running, go to this link.

Run Eugene Run

Crescent Community Center

Team IONIC is excited to share a sneak preview of the project that is currently in development. Crescent community center is a project in Virginia Beach off of Salem Road where the clients had received the condition of use approval back in 2013. The design that was completed at that time was very adventurous but didn’t quite capture the cultural desires of the client.

IONIC was brought in to assist the client in completing the vision that they so desperately desired. WPL is the civil engineer of record and had completed an approved site plan for the client to proceed with developing the infrastructure, grading and  parking but the client hadn’t move forward with any of the building documents.

The original plan called for 12,400 square feet of new construction. However this was too much for the congregation to afford. Originally a tower was included along with a dome structure both of which needed to be eliminated to bring the cost of construction within budget. After several years of frustration the client brought the issues to IONIC for assistance. We had previously worked with Syed Haider on other convenience store projects and had an excellent relationship with him over the years. When he walked in the door he told us that if anybody could make this happen it was us.

What a great testimonial!

And what a great responsibility to perform!

So after our discussion talking about the desires, goals and potential reduction in square footage for the initial phase, IONIC went to work on creating a plan that could be implemented. Our team of designers researched ideas, materials, and cultural impact that would make this project a success. All of these things needed to come together to meet the restricted budget.

IONIC first started with a floor plan and shared our initial ideas with client. After several back and forth conversations we were able to come up with a plan that fits the needs of the client and seemed to allow us to produce a structure within budget. This plan would also allow future growth to the full 12,000+ square feet whenever the church/mosque was capable of moving forward.

The next phase was researching ideas of how to keep the structure both contextual, cultural, and affordable. Yes, all those things usually do not go together. Regardless, that was our task.

Our team sketched ideas and concepts back and forth deliberating on an approach.

IONIC shared our the IONIC Masterplan with our client and achieved outstanding success!

Once we presented the idea and walked through the concepts as well as the interiors of the space by utilizing a three-dimensional model and capabilities of spinning the structure around so the client could see all sides different angles and interiors of our proposed design. Alongside our model we shared samples of exterior finishes which included porcelain tile on higher impact areas and stucco on the remaining portions.

Our primary focus was to have the front of the building become dominant in the design so the two key bookends were featured on the front utilizing the porcelain tile with tall glass entryway fronted by a simple arcade. To accomplish some of the blending of culture we proposed sandblasted storefront that characterized the Mosaic pattern often found in similar structures. This idea would allow sun to stream in from the outside and create a shadow cast across the floor replicating the Mosaic feel. Conversely at nighttime when interior lights are gleaming brightly, the shadows would be cast outside onto the paving in front of the entryway.

The effects will be dynamic!

After receiving accolades from our client in accomplishing exactly what they desired, our next hurdle was to see if we could get approvals administratively from the City of Virginia Beach on our new design. The primary concern here is that if they felt our design deviated too far from the original plans, we would have to go through the entire condition of use process again. This would delay the construction document phase by over three months if it was required.

With great joy the city’s planners saw that our design as being compatible with the original plan and found it pleasing. With this information we were granted an administrative approval to move forward!

Let us know if we can help you finish your master plan and help your project move forward. Feel free to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Meet Chris Warren

We are excited to anounce the addition to our Virginia Beach team, Chris Warren Associate Architect. Chris grew up in Hampton Roads and graduated at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2011. Previously he worked at Cox, Kliewer & Co. working on construction documents for many apartment complex projects from schematic design to final CDs. His vast experience in commercial work will help IONIC continue to deliver our projects on time and on budget.

Chris is also highly active in various community organizations such as YAF – Young Architect’s Forum, AIA Hampton Roads, P40 Network, tHRive as well as others.

Currently, Chris is helping us develop some master plans for a church in Richmond as well as construction documents for another historic church in Virginia Beach.

We look forward to seeing Chris continue to grow.

Be sure to welcome him the next time you see him out and about.

Two offices to serve you better. Headquarters in Hampton Roads. Second office in Central Virginia.

Expanding Our Territory

One of the most exciting parts of architecture isn’t so much the act of designing something, it’s the revelation during it’s conception. And by conception, I mean the act of creating the space, structure, building etc.

As architects and engineers, we try to do our job at creating the “visual”. Creating the “how-to”. Creating the “inspiration”. But honestly, it comes down to great builders that take our doodles, our ramblings, our piles of paper and turn them into living breathing buildings.

Too far? Ok maybe!

For twenty five years, I have heard the argument between architects and contractors. One fighting the other. And unfortunately, we’ve have experienced it. IONIC has chosen to work with the best in the industry to accomplish the work….not just for us, but especially for YOU, our clients.

As a team comes together from the conception of a project idea, vision or dream, it’s so satisfying to know that the contractor has your back and you have his. A common goal for our client.

To produce a product seamlessly and efficiently without forsaking aesthetics or foregoing economy is one of the primary goals that we strive for at IONIC.

Enjoy some of our pictures of a Wendy’s restaurant “Smartbuild” in Portsmouth, Virginia. Its not often we get the opportunity to celebrate a Grand Opening. The owner invited our team and the entire community to celebrate in the new store.

Thanks to the entire team to help get this one completed.

We’re Hiring!

Our offices have been blessed with being awarded some great projects recently. Now we need help getting them out the door.

Restaurants:

We have our continued accounts with fast food chains that have kept us busy over the years and continues to grow. Lots of production work throughout Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We even have one in California.

Retail:

Our office has always had a foundation in retail work. Currently we are doing concerts for numerous new and renovated sites throughout Virginia. Conceptual designs and production talent needed. We are even starting construction on a project outside Chicago.

Offices:

We have several projects requiring space planning, permit documents and interiors for fit-outs, new builds and renovations. Looking for someone that is quick and efficient in their time to help us with these types of projects.

Churches:

Our Richmond office has had a long history of doing great church projects. We continue to need help with master planning, space planning, conceptual designs and construction documents. Our office has several new master planning projects as well as projects rolling into construction documents. New construction and renovations/additions for both traditional type churches and contemporary. We are doing work throughout Virginia, North Carolina and California. If you have an interest in working with churches, give us a call.

IONIC is looking for individuals that have talent in design, efficient in production with knowledge in Autocad and Revit, creative problem solvers, energetic and self motivated, team focused and a desire to work in a firm with a long history of success and culture of cultivating award winning projects.

If you have an interest in a carreer like this with IONIC. Visit our careers page for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Creating place and spaces that enrich the lives of those who use them.

Www.ionicdezigns.com

VHDA Certified

We spent the morning at the VHDA office in Richmond getting our certification for Universal Design. I had seen the office several times as it was only three minutes from the hotel I stay at when I visit IONIC Richmond. So that means about a mile away from from our office.

What does VHDA do? A lot, but for starters:

I was impressed with the amount of information we were educated on and the process about how they focus on design that accommodates more users. Universal Design is not the same thing as ADA American Disabilities Act. It has different criteria.

As we continue to move forward with mixed use and multi-family projects, this will help us guide our clients in a manner that could certainly benefit them.

One of the interesting displays that they had at their headquarters was a full mock up that you could roll a wheelchair through. It’s not as easy as you might think. The circle depicts the 5’ handicap circle required in commercial work. Rumor has it they may be increasing it to 66”.

Examples of ways a cabinet can appear perfectly normal for a residence but a few adjustments in the cabinet can help those with disabilities still function in their own kitchen. This drawer was cut in half and a lower counter or cutting board was added.

Make sure your projects have the appropriate backing for support of grabbars (other side of the wall). I’ve seen these installed just in the drywall and get pulled out the first time someone really needs them.

A great day spent getting some valuable information in order to better help our clients find solutions to their design and construction problems.

Two offices to serve you better. Headquarters in Hampton Roads. Second office in Central Virginia.

Find out more about IONIC 

IONIC Vision: Creating Places and Spaces that Enrich the Lives of Those Who Use Them.

Three Chopt Presbyterian Dedicated!

Three Chopt Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dedication of its renovated facility. IONIC helped Three Chopt from conception to completion of this $2,000,000 renovation project and is ecstatic to hear that the church has responded enthusiastically to the final product.

Feel free to browse a few of our other completed projects in our portfolio.

Two offices to serve you better. Headquarters in Hampton Roads, a second office in Central Virginia.

IONIC Featured In AIA Newsletter

Ionic DeZign Studios was featured in the latest edition of AIA Richmond’s newsletter, The Pedestal. The Central Virginia office located in Richmond recently completed renovations and an addition to Providence Baptist Church located in Hayes, Virginia.

This project was also recognized and received two awards from the National Association of Church Design-Builders (NACDB) earlier this year.

Click below to see the newsletter.

AIA RVA 3Q The Pedestal

Feel free to browse a few of our other completed projects here:

IONIC Churches

Two offices to serve you better. Headquarters in Hampton Roads. Second office in Central Virginia.

Find out more about IONIC 

IONIC Vision: Creating Places and Spaces that Enrich the Lives of Those Who Use Them.