Tag Archive for: award winning architect

Ask IONIC #4 – MEP Services

Ask IONIC is a napkin series of questions that we often hear from our client and others that may assist those who are also seeking answers.

No question is dumb… just the ones you don’t ask.

We hope these will help you understand our industry just a little better so you can make informed decisions on your project.

Information that leads to knowledge is the key to success.

Are Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineered drawings required for my Project?

We often get questions not only from our clients but also from general contractors about engineering requirements for projects. MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing.

In most jurisdictions, any modifications to an existing facility where the mechanical, electrical or plumbing will be altered, the jurisdiction requires engineered drawings. This is also applicable to any new construction. In some cases, again depending on where you live, the jurisdiction will allow drawings that are either unsealed or sealed by a licensed architect. The drawings need to explain in detail all the requirements of these engineering scopes.

Although IONIC is not an engineer in these trades, we often incorporate within our scope of work the hiring of engineering consultants to help facilitate this need. This is the easiest and most complete way to organize a set of documents without confusion. All of our CADD files and Revit files can be shared with the engineering firm of record to make sure all of the work is coordinated and matched for continuity.

Here is a list of typical services:

Mechanical Engineering and HVAC Design:

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC)

Central Plant Design

Exhaust Systems

Direct Digital Control (DDC) Systems

Chilled Water Systems

Heating Water Systems

Ground Source Heat Pump Systems

Outside Air Pretreatment and Dehumidification

Pool Dehumidification

Lab Fume Hood Systems

Energy Recovery Systems

Electrical Engineering Design

Power Distribution Systems

Interior and Exterior

Lighting Design

Photometric Analysis

Lightning Protection Systems

Fire Alarm Systems

Outlets and Raceway Systems for Voice and Data

Backup Power Generators

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS’s)

Dimming Systems

Special Grounding Systems

Plumbing Systems Design

Domestic Cold and Hot Water Systems

Domestic Waste and Vent Systems

Fuel Gas Piping Systems

Storm Water Systems

Fixture Unit Analysis Calculations

Performance Specification of Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Lab Gas Systems

Medical Gas Systems

Compressed air systems

Vacuum Systems

Grease Interceptors

A common phrase in our industry is design build. We have previously written about this definition and the buried understandings of what design build entails. In short, many times the general contractor will hire the trades for mechanical, electrical and plumbing to produce the minimal amount of documents needed to obtain a permit for their scopes of work. We have seen all ranges of how this can be accomplished.

In some areas we have seen the trades hire an engineer to produce their work. We have also seen the trades do line drawings on top of our architectural to obtain a permit. And yes, we have even seen napkin sketches get approved for the minimal amount of scope that might be needed in a smaller project. Some jurisdictions do not require any documents whatsoever just the application noting that most or all of this work will be verified in the field and inspected by the jurisdiction or a third party ensuring that all is done properly and to code.

Owners would often look at this as an opportunity to save money.

This is true as the owner will spend less money on engineering upfront. However it is possible that they might spend more on construction because the trades will need to do this extra step to obtain their permits. The cost of construction in each of these areas might increase. However, that is not always the case. Most likely what does occur is the general contractor selects a competent subcontractor that can do this work and utilizes their skills and experience as well as a long-lasting relationship to establish a team on the project. As long as the subcontractors are pricing this competitively, IONIC does not see a disadvantage to this. However the owner must be very cautious in making sure that the bids and scope of work are apples to apples.

For instance, one subcontractor for the mechanical might propose only 8 tons of heating and cooling whereas another subcontractor might review the conditions and consider that 10 tons are required. Less is not always the right choice, and neither is more.

It needs to be calculated properly according to the needs of the space in the occupancy determined.

By going this route, it also eliminates competitive bids by all the subcontractors of the trade. It might be beneficial to have all the engineering documents so that multiple subcontractors can price the work not only for value but also for time availability.

This could be very important to the schedule of the construction.

Either choice is acceptable as long as the jurisdiction allows it. The owner must know the conditions of the permit requirements for their specific jurisdiction before proceeding with any one option.

Ask your architect what is required and what is the best scenario for your specific project. 

If you are exploring this opportunity, IONIC suggests that you reach out to us and we can quickly provide some useful information for your project.

Hope this clarifies the question for you. Should you have others, please submit them to us and we will add them to the list and post answers. Feel free to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

BGAV Tradeshow Convention

This week IONIC attended the Baptist General Association of Virginia’s annual general meeting and convention in Hampton, Virginia. The event was well attended and lots of guests visited our booth.

 

IONIC featured its Gratitude Grant which you can read about in another blog post here. We highlighted the offer with actual rocks engraved with the word “GRATITUDE.” These handy little gems went FAST. Attendees of the event truly enjoyed them as they reminded themselves of the gratitude we should feel every day.

This was one reason IONIC began seeking more opportunities for religious architecture: the people we have the opportunity to work with. It has given us the chance to reflect on our own gratitude for the years of support our community has provided.

At the end of the day, our team received several significant opportunities to meet with various churches to share how we could assist them in their next step of church growth.

Those who attended and dropped by our booth will receive a free copy of our “8 Considerations for Church the IONIC Masterplan.” It shares exactly what simple steps you need to consider when building or expanding your house of worship. If you would like your own copy, please reach out to us here and we will email you the link to download it.

Remember that Ionic DeZign Studios is more than a designer of architecture, we help to resolve the issues your church is facing with growth. The obstacles in your current facility are preventing the opportunity for your ministry to grow.

With more than 300 built churches, our team can address any of your concerns. Schedule a low commitment consultation to begin your journey.

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

Two offices to serve you better. Headquarters in Hampton Roads. Second office in Central Virginia.
Find out more about IONIC

Inside IONIC – Bart McElfresh

Who is IONIC?

Based out of our Virginia Beach headquarters, Bart is a native of the Hampton Roads community and has developed a wealth of relationships since his start in the architectural industry in 1983. With an exhaustive portfolio of religious projects, Bart has experience with just about every style of church out there. This background has given him an efficiency in understanding the client’s needs and has created many trusted relationships. In his current role with Ionic DeZign Studios, he is additionally responsible for retail development and client relations.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on several fitness related projects in Hampton Roads, which include interior build-out of Blink Fitness Center and a new ground-up construction for Chesapeake Crossfit. There is a high-end, waterfront residential property along with Haynes Furniture/The Dump renovations located in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond and Chicago. We also recently were awarded The Webb Schools Vivian Webb Chapel Renovation Master Plan in Claremont, California. I’m really excited about that possibility.

What inspires you?

I’m always inspired by great design. When any design – whether it’s a building, a product, a park or plaza, sculpture or some other type of art or even something digital – feels fresh, elegant and timeless all at the same time, it’s great design.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to travel and thankfully get to do so quite a lot. I really enjoy experiencing other cities in a non-touristy way. In the past year, I’ve spent time in Dublin, London, Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle and also Amsterdam – which is probably my favorite city in the world. Next year – Buenos Aires!

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“In my experience, the simpler a design appears the more complicated it is to pull off!”

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.

“Inside IONIC” posts, designed to help you get to know the talented, innovative team at Ionic DeZign Studios.

Building your Retail Project

When was the last time you hired an architect to design a retail facility for your organization? Next question: How long did it take them?

Yes, that’s what we thought. Most of the time we hear from our clients about the dissatisfaction of waiting for a set of construction documents from their past architectural firm.

 

 

The second biggest complaint we hear is that the details are not conducive to a retail structure. The contractor has to change or simplify how it is built to fit the budget.

That’s unfortunate.

We might have a solution for you when it comes to your next retail project. Whether you are building new, adding an addition or doing a facelift, IONIC can find the right solutions to address your concerns. That’s what we’ve been doing for nearly twenty years. Making your projects successful, both financially and aesthetically.

We understand that not all architectural firms are created equal. The best price doesn’t always equal the best value. Our clients come to IONIC because we address the challenges they’ve experienced with previous inattentive design firms failing to provide what was promised. For the right organizations, our clients tell us that we swiftly solve that challenge with amazing results. But, our approach might not be the right fit for every organization. We won’t know if we can help you until we learn more. If solving the challenge you are experiencing is important to you, we are happy to talk.

 

 

Here are a few questions to ask when you are looking for the right design partners for your next project. What is important to you?

  1. Do you want a team that is responsive to your needs and requests and looks out for your best interests or one that’s just told what to do and ignores best practices?

  2. Do you want an architect that seeks creative solutions to minimize costs and time or are you more concerned with someone that can just give you exactly what you’ve asked for, right or wrong?

  3. Are you looking for a team that is:

    A) Minimally Involved

    B) Adequately Engaged or

    C) Fully Invested?

  4. Finally, are you looking for someone who is interested in YOUR results not their own?

Feel free to reach out to anyone on our team and we look forward to an opportunity to serve your architectural needs.

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

Two offices to serve you better.

www.ionicdezigns.com

The S-Curve

I was recently afforded the opportunity to hear Kyle Johnson, the minister of Next Level Church, speak at the recent Annual Member Meeting of NACDB (National Association of Church Design Build) in Arlington, Texas. He gave the keynote address based on the “S-Curve” thought process regarding growth. It was interesting to hear him compare business and church growth. Something you might not normally expect. I took the following notes and added my own thoughts and embellishments as they apply to our own experiences.

It’s funny how things often tie together. Kyle was about to share his message which often referenced the rollercoaster or S-Curve theory. As I was walking over from the hotel to the convention center where the event was to take place, I noticed a wonderful orange sunrise coming up in the distance. It was striking. But what caught my attention especially was the shadowy figure of the rollercoaster from Six Flags in the foreground. A few hours later Kyle would be sharing his thoughts about rollercoasters and sunrises……hummmmm makes you think.

Growth is linear…up and to the right. Well that’s what we would like to consider consistent growth. Consistent and sustainable growth. But we know that is in theory only and does not necessarily occur in practice. Growth doesn’t happen in our businesses in a linear fashion. Nor does growth for churches happen linearly either. It’s more up and down like a rollercoaster. A continuous cycle that has its ebbs and tides and hopefully moves generally upward as the cycle repeats.

There are several recognizable phases that are evident in this S-Curve process:

1. Launch

The launching is the first phase and can easily be demonstrated by the kick off of a new business. However, other areas can be illustrated by this such as expansion, an acquisition or even a new service. Something different. Anything new can be considered a launch phase. On a rollercoaster, it is when you sit in that seat and pull down the bar that holds you in… and you suck your gut in just a little bit more so you can tug on it just a little bit more and the bar clicks tighter one more notch. Then you hear the air breaks go off on a rollercoaster. Hear we go! Hang on!

2. Acceleration

Seth Godin described the next phase of any business cycle as the acceleration phase. That moment when your movement just begins. It’s slow as first but you are proceeding forward. Gaining a bit of momentum possibly. It’s that first dip on the rollercoaster as it leaves the loading area and heads out on the track. A short  downward portion that we all experience in our stomachs possibly, both on the rollercoaster and in the business world.

3. Rapid Growth

The third phase is all about growth. Business is fun at this point. Work is coming in. So is money. This is what was planned, right? Up and to the right, just as all business models are represented. Growth is rapid. You get more projects than you know how to handle. You have to hire more people to perform the work. Things are good, maybe even a bit frantic. But that’s okay. You are making money. Making progress. Accomplishing a lot. This is good. A little sweat is good… right? Sure it is. Put your hands up on the rollercoaster! You feel like you could do this all day.

4. Diminishing Returns

Oh no, here it comes. You couldn’t really expect it to continue up and right forever, could you? Progress slows, but that’s OK because you were swamped and now you appreciate the breather. It should be nothing. It might last a month, maybe a few before you recognize the slowed forward momentum. Maybe you looked at your financials and see that you increased in revenue in every previous month. Over and over. But not this month. It was still a good number. Maybe even a little dip from last month. Nothing to worry about… or is there? It’s that moment on the rollercoaster when the first car goes over the top of the hill. The question for business owners is are you in the front seat or the back? Can you see what is ahead or are you blinded by an obstructed view?

5. Free Fall

Here comes the sickening feeling in your stomach. We lose a project. And then another. We never lost projects before. What do you mean our prices are too high?After all these years of our relationship and the past work we have performed for you? The other guys? It’s a downward spin on the rollercoaster. You can feel the wheels coming off the tracks just a little bit. Stomach floating upward into your throat. Not enough work for those new people you just hired.

Here is the moment when we have to begin to make a difference in our company. Being a good leader isn’t just about doing good when things are well. That’s easy to manage. A good leader recognizes the issues and takes action. I’ve often heard that it isn’t the challenges that makes you who you are, but how you react to those challenges.

You are going to have to avoid the Doom Loop. You keep doing the same… over and over. Where is that ultimately going to get you? Probably in the same spot you began… without progress. You tried something new and it didn’t take off immediately. You got scared and freaked out! The free fall makes you want to stop what you are doing and go back to something safe. The growth isn’t there anymore and it isn’t happening the way you hoped or planned. Trust the systems, structures, communication and processes. It’s there… give it time.

However, if there aren’t any changes made, your are bound to endure the Doom Loop. A good leader will make the necessary changes. Sticking your head in the sand and expecting it to get better isn’t a solution. If you are not willing to make the changes necessary to get back to the top of the S-Curve then you will certainly suffer. And so will the rest of your team.

So guess what? Every organization will experience some part of the Doom Loop. The real question is for what duration will you remain on this reoccurring cycle? How long will it take you as a leader to react? Good visionary leaders can see across the rollercoaster and see what the future holds. You must be willing to make the changes necessary. Jim Collins describes this trait as a good leader becoming a great leader.

Sunsets: Close your eyes and picture a sunset in your mind. Where are you? What is the perfect sunset that you envision? If this was asked in a room full of people, everyone would have a different answer, right? Is only one person envisioning the correct sunset? No they are all correct but they may not be envisioning your sunset as the leader. Your sunset is the vision of the company. The direction you are going. The master plan or maybe the 3 year vivid vision such as Cameron Herold suggests and our office does. So have you shared your vision with the others on your team so they know what your sunset looks like?

Where are you on the rollercoaster? And can you truly evaluate your current status? The bigger question is what are you going to do about it? How will your react to this challenge?

www.ionicdezigns.com

IONIC in Chicago

Our office is working toward approval with the Architectural Design Commission and Planning Commission for a new furniture retail store.  It has taken several trips back and forth to Chicago to meet with all the approving jurisdictional parties. Planning Commission, Architectural Design Commission and now we are headed to their Board of Trustees. Basically, the same thing as a City Council hearing.

So far, all has gone well without issues. We hope to begin the construction documents soon for both the exterior and interior to be ready by December once we get the final approvals in place.

Be sure to check out more of our work on our website.

www.ionicdezigns.com

Headed to the Lone Star State!

I’m polishing off my cowboy boots and heading down to Arlington, Texas to attend the National Association of Church Design Builders (NACDB) Annual Member Meeting on Tuesday. IONIC is a proud NACDB member and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to connect with my fellow NACDB peers and stay up to date on this important market we serve.

Arlington Convention Center, here I come! Watch our social pages for updates from my trip. Maybe I should pick up another pair of boots while I’m there!

18-Year Anniversary

This month, we celebrate 18 years in business. We also celebrate two years of our office in Richmond. It is amazing how time flies so quickly. It seems like yesterday I was working out of the house. Me, Myself and I. Now, we have two offices with 17 team members and we continue to grow. Never would have imagined that so many years ago.

While we celebrate 18 years of business as IONIC, our Richmond office (acquired in 2015) was originally William Henry Harris and Associates. They have been around for nearly 35 years practicing with a focus on religious architecture. Excellent history.

With our current reach and breadth of work, we cover thirteen states and have specialized in restaurant, retail, office and financial institutions. Not to mention our strong portfolio of historic projects along with multi-family, residential and educational-based designs.

Let IONIC help explore the growth and development of your project. Contact us for a consultation to explore how we can help you. Thanks again for all those who have helped us and supported our team over the years. You have made us successful.

ionicdezigns.com

3rd Street Bethel AME Church

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc. has been awarded the contract to provide design services to preserve the historic Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. The church is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and the project is being funded through a National Park Service grant. As part of the preservation of African American civil rights movement sites, Third Street Bethel AME Church was one of 39 projects in 21 states to receive funding.

The funds will be used to stabilize the 1856 Gothic structure, where trailblazing African-American Maggie Walker addressed the Right Worthy Grand Council of Virginia in 1901, saying, ”Let us awake” and urging them to “start and do good in our ranks,” establishing a bank, a newspaper and a business empire in Richmond’s African American community during the infancy of the Civil Rights movement in Virginia.

Be sure to follow up on our progress as we share along the way. Check out other church projects at www.ionicdezigns.com

We currently have offices in Virginia Beach and Richmond to better serve you.  757.499.3510.

IONIC Welcomes Soloman Peterson

Ionic DeZign Studios is pleased to announce that Soloman Peterson, Architect, AIA has joined the IONIC team serving in the position of Branch Director in our Richmond, Virginia office located at 3307 Church Road, Suite 200. Soloman has relocated from Nashville, Tennessee to join the firm and will focus on day to day management of the office, management of projects and business development along with building and fulfilling client relations.

Soloman has over 30 years of experience in the design professions, most recently serving as Director of Business Development / Senior Project Manager for Lose & Associates, a multi-disciplinary firm.  He previously served as Director of Architecture and Business Development with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates / Architects, opening and managing their Charlottesville, VA office, and prior to that served as Director of Architecture and Engineering with Lantz Construction Company in Broadway, VA.

Soloman also operated his own practice based out of Charlotte, NC for nearly 20 years and the first project he completed was in 1986 for the Pearson Signature Dealerships Richmond Honda location. He is the Architect of Record on well over 100 Virginia projects including completed projects for Richmond Public Schools, Chesterfield County Government, Rockingham County Public Schools, and the City of Harrisonburg as well as a broad array of private projects; most notably including the recent renovation and expansion of the historic Wayne Theater for the Wayne Theater Association located in Waynesboro, VA.

Soloman excels at leading integrated project teams in the collaborative delivery of planning, architectural and branded environment projects and will be joined in the office by a staff of 2 registered Architects and 3 associates to serve the current and future clients of the firm in Richmond and throughout central Virginia.

Please feel free to reach out to us if we can assist you in any way with your architectural or interior design needs. www.ionicdezigns.com