Architect of the Month: Ned Kirschbaum, FAIA, Principal, Fentress Architects – milehighcre.com

Ned Kirschbaum

Ned Kirschbaum has been principal, technical design director and a member of Fentress Architects for more than 20 years.As the design firms technical expert, Ned is responsible for quality assurance and control, design production, construction document standards, and implementing innovative strategies in the design of high-performance building.He has more than three decades of experience, including an extensive background in providing architectural design services internationally. Ned has played a significant role in the $150 million revitalization of the Gio Ponti-designed Denver Art Museums North Building. His certifications from CSI include Certified Document Technician (CDT) and Certified Construction Contract Administration (CCCA).

Facts about Ned:

What sparked your interest in architecture?

When I was a sophomore at the University of Colorado, I visited the newly completed CiticorpBuilding in New York City. I was in awe of the scale of the project and fascinated to understandhow a project of its complexity could be accomplished. In contrast, I was equally moved by theintimate and uplifting space in the chapel at St. Peters Lutheran Church with its Louise Nevelsonbas-relief that is situated at the base of the Citicorp building. I knew then I wanted to participatein creating buildings like this.

What is different or unique about your approach to architecture?

I have always been equally passionate about design, practice, and technique. My approach hasbeen to find a balance of all three in my professional life. I love to draw, I love to invent, I loveto collaborate, I love to teach, and I love to learn. A large part of my expertise and success is theresult of my deep respect for the tradesmen that construct the buildings. I am a team builderbecause great architecture can only result from a unified team with a common aim, including asupportive and engaged owner, an excellence-driven design team, and a performance-drivencontractor.

As the firms technical expert, how do you bridge the gap between art and engineering?

My approach is always to start with the art and ask, What form and/or material best expressesthe design vision for this project? With the design intent clear, in collaboration with designers,craftsmen, and construction industry partners, I work to craft design solutions and details thatresult in high-performance buildings while maintaining and enhancing the projects design goals.Making the art real and tangible that is the engineering!

What are some of the most exciting projects youve been involved in recent years?

I have been very fortunate to work on many great projects in my career. These include theDenver Art Museum North Building Renovation and Welcome Center addition, the 50-storyBurjgate and Sofitel Downtown Dubai towers, the 300-meter-tall, 60-story Arraya Tower inKuwait City, the SeaTac International Airport Central Terminal Expansion, the Miami BeachConvention Center Expansion, the Air Traffic Control Tower at SFO, and the Ralph L. CarrColorado Judicial Center here in Denver. Each of these projects has presented uniquechallenges that have truly enriched me personally and professionally.

What have you enjoyed most about working on the highly anticipated DAM North Buildingrenovation? What aspects of the design of this project have been challenging?

I have enjoyed playing a significant role in rejuvenating the historic Gio Ponti-designed NorthBuilding a true Denver landmark. This architecturally significant building has now beenrestored and enhanced to better serve the mission of the Denver Art Museum programincluding new gallery space and expanded educational space. Researching, developing anddetailing the all-glass exterior faade of the Welcome Center has been a significant challengeand a highlight of my career. Enclosed by fifty-two 25-foot-tall by 8-foot-wide laminatedinsulating curved glass panels, this is one of the most innovative faades recently constructed inthe United States.

What are you looking forward to most in the coming year?

The year 2020 promises to be a very exciting and busy one with projects ranging from design toconstruction. At home,the Westray office development forSchnitzer West, which includes three 16-story Class A office towers at 6363 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Centennial.

Further afield are some significant expansion projects at both the Nashville InternationalAirport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston; construction of the Fred D.Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Johnson CountyCourthouse in Olathe, Kansas; and design of the National Museum of Intelligence and SpecialOperations in Sterling, Virginia.

As someone with three decades of experience under your belt, what do you see as the biggestchallenge for architects currently?

I believe that the integration of technology into buildings, into construction, and into thepractice of architecture, remains a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, these newtools permit us to explore new and more complex building forms. They permit tightercoordination of design disciplines and they permit a level of real-time design visualizationunthinkable when I began practicing architecture. On the other hand, what should be toolsoften wind up becoming ends, diverting attention from the real practice of architecture whichshould be focused on providing beautiful, functional, durable, and sustainable buildings.

Follow this link:
Architect of the Month: Ned Kirschbaum, FAIA, Principal, Fentress Architects - milehighcre.com