Kasian Postioned for Continued Growth and Prosperity in Alberta

EDMONTON , Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd (Kasian), one of Canada's largest global architecture, interior design and planning firms, has entered into an agreement to merge the Edmonton-based practice of HIP Architects into its existing operations.

Originally founded in 1938, Edmonton's HIP Architects has evolved through seven decades of practice to create some of the most recognizable buildings in Alberta's capital city. These include the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and the Sturgeon Community Hospital Expansion. Kasian also has deep roots in Edmonton , with its establishment in the city nearly 30 years ago.

HIP Architects provides consulting services to clients in Edmonton and Northern Alberta, with particular emphasis on the core areas of commercial and retail, conservation, culture and recreation, industrial and medical. Under the terms of this agreement, HIP Partners Stewart Inglis and Randy Krebes will become Principals with Kasian. In addition, fifteen members of HIP staff will transfer to Kasian's Commerce Place headquarters in Edmonton , significantly increasing office capacity and capability. Craig Henderson of HIP will continue in his position as Senior Consultant assisting with business development for emerging key clients and providing design leadership on complex new projects. This merger is the latest strategic growth investment for Kasian, building on the company's established track record of disciplined and pragmatic expansion.

Combined, Kasian and HIP Architects offer over a hundred years of design experience and share a strong common culture. "Both companies have an established customer-focused delivery approach, with a desire to serve clients with passion, energy and commitment. This merger will enable us to continue providing sustainable, community-based solutions for clients, and an excellent platform of growth for our employees," commented Randy Krebes, Principal with HIP Architects.

Both Kasian and HIP Architects are recognized as industry leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which facilitates new ways of technical collaboration, drawing production and coordination. The two companies also share a joint commitment to an established and dynamic mentoring program, which ensures that staff are guided by senior members of the firm to ensure consistency of design and delivery.

"We are committed to maintaining a large presence in Edmonton , the birthplace of our company. This merger allows two excellent organizations to better leverage their collective talents and address significant market opportunities" noted Don Kasian, President of Kasian. "Together we will continue to provide an attractive and exciting company for our employees and seek new opportunities to grow the Kasian brand throughout Alberta" concluded Jim Ebbels,Kasian's Managing Senior Principal in Edmonton .

About Kasian

Kasian is one of the leading 100 architecture, interior design and planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver , Edmonton , Calgary , Toronto , Abu Dhabi and Shanghai . Our goal is to harness the collective expertise and imagination of our global team of innovative professionals to find feasible solutions to the complex questions posed by our clients. We employ an integrated, collaborative approach to design to create exceptional places and sustainable environments for people everywhere. Our award-winning projects range from the most advanced children's hospital in the world, to master plans for the most densely populated cities on the planet. Kasian's landmark projects in Edmonton include the new Epcor Tower on Station Lands and the redevelopment of the Federal Building and new public plaza which will create an enduring expression of Alberta's history and future interests. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.kasian.com. To learn more about HIP Architects, please visit http://www.hiparchitects.com

SOURCE: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

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Edmonton's HIP Architects to Merge with Kasian

Downtown Three city firms in running to design Utah Performing Arts Center.

It probably wont be a duet. But Nicole Parker, the green witch from the Broadway musical "Wicked," will perform alongside Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker on Wednesday when he announces the architects who will design the mega-theater planned for Main Street.

It isnt likely that Becker will warble Glindas part in "Defying Gravity," like the good witch does with Parkers Elphaba in "Wicked." In fact, a city news release says shell belt out instead a solo of "The Wizard and I."

Announcement set

Meanwhile, Becker will make known the city-based firm that won out to design the $110 million venue to be located between 100 South and 200 South.

The finalists announced in May are: Architectural Nexus, in conjunction with H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; GSBS Architects in conjunction with Pfeiffer Partners Architects; and HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.

Renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who put his stamp on downtown with the design of the citys showcase Main Library, failed to make the list of finalists for the theater project.

In all, 14 firms had applied for the job to shape the planned 2,500-seat Utah Performing Arts Center, which is expected to attract traveling Broadway shows such as "Wicked." The mayor and the citys Redevelopment Agency tout the planned playhouse as key to spreading downtowns renaissance.

The city has invited Salt Lake County to partner on the project. The County Council is weighing the proposed $28.2 million buy-in. The price tag comes attached to an operating agreement for the county that would split profits 50-50 up to $2 million. It also would pay the county $600,000 a year to mitigate impacts to the Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall and Rose Wagner Theater, which the county operates.

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Becker to announce mega-theater architects

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith and County Mayor Jim Coppinger selected TWH Architects for the new East Brainerd Elementary School last week, and now they're asking the County Commission and school board to approve their selection.

Seven commissioners voted in June to halt the architect selection process until the schools disclosed plans for the current East Brainerd Elementary site. The schools are pushing to have the school designed, built and open in the fall of 2014.

Since then, a list of 13 applicants was narrowed to three finalists, and Smith and Coppinger chose TWH Architects.

"It was the consensus of the people that listened to all the interviews and presentations," Coppinger said Monday. He said TWH's local reputation weighed into the decision.

"They've done some outstanding work in the past," he said.

With continued growth in East Hamilton County, Smith said it's increasingly urgent to get to work on the new school. He said today's release of school-by-school first-day enrollment figures will show that crowding continues at East Brainerd Elementary.

"That will again indicate the importance of us getting busy in the eastern part of the county," he said.

The selection was added as a late item to the County Commission agenda for Wednesday.

Tim Boyd, the commissioner who made the motion to stop the architect selection, said he still wants an answer about the current school site.

"I don't mind using the architect," said Boyd, who served on a committee that chose the three finalists. "I will be asking the question again: what, if any, plans do you have for the sale of the current East Brainerd property?. I'll be asking [assistant superintendent for facilities] Gary Waters and Rick Smith that again. I want them on public record to tell us what their answer is."

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Architects for East Brainerd school need final OK

HEATH, TX--(Marketwire -08/09/12)- Fund Architects LLC, a provider of dynamic asset allocation portfolios designed for a broad range of investors, has released a summary report on the current state of Chinese investment markets.

"A Conversation on China" is one of Fund Architects BLUEPRINTS FOR BETTER INVESTING series. The report was authored by the firm's Chief Market Strategist, Dr. Henry Ma -- a native of Southern China -- who recently visited with executives at local banks and other financial institutions in mainland China to gain an 'on-the-ground' perspective of the country's ongoing economic miracle.

With stops in virtually all the nation's major economic and political centers across a four-week period, including Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing, Dr. Ma brought back a timely point of view on the issues China is currently facing and how they might play into a global asset allocation strategy.

"China is facing a number of big challenges these days, and a global investor needs firsthand knowledge of these challenges if he or she intends to stay on top of returns," says Keith Reed, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Fund Architects. "I can't imagine anyone better equipped to analyze the state of the Chinese investment markets than Henry."

Reed says that as a result of Dr. Ma's comprehensive view of the marketplace, Fund Architects is able to allocate a distinct portion of its investment models to Chinese investments. In addition, the firm plans to introduce an Asian-only strategy to its lineup of strategic global diversification strategies sometime this quarter.

Dr. Ma, who is a member of the Fund Architects Investment Committee, earned BA and MA degrees in Finance and Economics from Beijing University before coming to the U.S. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University. Now a resident of Boston, Dr. Ma maintains a large circle friends and family in China.

"I'm convinced that on-the-ground insight into China is important to form a long-term investment thesis and gain conviction," says Dr. Ma. "Newspapers and research reports too often have biased views from the authors."

For a copy of "A Conversation on China," call Keith Reed at 866-539-4186.

About Fund Architects LLC Fund Architects is a discretionary, fee-based money management firm providing professional asset allocation models and management to financial advisory firms. Headquartered in Texas, the firm has arrangements with Broker/Dealers, Insurance Companies, Qualified Plan Providers, and Registered Investment Advisors around the country. Fund Architects' proprietary asset allocation models are constructed from a broad universe of managers using a fundamental and quantitative analysis to conduct fund selection. Offerings include Separate Accounts, Retirement Management Services, and Private Money Management. For more information, visit http://www.fundarchitects.com.

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New Report From Fund Architects Takes "Up Close and Personal" Look at the Chinese Investment Markets

DALLAS, Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IA Interior Architects (IA) is pleased to announce that Michel L. Hurst, IIDA, RID, Jason Franz, and Amanda Stokowski, LEED AP have joined the firm's Dallas office.

Michel L. Hurst, a Project Manager, has 18 years of experience in corporate interiors and has worked with clients such as Liberty Mutual, Ryan Inc., and Marcus & Millichap. Michel is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Interior Design through Savannah College of Art and Design.

Jason Franz joins IA from Jones Commercial Interiors, where he served as a Designer. In Jason's new role with IA, he will work closely with IA Dallas's design team as a Project Designer.

Amanda Stokowski recently graduated from Texas Christian University and worked as a Sales Assistant for Knoll prior to joining IA. Amanda's new role at IA is Junior Designer.

"We are so fortunate to have these exceptional individuals joining us to expand our Dallas office. Each brings a unique set of talents and skills, which will help us continue to provide the best possible service to our clients," said Frances Bruns, Managing Director.

About IA Interior Architects

Founded in 1984, IA Interior Architects is the first and largest global architectural firm focused exclusively on interior architecture and workplace strategies. IA helps clients in diverse markets worldwide align their business strategies and core values with the dynamic use of space. IA has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, London, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, Raleigh, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Washington, DC and has partner affiliates in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia and Australia, Canada, and Latin America through the IA Global Alliance. For more information, visit http://www.interiorarchitects.com.

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IA Interior Architects Expands its Dallas Team

WAVERLY, Iowa --- Architects have a green light to develop plans and specifications for a performance area in Kohlmann Park.

After debating merits of the proposed location, the City Council on Monday authorized AHTS Architects of Waterloo to work out details. The resolution passed 5-2. Councilmen Gary Boorom and Chris Neuendorf cast dissenting votes.

The vote shed light on the varied comfort levels with Kohlmann Park as the site. The park is west of the Cedar River and is buffered by First Street Northwest and Fourth Avenue Northwest and Bremer Avenue.

Councilwoman Kathy Olson said every location will have challenges. She added concerns about the park --- such as traffic, parking and flood potential --- have or will be addressed.

"I believe we need to make a decision. It's been out there for 10 years. It's time to put a stake in the ground and say we are going to move forward," Olson said.

Several residents, including some property owners near the park, were not convinced and believe better fits for the performance area exist.

"You are devaluing the quality of life of the people who live in the area on Thursday night," said Duane Liddle, a resident of the city's southwest side and a former councilman.

Last May, the council sent performance center advocates back to the drawing board after rejecting a request to vacate a portion of Fourth Avenue Northwest for the band shell. This latest version of the project pushes the staging area farther south.

The council could still redirect or halt the project at other stages.

Vicky Green wondered if the joint fairgrounds and ball diamond complex proposed for northwest Waverly should also be the home of Greater Waverly Municipal Band concerts and other entertainment. The band offers a summer concert series in the park and is seeking the band shell.

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Waverly band shell project advances

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --It's not just the temperature that is soaring in August at Moseley Architects. Twenty-two professionals among the firm's six locations began the month as newly promoted staff. Recently shared at one of the firm's semi-annual staff meetings, President Stewart D. Roberson congratulated twelve new associates, nine new senior associates, and a new vice president.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120117/PH35523LOGO)

In making the announcements, Roberson said, "There's a reason that Moseley Architects enjoys a leading role in the mid-Atlantic and across our nation. The strength of our outstanding architects, engineers, interior designers, sustainability experts, construction administrators, marketing, and administrative folks is without parallel. Each of these promotions telegraphs to all of our clients and the communities we serve that our firm is poised to make an even greater difference in the lives touched through our excellent designs. Indeed, our recently promoted colleagues form the core of a quality culture second to none."

Associates: Kathy Brown (Richmond); Tony Burzese (Virginia Beach); Steven Cooke (Charlotte); Ashley Dennis (Raleigh); Craig Dobyns (Richmond); Eric Garcia (Warrenton); Lucas Hardy (Charlotte); Frank Knott (Richmond); Chris Rea (Richmond); Brian Wells (Richmond); Tyler Whately (Richmond); Bill Zawistowski (Virginia Beach)

Senior Associates: Bob Baxter (Richmond); William Gaspar (Richmond); Jason Hopkins (Charlotte); Steve Nally (Raleigh); John Nichols (Raleigh); Stephen Phillips (Warrenton); Scott Shady (Richmond); Carrie Webster (Richmond); Chris Yago (Richmond)

Vice President: Lisa Demmel (Richmond)

About Moseley Architects Moseley Architects is among the mid-Atlantic's most trusted public sector architects, offering exceptional design to educational, civic, and correctional clients. Over their 40-year history, the firm has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and responsiveness. To date, Moseley Architects' clients include more than 130 local governments, 115 school districts, and 30 colleges/universities, as well as numerous Federal projects for the Bureau of Prisons and Department of the Navy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Lisa Demmel (804)794-7555 ldemmel@moseleyarchitects.com

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Moseley Architects Promotes 22 Professionals

Claire Ryan, 12, of La Jolla, shows her house design with a waterslide that runs from the roof to the ocean. Photo Shelli DeRobertis

By Shelli DeRobertis

More than a dozen middle and high school students spent a week drawing, measuring, tracing, touring homes and designing their own at the first Young Architects Camp, hosted by the La Jolla Historical Society, July 23-27, at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St.

The class of nine boys and four girls met daily for six-hour sessions and were taught tools-of-the trade by three seasoned professionals.

Architects Trip Bennett and Laura DuCharme Conboy who combined, have 45 years of experience creating homes were teaching the session on July 27, when Bennett jokingly introduced DuCharme Conboy.

Shes the second best architect in town, Bennett said.

Joking aside, both architects have had their work featured in many publications, and both are members of the La Jolla Historical Society, which works to preserve the towns beloved sites and structures.

Jeffrey Shorn, another private-practice architect in La Jolla also shared his expertise and helped teach the camp.

Twelve-year-old Cami Hickman, of La Jolla, said she was excited to attend.

I really enjoyed it, she said. I like that we got to design our own space. For her finished product, Hickman drew a three-story modern.

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Local architects in La Jolla host camp for young designers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the selection of five new honorary members to the Society for their work in education, activism and dedication to the landscape architecture profession. The presentation ceremony will take place at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in Phoenix on October 1.

Honorary membership is among the highest honors ASLA can bestow upon non-landscape architects in recognition of notable service to the profession. Since its inception in 1899, ASLA has inducted only 158 honorary members.

This years honorees are:

Stephen M. Benz, Partner, OLIN Benz has not only contributed enormously to civil engineering and sustainable site design, but also has been a determined advocate and steward of the practice of landscape architecture and green infrastructure. He has also made critical contributions to the discourse of green infrastructure through his service to the U.S. Green Building Council and the Sustainable Sites Initiative. View nominating and supporting materials.

U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards, Maryland Congresswoman Edwards has established herself as a national leader in active transportation and stormwater management issues. She has worked diligently to protect and preserve our nations natural resources and has championed innovative approaches to water management, smart growth, and transportation policies. View nominating and supporting materials.

Dr. Richard J. Jackson, M.D., Professor and Chair, Environmental Health Sciences, and Professor, Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, Urban Planning, UCLA School of Public Health Dr. Jackson is a champion of improving public health through better community design. His research, publications, speeches, and advocacy over the decades of his professional career speak to his commitment to one of the critical issues of our time. Dr. Jacksons influence has changed the dialogue about design and public health in ways no other public figure has accomplished. View nominating and supporting materials.

Robin C. Moore, Affiliate ASLA, Professor of Landscape Architecture, Director of Natural Learning Initiative, North Carolina State University Moore is a scholar and exemplary practitioner of landscape design and architecture. Of Moores many notable contributions, he has focused on designing landscapes that optimize childrens healthy development. He has also created and shared knowledge that is helping landscape architecture practice become more evidence-based, particularly in intergenerational design. View nominating and supporting materials.

Dennis Pieprz, Affiliate ASLA, Principal, Sasaki Associates, Inc. As an architect and urban designer, Pieprz has led complex urban projects both nationally and internationally. He brings a collaborative approach to his work as well as a critical understanding of the forces that shape contemporary cities. Pieprz has made visible the essential role that landscape has in making important and lasting public places around the world. View nominating and supporting materials.

About ASLA Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing nearly 16,000 members in 48 professional chapters and 76 student chapters. The Society's mission is to lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their "ASLA" suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at http://www.asla.org.

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ASLA Names Five New Honorary Members

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Architects Corporation (IACH) announced today on Monday, August 6th, the company signed a contract to acquire The Miami Prevention & Kidney Center LLC. (MPKC). Founded in 2008, the centers will provide lifesaving hemodialysis to individuals diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The initial center is scheduled to begin providing dialysis services for patients in the South Florida area beginning by the end of the third quarter 2012. IACH is in negotiations for a funding commitment to open the first five centers, with plans to continue development in stages. Company estimates are that each center can generate approximately $750,000 revenue per quarter.

The management team of MPKC is extremely well-seasoned in the operation and administration of acute dialysis service centers. Management has broad experience in virtually all aspects of dialysis center operations including maintaining compliance with the Joint Commission of Accreditation on Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) and Medicare standards. This management team will remain post acquisition and will oversee the development and operations of the dialysis centers.

Nationally the number of people suffering from ESRD is expected to increase four to six percent over the next 2 years. However, the increase of individuals in South Florida suffering from ESRD is expected to rise at a much more alarming rate as this number is up to 20 percent in the past few years for South Florida's Dade County. The sum of these factors is that the need for dialysis within the US and particularly in South Florida is increasing greatly in proportion to the rise in the prevalence of ESRD.

Commenting on this latest IACH development, Mike Ostrow, IACH's President stated, "We are extremely pleased to be moving forward with this acquisition. The opportunity to fill a growing need in the community while at the same time producing a robust revenue stream for IACH is rewarding on many levels. This acquisition exemplifies IACH's commitment to growing and developing the company and shareholder value and we are optimistic about other opportunities to further this growth."

CORPORATE PROFILE

Information Architects Corp. (IACH) is a worldwide Marketing and Distribution company.

"Forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be included in this news release. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future results or events. Information Architects Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. There are important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to risks associated with changes in general economic and business conditions (including in the information technology and financial information industry), actions of our competitors, the extent to which we are able to develop new services and markets for our services, the time and expense involved in such development activities, the level of demand and market acceptance of our services, changes in our business strategies, and the purchasing activity or lack thereof by registered web mall members.

Benchmark Partners 858 568 7059

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Information Architects Signs Contract to Acquire Medical Services Operation