Local architects win Calif. Design Firm of Year June 11th, 2012, 4:54 pm posted by Jon Lansner Architectural designerLPA Inc. has beennamed California Design Firm of theYear byeditors of Engineering News-Record.

The industry tracker noted that in the past year, LPA with 200 employees at offices in Irvine, San Diego and Roseville saw revenues climb 11% to $48.2 million, a notable accomplishment in a still-tough architecturalmarket.

Engineering News-Record also wrote:

What also sets LPA apart is its deep green character. For example, more than 80% of its 200 employees are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals. We are creating a new model for the industry, says Dan Heinfeld, president. Weve become an integrated design firm that uses sustainability to lead the design process in which solving problems is valued over chasing fashion.

Some of 47-year-old LPAs local work and click on images above for larger views of these projects:

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Local architects win 'Calif. Design Firm of Year'

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The American Society of Landscape Architects has elevated 33 members to the ASLA Council of Fellows for 2012. Fellowship is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and recognizes the contributions of these individuals to their profession and society at large based on their works, leadership and management, knowledge, and service. The Fellows-elect will be recognized at the 2012 ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo, September 28October 1 in Phoenix.

The designation of Fellow is conferred on individuals in recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a sustained period of time. Individuals considered for this distinction must be members of ASLA in good standing for at least ten years and must be recommended to the Council of Fellows by the Executive Committee of their local chapter, the Executive Committee of ASLA, or the Executive Committee of the Council of Fellows.

Gerdo P. Aquino, ASLA SWA Los Angeles

Gerdo Aquino was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. In addition to his many design accomplishmentshe has revitalized wetlands and vacant and unusable urban spaces throughout the worldhe is an accomplished lecturer, professor, and author. He established the SWA Los Angeles office in 2005 and has since expanded the practice into Asia. His involvement in the firm's projects begins at their inception and continues through final completion. His long list of national and regional awards is a testament to his close stewardship. He also strives to elevate the social well-being and health of communities through landscapes that conserve and filter water to maintain ecological balance. He holds a BLA from the University of Florida and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Julia M. Badenhope, ASLA Iowa State University Ames, Iowa

Julia Badenhope was nominated by the Iowa Chapter in the Knowledge Category. She is an associate professor and director of Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program at Iowa State. She integrates teaching, research, and outreach in the statewide community design assistance program she directs, and her efforts have been recognized by both the American Planning Association and Federal Highways Administration with their highest national awards. Notably, she has been able to bring both funds and design talent to the state's smaller, often-underserved communities. She integrates poly-disciplinary collaboration and inspires grassroots design even as she adeptly publishes, mentors, and advises. She earned her BS in agriculture from the University of Tennessee and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

David Jay Berkson, ASLA SWA Group Laguna Beach, Calif.

David Berkson was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. He designs places that have meaning as well as function and contain a strong accessible experience. He demonstrates that the quality of our surroundings directly influences the quality of our lives. His focus on the interplay of contextual forces is like that of a weaver of fine tapestry. He is an intellectual, a consummate collaborator, and master multi-disciplinary team weaver. Mr. Berkson harbors a private passion for making special places in the public realm. His decade-long effort to plan the replenishment of Beverly Hills trees was just one of the many legacies he has bestowed on Southern California. His BFA is from Tufts and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Christopher Brown, ASLA SmithGroupJJR Phoenix

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ASLA Honors 33 Outstanding Members with Fellowship

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Posted June 11, 2012

BALTIMORE -- Hammond Wilson Architects, an award winning architecture firm in Annapolis, Md., has selected Vitamin as agency of record for its rebranding initiative. Vitamin is handling the development of the firm's new logo, brand messaging, identity collateral, website, and look book. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1976, Hammond Wilson Architects is noted for its creative approach to waterfront and historic building sites and its successful leadership of these projects throughout design and construction. For more than 30 years, the firm has designed homes and unique commercial buildings on and around the Chesapeake Bay.

Leo A. Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Hammond Wilson said, "There is a fresh look to Vitamin's work that appeals to us, and that freshness is grounded in a methodical and thorough approach to understanding our business. Our recent leadership succession provided us with the opportunity to reflect on what it is that we really provide to our clients, and with Vitamin, we are hoping to communicate our tradition and our capabilities both succinctly and memorably."

"With Vitamin's experience in brand marketing for architecture firms, and Hammond Wilson's timeless aesthetic and appreciation for the art of design, we're a perfect partnership," said Amanda Karfakis, president and CEO of Vitamin. "Our collaboration is the development of a unique brand message coupled with a timeless aesthetic that will resonate with peers and clientele alike. We can't wait to show the world."

Vitamin has deep vertical experience in the architecture industry, having partnered with firms, including:

GWWO Architects Weineck & Associates NIKA Architects and Engineers Marshall Craft Associates

About Vitamin

Vitamin, the "Cure for the Common Brand," is the mid-Atlantic's first boutique design-web-public relations firm focused on nourishing brands through a best practices, all-in-house approach to creating cohesive identity, print, interactive and PR programs. Vitamin's client list includes regional and national companies in diverse fields, including built industry, banking, education, healthcare, restaurant/ hospitality, non-profit and search/staffing. Vitamin is certified MBE/DBE by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

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Hammond Wilson Architects Names Vitamin Agency of Record

MONTREAL, June 11, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Last May 8th, Canada Council for the Arts and Architecture Canada were awarded one of twelve Governor General's Medals in Architecture 2012 with the Kitcisakik Mission of Emergency Architects of Canada (EAC) and Architect and Project Manager, Guillaume Lvesque. Described as an original and innovative initiative and although this is an unconventional architectural project, the jury recognised the value and importance of the mission, "At its essence, and with great power, it incorporates the most fundamental aspect of architecture: to transform and enhance human life. Project participants have responded to real and urgent needs and they applied their technical skills with energy and enthusiasm. We hope that similar initiatives are under way." The medal will be presented later this year at Rideau Hall.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, had the following to say regarding this year's selection: "The recipients of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture 2012 have distinguished themselves as Canada's visionary architects. The works they have designed are places where communities are forged, where memories are made and where identity is created..." This review certainly echoes the Kitcisakik Mission whereby Emergency Architects of Canada and the Frontiers Foundation following the lead of Guillaume Lvesque, used their knowledge and professionalism to improve Kitcisakik aboriginal homes located outside the reserve. Produced in close collaboration with the Anishnabe (Algonquin) nation, the project has and continues to develop skills, confidence and autonomy of individuals while intervention focuses on the improvement of living conditions, child health, overcrowding in housing, materials recovery, self-sufficiency in wood needs, sustainable forest management and knowledge transfer. Descriptions, images and photos of the Kitcisakik project are available at http://www.raic.org.

For Emergency Architects Canada, this medal solicits a feeling of pride and accomplishment. It also marks a renewed appreciation for the Algonquin community of Kitcisakik and their workers. Even more, this affirmation from the National Order foreshadows the possibility of supporting many other Aboriginal communities in Canada who live in conditions similar to those of the Kitcisakik.

Created by Architecture Canada, the Governor General's Medals in Architecture contribute to the advancement of the discipline and practice of architecture, in addition to increasing public awareness of the crucial cultural role of architecture in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly by the Arts Council of Canada, which contributes to the publication produced in honour of the winners and administers the award process.

Emergency Architects Canada is a non-governmental organization recognized as a charity since its founding in Quebec in October 2007. It joins forces with the international consolidation of Emergency Architects, which was founded in France in 2001. Chaired by architect Yves Langevin, the founding partners are the Ordre des architectes du Qubec and the Socit d'habitation du Qubec. By grouping these building professionals, Emergency Architects Canada fulfils its mission to provide support to populations affected by natural, technological or human crises by providing specific expertise in prevention, risk management and management of sustainable reconstruction.

Emergency Architects Canada 4000 St-Ambroise st. suite 278 Montreal (Quebec) H4C 2C7 http://www.architectesurgence.ca 5148681SOS (1767)

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Emergency Architects Canada's Kitcisakik Mission: Recipient of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture

UNION CITY, Ind., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --This month, Dan Hackett, CEO and president of Frank Miller Lumber, and Criswell Davis, architectural marketing manager at Frank Miller, will embark on an international trade mission, covering markets in Singapore, Australia and Japan. Frank Miller intends to use the excursion to highlight its growth into a thriving, global enterprise.

During the trip, Hackett and Davis will meet with many of Frank Miller's international clients, attend an American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) conference, and build relationships with architects and designers.

Singapore will be their first stop, where Hackett and Davis will attend the AHEC 17th Southeast Asia & Greater China Convention, the theme of which is "American Hardwood and Green Design: Life Cycle Assessment and the True Environmental Impact of Material Choice." During the convention they will have the chance to network with members of many different Asian trade associations and institutions, including The China National Furniture Association, the Malaysian Furniture Industry Council, The Singapore Furniture Industries Council, and the Singapore Institute of Architects, among others. The American Hardwood Export Council, with which Frank Miller is closely associated and a member of, is the leading international trade association of the U.S. hardwood industry.

Hackett and Davis will then travel to Perth, Australia, to visit with a customer who has organized a large architectural presentation featuring Davis as the keynote speaker, with many members of the Australian Institute of Architects in attendance. Hackett and Davis will also travel with their customer, giving presentations about Frank Miller quartersawn hardwoods to manufacturers and builders. They will also travel to Sydney to visit with another large distributor, giving presentations about quartersawn hardwoods around New South Wales and in Canberra, Australia's capital. The design of Canberra by American architect Walter Burley Griffin was, in part, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie Style, which often incorporates quartersawn white oak.

"Frank Miller Lumber is a relatively small niche hardwood manufacturer with a very large international profile," said Davis. "Manufacturers and distributors around the globe are more interested than ever in how to set themselves apart from one another through unique product lines."

The final part of the trip will have Hackett and Davis traveling from Sydney to Japan, where they will travel extensively with their largest distributor. They will visit key manufacturers in Takayama, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo to try to learn more about each one and strengthen Frank Miller Lumber's relationships with its customers.

In the 1980s, Frank Miller's growing relationships with Japanese furniture manufacturers encouraged the company to significantly increase its quartersawn hardwood production. Thirty years later, Frank Miller is now one of the few providers in the world capable of producing hardwood in this manner, and one of the largest producers of quartersawn hardwoods in the world.

"As many already know, our products are specified by architects and designers around the world in high-end commercial and residential construction," said Hackett. "This trip will further cement Frank Miller Lumber's position in the world community of distributors, manufacturers, designers and architects."

About Frank Miller Lumber (www.frankmiller.com)

Frank Miller helps architects and designers realize the elegance and durability of quartersawn hardwoods in the most distinctive architectural endeavors. Established in 1903 and located in Union City, Indiana, Frank Miller produces exceptionally fine quartersawn and plain sawn hardwoods for manufacturers of fine furniture, cabinets, architectural millwork and flooring. Frank Miller's quartersawn products are used in high-end commercial and residential construction around the globe where there is a significant architectural/design element to the project's cabinets, millwork and flooring.

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Frank Miller Lumber to Meet Architects, Designers, and Customers in Japan, Singapore and Australia

The Menil Collection has announced a surprising choice to design the Menil Drawing Institute, the first major building on the museum's campus since 1995.

Johnston Marklee, a young Los Angeles firm led by husband-and-wife team Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee, is best known for projects that are drop-dead glamorous - and vastly different from the Menil Collection's famously serene main building, galleries and grounds.

Johnston Marklee's heart-stopping Hill House, for instance, seems to grow like a crystal from the side of a Pacific Palisades cliff. The firm's designs for the high-end Mameg + Maison Martin Margiela boutiques are the definition of Beverly Hills luxe. And Los Angeles' Helios House (designed in collaboration with Office dA) may be the world's most stunning gas station: a shiny, twisty silver canopy that's lit psychedelically at night.

The Menil Drawing Institute, Lee says, "will be very different from anything we've done before." The conceptual plan that the firm pitched to the Menil's selection committee emphasized the building's context - in particular, the unassuming scale of the little gray bungalows that make up most of the campus; and the beauty of the site's sprawling old live oaks.

After examining the proposed site and inventorying its existing trees, Johnston Marklee proposed to design a single-story, metal-roofed building defined chiefly by three oak-shaded courtyards. The trees would soften the light of the fierce Texas sun; and instead of entering the building directly from the top, through skylights, that dappled light would bounce in from the sides, through windows.

Josef Helfenstein, the Menil's director, emphasizes that the concept could still change radically. But he says he and the selection committee were impressed by the concept's adept control of light - a major challenge with drawings. Exposed to much light, they yellow and crumble; but conservators also need sunlight to do their best restoration work.

The courtyard plan also makes much of the way that visitors would enter the building. After coming in from the bright outdoors, people would move to progressively darker spaces: a gradual psychological shift, and also one that allows the eyes time to adjust.

The commission would be a coup for any architectural firm, but it's particularly significant for Johnston Marklee, a firm that's been critically praised but isn't yet well known by architecture fans. The Menil's short list included another up-and-coming firm - Mexico City's Tatiana Bilbao - and two that are internationally famous: SANAA, the Tokyo-based winner of the 2010 Pritzker, architure's top prize; and David Chipperfield Architects, which created the Menil's master plan and is known for designing high-profile cultural buildings such as Berlin's Neues Museum.

All four firms, Helfenstein says, made excellent presentations. But in the end, the selection committee voted unanimously for Johnston Marklee.

The startling selection echoes Dominique de Menil's choice of Renzo Piano to build the main museum. In the early 1980s, Piano was generally considered a young Turk, best known for throwing Paris into a tizzy with the Centre Georges Pompidou, which he designed with Richard Rogers. The enormous cultural center, with its bright colors and exposed plumbing ducts, stood in startling, jarring contrast to the rest of the old city. (Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center, an obvious descendant, looks far more at home among our shiny postmodern skyline.)

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Glam architects chosen for Menil project

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z5ml7g/architects_data) has announced the addition of John Wiley and Sons Ltd's new book "Architects' Data, 4th Edition" to their offering.

Neufert's Architects' Data is an essential reference for the initial design and planning of a building project. It provides, in one concise volume, the core information needed to form the framework for the more detailed design and planning of any building project. Organised largely by building type, it covers the full range of preliminary considerations, and with over 6200 diagrams it provides a mass of data on spatial requirements.

Most illustrations are dimensioned and each building type includes plans, sections, site layouts and design details. An extensive bibliography and a detailed set of metric/ imperial conversion tables are included. Since it was first published in Germany in 1936, Ernst Neufert's handbook has been progressively revised and updated through 39 editions and many translations. This fourth English language edition is translated from the 39th German edition, and represents a major new edition for an international, English speaking readership.

Reviews of the Previous Edition:

"Neufert's Architects' Data was the first book I bought when I started my studies in architecture. It was invaluable for me then and it is still a useful aid in my designs."

Cesar Pelli

"With this thorough rewrite Neufert has produced yet again an invaluable reference book."

The Architects' Journal

Key Topics Covered:

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Research and Markets: Architects' Data, 4th Edition Covers the Full Range of Preliminary Considerations, With Over ...

NEW YORK, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Noted architect Larry Rosenbloom, AIA, has joined Zyscovich Architects as managing principal of the firm's New York City office.

Rosenbloom has more than 35 years of architectural design experience and brings to the Zyscovich team a deep understanding of the Northeast region as both an architect and urban designer. His substantial portfolio of work includes mixed-use, retail, large-scale municipal infrastructure/transportation projects and transit-oriented development communities.

In particular, Rosenbloom has been recognized for his lead role in the retail design for the New 42nd project, an iconic urban mixed use development street in New York City. Larry also has extensive expertise in both the execution of rollout programs for national retailers and the development of modified prototypes for urban environments.

Rosenbloom is a member of the Board of Directors of Vision Long Island and has served as a consultant to key transportation agencies.

"Larry's experience is a perfect complement to the expansive Zyscovich portfolio and together will leverage the unparalleled knowledge of hands-on design principals with a client-focused approach that delivers customized solutions," said Bernard Zyscovich, FAIA, founder and managing principal of Zyscovich Architects.

About Zyscovich Architects

Zyscovich Architects is a nationally renowned integrated urban design, architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Miami with additional locations in New York City, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Bogota and Tobago. Zyscovich's 35-year portfolio includes aviation, education, mixed-use, multi-family, hospitality, retail, and commercial facilities.

For additional information on Zyscovich Architects and its diverse project expertise, please visit the website at http://www.zyscovich.com.

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Larry Rosenbloom Joins Zyscovich Architects As Managing Principal In New York City Office

ATLANTA, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The specification of assemblies using Georgia-Pacific Gypsum products just got easier for architects and specifiers, with the company's launch of its latest online tool -- a searchable Assemblies Library.

The Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Assemblies Library is a searchable database that provides detailed information, illustrations and performance characteristics for a variety of wall systems and assemblies using gypsum wallboards, sheathing, shaftliner and backer boards from Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. It is the latest enhancement to the free online Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Tool Box, which gives architects, contractors, building owners and facility managers the tools and information needed to make decisions and increase efficiency throughout design and construction. Visitors may access the Assemblies Library at http://www.gp.com/toolbox.

"Given the vast number of assembly and system choices and increasingly complicated building code requirements, architects and specifiers need additional tools that will enable them to efficiently design and specify building construction or renovation projects," said Nicole Lipson, senior marketing manager, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. "We encourage architects and specifiers to use our new searchable Assemblies Library and the other assets in the online Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Tool Box."

The Assemblies Library allows users to easily search among, choose from and download information on assemblies that feature one or more Georgia-Pacific Gypsum products. The Assemblies Library allows for searches conducted by categories, including but not limited to:

The searchable Assemblies Library complements other tools within the Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Tool Box, including LEED Calculation Tools for U.S. and Canada; Online Architectural and Roofing Binders; and a Residential Wall Systems Comparison Tool, among many others.

Since launching the fiberglass mat gypsum panel category more than 25 years ago, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum has installed millions of square feet of its Dens brand fiberglass mat gypsum products in the construction of new and renovated commercial and residential buildings.

For access to GP Gypsum news, please visit http://www.gp.com/build/gpgypsum-news

Note is the following links: http://www.gpgypsum.com; Twitter @gpgypsum; YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/gpdens; Flickr http://www.flickr.com/gpdens.

About Georgia-Pacific

Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs nearly 40,000 people at approximately 300 locations in North America, South America and Europe. Georgia-Pacific creates long-term value by using resources efficiently to provide innovative products and solutions that meet the needs of customers and society, while operating in a manner that is environmentally and socially responsible and economically sound. Georgia-Pacific has long been among the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourselfwarehouse retailers, with brands such as Plytanium plywood, DryPly water repellent plywood, Ply-Bead panels and Wood I Beam joists offered by Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC and DensArmor Plus interior panels, DensGlass Sheathing and ToughRock drywall offered by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC. For more information, visit http://www.gp.com, http://www.facebook.com/georgiapacific or http://www.twitter.com/georgiapacific.

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Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Launches Searchable Online Assemblies Library

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Posted June 5, 2012

Russell Dorsett

ORLANDO, Fla., -- Information Architects Corporation (OTCQB: IACH) announced that it has named former AIG executive J. Russell Dorsett as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Dorsett will be primarily responsible for implementing Information Architects' aggressive new growth strategy, including the integration of new business strategies and initiatives which are already in progress. Mr. Dorsett will also be responsible for identifying and expanding additional new business ventures for IACH. In addition to being the CEO, Mr. Dorsett will also join the Board of Directors of the corporation and assume the role of Chairman.

Mr. Dorsett is currently a director at Veris Settlement Partners, a position he has held since 2008. He also is the co-owner of Select Life Settlement Corporation, which has been active in the life settlement business since October of 2005. Mr. Dorsett's experience as an executive in the insurance industry dates back to 1974, and includes acting as a senior executive for a number of major insurance carriers. It also includes his tenure as Managing Director and CEO from 1995 to 2002 of American International Assurance, Australia (AIA) which was at that time the Australian division of insurance giant AIG. Mr. Dorsett also served on the Board of Directors of the Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) for four years, and as President for two. Mr. Dorsett is a CLU and a 1972 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

"With Mr. Dorsett's comprehensive background," comments Tom Jaspers, IACH CFO, "I believe he will give Information Architects a great advantage in moving forward in a fresh direction. He has a wealth of experience in financial services both overseas and domestically, as well as a track record for leadership, both in large companies and in start-ups. He has also been deeply involved in the public policy issues around financial services regulation, particularly as it applies to life settlements and other evolving insurance related products and services. We are extremely optimistic about what he can achieve and the new level of excellence IACH can reach under his leadership."

"IACH has developed a bold new strategy, and appointing Mr. Dorsett to this new role is just the beginning of the revolutionary changes at hand. Tremendous work has been going on behind the scenes ever since last year when the share restructure positioned IACH to capitalize on new opportunities and to build a powerful new management team," remarks Nicole Craig, director.

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Information Architects Corporation Names Russell Dorsett CEO