Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

BOSTON, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA), one of Boston's most innovative architectural and interior design firms, today announced that it has completed the design of 100,000 square feet of office space in Boston for Pioneer Investments, a leading innovator in the global investment management industry.

Providing space planning and interior design services, MPA substantially updated the office design and additional support space consisting of five floors at Pioneer's Boston office located at 60 State Street. MPA crafted a master plan to help Pioneer strategize how to best utilize this space on a long-term basis, and completely redesigned the 16th floor, embracing an open layout with fewer private offices and creating a model for Pioneer's future space planning. The renovations were part of Pioneer's recent lease renewal at 60 State Street.

MPA redesigned workspaces, conference rooms, lobbies, reception areas and selected new finishes, furniture, and lighting. The project included a major reconfiguration of Pioneer's IT/mission critical spaces and the addition of a conference center featuring a suite of conference rooms with a large breakout area. In order to allow Pioneer's operations to continue during construction, MPA phased the renovation schedule and utilized available swing space.

"Having worked together for 12 years on several renovations, MPA understands our business and commitment to our clients," said Thomas P. Murphy, Head of Corporate Services at Pioneer Investments. "It was important to us that Pioneer evolve its office design to promote better communication and collaboration between staff, while providing an elegant space to welcome clients. MPA has designed a beautiful and efficient space that will serve as a prototype for future growth."

Pioneer hired MPA to design its offices when it originally expanded beyond the 60 State Street building in 2000, and has since worked with MPA on numerous renovations within 60 State.

About Margulies Perruzzi Architects

Consistently ranked as one of Boston's top architectural and interior design firms, Margulies Perruzzi Architects creates buildings and corporate interiors for clients who value design. The firm services the corporate, professional services, healthcare, research/lab, and real estate communities with a focus on sustainable design. Clients include Manulife/John Hancock, Nuvera Fuel Cells, Reliant Medical Group, Sapient, Hobbs Brook Management and Forrester Research. For more information, please visit http://www.mp-architects.com.

Media Contact Michele Spiewak Rhino Public Relations 617-851-2618 MPArchitects@rhinopr.com

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Margulies Perruzzi Architects Completes Office Design for Pioneer Investments

The San Mateo Bridge will be closed for two weekends in October as construction crews replace bridge decks and a cracked beam discovered two years ago.

Caltrans will shut down the bridge from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday on the weekends beginning Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, said Peter Lee of the Bay Area Toll Authority.

During the shutdown, crews will remove and replace the bridge decks on the part of the span between the elevated segment and the trestles, along with a cracked beam - part of an expansion joint - discovered during a routine inspection in October 2010.

Caltrans conducted emergency repairs on the bridge, installing steel plates on both sides of the damaged joint. Fixing it permanently will cost about $3 million, which will come from toll funds.

Bay Area transportation officials had held off on publicizing the closures so they would not be confused with the Labor Day shutdown of the nearby Dumbarton Bridge, Lee said.

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San Mateo Bridge to shut 2 Oct. weekends

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Landscape Architects Guide to Washington, D.C. This online, mobile-friendly guide will help visitors and locals discover more than 75 historic, modern and contemporary landscapes in Washington, D.C. and Arlington, Va. Expert commentary and more than 800 photos are provided by 20 landscape architects. It is located at http://www.asla.org/guide.

According to Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA, the guide is the first of its kind devoted to Washington, D.C. It highlights historic monuments and parksincluding the National Mall and Memorial Parks and Capitol Hilland examples of new sustainable worksincluding Constitution Square, a cutting-edge green street that is one block long, and Diamond Teague Waterfront Park, which incorporates man-made, water-cleansing wetlands on the Anacostia River.

The guide will provide the 19 million tourists who visit D.C. annually, along with locals, a fresh perspective on both iconic and brand-new landscapes within the nations capital, says Somerville. D.C.s vibrant public realm didnt just magically appear but was carefully designed over the years, and is continually evolving, through interactions among elected leaders, communities and landscape architects.

The guide is divided into 16 distinct tours in all four quadrants of the Districtas well as a tour of the new D.C. bicycle network. Each tour covers multiple neighborhoods, and includes a printable walking or biking map.

The guide was created by ASLA in partnership with 20 nationally recognized landscape architects, all of whom are designers of the public realm and leaders in sustainable design. The guides were asked to explain the sites from a landscape architects point of view and show how the design of these sites influences how people interact with or even feel about these places.

The guides are:

Media wishing to interview the guides or learn more about the website should contact Karen Trimbath, public relations manager, at ktrimbath@asla.org or (202) 216-2371.

List of Sites Featured in the Guide

John Marshall Park

Excerpt from:
ASLA Launches the Landscape Architect’s Guide to Washington, D.C.

KPMB Architects Design Doubles Space of Rotman School of Management

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The Rotman Expansion, the winning scheme in an invited design competition designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB), was officially opened last week. The Rotman School is part of the University of Toronto and according to a recent Financial Times survey of MBA programs is ranked one the top 10 business schools in the world for faculty research. The Expansion project was conceived to create a vibrant global hub in which to evolve Rotman's core mission to promote the power of creativity, innovation and integrative thinking in 21st century business education.

As Roger Martin, Dean of Rotman, said, "We now have the hardware necessary to engage in next building of Rotman's software - the programs and the people - to be best in the world for Canada. The interplay of this hardware and software opens huge possibilities."

The nine-storey high project is seamlessly integrated with and doubles the size of the Rotman School's home on the University of Toronto's downtown campus. It is also connected to an existing Victorian residence. KPMB conceived a vertical campus to fit the varied program of tiered classrooms, study rooms, research centres, study lounges, and dedicated student spaces on a tight urban site. The project features many spaces for gathering, including the Event Hall, a state-of-the-art teaching and meeting space. The 500-seat Event Hall is the centerpiece of the project, its large elevated glass box facing out on to St. George Street to broadcast the vibrancy of Rotman's programs to students of UofT and the city. The multi-level South Atrium features a large-scale serpentine staircase with a hot pink accent which simultaneously reduces reliance on elevators and increases interaction between students and faculty.

Marianne McKenna, partner-in-charge for KPMB of the Rotman Expansion, says that the design process was inspired by the Rotman's Integrative Thinking Program: "the design is a direct reflection of broad thinking, flexibility and teamwork involving the input of the Rotman and the University of Toronto."

Targeting LEED Silver certification, the project exemplifies sustainable design principles and prioritizes the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The interior is filled with natural light, fresh air, and spectacular views of the university's campus. Terraces with green roofs and a courtyard provide access to the outdoors. In scale and massing, the KPMB design responds to the surrounding context, between the residential scale of the historic 19thC residence and the massive 'brutalist' architecture of the Robarts Library across the street. It is sited to respect views and minimize shadow impact on Massey College to the east.

Design partner Bruce Kuwabara said, "The Expansion project is both contemporary and in dialogue with the history and the architecture that surrounds it. An expression of the hallmarks of the Canadian experience - tolerance and openness - The Rotman is now open and poised to help move Rotman forward in Canada and on the world stage."

About Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (Toronto):

KPMB Architects is one of Canada's leading architecture firms with over 175 awards for architectural excellence, including 12 Governor General's Medals. In Toronto, KPMB's widely-acclaimed projects include the Gardiner Museum, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Canada's National Ballet School, and the Royal Conservatory of Music. The core project team for the Rotman Expansion comprised Bruce Kuwabara (design partner), Marianne McKenna (partner-in-charge), Luigi LaRocca (principal-in-charge), Paulo Rocha (associate/design/project architect), Dave Smythe (associate/project architect), Myriam Tawadros, Bruno Weber, John Peterson, and Carolyn Lee.

Link to Rotman Architectural Team Profiles

Continued here:
Rotman School of Management Expansion Rises at University of Toronto

If theres one thing people said they wanted in Braseltons town green, it was an interactive water fountain similar to a popular attraction at Suwanees town center park.

But can the town afford it all?

The two firms working on the town green Mulkey Engineers and Consultants, and the firm jB+a, inc. estimate that building everything shown on the recently-unveiled design will cost upwards of $3 million.

Braselton has $1.6 million in a state transportation grant, sales tax revenue and its Urban Redevelopment Agency bonds available for the project. The town council could also decide to earmark its Jackson County sales tax revenue estimated to reach $1.1 million by the time collection stops in June 2017 for its town green. The current sales tax program started collecting revenue in July 2011.

Steve Provost of jB+a said the master plan is a grand vision for the Braselton Town Green that includes both short term and long term ideas.

The purpose of a master plan is to create a vision for how this space is to be used long term, Provost said. So that whatever you build first if its done in phases doesnt get in the way of your original (plans) in the future.

Architects, he explained, will outline potential uses of a site and provide cost estimates for the project. Provost said Braselton town officials may decide to build the town green in phases, although that hasnt been previously discussed.

Braselton will build its town green in front of the town-owned Braselton Brothers Store complex located at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 53 and the former Ga. Hwy. 124. That portion of Ga. Hwy. 124 was recently realigned to the rear of the historic store and is called Davis Street.

Braselton officials have been planning for a town green for about a decade with the project hinging on the realignment of Ga. Hwy. 124 to the rear of the store complex. Now that that project is completed, Braselton is designing its town green.

And what the architects proposed on Monday is a town green that is not only pedestrian friendly, but still accommodating for the businesses located in the Braselton Brothers Store complex, as well. It will also allow Braselton to close vehicular access to the town green for special events such as concerts, movie screenings and other public gatherings.

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Architects unveil plans for Braselton Town Green

File photo: Winthrop Fire at Owens Hall.

Melissa Cherry Melissa Cherry mcherry@heraldonline.comBuy Photo

ROCK HILL The state is accusing a Spartanburg-based roofing company of negligence and breach of contract because of a fire in a Winthrop University academic building in March 2010.

The lawsuit, filed by state Budget and Control Boards insurance division, does not specify how much money the university and the division are seeking.

Chief Otis Driggers of the Rock Hill Fire Department closed the case in late April 2010, saying fire investigators could not pinpoint exactly what caused the blaze at Winthrops Owens Hall.

The lawsuit, filed Sept. 5, claims Pickens Roofing and Sheet Metals improperly stored combustible construction materials on the roof of Bancroft Hall which is connected to the roof of Owens Hall prior to the March 6 fire.

Pickens Roofing was hired in August 2009 to repair an area described as the Bancroft Annex roof, a roof section connected to the building destroyed by the blaze. Winthrop paid Pickens Roofing $358,448 for the project.

The company violated building codes and industry standards by storing flammable roofing materials in the workspace, the state office alleges in the lawsuit.

Representatives from Pickens Roofing and Sheet Metals did not return calls Wednesday. The Pickens Roofing employee listed on the Winthrop contract no longer works for the company, another employee told The Herald on Wednesday.

Fire officials said in 2010 that the blaze, which burned for about 24 hours, started on a small section of flat roof outside the building where Owens Hall and Bancroft Annex join.

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Lawsuit: Roofing company negligent in Winthrop fire

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2012

When adding on to a home, should a homeowner go up or out? Its a common question homeowners face when their house is undersized or lacks desired features and they dont want to move. Adding on to a house may be the solution, but should they add on horizontally or vertically?

Sometimes the only way to go is up. Although some experts feel that given a choice, its wiser and less expensive to add on to the ground floor rather than building a second floor, some homeowners dont have that option because their lot is too small. Others dont want to give up certain advantages to a second story addition. For example, some parents want to put their kids upstairs with extra bedrooms and a playroom. Others are caring for aging parents who need a downstairs bedroom and want to add a master bedroom and bathroom upstairs for themselves.

There are various reasons people want a second story addition, says Obie Sibug, owner of Bid Construction. Weve had people call whose lot was small or setbacks wouldnt allow for a ground floor addition, so they wanted to add a second floor to an existing house or add living space on top of their garage. Others dont want to lose yard space.

Some advantages to a second story addition include:

A second floor addition gives a homeowner the chance to enhance the interior of a home with a higher ceiling and dramatic staircase and improve the exterior appearance of a home.

More space can be added with a second story addition if the lot is small or other limitations exist such as local setback requirements.

If a homeowner has a specific need such as a nursery, an artist studio, a home theater, or a home office, adding a second story gives a homeowner complete freedom to design the spaces.

Whether adding on horizontally or vertically, construction projects are stressful and messy, but the payoff is huge. The house will be transformed into a home that is a perfect fit for a homeowners lifestyle, taste, and budget and will increase value to the property. The key to success is careful planning and having a realistic understanding of what the job entails, explains Obie. There are several things a homeowner should consider when planning a second story addition.

For example, a homeowner must check city ordinances which vary greatly but typically dictate how much square footage can be added and allowable heights for houses. Second story additions usually require structural upgrades and like any extensive remodel, a homeowner may need to upgrade mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. All these considerations make it extremely important to choose an experienced and qualified contractor that can foresee and guide a client through any complications. A qualified professional can also ensure the lines between the original structure and addition produce a seamless home.

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San Diego REO Contractor Announces Current Best Practices for Homeowners Considering Additions to their Homes

FREMONT -- A quick tip for front-porch package thieves: When stealing something, wait to get home before you open it.

Police arrested a Union City man Tuesday after witnesses spotted him stealing FedEx-delivered packages off porches of homes in the Ardendale neighborhood, said police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques.

Justin Garcia, 39, was arrested on suspicion of theft after a resident dialed 911 at 2:16 p.m. to report two men riding bikes and stealing boxes from front porches near Winslow Terrace, Bosques said.

The resident told police he watched the suspects ride away, stop near a fence line of a home and tear open boxes that had the word "Amazon" written on the side of them. The boxes, Bosques said, contained small household items.

Bosques said that after the suspects opened the boxes, they took some of the items and rode off on their bikes.

The resident followed them in a car and when officers arrived, they found one of the suspects near the Ardenwood railroad crossings but lost track of him. Police said that suspect is a Hispanic male in his late teens wearing a blue shirt, jeans and a blue and gray backpack.

The second suspect, who police identified as Garcia, was apprehended trying to flee on his bike. Officers found some of the items that had been inside the boxes in Garcia's possession and arrested him.

Bosques said that in recent weeks residents throughout the Ardendale neighborhood have reported finding their mail

Police are asking residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the area and to dial 911 if something criminal appears to be taking place.

Anyone with information about this incident can call police at 510-790-6800 or at the anonymous tip line at 510-494-4856.

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Fremont police arrest suspected front-porch package thief

Day 5: Situated on the Red Hook, Brooklyn, waterfront in a Civil Warera warehouse, Made is a burgeoning architecture practice. In the true sense of design/build, many of the shops team members are both designers and contractors, an approach to working that centralizes creative controland responsibility. The immersive, multi-level process at Made is fitting for the residential projects that make up the majority of the firms work since it allows for close collaboration in such personal spaces. Design at Made is driven by salvaged, locally available, sustainable materials, many of which are housed in a large library in the shop. Residential Architect recently listed the firmas one of its15 young firms to watch.

Dockside Design/Build in Red Hook, Brooklyn from ARCHITECT Magazine on Vimeo.

Take a look back at Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4.

The gentrification tale of Red Hook, in Brooklyn, N.Y., ebbs and flows with the tides that crash against its shores. Named originally by Dutch settlers for its red clay and its position on the waterfront as a point of land ("hoek" in Dutch), from 1920 to 1960, Red Hook was arguably the busiest freight port in the world. The area was rife with longshoremen: On the Waterfront was filmed here in 1954. By 1988, though, LIFE magazine had named it "the crack capital of America, and the neighborhood was largely abandoned. Red Hook is home to the citys second-largest public housing development, and in 2008, IKEA built an outpost here, following on the heels of artists who had migrated to the area to take advantage of inexpensive real estate and the seaside atmosphere.

So what's going on in Red Hook today? Though remotethere is no direct subway access and only one bus linethe neighborhood is home to excellent restaurants, charming dive bars, and a large, sometimes familial design/build community. Hidden in Civil Warera waterfront warehouses and down cobbled streets lie thriving studios and workshops. ARCHITECT magazine took a look at five studios that give you a sense of whats happening in Red Hook.

Originally posted here:
Architects Working on Design/Build in a Storied Brooklyn Neighborhood

Media release: 12 September 2012

What Are Architects Thinking? A Series Of Talks About Building In Post-Earthquake Christchurch

Prompted by the second anniversary of the September 2010 earthquake, and recognising the urgent desire of people in Christchurch to get on with rebuilding their homes and business premises, the citys architects are hosting a series of free public information evenings over the next month.

In the talks, which will be held at CPITs Madras Street campus, more than a dozen Christchurch architectural practices will present and discuss examples of their residential and commercial work.

Many people are impatient to proceed with building projects, but they also want to be reassured that buildings will be safe and viable and fit for purpose, says David Hill, the chairman of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

Its important to remember that Christchurch has a strong architectural tradition, says Mr Hill, and people in the city should take some confidence from this history.

In the series of evening talks Christchurch architects will present examples of their work and discuss their thinking about building in the post-earthquake city.

These sessions will also provide an opportunity for people to tell architects what they want from them, says Mr Hill. Questions and comments will be welcome.

The series of evening talks begins on Thursday 13 September and continues weekly until 11 October. All presentations begin at 7pm.

Many of Christchurchs leading architectural practices are participating in the programme. The architects involved are David Smith Architects, Chaplin Crooks Architects, Sheppard & Rout Architects, Russell Devlin Solarchitect, Dalman Architecture, MAP, Gavin Willis and Bill Skews, Opus Architecture, Crispin Schurr from Christchurch City Council, Warren and Mahoney, Leadbetter Carr Architects, Van Herpt Architects, Wilson and Hill Architects, and Jasmax.

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What Are Architects Thinking?