News
Excited About ACE
ACE Mentoring is a non-profit, volunteer based mentor organization that pairs high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering (ACE) with professionals in the industry. For the last six-years I’ve served as a mentor, assisting with the program’s mission to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. The students tackle a…
Construction Update: KIPP Boston
KIPP Boston is on schedule to open for the new school year in the late summer of 2016. At the end of the year we were working on plumbing and electrical, finalizing masonry, installing windows, and preparing for the installation of the school gym. In the past few weeks, things have been moving quickly as the pre-engineered gym structure has been…
My AIA Story
If you are an emerging professional, you have received your packet about “I AM AIA.” This is my AIA story. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would become a licensed architect; a goal I accomplished in 2008. After licensure I asked the same question as so many others – now what? I knew I wanted to…
Food and Real Estate
Last week I was lucky enough to attend the ULI Food and Real Estate Forum in New Orleans. It rained the whole time, making it hard to sneak out of the hotel for late night beignets, but the dialogue made up for the inclement weather. The group discussions covered a wide range of topics about the role of food in our…
In Memoriam: Stanford Anderson
Now that I’ve reached the time in my life where I recognize most of the people shown during the In Memoriam segment of the Academy Awards, weeks like the last become more poignant. In the same week that we found out that one of Arrowstreet’s founders, Jack Meyer, had passed away, a few of us attended the memorial service for…
Sustainable Design Leaders Winter Summit
Last week I attended the Sustainable Design Leaders Winter Summit. This event, facilitated by BuildingGreen, is an opportunity for sustainable design leaders from architecture firms across the country to discuss sustainability within practice and across the industry. Unlike a typical conference, the summit is a completely interactive and content is derived from what the participants want to discuss and learn….
Off the Grid with Tesla’s Powerwall
Every year, BuildingGreen names the ten best green building products “transforming the design and construction industry” and helping to solve environmental problems. One product we are particularly excited about is Tesla’s Powerwall and Powerpack Onsite Energy Storage. As we work towards designing more energy efficient multi-family housing, the use of alternative fuel sources (such as solar panels) becomes more effective….
Tomorrow’s Tech, Today
This year at CES, the annual consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, some ultramodern technology was introduced. From refrigerators that can order groceries, to single-passenger drones, futuristic inventions are making their way into our everyday lives. This new technology is changing how we live, and how we design and plan the spaces we build. Here are four futuristic ideas making…
Best Wishes, Randy!
Our friend Randy Reynolds is retiring after leading the facilities group at LL Bean for over 20 years. I was honored to join him at his going-away party, which was full of happy memories and lots of laughs. What I’ll remember most about Randy is sitting with him in his office while an enormous elk head watched us from a…
Activating Retail
Today’s active consumers want to make memories for themselves and their families in a way they can’t at traditional retailers, that’s why architects and designers are creating destinations that offer experiences. While this used to mean mixing in a restaurant or movie theater, the concept has evolved into something that might be called recreational retail, which engages visitors with an…