The Syracuse University School of Information Studies Hinds Hall Renovations

Category: Institutional Educational

As an international leader in the information science and technology field, Syracuse University ’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) recognized the need for a presence on campus that projects the School’s identity and goals of transforming the information field through leadership in research, development, and education. Hinds Hall, a 1953, 60,000 square foot building at the heart of the University, has become this presence on campus.

Just as the iSchool is transforming the information highway, the partnership formed between the iSchool and design team worked to transform Hinds Hall from a dark, inhospitable building, to a welcoming center of learning at the University.

This project commenced with a highly interactive and extensive interview process including the design team, the Dean of the iSchool, several members of the faculty, and students. Not only did these sessions gather information, they built relationships as well. Through these sessions, the heart and story of the iSchool was discovered. The iSchool is an open and expressive family oriented school that is engaging, informing, and welcoming. A school that thrives on the exchange of information and the sharing of their knowledge base, they value transparency, collaboration, and creativity.

It was important to the Dean of the iSchool for faculty, students, staff, and visitors to see who they are and what they do; the goal is to generate excitement, interest and involvement within the school. Because the iSchool’s identity is so strong, it was decided that the building itself would tell the story of the school. The infrastructure of Hinds Hall was opened up to reveal how the building functions, including server rooms surrounded by glass. Material use such as warm woods and rich browns were used in conjunction with aluminum and silver colors to express their warm and “techie” nature. Spaces were opened to each other from one end of the building to the other with window walls to create a visual connection among the many facets of the school and university beyond. This also allowed for natural light to penetrate to the core of the building, providing for a better and healthier learning environment. Because sharing of ideas is a core value, collaborative formal and informal spaces were provided.

CollaborationThe importance of communication and interaction between faculty and students became clear through the interview and design process. The iSchool wanted a home and space that not only encourages but enhances interaction between faculty and staff, something that was lacking in their previous splintered locations throughout campus. By bringing the iSchool together in one building, one home, collaboration and engagement among faculty and staff is now facilitated by various interactive and flexible program spaces including ‘collaboratoriums,’ experiential and case classrooms, impromptu gathering spaces, and lounges for socialization and study. These spaces are now centers of exchange for knowledge and creativity.

The building was designed as a whole, incorporating infrastructure, finishes, furniture, art, and accessories. The design team and iSchool collaborated to ensure all facets of this facility worked together harmoniously. Artwork including paintings, sculpture, and quilts are incorporated into the building design to provide inspiration and encourage creative expression.

The newly renovated interior expresses the identity of the School of Information Studies through exposed infrastructure, natural materials, art and furnishings, diverse gathering spaces, and transparent rooms that promote shared experiences. Sustainable materials and natural lighting are used to contribute to the iSchool’s aspirations to make a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and a global society. Hinds Hall is now the new home for this iSchool -- this family, as the Dean had intended.

#6 SU Hinds Hall – CITATION AWARD working within the constraints of an existing structure the design has not only enlivened the interiors of this building but is also expressive of the program that is accommodated within this building.

The President's Message

Happy New Year! May the New Year bring health and happiness to all our members and their families.

Last month, several board members met with the “Celebration in Architecture” Committee at Lake Architectural’s office in Marcellus to review the comments received regarding our yearly AIACNY banquet. Thank you for the many positive comments and some not so positive mainly due the issue of heat; the space was terribly cold. We hope that next year the interior environmental comfort issues will not be a topic for discussion. At our meeting we also discussed next year’s budget, reviewed and assigned tasks, brainstormed about new ideas and developed a timetable so that we can meet the challenge of next year’s event. (Though many of us were very cold, the ambiance of the space was delightful.) Some of the ideas we are discussing involve expanding and diversifying the jury selection committee for awards. We have always relied upon other AIA chapters to jury and comment on our submissions. We would like to broaden the make-up of the jury to include other architects from several different chapters in NYS as well as related professionals who perhaps are not architects but are very much affected by what we do to the built environment. In addition, we want to develop ways that we can exhibit more of our member’s professional work and not just the award winners. Perhaps you, our members, have some ideas to add. Please let us know how we can make this event even more successful; we strive to improve and your opinion matters. Get involved!

During the December Board Meeting Jim Miller presented to the Board of Directors an outline of the work that the Sponsorship Committee has achieved and the goals for the coming year. Carlton Holmes and Jim Miller have done a fabulous job and are committed to surpassing last year’s sponsorship goal. If you have an idea or a tip for potential sponsors, please pass along the information to Carlton or Jim.

Our January Board Meeting was my first as President. Thanks to John Goodman, Roberts Rules of Order were strictly adhered to. Stephanie Wright presented the minutes of the last meeting, Bob Johnston reviewed the treasurer’s report, and Louis Boisnier presented some of the AIACNY programs scheduled for this year. Please visit our website (www.aiacny.org) and the newsletter for some of our upcoming events. We are also reviewing our program committee structure and their respective committee members. We will update the committee structure on our website. There are several volunteer opportunities. If you see something of interest, please contact the Director of the Committee. We need your support and ideas. New this year: an IDP coordinator to help our architectural interns better understand IDP requirements.

Lastly, I would like to welcome Jim Paolini one of our past presidents and an AIACNY member back to the Central New York area.

American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter
2008 Design Awards Program
Tomorrow’s Skyline Begins Today

It is safe to say that once again a good time was had by all at our 2008 AIACNY Annual Design Awards Celebration of Architecture – “Tomorrow’s Skyline Begins Today” held at the spacious Gordon Student Center on the campus of Onondaga Community College and one of last year’s design award winning entries from King & King Architects. Speaking of King and King, it would be a great disservice to not acknowledge their willingness to take over the role Lake Architectural has provided these past four years and take on the majority of the tasks required to put this show together. The bulk of this work was handled by King & King’s able body group of young ladies led by Lisa Maynard. When I asked for volunteers to take over the “nitty gritty” details of this affair, Lisa stepped forward and volunteered with great enthusiasm. Helping Lisa from King & King was Sarah Loele, Jennifer Wells and Aislinn Brackman and lending a hand from Lake Architectural was Jessica Haas and Diane Tracy. Thank you all ladies for a very wonderful evening. To the membership, when you next see one of these ladies please thank them in person and encourage them to take on this event again for 2009. We all need the encouragement to volunteer our precious time, especially for a good cause like the AIA/CNY Chapter. See you all at next year’s “Celebration of Architecture”.

SWINGING ON A STAR

“Would you like to swing on a star, carry moon beams home in a jar and be better off than you are, or would you rather be a Construction Manager?”

Would you like to be a Construction manager?

A Construction Manager takes many forms. They may have an agency relationship with the owner. They may manage construction contracts for the owner. They may assume no direct financial responsibility or assume financial responsibility. They may work for a fixed price, cost plus, guaranteed maximum, target price or some other construction contract with the owner.

For years there has been a hard sell on the “Team Approach” to design and construction of projects. It looks great on paper and fits the CM approach. Of course it relies on cooperation, reason, intellect, agreement, accord, comprehension and a willingness to reach a common goal. The goal should be a successful project.

Who is the leader of the band? With Disney Projects we know it is Mickey Mouse but on real projects the leader must have all the traits listed above. The leader and the team must weigh need, form, function, methods, means, cost and desire to create a thing of beauty and a joy forever.

Method of delivery establishes the potential need for a CM. Fast-track and design/build are more feasible for their use. Design-award-build is the traditional method and allows time for a compact team to move through the process more or less contentious. In today’s economy, time is money or is it money is time. What ever it is there is not enough of either.

So here comes the savior. The person who can advise the owner on construction technology, contractibility, special materials, products, construction market conditions, scheduling, cost, early purchase for long lead items, contract packaging, coordination of bidding and negotiations. If you believe there is such a person, there is a bridge I would love to sell you.

This is why architectural offices in the 50’s joined with engineering and landscape architectural firms. This is why Project Architects became Project Managers. This is why the technological evolution has provide so much information that only a team divided in specialties can meet the goals and expectations of the owner. We now see groups forming for every project, owners, architects, engineers, landscape architects, environmental engineers, construction managers and LEED certified consultant. All this without a contractor. Who will buy this beautiful team (to paraphrase Oliver’s morning)?

The 1987 “The Project of The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice” by AIA states as a Postscript. “New project delivery approaches are always being designed, while existing strategies are continually refined. Each approach offers its own assignment of risk and reward; each is more appropriate to some clients and projects-and to some architects-than others.”

Opening of the Meeting: This meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter was held Thursday, December 11, 2008 at AIACNY Resource Center . Joseph Piraino, AIA called the meeting to order.

The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer.
Fridtjof Nansen

By Dean A. Biancavilla, AIA, LEED AP, Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects, Syracuse, NY dab@hkkarchitects.com

Last month I wrote about the 44th President taking the oath of office and the expectations of his new administration in terms of a plan to tackle Global Warming. However I mistakenly attributed the “Presidential Climate Action Project” as coming from his transition team. My apologies. The PCAP is an private initiative of the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs started in 2006. Its objective was to provide presidential candidates and the President-elect with background information and educational materials on global warming, including a broad menu of diverse policy and program options for national leadership. The project does not advocate on behalf of specific climate policies, programs, spending or other actions by the President or the Federal government. So again my apologies for indicating that the material I quoted came from President Obama’s transition team. The material from last months article are recommendations to him from the University of Colorado and the PCAP which still is an impressive list of national experts so it was worth reading.

Robert C. Thompson, A.I.A. Continuing Education Provider
Certified Professional Code Administrator
Past C.N.Y.A.I.A. President 1986
rthomp2@twcny.rr.com

THIS MONTH’S CODES COLUMN WILL NOT BE FOCUSED ON A PARTICULAR CODE ISSSUE NOR BE INFORMATIONAL REGARDING THE N.Y S.CODE DIVISION’S ACTVITIES RELATIVE TO PENDING ISSUES OF THE CODE COUNCIL’ S ACTIVITIES LIKE I HAVE DONE IN THE PAST . I AM USING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK SOME INDIVIDUALS WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY CAREER AFTER YEARS OF CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES AND I TRUST YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY AS YOU READ ON.

30 year career mark reached

If you or someone you knew did some thing for 30 years, you would assume they acquired a great deal of knowledge about that which they did. Many years ago I decided to study the legal side of what we as design professionals are required to comply with. More specifically, the knowledge of building codes and reference standards. This was not a skill of practicing architecture that I would have ever imagined having an interest in early in my career. I found much enjoyment, opportunity, and professional growth taking this path.

Year after year I provided Building Code and Reference Standards advice to A.I.A. Chapter members and firms (mostly on a pro-bono basis) and concurrently taught for many of the area colleges and other organizations that offer continuing education.

Lately, I have been trying to get my arms around learning that I have an inoperable brain tumor.

There is a great line from the 1994 movie Forest Gump staring Tom Hanks when Forest says, “Momma always used to say when you open a box of chocolates, you never know which one you’re going to get.”

I am very blessed to have a great wife [34+ years], three super children, friends inside and outside the field of architecture, and wonderful neighbors who have brought great joy to my life. For close to thirty years I have enjoyed teaching college students [many with whom I still stay in touch] and teaching full-time working professionals and who are members of the Syracuse Builders’ Exchange. For this opportunity I give special thanks to Earl Hall Sr., Earl Hall Jr., and Sandy Church.

One of the earliest people who played a pivotal role in my career was Narindar Bhandari of NK Bhandari, P.E. Early in my career, Mr. B., as he is affectionately referred to by his staff, and I were driving around Carrier Circle. I was providing code-consulting services to Mr. B’s firm. I vividly remember that I was so excited about telling Mr. B. that A&E firms who had command [meaning to be fluently able to understand and apply the building code) would be at a competitive advantage and would recognize much business opportunity. Understand that at that time, most design professionals, including myself, had absolutely no idea of the train that was heading down the road that would change regulations for the built environment, not only for New York State, but for the entire United States. Remember, it was not until 1994 that B.O.C.A., I.C.B.O., and S.B.C.C.I. entered into an agreement to write one model code.

Calmly Mr. B looked at me and said, “Bob, just become very, very good at what you do and everything else will follow.” I was pretty sure he was referring to self-fulfillment and compensation. From that day, I decided to specialize in the field of building codes and regulations having to do with the built environment. To this day, I believe that our Lord, Jesus Christ, wanted me to take this direction. Mr.B., I thank you for being GOD’s messenger.

There is a prayer told to me years ago that I pray when I face difficult decisions:

“I BELIEVE I AM ALWAYS DEVINELY GUIDED; I BELIEVE I WILL ALWAYS TAKE THE CORRECT TURN IN THE ROAD; I BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE IS NO WAY.”

A special thanks to my friend, Ron Kenyon, R.A., Syracuse City School District, who was there for me when I needed a friend to remind me of God’s power.

Thank you to Ron Piester (Director for the Codes Division at the N.Y.S. Department of State ) who offered me a position to work with the Code Development Unit in February, 2000. I learned a great deal from his leadership, and treasured his friendship.

Thank you to Ray Andrews (Assistant Director for Code Development) for teaching me how to bleed orange for the Syracuse University football team.

Both Ron and Ray were former supervisors of mine, both are Syracuse University School of Architecture grads, and both have a clear understanding of the codes and their legislative origin.

Former and present chairpersons at each respective college offered me the opportunity to prepare students for “real world” code reviews and code issues relative to their projects. This list would include:

**Ken Bobis , R.A. & James Ruddock R.A., School of Architecture at Onondaga Community College.

**Dr. Robert Meyer, Dr. George Kyanka, and Dr. Susan Aganost, S.U.N.Y College of Environmental Science & Forestry

Thanks also go to Manfred Diflo whose friendship and artwork have graced our lives for many years.

Beyond those I’ve just mentioned, I need to give credit to my Dad who provided me with a sense of humor. He always taught me to treat others as I would like to be treated. He was a very generous man with deep-seeded Christian values. My dad took my illness pretty hard. He would remind me to take one day at a time.

My dad passed away in February, 2007 at the age of 90. As I teach college students, my respect for my dad and his strong work ethic continues to grow. I sense that many of today’s college students feel they are “entitled” to the education they receive. In contrast, my dad was brought into this world as an orphan and was raised by the Christian Brothers in Troy, N.Y. until he could support himself by working low-paying manual labor jobs. He was never offered the opportunity of a formal education. My dad talked proudly about working for the C.C.C. and W.P.A. (government-supported work programs). I think he saw it as his way of saying that he did what he had to do to support a family of four boys. At one point he worked as a regional stockroom clerk, as well as carrying other responsibilities for the N.Y.S. Highway Department. I vividly remember that he would have to get up at 3:30 A.M. on winter mornings to assist others plowing the roads. I suspect he did it for the over-time pay he could accrue. The bottom line is that he did it for my brothers and me. I feel very blessed to see many of my dad’s positive qualities in my children. So you see, I have much to be grateful for and perhaps a little less to feel sorry about.

Thank you for letting me share this information with you. Next time we talk, I trust that you will feel you know me better before asking code questions.

There are many changes affecting the Intern Development Program (IDP) this year that are important for all currently unlicensed architects to consider. Three important recent updates are as follows:

NCARB has developed a rule to discourage the formerly common situation of reporting years of experience all at once. Instead, architects seeking to become licensed must submit their Training Units every six months. If you do not submit your Training Units for that six month period within two months after completion you lose the chance to record that experience. Furthermore, if you have been practicing for years but never recorded any of that experience with IDP you must do so before the July 2009 deadline or risk losing the ability to apply that experience towards to the requirements for taking the ARE. The July 2009 deadline applies to those who have not yet established an IDP record with NCARB. For those who have begun recording hours the deadline is July 2010.

New York State recently stated that interns will now be permitted to begin taking the ARE while they are still in the process of completing their IDP experience. There are certain prerequisites for determining eligibility for this. Please see www.op.nysed.gov/arch.htm for more information.

This program officially came into effect on December 31, 2008 and will now be the primary means of reporting Training Units to NCARB for verification. Supervisors should familiarize themselves with the system in order to approve the time entered by interns.

The architectural internship is an important transition point in the life of an architect. Interns learn to practice and apply the skills, knowledge, and values upheld by the profession. Sharing a broad set of professional experiences and knowledge is rewarding for both the intern and the mentor. These types of experiences continue through the ARE and into a successful professional career.

An important piece of this puzzle is the Intern Development Program (IDP) created by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). This program supports interns in gaining exposure to those areas that will help them succeed in the profession, whether on their own or as part of a firm. It is important to familiarize yourself with these requirements for licensure at www.ncarb.org. This site will also allow you to keep up to date on the current news surrounding the licensure process.

As Program Director of the CNYAIA, and Chairman of the Architectural Explorer Post, once again I have the honor of highlighting the accomplishments of fellow professionals that have contributed their time to enhance the 2008 program. With a committee of 7 members we enlarged the program to include 2 additional workshops for a total of 8. An increase of participation that topped 32 students kept us busy. I would like to recognize the following committee members: Kevin Clark of QPK, Jason Coe , Jason Evans and Nicolette Feldser of Ashley McGraw Architects, and John Merritt, Kerry Barrett and Sue Billard of King and King.

The AIA program is a result of the generous contribution of local AIA members who give high school students from the Central New York area the opportunity to get some insight on the profession from a post graduation perspective. Our program is geared to give students the ability to make a more informed decision once they begin applying for college. Many students decide that the Architectural profession is not what they had expected. And those students, who choose to pursue Architecture, are doing so, more inspired and more informed.

Together, the series of programs will include experiences in design, site visit, structural model competition, CAD workshops, and review of the college admissions process and tour of a design studio. For our site visit, we toured the Award winning Jefferson-Clinton Commons project by MacKnight Architects, near historical Armory Square. We caught the project in its early stages of construction and I am looking for another site for the 2008 students to visit. Any suggestions will be welcome.

With the advantage of so many volunteers, we can rotate individuals so no one has to commit to all workshops. In the future, I aspire to include additional programs for students at different levels.

Anyone who is interested in participating can contact me any time at my office at (315) 425-1814 x-151 or by e-mail at boisnier@ashleymcgraw.com to review the program in more detail and share their interest and ideas. The program offers opportunities for professionals to volunteer as a mentor, developing and presenting concise ideas to a general audience and leading teams.

King & King Architects has much to celebrate in 2009. In January, it relocates to its new 58,000-square-foot office in downtown Syracuse - adjacent to Armory Square at the corners of West and Jefferson Streets. The site is expected to operate as a LEED Platinum-certified building and promises to be a showcase for sustainable design practices.

King & King’s four principals - Peter King, James King, David Johnson, and Kirk Narburgh - closed the deal on the facility last May and the first phase of the construction process was completed in late December with its 70 person staff moving in just before the new year. The $6 million project was designed by King & King Architects and constructed by Hueber Breuer. Consultants to the project included: IBC Engineering, Appel Osborne Landscape Architects, Barton & Logudice, the 7 Group, and Stopen Engineering.

According to King & King managing partner Pete King, the building reflects the firm’s core values and design philosophy.

“The design process for this building was guided by our core values as they relate to our clients, the
Central New York community, the environment, our employees and our approach to business,” said King.

Community: The new building opens the gateway to commercial development of the Near WestSide and reiterates the firm’s dedication to helping revitalize this neighborhood and join in the effort to re-establish downtown Syracuse as a business center. The building will also be opened to the community as a learning place for sustainable design practices in action. School, community and business groups will all be welcomed for educational tours the facility.

Environment: The firm chose to rehabilitate and utilize much of the materials from an existing structure and clean-up an old Brownfield site rather than erect a new building. The centrally-located urban location provides employees with a shorter commute – saving 29,680.56 miles per year off of employees’ current commutes as verified through a survey conducted in-house - and easy access to public transportation. The building incorporates energy-saving features throughout including use of natural light, fresh air systems and a wide array of sustainable design features.

Clients: The new building provides clients and potential clients with a real-life reference for what can be accomplished via an integrated sustainable design process.

Design: The design of the structure provides a learning experience to staff and visitors and challenges the business community to think beyond traditional technologies, construction materials, and development strategies.

Employees: The design of the site provides employees with a healthy, comfortable and pleasant work environment that promotes creativity and interaction. Some examples of this include:

- Thermal Comfort: The mechanical system was designed around a displaced air concept. It essentially directs the heating/cooling specifically into the zone people occupy – from floor to about six feet above. Controls for the mechanical systems were designed to maximize the thermal comfort of the various zones of the office.

- Indoor chemical/pollutant control and Indoor Air Quality: Spaces such as copy rooms were designed to be enclosed with ventilation and entry vestibules have walk-off mats to control dust and dirt.. Prior to occupying the building, King & King “flushed-out” the mechanical systems to reduce and eliminate the dust and debris that may have accumulated in the systems during construction. Mechanical systems are also utilizing more efficient filter systems (MERV 13).

- Low VOC Construction Materials – The firm specifically designed and utilized materials – including paints, carpets and adhesives - that were low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Business Leadership: Through the economies of intelligent, efficient, integrated sustainable design, the new building will have a positive impact on operating costs, productivity and the firm’s bottom line.

Prior to King & King’s purchase of their building, preliminary energy modeling and material studies were done to determine the site’s potential. In preparation for the design process, two community charettes were involved that included members of the community, clients, consultants and employees. The charettes helped King & King explore values, goals, expectations and new ideas. And a separate LEED-based charette worked with the project design team to start the design process.

As the design process commenced, King & King focused on the building’s connection to its surroundings, sustainability, the architectural expression of sustainability and a wholly integrated process. The overall design process involved constant interaction between the architects, engineers, environmental consultants, construction manager, building users and owners who comprised the design team. Building systems were tested against a variety of other systems to find synergies for system optimization. Simultaneously, the architectural expressions of these systems were explored and materials investigated to determine embodied energy content, life-cycle costs and impact on the indoor environment.

Through constant 3D modeling, work spaces were designed to express the sustainable aspects of the design, while promoting a team-oriented work environment and a direct connection to the outdoor environment through outside views, daylighting and fresh air access. And the material selected for the upper exterior cladding is white oak boarding, harvested from FSC certified forests in Pennsylvania .

King & King is excited to call 358 West Jefferson Street home. The building is the next great step in the firm’s rich 140-year history and readily explains the position it has earned as New York state’s oldest architectural firm and the fourth oldest in the nation.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry partners with the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter to host the Annual Green Building conference on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Oncenter Complex.

Top 7 Reasons to Attend the 7^th Annual Green Building Conference

Green Building IS the solution...
The 7^th Annual Green Building Conference is your local conference for accurate and green information. Sort out the facts on new green products and services.
Green building has unprecedented levels of government initiatives and a heightened residential demand for green construction with sustainable materials. (Source: FMI (2008). U.S. Construction Overview.)
Building green is fiscally responsible. “The value of green building construction is projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010.” (Source: McGraw-Hill Construction (2008). Key Trends in the European and U.S. Construction Marketplace: SmartMarket Report.)
Building green is the future. Construction encompasses a workforce of 120 million people and billions of transactions each day. (Source: McGraw-Hill Construction (2008). Key Trends in the European and U.S. Construction Marketplace: SmartMarket Report.)
Get educated in green building design, construction, and processes.
Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Information and Registration: http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding

Location: Oncenter Complex, Syracuse , NY – Directions

Dates: Thursday, March 19^th and Friday, March 20^th

Register before February 26^th and receive an early bird discount registration!

Thursday pre-conference workshops:

Stormwater Management: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control - $225
LEED 2009: Credit Categories and Intents - $345 National Member; $445 Non-Member

*Join us for a reception on THURSDAY evening in the Atrium from 5 – 6:30 p.m. with presenters, exhibitors, and other conference participants for networking opportunities!

Friday full day conference: $125

Register Online Now!

Maureen A. Wakefield: mwakefield@esf.edu)

Syracuse , NY – Dalpos Architects & Integrators recently named James R. Knittel, AIA, LEED ® AP, NCARB, as an associate. A graduate of Syracuse University, Knittel joined Dalpos in 2007, bringing a broad range of project design and management experience in the areas of retail design and development, office building design and space planning, and existing building renovation.

A resident of Manlius, Knittel is a member of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and is a LEED accredited professional.

Syracuse , NY – Stephanie Wright, AIA, LEED ® AP, NCARB, project architect for Dalpos Architects & Integrators, recently received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP) accredited professional designation from the United States Green Building Council.

A graduate of Cornell University , Wright joined Dalpos in June 2008 and has extensive experience in retail, entertainment and restaurant design. Currently, she is the project architect for the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que renovation in Syracuse . Wright lives in Liverpool .

Syracuse , NY – Dalpos Architects & Integrators recently named Joseph R. Piraino, AIA, as an associate. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo, Piraino has worked for the firm for six years and has over 20 years of experience in education, commercial, institutional, retail and residential design. Currently, he is the project architect/manager for the Medley Centre expansion project in Rochester , NY .

A resident of Syracuse , Piraino is the 2008 past president of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Syracuse , NY – Dalpos Architects & Integrators recently hired Michael Brillante as general office clerk. He is responsible for project archive administration, database maintenance, organization of printing and shipping for large projects and overall general office and accounting support.

A resident of E. Syracuse , Brillante is a 2006 graduate of Le Moyne College with a degree in finance and management.

Syracuse , NY – Dalpos Architects & Integrators recently received a Certificate of Achievement for the 2008 Energy Star Challenge for Architects from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This designation is presented to architectural firms that have committed to leading the industry through superior energy-efficient design that meet or exceed EPA standards to “design a better world” and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dalpos earned this certificate in conjunction with its design of a Raymour & Flanigan Showroom in Pohatcong , NJ . The building was the furniture retailer’s first eco-friendly, new build construction and recently received the EPA’s Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR designation, a mark of outstanding energy efficiency. The 64,000-square-foot showroom includes an energy management system with automated occupancy sensors, climate control systems and HVAC upgrades. The building was designed using low e-glass and a white reflective roof membrane to minimize solar heat gain, a high R-value insulation to reduce building envelope heat loss, and compact fluorescent lighting throughout the building.

Dalpos received the Certificate of Achievement for the 2008 Energy Star Challenge in November.

Founded in 1971, Dalpos Architects & Integrators is a Syracuse, NY-based architecture firm specializing in retail, health care and commercial design, applying new building technologies, and integrating sustainable concepts.

AIA New York Chapter’s public calendar is also a great place to promote both this Chapter’s events and other outside events: http://www.aiany.org/calendar/index.php