Where's the Beef?!!!!

You probably remember this phrase from the TV commercials in the 80s. It was used in reference to some little old lady looking for the meat on the hamburger. Well we are using it today to ask where is the "meat" = construction documents? Over the last 6 months, our office has been cranking out conceptual renderings for clients in anticipation that there would be the MEAT or bulk of the work being construction documents.  Don't get me wrong, we like getting paid for creating ideas, but we like getting paid more for the construction documents.....and even more so, we like actually seeing the projects get built!

We have restaurants, coffee houses, retail facilities, medical facilities, houses, marinas, and so much more.....all of these are like the appetizer for our meal....fun, tasty and certainly gets us excited about what is to come.

Well, let me also say that the BEEF is on its way.  It has begun! Starting to get busy as we feared, wanted, begged for, etc.  Finished up Office building conversion, finished up new law office design, working on large office plan, two retail projects, Home-a-Rama house, a credit union, small church and here you go......you have been waiting for it......the punchline.....4 new Wendy's restaurant renovations. Yep, brand new prototypes that they are rolling out across the states and we are working on the initial conceptual design/documentation. Two in Virginia Beach, one in Newport News and the last in Chesapeake.

And there seems to be more behind that. Truly amazing. Truly fantastic.  Truly Scary.  What scary? Yep.  Well think about it.  About 18 months ago everything in our industry seemed to say we were on our way out.  I am sure many felt that we were going to be on of the many casualties of the recession.  Who could blame you right? Well here we are. Hanging on and growing. A full office staff to handle the marketing needs, the production needs and the Construction Administration needs. We are going after RFP, we are going after design/build we are getting old projects back to life.  We have hired a contract coordinator to handle the accounting affairs to make sure we are getting the invoices out, getting the checks in and keeping them all on budget. We also have 4 projects under construction with 2 more ready to begin.  That means staying up with the RFIs, submittals, special inspections etc. Oh yeah, don't forget keeping the production team up and running with state of the art technology and software........and we need more.....that's whats scary!

SCARY GOOD!

So friends....the ride begins....and here comes the BEEF!

Employee Profile:

Dahlia Pecka, Assoc. AIA
Project Manager


Dahlia Pecka, Assoc. AIA


Dahlia comes to us from upstate New York as an Architect Intern working her way up into position of Project Manager. Her involvement in our firm at an early beginning in her career has allowed to tailor her education and provide an enormous amount of field experience. She has assisted other designers and architects within our office in the development of construction documents and has found that to be an interested focus thus far in her career. Upon her recent graduation, Dahlia has been placed in charge of Production Coordination Administrator. Her responsibilities include the planning and facilitation of our work to insure timeliness and accuracy for the work IDS produces.

Dahlia first began working with us as a college student and has worked several days a week during school and full time during summer and holiday breaks. Her enthusiasm and work ethics are comparable to none when it comes to her coordination and drive for perfection. Her employment with Ionic DeZign has proven beneficial for her own experience in addition to having been an excellent asset to the company. Our office benefits from the diversity she brings with her through her education and experience.

Y E A R S   O F
E X P E R I E N C E

4 years experience - 4 years with IDS

E D U C A T I O N

Masters of Architecture / 2010 / Hampton University

R E G I S T R A T I O N S

2006 / American Institute of Architects / Virginia

P R O F E S S I O N A L
A F F I L I A T I O N S

American Institute of Architects

Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate