IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS: 2012 Top Ten Projects

We have been really blessed this year with lots of work when we know so many others have struggled to make ends meet.  First of all lets us thank our clients for supporting us here at IONIC and allowing us to do what we enjoy doing so much: DESIGNING!

Here are a few of our 2012 projects that we feel particularly proud of.  Some are completed while others are under construction and are listed in no particular order.  We would love to hear from you as to your favorite and why.

1. We start off with a Wendy's Ultra-Modern design located in Chesapeake Virginia. This design is a popular one with the company as it certainly provides a bit of flair to the old fashioned look previously. As a renovation project, there was much coordination required to accomplish the final look. Construction by Independence Construction.

2. We don't often do residential work but this one takes the cake. The Goshen Residence built originally in the late 1700s on the Ware River in Gloucester Virginia undergos significant renovation to save the structure and return it to its glory of the original era.  Many modern features have been added to insure that it maintains usefulness as a home but also that much care is taken to insure the integrity of the history.  Working with DHR, IONIC; the contractor DOVETAIL CONSTRUCTION and other consultants strive to rebuild this home now listed on the historic register.

3. Our first LEED Retail project Four Square Retail has found a lot of favor with the local community. We have heard that the city of Norfolk Virginia is quite proud to the the first in the area. It doesn't hurt to be fully occupied and generating revenue as well. IONIC is currently working on the paperwork for the official accreditation of the facility for a LEED Certified. We hope to have everything finalized by summer of 2013. Construction by Independence Construction.

4. Star Express Convenience Store located in New Kent County Virginia is currently under construction. The second store for this small growing corporation but first with a statement by IONIC. It is expected to be completed near the end of March 2013 and open to the public shortly there after. We feel that this store will lead to many more locations as growth and prosperity continues. Construction by Independence Construction.

5. Part of the economic development authority in Virginia Beach Virginia, Russo Law Office became possible due to their previous office taken over due to eminent domain. The new brick, glass and metal panel structure sits right near Town Center and offers multiple tenants as well as the law office. In December 2012, this project received the honor award from the City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission. Construction by JDandW.

6. The Wendy's Urban Design makes our list as well. We did several locations but our first was in Raleigh North Carolina.  We are fortunate to have the confidence of the corporate office to continue with their work into 2013 all over North Carolina as well as working with some franchise owners too. Construction by Quality Builders.

7. Towncenter Crossing became our second LEED Retail project this year located right in the middle of Virginia Beach Virginia re-developed from the old Fuddruckers Building. These photos were taken as we finalized some of the exterior lighting modifications. USAA and Bruegger's Bagels will be wrapping up their construction soon and we will be back out there to take some final shots. It is nice to work right across the street from your project! Construction by Independence Construction.

8. Under construction in South hill Virginia right off of US 85 is the new Five Guys. This free standing building took quite some time to get all the players in tune with one another but finally is has kicked into gear. Construction began late November with site work and the completion expects to be near April 2013.  Construction by Kenbridge Construction. We look forward to a burger or two.

9. This project has been a bit of a roller coaster this past year. Navy Federal Credit Union had some changes to the program that caused delay to construction in Chesapeake Virginia. Initially we designed a 9,000 sq ft, then added an additional 3,000 sq ft and now we are back to just 3500 square feet. we are hoping all is set to complete the final documents (again) by March 2013 and finish construction near the end of next year.

10. Rounding out the top ten is the Haywood Office Project located in Gloucester Virginia. This is the first of 3 buildings for the complex with construction current underway for the site.  Some final modifications are being made to allow the owner to get into the structure immediately while leasing continues for the office portion. We expect completion some time late summer of 2013. Construction by G.L. Wilson.

Again we want to thank all of those that supported us this year and wish many great successes in 2013. Let us know what you like!

www.ionicdezigns.com

Dovetail Construction

Here is a nice article about our Construction friends at Dovetail Construction in Richmond.  They are working on our Gloucester project at Goshen Farms.
http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/the-beauty-of-zero/Content?oid=1787173

www.ionicdezigns.com

IONIC and Sustainable Design

Sustainable Design

Assessments / Energy Audits / Energy Modeling / Project Documentation / USGBC Submittals / Commissioning and Start up

Four Square Retail located in Norfolk Virginia

According to the US Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings are responsible for 39% of U.S. CO2 emissions and use 71% of the nation's electricity. Operating with tight margins, retailers are asking IONIC for guidance on designing, constructing and modifying multi-unit buildings to control energy costs and minimize environmental impact.

A USGBC member, IONIC offers "best practices" in sustainable design. Our LEED-accredited professionals (LEED APs) approach sustainable design from a variety of disciplines, including interiors, architecture, and electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.

Smart sustainability solutions strike the right balance between client objectives, and financial requirements.  IONIC understands the importance of evaluating life-cycle cost to benefit, not simply lowest first cost.

Each year more and more companies are making sustainability and energy efficiency a part of their brand. Some choose not to pursue LEED certification because of concerns about cost and speed of the certification process. In response to these justifiable concerns, the USGBC launched the “LEED Volume Program.” This program is most suitable for brands planning to certify a large number of new construction projects or existing buildings.

The new program offers a path to LEED certification that is less complex than the individual certification process. With LEED Volume, a brand can simply create a “prototype” that details how the building will obtain LEED credits and ultimately obtain LEED certification. After receiving USGBC approval, the certified prototype can be used as a template for any other stores the company builds for the same general purpose — meaning that all buildings based on that “prototype” are also LEED certified.

Once a client’s prototype is approved, IONIC acts as LEED advocate, validating the submittal. Whether you are pursuing LEED certification or simply seeking a greater level of efficiency, we will help you determine what level of energy efficiency is best for your company.

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

BID ALERT: Wendy's Addition

Please note the Wendy's Addition and Renovations Project located on Independence Blvd in Virginia Beach Virginia is now out of bidding. Project includes renovations of interiors and exterior finishes with an addition onto the front of the existing structure.  Bid requests are being handled directly by Wendy's Corporate.

www.ionicdezigns.com

Virginia Beach the NBA and IONIC

News from the report about the findings for the new sports arena in Virginia Beach. For a small firm like IONIC it would be difficult to be too involved however our office and designers have worked on multiple sports facilities in different capacities.  IONIC would offer our services to work on all the signage and graphics packages that would be involved with such a facility.  That would be an excellent design project. We can dream can't we?

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/11/new-study-impact-arena-va-beach-released

www.ionicdezigns.com

Working out at the Beach

Working down at the beach is always a wonderful experience.  Okay it is getting a little cold right now down there but that is when we, as architects, are called upon to begin the process. Work has to be completed within a window that allows construction to be completed during off season and open once the tourists are hitting the waves at the beach. Here are a few rendering of our work begin planned for a new retail and restaurant facility on Atlantic Ave.  SURF'S UP!

 

 

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

 

D. Eugene Thompson - Pitcher

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA, NCARB
President/Sr. Architect

D. Eugene Thompson brings an innovative approach to architecture and design. Thompson, founder of the Virginia Beach-based firm Ionic DeZign Studios, has achieved distinction throughout the community as a theorist, artist, teacher, and architect.

Born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Thompson describes his home town as the “Cradle of Architecture”, where he grew up in the shadows of the Price Tower by Frank Lloyd Wright & Shin’en Kan by Bruce Goff-- inventors of architecture in their time… Their examples defy commonality and left a lasting impression, which continues to drive his creative engine; promoting his own new and sophisticated imagery.

Eugene received his Bachelors of Architecture from Oklahoma State University in 1989. He received the William Caudill Traveling Fellowship allowing further studies throughout Europe. He also received the Sydney Katz Memorial Graphics Award for his work in Van Alan International Design Competition for which he earned an Honorable Mention. He has completed extensive studies in lighting design, including those he received while attending the GE Lighting Institute.

 

Most recently Eugene has been working towards implementing ‘green design’ into several large development projects including office buildings, housing developments and entertainment facilities.  All of these projects will be dedicated to sustainable design and intend on becoming a major focus of the firm as these design concepts are incorporated to more of his work.

Thompson is firmly committed to the practice of architecture as a collaborative enterprise, where the architects and designers at Ionic DeZign Studios can foster the connective tissue between an owner and project; allowing for all to participate in the reinvention of architecture.

 

James McReynolds - Center

James McReynolds
Associate AIA
Project Manager

James graduated from Virginia Polytechnic and State University with a Bachelors degree in Architecture with a minor in Industrial Design. Also, taking some courses in Business and Economics to better prepare himself for a career in Architecture.

Before joining IONIC, James worked with a firm where he was given the chance to gain experience as an Intern Architect. He was a contributor in the design of numerous hospital additions and commercial projects. James has become our facilitator to our multiple location clients like Wendy's, Star Express and others.

In addition to working on these projects, James also gained vast experience creating BIM models to better convey our architectural concepts and ideas.

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

April Thompson - Right Field

April J. Thompson
Administrative Assistant

April has recently joined our office full time and assists in many of the needs around IONIC. You will hear her lovely greeting just about every time you call our office and will most certainly see her smiling face when you walk in the door. The first impression is said to be the most important and April's extends that without delay.

She has recently taken on the task of re-organizing the entire office.  As we grow and stretch and "bulge" out within the office we are constantly trying to maximize the use of our space....just like our clients. She has been the force behind us finally setting up a small dedicated materials room for our vendors and to display their samples and catalogs.

Among other things April diligently puts together the responses to our Request for Proposals as well as maintaining the database for Contracts with Subcontractors and Vendors. She also maintains project accounts, both billable and receivable, send out invoices and assists in tracking all project hours and expenditures in order to assure office productivity and profitability.

In her role as marketing coordinator, she handles some photography, project marketing sheets, marketing events, lunch and learn events for our staff and various marketing mailings that IONIC does through the year.

Be sure to say hello to her when you visit us. Oh yeah, and by the way.....she did play a mean softball in her day!

www.ionicdezigns.com

Abby Hoffman - Left Field

Abby Marie Chryst Hoffman, Assoc AIA

Project Manager

Abby graduated with her Bachelors in Architecture from Temple and her Masters from University of Virginia with an interest in regenerative design processes, urban reactivation, and cultural preservation. She has previously worked with a small firm in Pennsylvania prior to completing all of her studies. Abby brings a wealth of educational knowledge to IONIC.

 

As the newest member of the team she has jumped right in with helping design and produce the construction documents for several of our current projects. Her studies will allow her to further our urban planning and development departments. With a background in Graphic Design, Abby will help with the element of our firm we have always preached, “Where Art & Architecture come together.”

 

IONIC has always tried to add “Art” to our projects and with Abby’s help we should continue to do just that.

 

Regaina Thompson - Catcher

Regaina J. Thompson

vice president
director of operations

Regaina studied business management at Oklahoma State University. Serving as Vice President and Director of Operations at IONIC, her responsibilities include general business administration, oversight and management of the firms finances, and human resource matters. She currently participates in networking organizations to assist in building business opportunities with other companies.

Regaina has incorporated her connection from the company to enhance her involvement in the real estate market to help some of our client with their concerns.  These affiliations have allowed for a better understanding for the goals and needs for all those involved.  In early 2006, she became incorporated ownership in CCIV7 - Corinthian Capital Investments that has holdings in several properties in the Tidewater area and beyond.  In 2009, she became a licensed realtor in the state of Virginia and actively works with William E. Wood Real Estate Company here in Virginia Beach.

www.ionicdezigns.com

Matt Mazzoni - Third Base

Matthew Mazzoni Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, CD

project manager
construction administrative coordinator


Matt Graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design with a Bachelor of Architecture in May 2007. When taking classes outside of his major he focused on sustainability and achieved a minor in business administration. Matt also participated in the student chapter of the American Institute of Architects and spent several summers interning in the facilities department of Education Management Corporation.

Before joining IONIC, he has worked for several offices and has been recognized for several achievements. He started out working for Michael Brady Inc. of Knoxville, Tennessee where he focused on design build and hospitality projects, and became a certified Constructions Documents Technologist (CDT) through the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). He then moved onto Stuck Associates Architects of Jonesboro, Arkansas where he was involved in nursing home design, updating existing facilities for ADA compliance and worked on LEED Certified projects. While there he graduated from the chamber of commerce's Leadership program, received his LEED accreditation, and was the winner of the 2010 USGBC Natural Design Competition for emerging professionals in the state of Arkansas.

Matt brings a vast knowledge of Building Information Modeling to IONIC. Considered the future of the design and construction industry, BIM allows for better coordination between architects and engineers, contractors and architects, and provides project owners with great amounts of data to manage their facilities more efficiently long after construction.

 

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

Dahlia Pecka - Short Stop

Dahlia Pecka, Assoc. AIA
project manager

production coordinator

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.

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 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.

You can see much of her work on our website.
www.ionicdezigns.com

13 YEARS OF SUCCESS

It is hard to believe that we started IONIC over 13 years ago. A bit amazing at times when we realize it wasn't a planned agenda of beginning a design firm. It just kind of happened. Yeah, I know, you were hoping for some sort of giant planned organized development of a business plan sort of corporate agenda story.  Sorry to disappoint.
It just happened.

One day in the fall of 1999, I came home from work and told my wife I was going to quite my job....I had always told her that if I decided to leave the firm I was with that I would begin looking at other local firms.....it didn't quite happen that way. No planning, no preparation no searching for other work.  Just decided it was time to leave. Usually it is a good idea to find other employment before you give your resignation.  My method isn't highly recommended. But that was the way it happened.

We went to church the Sunday after my discussion with my wife, a normal occurrence with our family. I decided to ask the congregation for prayers has I intended to go in the next day to work and give my resignation. They thought I was a bit crazy.....brave, but crazy none the less. Prayers were certainly needed as we had four children and my wife was pretty much a homemaker. Yep, wisdom might not have been a major element of this decision but faith certainly was.

About four days later, I was coaching our boys in football when my team mom came up to me (she was team mom for the last five years) and said that she was impressed with my decision. Maybe that was her way of saying that I was crazy too. After all, I always wanted a full time job of volunteer coaching a recreation league football team for no pay.  Well, I do love football. She was the office manager of a major corporation and they were getting ready to do a full scale interior renovation of their local corporate headquarters.  Another friend and fellow coach was a general contractor and had offered to introduce me to several other architecture firms in the area if I was interested. Yet another football coach was a millwork fabricator and they all became part of the beginning of Ionic DeZign Studios. McDonald's Corporate office was our first project 13 years ago in downtown Norfolk.

I thank my friends Cheryl, Adam and Ron for supporting me and making sure I didn't goof something up on that firs project. I guess I should thank football too! Later still, a dad called my house to check when practice was scheduled for that evening and got a message saying to press one for IONIC, press two for Shaklee, press three for flute lessons and finally press four to reach the Thompson family. Yep, those early years we did all we could do to survive. Mike mentioned that he heard all the "stuff" on the answering machine and wondered what I did.  I guess I didn't do a very good at marketing back then  and had to explain that I was an architect. He mentioned that he might have a few things for me to do. That began a long relationship with many of our friends at Great Atlantic Properties. A few multi-family projects, a library, and office space and on and on. Thanks Mike for calling my house that afternoon!

That was 13 years ago when I worked out of my dining room in my home. The kids would interrupt their piano playing when the phone rang for business and then start right up where they left off once I set the phone down.  The dog would announce the arrival of the UPS or FEDEX man each day....who needs a doorbell? I painted the walls around me bright purple and the IONIC blue for inspiration....the same colors that now adorn our walls in Pembroke when we moved in 9 years ago.

We have grown a lot over the years.  Learned a lot too.  Made a bunch of friends and hopefully turned out a few really nice projects for our clients. Success is not measured by how much money you have  in the bank or even how many projects you have completed.  BTW we have completed nearly 1000 projects in these last 13 years. I believe it is measured by the relationships that you create along the journey. We have had a great journey so far.

Thanks again to all those that have supported us and we look forward to continuing our work for many years. We wish you the best from your friends at IONIC.

Be sure to look back at the blog over the next few weeks as we introduce the individual members of TEAM IONIC.
www.ionicdezigns.com

2012 Race for the Cure

October is finally here.  Not sure why I would say FINALLY, but 2012 has certainly flown by fast. This month is a busy month for IONIC as it has been a long time tradition to support the Race for the Cure. My mother-in-law is a two time breast cancer survivor so it has significant meaning to our family as I am sure it has with many others. Regaina and I got started running many years ago and the race came up on our agenda.  It was a fun group of people supporting a great cause. Shortly there after, we felt it was something as a firm that we needed to support. A little exercise and a little fun.

This year we joined forces with (AIA) American Institute of Architects and (WiD) Women in Design. Both are local Hampton Road Chapters that IONIC has active involvement in. A good group of people this time totalling 31 with 11 coming from IONIC.

The Thursday evening before, the team got together to celebrate, hand out race packets and congratulate those who contributed funds. Special attention to those in IONIC who helped with the event: Abby worked on the layout and design of the team t-shirt.  April was recognized as the most PINK!

A great time for all!
www.ionicdezigns.com

The New Chairs Have Arrived

The new office chairs have arrived! Yeah, finally we were able to get some really nice chairs for the staff. Time to get rid of the old junk and put these new ones to work.  Thanks to our friends at Workplace Solutions!

Lighting DeZign

This last week I was afforded the opportunity to visit a major lighting manufacturer in Milwaukee to how they design, market, and manufacture their products.  We been blessed with the ability to see many LightFair Conventions where literally thousands of lighting manufacturers are presenting their wares. Many times these shows are only able to present their newest products to the site seerers. These shows are great to get a quick overview of all the pertinent vendors. Perfect glimpse of the lighting possibilities.  I have enjoyed each and every one of these.

What could be better? Being able to see the manufacturer in a one on one setting. Our visit to Visa Lighting in Milwaukee allowed to create a personal relationship with the manufacturer with thanks to our local representative Lighting Virginia. Without these fantastic team members we at IONIC have been afforded the best option to succeed. With team members like these, who can possibility fail? You might have already read on some of our posts about how we promote the idiosyncrasy of the value to team members and our promotion of unity. IONIC means team!

Rick and Jimalee presented an awesome view into their team with presentation of the company's newest marketing efforts, product launch and proposes of environmental and economical strategies supporting our client and our design perimeters. By focusing on these financial issues that are beyond the realm of quality lighting and affordable value. This is some thing at we at IONIC value.  My friends in Milwaukee, you just won our loyalty.

A presentation this last week in their current lighting library including the new introduction of family fixtures was inspiring.  I came away with many ideas on the projects that we could use them on. Our small visiting group received the opportunity to see and understand better their manufacturing capabilities. We walked through their plant with Mark and saw their production process and how they resort to modify standards to meet the needs of custom designs. A very accommodating approach to our of our design desires.  Many thanks to Dan and Bonnie for their contribution to our trip. They gave us a warm feeling of "home" while we were there. Information and sharing was their priority. I thank you for that. A special thanks to Tracy as she kept us running, kept us on time, kept us well fed, and was a special host!

IONIC looks forward to the many project collaborations in the near future......And visits to the Milwaukee area!

Green Tax

http://archrecord.construction.com/news/blogs/post.asp?bbPostId=BCtJOIHPj7ZdB2QI5kORfU2CCzAr8DIsRhlTGB8YKlDBq7SXY&bbParentWidgetId=B8DqOkt2n9WmEYV0CohfoWb

Awarded Shore Christian Academy

IONIC was recently awarded a new 22,000 square foot private christian school on the Eastern Shore. We look forward to working with the great people in Exmore.

Recycled Architecture

What in the world is recycled architecture? Have you ever drove down the road and saw an old building just sitting there vacant and barren? Unfortunately this has been happening more and more these days across the country from main street to the suburbs. Structures built in the prime for uses that are no longer appealing to the consumer or potential tenant to house their businesses. It might have been a restaurant at one time or even a retail store. Now it sits empty waiting for nature to slowly erode away at the structure and eventually leaving nothing else to do but scrape and rebuild.

This seems wasteful. Isn't there something else we could possibly do? Sure there is recycle the building. Over the last few years IONIC has been asked more and more to do "renovations" to existing structures. It is pretty common to but a new facade onto a fast food restaurant or update the entrance to a retail complex.  We have been involved in our fair share of those projects with great success. But that isn't what we are talking about when we mention RECYCLE.

We are talking about taking an existing structure intended for one use and re-purposing it for another. If it was a retail facility, it becomes a library.  If it was a day old bakery, it becomes a restaurant. In our economic fabric these days, as a consumer we want to go and use brand new facilities.  As a wise tenant, we demand better facilities to house our businesses. After all, an attractive facility often times relates to more business which means a stronger business and financially stronger. It is just what is expected.

Before Exterior

At IONIC we took an old shopping center near main street in Gloucester that was nearly 80% vacant and re purposed the structure with new uses. The vacant 22,000 square foot grocery store became the new county library. The 36,000 square foot vacate department store now houses multiple small offices and businesses within it's new interiors.

Before Interior

Recycled Interior

Recycled After



Before

IONIC's team of designers and architects worked with a group of contractors to transform a vacate day old bakery structure into the popular biker themed restaurant in Virginia Beach Knucklehead Roadhouse. Keeping most of the structure in place the interiors were massive transformations while the exterior was altered enough to accommodate the new use.  In this case by adding an exterior dining patio.

Recycled After



Before

Some times more of the structure is modified leaving little recognition of what remained previously. Currently near completion in the city of the busiest part of Virginia Beach lies Town Center Crossing. You remember the old Fuddrucker's restaurant? Yep they had some great hamburgers. Unfortunately every time I visited for lunch I was the one of only a few there. Now the site hosts 15,000 square feet of new retail and seeks becoming the first LEED Certified Retail project in Virginia Beach. Over 80% of the existing restaurant structure was maintained while there was an addition incorporated into the design as well.


Recycled After

One of the most necessary changes was the conversion of a former funeral home into a small office complex. The obvious need to change the perception of the former wooden structure to something that never reminded anyone that there once was a funeral parlor where your conference room now exists. We added the necessary expansion, dormers for natural lighting and a vertical circulation tower house the stairs and the elevator shaft. Even though the owner and builder didn't necessarily follow all of our recommendations, including colors, it was certainly a massive change  and recycled project.

Before

Before

Recycled Version.....not entirely what owner built

Should you find yourself needing some recycling of your existing facilities, please contact Ionic DeZign Studios for some ideas and concepts.  Real Estate Brokers, let us help your clients obtain new leases with a new re purposed facility. www.ionicdezigns.com