IONIC Named Preferred Building Partner with Wendy's Restaurant

Ionic DeZign Studios was invited to participate in planning session in Columbus Ohio, home of the famous Wendy's Restaurant brand this week. A select number of architects and builders were gathered to brainstorm the collective process and  numerous challenges involved in renovating or building a new Wendy's Restaurant. 

The two day seminar brought parties together from all over the US including Canada.  We reviewed the past and then discussed growth plans through 2020. It was a great team building experience that allowed us to CONNECT, LEARN and GROW by sharing best practices in the architecture and construction industries. 

Dahlia White, Director of Restaurant Architecture for IONIC has managed the design of more than 150 different stores since we were first began working with the hamburger giant and assisting in their rebranding exercise in 2011. We were asked at that time to assist in their rebranding exercise. Dahlia continues to build relationships with Wendy’s while managing their current projects. She was excited to finally meet face-to-face with many project members that so often are only a voice on the phone or a name on the email. It felt like coming together for a Wendy’s family reunion!

During the conference, both Dahlia, along with  Eugene Thompson, Founder + President of IONIC participated in a quick design charette study for a non-traditional location in downtown Philadelphia. It was a corner spot that previously housed a two-story historic bank structure clad in white stone. This was a fun opportunity for us all to collaborate to come up with possible solutions for a unique design challenge. There will be more locations like this in the coming years as it is anticipated that about 30% of future Wendy’s projects will be non-traditional in nature.

It was an excellent experience and an opportunity for IONIC to continue to grow throughout the country. Our firm hopes to continue assisting corporate and franchise owners with their redevelopment work. TEAM IONIC is also looking to work with owners and contractors who share our desire to produce quality work for all.

We don't cut corners!

Let us help with your Wendy's or other restaurant project. Please feel free to give us a call to discuss how we can help and serve you.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Founder + President

www.ionicdezigns.com

www.WHHAdezigns.com

Creating places and spaces that enrich the lives of those who use them.

Watch us Grow - WHHA + IONIC

The IONIC family welcomes a new member to it's Richmond office. Aaron Payne joins us from Virginia Tech and will help us manage the large work load of churches and other projects that we are tackling in the Richmond Market.

Aaron will be adding to the team skills in Revit, Rhino, 3D Max as well has other architectural related software programs. With an eagerness to learn and while in college, he became deeply convicted that architecture was all about finding a better setting for life. He is passionately interested in doing that by closely observing and then responding to the constantly evolving economic and cultural changes that have occurred during the last 20 years.

We have included a few of his school projects.

We all welcome Aaron to the fun world of architecture.

Eugene Thompson, AIA
Founder + President
www.ionicdezigns.com
www.WHHAdezigns.com

 

Entrepreneurial Excellence Award 2016

I'm feeling pretty excited about the news we received for not only being able to participate in the panel discussion at the Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards in June but to also being blessed as a receiptient honoree. Truthfully feeling incredibly blessed and humbled. So many times these events are focused on the individuals and their own personal accomplishments however I know that none of my success could have even been nearly close to possible without three keys ingredients:

1. My Lord

    I'm amazed at how he carries a wreck like me to the finish line everyday. He give me strength when I have none. He has blessed me when I don't deserve any. I find hope in his words when I'm lost. Unfortunately that is often.

2. My Family

    It's true that they love you despite yourself....mine is no different. They've always been there to encourage me even during the darkest battles. Giving me strength and support during each challenge. I would have accomplished nothing without their love.

3. My Friends

    So it's probably not politically correct to say this but my office team are my friends. They have made me successful. They are the ones I turn to daily and share my life with whether it's a silly story, enduring challenge or painful defeat. They have rallied around my war cry time and time again supporting the hurdles of business before us. 

I look forward to sharing more at the awards ceremony on June 13 2016 at the Founders Inn.

Thanks to everyone who believed in me.

Eugene Thompson

Founder + President

Ionic DeZign Studios

Why Haven't I Accepted You on LinkedIn?

It's pretty simple process that LinkedIn was founded upon and unfortunately it doesn't seem to work that way too often. Referrals, introductions and recommendations......not cold calls. Sorry if that seems rude but you can always LIKE me on Facebook if you prefer. Here is an clip from a book I have been reading, "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi that outlines my same thoughts.

Keeping things simple. One of the few times I actually follow the rules.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

www.whhadezigns.com

IONIC tackles Financial Institutions

Over the last month our office has been blessed with rewards in our pursuit of financial institutions specifically credit unions. We have been working on several local flag ship projects for several months. One is getting ready to start construction shortly while the other has been submitted for permits. Both look to finish construction by the end of the year or the first quarter of 2017.

We have been fortunate to work with Chartway is assisting their expansion and new branding efforts as far away as Houston Texas and Warwick Rhode Island. Texas is under construction and Rhode Island kicks off next week. Other local locations are in the works to evaluate existing offices for their potential renovations.

Navy Federal Credit Union started it all off a few years ago when we were selected to help with their new branch location in Chesapeake. Since then we have done nearly a dozen locations for them including one in Jacksonville Florida. Recently we were awarded the new construction project in Bowie Maryland.

Any day now we expect the Beach Muncipal Credit Union to be awarded and it will begin construction in Virginia Beach near the courthouse area. Be on the look out for our construction sign soon.

We thank our clients for trusting IONIC and allowing us to serve. We look forward to the new construction breaking ground all over. Best of luck and much success to all.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Ionic DeZign Studios

"Creating places and spaces to enrich the lives of those who use them."

www.ionicdezigns.com

Kiddie Academy Groundbreaking

February 1, 2016 we celebrated the groundbreaking at the new Kiddie Academy site in Virginia Beach. This was a social occasion for everyone not just our wonderful clients, David and Judy Martin. What wondeful people. They were so excited. They make my job so much fun. Of course they were ecstatic about all that surrounded this specific event as it was their very own "baby." Their first such venture. Wonderful friends and family showed up in support. I love that!

It was special for IONIC as well. We have done a gazillion buildings, but we don't often that we get to be involved in such an event as a groundbreaking. We were privileged to be asked to participate. It turned out to be a beautiful day after having to be postponed a few weeks when the snow storm attacked us here at the beach. It was nice for the weather to cooperate with us.

David Martin gave a few words about their project and welcomed the guests before introducing the participants. Eugene Thompson shared a few words about the first meeting with the Martins and thanked the entire team; it would not have been possible without them. Virginia Beach's Mayor Will Sessoms gave a few words and congratulated all for their success. Afterwards, a prayer of thanksgiving and then on to the ground breaking.

Jokingly, we were beyond breaking ground at that point as the background shows. We had the slab poured and the steel erected already. The beginning of the wood framing started to blossom that morning. The general contractor Mackenzie Construction, was taking full advantage of the kind weather and had made excellent progress.

We thank all those that were involved in the planning of the project to get us this far. We are all excited to see it unfold in the coming weeks and months towards completion. Stayed tuned for additional updates on our website, Facebook and Twitter!

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

Where Art and Architecture Come Together.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Team IONIC welcomes Bart McElfresh

Ionic DeZign Studios is excited to announce our new design team member Bart McElfresh. Bart joins us from a well established career participating in the design and development of many many church projects throughout Hampton Roads.

Previously with Barnes Design Group as an Assoicate, Bart was directly responsible for a sizeable number of projects handled from the initial client contact through long range master planning concepts,  preliminary/final building design, construction drawings and consultant coordination, negotiated (partnered) bidding and construction administration.
He  has been the lead Design Architect on more than 300 church projects which have varied in scope from small additions and renovations to the design of entirely new facilites, some of which approached or exceeded the 500,000 SF threshold. 

Notable buildings around the Hampton Roads area designed by Bart include  the Calvary Revival Church facility adjacent to Military Circle Mall, Christ The King Catholic School Cafeteria addition on Tidewater Drive in Norfolk, the New Life Deep Creek facility on Shell Road, Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Great Bridge, the initial River Oak Church facility off of 168 in Great Bridge, and most recently the Jolliff United Methodist Church expansion in Chesapeake. Other projects in Hampton Roads he has designed include Thomas & Thomas Dental Practice in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, VA, Plaza Azteca Restaurant adjacent to Chesapeake Square Mall and the Town Center IHOP site retail redevelopment in Virginia Beach. 

We are excited about him being involved in our new growth into the church market especially after our recent acquisition in Richmond of the newly rebranded WHHA + Ionic DeZign Studios. A valuable added asset to our team in helping establish IONIC not only as a local anchor for all church work but securing us as the "go-to-architect' on the east coast.

Welcome to the team Bart!

www.ionicdezigns.com

www.WHHAdezigns.com

Creating places and spaces that enrich the lives of those who use them.

You Got Your Peanut Butter on My Chocolate

Do you remember that old commercial.....okay maybe I'm certainly dating myself now. I don't remember how long ago that was advertised on television.

Regardless, if you haven't already heard.....IONIC and WHHA are now one firm. In seeking to grow and provide more and better services to our clients, Ionic DeZign Studios has come together .....like peanut butter and chocolate.....SWEET! with William Henry Harris & Assoc. Our office in Richmomd now supports our long endeavors to participate in more church relat d architecture.

Please take a look at our website.....it is still under construction.....but getting there, and check out some of our work. We will be adding some new projects soon that are under construction as well as just beginning construction documentation.

2016 looks to be a fantastic year....thank you for allowing us to serve you.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Foumder

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com 

www.WHHAdezigns.com

Check out our Facebook pages too!

Creating places and spaces that enrich the the lives of those who use them.

Team IONIC open employment

Team IONIC seeks additional talent

Ionic DeZign Studios is looking for a Junior Architect/Designer to join our ever growing practice.

IONIC is a Virginia Beach based Architecture and Interiors firm along with its newly acquired location in Richmond, WHHA + Ionic DeZign Studios. We work on a variety of project types, including retail, restaurants, hospitality, corporate offices, mixed-use and commercial, financial, municipality projects as well as a being a significant player in Religious Architecture. WHHA formerly known as Wm Henry Harris and Associates has a strong history of over thirty years doing work in the church community. IONIC is a firm that strives to set the bar higher in terms creativity and ingenuity throughout the design process. Team IONIC is about relationships. Within a supportive and mentorship philosophy, IONIC provides a climate where you'll succeed and be a part of a continuously growing and evolving family of designers.

We are immediately seeking individual/(s) to join our team in possibly both offices for new construction and renovation type work. Respondent must be capable of working on multiple projects in various phases simultaneously. Proficient in Revit, AutoCad and 3D Max is preferred for production of construction documents. Must work well with others for team collaboration. 

Qualifications Summary:

Completion of three to five years in architectural degree program.
Minimum of 3 years total professional experience; experience required in construction documents; beneficial for all other phases of project work including preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development and supporting materials.

Proficient in AutoCad, Revit a plus.
Licensed or actively seeking licensure.

Send resume and references to info@ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

2015 Race for the Cure

Thanks to all those from Team IONIC that participated in the Race for the Cure at the beach on Saturday. It started off a bit windy and rainy but all in fun and support of a great cause. We will continue to join together as a team as this was something like ten years we have done this race together.

A nice organized picture of our crew.

A selfie that wasn't easy to take to get everyone in. NICK you blinked again!

Even the young get involved.....Slater is probably saying, "What in the world are all these crazy people doing?"

A quick stop for breakfast afterwards. We did burn a few calories!

Thanks again Team IONIC. Have a fun run! 

Eugene Thompson

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

Westhampton Baptist Church

Survival of an old historic 1914 gothic revival church in Richmond VA becomes the next great project that Team IONIC will be engaged in. Ionic Dezign Studios and WHHA will join forces to tackle this aging giant as it suffers from much neglect and imposing elements of nature as so many older structures do. Listed in Style magazine earlier this year as one of the nine most desired structures to save in Richmond has found its savior. St. Bridget School has purchased the structure with the intentions of converting it to a middle school. Richmond Times Dispatch

The Nine Most Endangered Places in Richmond

Currently the sanctuary has a collapsing roof that the previous owner just didn't have the funds to maintain and repair. The beautiful architecture will be preserved as the school intends on seeking historic tax credits. The original part of the structure was built in 1914 while the extension was added in the 1960s.

Our scope of work will be challenged with creating a new arrival entryway that complements the structure while inviting the students. The main entry as well as a drop off entry that will feed directly into the cafeteria for holding before classes begin. Smaller church classes will be enlarged by removing dividing walls to increase classroom capacity as well as bringing up all the mechanical services.

The cafeteria will get an overhaul while the sanctuary will be converted to a performance hall. The team hopes to maintain as much of the history of the structure while infusing some liveliness with color to inspire the new middle school residents. This is a great project that infuses school, church and historic preservation all in one. Schedule is aggressive but certainly manageable as the hopes are to have the project out to bid and permits before the end of the year.

Stay tuned for further updates.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Ionic DeZign Studios + WHHA

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Creating places and spaces that enrich the lives of those that use them."

Entrepreneur of the Week

It was pretty exciting to be named the Entreprenuer of the Week by HR Business Weekly. First of all just to be asked was a great honor amongst so many other individuals in Hampton Roads. Cheryl Tan gave me a call the day before asking if I would be interested in telling a little of my story......OF COURSE!

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to share my story and the success of our team at Ionic DeZign Studios.

Here is the link to the broadcast.

http://bit.ly/hrbwep8

Have a great day my friends.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

Where Art and Architecture Come Together

HRACRE Rumble in the Jungle

We had a great time at the annual Rumble in the Jungle HRACRE event this year at the Norfolk Zoo. As always it was a huge success and so much fun for everyone. It was great to talk with so many of our friends as well as meeting a few new ones. Thankfully we didn't have too many cookies left over.....I certainly didn't need to eat anymore! The photo booth is too much fun as well. Somehow everyone always gets so silly in front of that thing.

Have a great day my friends.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

Success Is No Accident

I ran across this image the other day and posted it on our Facebook page. It got a little reaction and even a few people "borrowed" it. That's perfectly fine because I don't own it nor did I say it. This platform is about sharing and helping others get better. That's what I like to do. Help others. 

What I like about this quote is that so many people jump into business without a plan......or not much of a plan. Likewise they do the same with marriage or relationships etc. Successful businesses don't just accidentally happen. It takes work. Some times lots of work! That is the same thing with relationships.....they require attention as well or guess what? You don't have one anymore. You probably can guess that is the same thing with business success. You might surely still have a business if you ignore it.....but what kind of business?

Along with success comes failures. It is inevitable unfortunately. It happens.....get over it and get on with it. A small child first learning how to walk never falls down right? Wrong! He or she will fall down lots of times. Scuffed knees, little bruises here and there.....it just happens. It is great to have mommies and daddies run over and pick them up and kiss their boo boos and set them off and running again. Unfortunately we don't always have those "mommies and daddies" in the business world. We have to dust off ourselves and get back out there.

Accidents is not a business planning strategy. And certainly it won't lead to success.

Enjoy your week my friends. Please keep watching for news coming soon regarding exciting new things happening at IONIC.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Where Art and Architecture Come Together"

Mental Toughness

I just finished one of the best inspiring leadership growth books I have read in a long time. Now I seem to read little these days but certainly have been trying to do better so I can grow......any every way. The book is Executive Toughness by Dr. Jason Selk. I was fortunate enough to hear him speak a few months ago at a local lecture. Inspired by his words of encouragement regarding mental toughness, I went home and bought his book.

Again I'm less than a wonderful reader.....more than finding time. But I found myself engulfed in the book and its principles presented by the writer. Why? Well because I want to achieve more, to succeed at higher levels and feel more complete as a person, husband, father and business leader. There were basic principles and exercises provided that were accompanied by examples of others. These helpful tools allowed me to jot down my own priorities and to begin my check list of principles I wanted to improve upon.

For nearly two months I have been pretty consistent on maintaining my schedule that I set up to check off my "tasks" of the day. This are things that I want to accomplish professionally and personally. Now I don't always check off every box.....as a matter of fact I have yet to check off every box for a single day. Far from it. 

My list consists of two columns of ten. The first ten are typically always done when I first wake up and completed up until I leave for the office. The second half or second column begins when I leave the front door and wraps up when I return home. I he my own set of lists for the work at the office. These are things that I want to focus on to make be better. If I cannot make myself better how do I plan on helping others. I do really well consistently on my morning routine......not so much on the end of the day things.

Each day I see where I succeeded and where I need improvement.....no failures! Just improvement! I will keep on working it until I'm consistent at accomplishing 100%. And then I will probably reset my goals......that's the way it works. We always need improvement.

Enjoy your day my friends (TIBs) and I look forward to our talks.

Have a blessed day.

Be watching for our upcoming news soon at IONIC. We are making some exciting waves in Hampton Roads and beyond. Stay tuned for more.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc

www.ionicdezigns.com

"To the future.....and beyond!"

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc. - Small Firm, Big Ideas

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc. - Small Firm, Big Ideas

IONIC will work closely with you to understand your building requirements, and understand the importance of working together with you while using our knowledge, skill and network of experts to develop ideas that provide the best value for your investment. Working closely with the client, construction and design teams, we design effective, sustainable solutions for your building and space requirements. Our design leadership and coordination with the other members of the project team from inception to completion help ensure the successful delivery of your project. We can help you with new construction, tenant improvements / remodels and improvements of your facility. We consider it our mission to lead the design process in the pursuit of excellence. 

We focus on three core areas of excellence to provide the greatest value for our clients. 

 

We are: 

 

1. Efficient - we use the latest technologies and techniques to deliver our services faster, better and more affordably. Most all of our construction projects are created using the BIM process, Building Information Modeling. All of the documents are created using three dimensional design which creates much more accuracy and less opportunities for conflicts in the field. 

2. Knowledgeable - research and an extensive network of industry experts provide us with expertise that allows us to lead the design process and make informed recommendations for alternate solutions enabling our clients to make effective decisions that enhance the value of the project. This along with a wealth of experience allows to create exactly what is needed, from jurisdictional approvals to construction related techniques. 

3. Sustainable - understanding building systems, construction processes, material properties, and planning principles necessary to integrate your project into its site context and within the project budget are as important to us as they are to you. We take great pride in developing site appropriate designs that connect well within the urban fabric because we understand that a well integrated project enhances the value of our clients investment. 

 

Contact us to see how we can help you!

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

 

Creating Places and Spaces that enrich the lives of those who use them.

Quote of the Week

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

                                                                                                      – Chinese proverb

3 Simple Start-up Steps

This week I was asked in an interview about how I began Ionic DeZign Studios fifteen years ago and what were the struggles. Well I could write a book on all the struggles.... where to start: knowledge of starting a business, fear of starting a business, how to market a business, where to market a business, who to market my business to, so on and on and on......

Don't worry.... I didn't ramble on to the interviewer. I narrowed down to three aspects that I had focused on that I felt were important. Those three things ultimately helped me grow into the business and become successful.

1. NETWORKING. I never really knew what networking was all about. Today we use it almost too much and put too much "business" into the real meaning.....in my opinion. When I started out I came up with a mental list of all my friends that I knew and who I thought could help me the most. They were necessarily business relationships because I hadn't developed those yet. They were people that I knew from my everyday life and activities that I led; kids activities, church, neighbors etc. my first project involved many of the friends I had met while coaching rec league football in our community. My team mom introduced me to and was my first client. Another football coach was the general contractor. Yet another football coach fabricated all the millwork. All great connections.

2. FAITH. This isn't necessarily an easy one because no matter how much faith you have you still need action behind it to make it succeed. Even the bible tells us "Faith without Works is dead"  James 2:18. You can't expect to just sit there and watch the phone until it rings......it will eventually but it'll probably be a bill collector! The faith I had was that I believed in myself. I had an earnest desire to make my new found business successful and a real need to provide for my family. They counted on me. It didn't happen overnight and it didn't happen without hard work and struggles......but it did happen. 

3. DELEGATION. At first you may not have much that you can pass off on someone else. In the beginning I did it all......I had to! First there was no extra money and secondly I really didn't know who to help. And honestly the third was I just recently had a WHOLE LOT OF TIME on my hands since I quit my job to start this crazy idea of starting my own business. As time went on however I realized I needed help. Initially it was just someone to help with all the paperwork and filing. Later it was adding designers. I couldn't do it all. I needed staff. On and on it grew.....more people. Each of those employees I hired I was trusting and delegating work to. However, initially I did a lot of micro managing. I looked over their shoulder to insure everything was being done. That is a nature inclination of new business owners, but you cannot DO THE WORK FOR THEM. Later we hired consultants and others to assist our business: IT professionals, insurance professionals, payroll specialist etc. We just couldn't do it all. Delegate those tasks in order for you to have the time you need to continue to grow and market your business.

Those were the few tips I learned when beginning IONIC.....plus a lot more. I could equally write a post on the gazillion things NOT TO DO......maybe I will save that for another day.

Enjoy your day my friends and remember what I read on my fortune cookie this week.....

The greatest risk is not taking one.

So true.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President + Founder

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Creating places and spaces that enrich the lives that use them."

Interior Design Developments

Often times the smaller projects or interior projects take more work.......sometimes LOTS MORE WORK! That can be understandable due to the touchy feely conditions of fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, textures, colors, floorings, lighting and whatever else that can possibly interfere with the mindset of a client ....... On that particular day.

Yes, sometimes we change our minds daily. It's our human nature I guess to continually think about different options if we are truly thinking about different options and not simply stuck with, " I know what I want!" mentality. I'm good with that.....I want our clients to walk away pleased that they have explored multiple possibilities for their new space......even if it means going back to the first one we started with.

Unfortunately there are many clients who simply cannot SEE their space with standard drawings. And that is where we are able to clear the mental blocks by giving them clearer vision. It takes much effort many times but is worth it......3D Interior models. Here are a few examples of our work that reflect the simplistic and the complex when it comes to presenting interior concepts.

Dining Area at 100 Main

Bar Area at 100 Main

 

Sitting Area at Westminster Canterbury

Sitting Area at Westminster Canterbury

Center Living Space at Westminster Canterbury

 

Have a great day my friends and we look forward to working with you.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
Founder + President
Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc.

www.ionicdezigns.com

"Where art and architecture come together"