1st Bay Development takes a huge step forward

This week IONIC received it approvals for the design from Norfolk's Architectural Review Board on Monday evening but also from Planning Commission on Thursday afternoon. The first phase of the 200+ dwelling mixed use complex in Oceanview neighborhood consists of a single four story building with 18 units above an enclosed parking garage.

We are looking forward to moving ahead with construction documents on this one. It's been in the works for nearly ten years.

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

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

Kiddie Academy Bids are due Today

We are wrapping up the bidding stage of the project today at IONIC. Having gone thru the process of schematic design, design development, planning commission approval and city council reasoning approvals are certainly all huge milestones. Even more significantly are the steps of getting comments back from the city regarding building plan and site review. As an architect let me just say I'm glad we are not civil engineers! They always have so much to respond to at the city. IONIC had a few minor comments and few changes in the scope that the clients wanted to implement but overall we are set.

For the last several weeks we have submitted responses to the bidding contractors questions and held a Jobsite visit......out in an open field! Hey there is a shack onsite for a meeting location. Lol. However now it all comes down to what we always hope for......numbers that correlate to our designs that (as all owners desire) meets our budget established. It will be exciting as they begin pouring in and we find out who out of the six bidders will be the low and responsive number. The owner doesn't always select the lowest bidder because many factors play into the selection of this vital component to our team. 

Yes price is a key ingredient but so is schedule, management, experience and even personalities. It is hard to work with someone you don't get along with for 8 or 9 months unless there is a connection and trust. 

Of course the biggest excitement for IONIC is beginning to see the structure come out of the ground. To see our designs on paper become reality on the parcel of land right here in Virginia Beach. That is truly exciting......and amazing at the same time. WE LOVE OUR JOB!

Good luck to all the bidders out there and we look forward to working with some of you soon. Thanks again for all you do for us!

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

President/founder

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

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

Automotive Sales Development Project

Sometimes projects just take a while to get started for whatever reason. It could be financing, site concerns, cost overruns etc. It can be frustrating for an architect to spend time designing a project to see it on a shelf and never get built. We can tell you that this project for Elite Motors really excites us now that has finally moved forward.

An Economic Development project for Virginia Beach this little automotive dealership should end up being the jewel on the blvd. Located just off First Colonial, the site ran across it's fair share of trouble coming out of the ground: most of the site undercut, underground obstacles, other properties utilities running across the property......yep, the unexpected is never a pleasant surprise when it comes to those types of change orders.

I drive by the site just about every morning on the way to work....even on Sunday on the way to church. I get to see the development spring to life each day. The client's current location is just a block away as well. Two facts that the general contractor, CL Pincus is probably so excited about.....lol. At least we get lots of progress photos.....even if they are drive by shots in the morning.

Here are a few progress photos thus far:

The work is moving along quite nice. Check back with us often to see the progress. If you have an automotive project, whether new or renovation, please give IONIC the opportunity to assist. 

www.ionicdezigns.com

IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS

"Where Art and Architecture Come Together"

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Principle + Founder

IONIC: Manage Your Day 11.4.13

Our fun and well designed "smartphones" have got their hooks in us so deep that they are changing our manners and our culture. We no longer see phone calls, IMs, or a "ping" as an intrusion into our personal time or space. The gym and park are no longer places for personal development but rather locations to "check in". It used to be that taking a phone call while sitting at the dinner table or on the john was seen as incredibly bad manners or a sign of mental illness. Now it is common place and acceptable. Self respect and etiquette are being nudged out of our lives in lieu of convenient connection. Is it really necessary or can you yourself be enough without having to check in, tweet a update or share a photo as proof of your existence for the approval of your 823 followers.

Getting lost while driving or visiting a new city used to be an adventure and a good story. I have plenty of them about getting lost. I am really good at that. Now we just Use GPS.

One of these days we will learn to follow our own path and learn to walk erect and not hunched over like a Neanderthal Palm gazing and walking into traffic or a light post.

Ionic DeZign Studios

Eugene Thompson, AIA

www.ionicdezigns.com

Congratulations Are In Order

We want to congratulate our very own Matthew Mazzoni for recently passing the A.R.E. tests and becoming an official licensed architect. We all know how much work it takes to get through school, apprenticeship and then studying for the tests. It certainly isn't easy and so many fail to move forward with this important step. Matt is one of the leaders in our office and handles much of the Contract Administration duties for various projects. Currently he is overseeing the construction of the newest Navy Federal Credit Union being built in Chesapeake while wrapping up the exterior construction drawings for the new Chartway Federal Credit Union headquarters in Virginia Beach. Matt also has been working on the documents for the new 22,000 square foot Shore Christian Academy to be built in Exmore. We are all proud of Matt and look forward to his continued success with us here at IONIC.

Take a look at Matt's profile on our website and be sure to tell him congratulations!
http://www.ionicdezigns.com/contact.html
 

Expanding Market

IONIC has been busy on their growth over this past year with new employees to support projects we had coming in. Project growth in our office has increased nearly 40% this year from 2012 and last year was a record breaker for IONIC. 2013 will shatter that record. 

We were very selective in our selections of new staff understanding that we would need those individuals that could easily handle our current work load in RETAIL, RESTAURANT and CORPORATE clientele. However, the emphasis was to expand into markets that we have currently less presence in. If you know IONIC you understand that we have chosen to diversify across the spectrum of design services for a broad market. In short, we do a little bit of everything.

There are pros and cons to this approach. PROS: We are able to have a nice portfolio of varying accomplished works in just about every market. It keeps us fresh and focused on innovative ideas rather than regurgitating the same old thoughts. CONS: We cannot say that we have done two dozen libraries. Some clients want to see the full embodiment of work relating to THEIR particular project type.

Time will allow us to overcome the negatives. Right now we have only three library projects in our portfolio however over the next ten years we might have accumulated over a dozen. Likewise on other areas within the design industry. We will focus on our strengths which our clients are looking for: COMMUNICATION, DESIGN INTEGRITY, TIMELINESS and the ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

So what markets are we looking to expand into? Glad you asked! And we hope you can help us accomplish this.

MULTI FAMILY projects have been one of the markets that we have been working in for a considerable time. We have one active project currently on the design boards for the first phase of over 195 dwelling units. We also are waiting on several other apartment building projects that we have proposed renovations and upgrades to gain financial and corporate approvals. Two other apartments are seeking our concepts for upgrades to their clubhouse and other adminities including adding additional units. We would love to do more within this market including: MIXED USE, ASSISTED LIVING and CLUBHOUSES.

RESIDENTIAL is an odd market to focus on right now since our portfolio doesn't often highlight our past work in these areas. We are working on changing that. Additions to our staff now give us a stronger presence in this market and involvement in programs such as the PARADE OF HOMES and HOME A RAMA. Several of our past projects have won awards. HISTORIC RENOVATION has been an on going aspect of our work in Gloucester with preservation of an old home originally built in the late 1700s. 

MEDICAL field is an ever growing market and it continues to redefine itself. With limited design resources in Hampton Roads, IONIC hopes to make an impact within the MEDICAL OFFICE landscape and the smaller specialized private practices. We don't expect to be invited into the big hospitals just yet but certainly a possibility in the future. Individual portfolios within IONIC has a strong background in these fields. We are currently waiting approvals on a large development of individual medical office spaces.

EDUCATION has much promise with so many school districts looking to upgrade older buildings or expand due to their population growth. IONIC doesn't look to be a contender with some of the firms that focus on exclusively. However we feel we have much to offer when it comes to reuse and revitizing out dated buildings for HIGHER EDUCATION. We are currently at 75% construction documents on a small private Christian school on the eastern shore. We have a fond desire to direct our attentions to LIBRARY developments as well.

As always we are still working hard on the corporate resumes, retail centers, religious and hospitality projects that we can assist developers, contractors and real estate agents in all the new and renovated development work that may need. Please give us a call to talk or take a stroll through our website. We would love the opportunity to sit down and talk with you and share our ideas.

Seeking to make our relationship a foundation of development.

Ionic DeZign Studios, Inc

www.ionicdezigns.com

IONIC Seeking Assistant Project Manager

Position: Assistant Project Manager

Type: Full-Time

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma

Required Level of Experience: Two to Five years administrative support in the A/E/C industry

The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for administering all project related aspects of the firm as well as general office and secretarial duties. Attributes required for this position are: a professional customer service attitude, ability to work in a fast paced environment, multi-function oriented, ability to prioritize, high attention to detail, exceptional written and oral skills, and strong time management skills. The individual must be able to communicate effectively with the team and clients.  Adaptable and ability to work within tight deadlines is a must. 

Responsibilities include the following:

o    Assist production staff on all aspects of a project including, but not limited to: 

§  Prepares miscellaneous spreadsheets, charts and graphs as needed for project assistance.

§  Construction Administration

§  Obtaining permits for projects

§  Maintaining project files electronically and paper

§  Edit Specifications

§  Produces letters, memos and correspondence on agreements, reports, studies, proposals, specifications, contracts, forms and all other business typing as requested by personnel. 

o    General office duties including, but not limited to:

§  Answers phones, greet visitors, typing/data entry, and filing

§  Assist in arranging meetings, travel, conferences and seminars

§  Handling incoming/outgoing mail

§  Scanning/copying as requested by team

§  Maintain company standard forms

§  Other office administration duties, as requested

Strong knowledge in the following software:

        Microsoft Word

        Microsoft Excel

        Microsoft Outlook

Please email resumes to: caebel@ionicdezigns.com

*This job description provided is general in nature. Duties and responsibilities may vary based on firm need, under the direction of our Managing Principal.

IONIC: Manage Your Day 8.19.13

I don't wanna! Sounds like something kids would say to doing chores. However I think we often say it ourselves for the tasks that we are not interested in. We simply say we are not in the mood. Well, it's Monday and I'm not in the mood to go to work, not in the mood to go to a marketing event last week, not in the mood to stay up late with a client to go over details......but my mood doesn't always matter.

Honestly, my moods do matter. The key is to get my mind in the proper way of thinking. What will it take to do that? Well that depends on your brain. It probably isn't much different than trying to motivate yourself to get out of bed each morning to exercise. Some of it is rewards, some of it is habit but the majority of it believe is inspiration. 

We often speak to others and encourage them to accomplish their goals, but do we talk to ourselves to inspire what lies inside us? We should. We should seek the triggers inside us that will motivate, encourage and if need be...rejuvenate us each morning.

So my friends.....get in the mood and go be successful today. I wanna hear about it!

Ionic DeZign Studios

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson

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

IONIC: Manage Your Day 8.9.13

I have been reading a great book recently.....okay it technically isn't a "book" with actual paper pages. Downloaded to my iPad and scroll thru it highlighting notes with my fingers. Amazing isn't it? Any way, there are some good thoughts in Managing your Day to Day. Have you found yourself scrambling all the time to make more time? Trying to fit more hours in your calendar? Trying to be more productive? Yep, me too.

Well if I write too much you won't read it. And you won't be productive. Then you will be angry with me. So here is a quick quote that I will post every now and then to hopefully inspire YOU to greater success.

Enjoy my friends.

D. Eugene Thompson

www.ionicdezigns.com

Ionic DeZign Studios

IONIC & WENDY'S....this is why we are so busy.

Restaurant remodel programs are all the rage these days, particularly in a fast food business that is busy trying to play keep-up with McDonald's. Just about every major fast food chain is in the midst of a reimage program, but perhaps the most interesting of these is coming from Columbus, Ohio-based Wendy's.

The world's third-largest QSR burger chain is instituting a costly remodel program—its top option has a price tag as much as $700,000, which is high for a chain that has average sales of about $1.4 million. That cost appears to be scaring off at least some operators. Brokers have told us that some Wendy's franchisees have been putting their stores on the market to avoid that remodel.

Still, the remodels could well be worth the price.

According to Wendy's, the $700,000 remodel option produces a sales lift of at least 25 percent, considerably higher than the 15 percent sales lift Burger King's remodeled units get, though at a much higher cost. Still, for the typical Wendy's, that equates into $350,000 in additional revenue every year, which makes for a relatively quick return on investment for restaurants that remodel their stores.

It also could provide a significant boost for Wendy's overall, particularly if the company is able to meet its remodel timeline.

The company plans to have 75 company-owned units remodeled by the end of the year. And it wants half of its corporate restaurant stock remodeled by 2015.

It's also hanging $10 million in incentives in front of franchisees to entice them to remodel their stores next year. In so doing, Wendy's joins rivals McDonald's and Burger King in employing a carrot approach to increase the number of restaurants that get remodeled. As McDonald's has proven with its remodeling program, and then Burger King, carrots work far better than the far more common "stick" approach at getting franchisees to remodel. And given the apparent sales lift these remodels can generate, those incentives produce good returns for the franchisors.

Exposed Structure in Office

Neat little article about an architecture school. If it is good for schools....would it be great for architecture firm studios? Hmmmm. Wait and see.

http://architizer.com/blog/exposed-structure-creates-a-warm-atmosphere-in-this-school-of-architecture/

IONIC: A small firm with BIG IDEAS!

we dont use these anymore

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. 

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!

Ionic Dezign Studios
D. Eugene Thompson, AIA
President + Founder

www.ionicdezigns.com

More IP Rating information

A friend my recent post and chart regarding IP Ratings and sent along some more information to share. Thanks Clint for your contribution.

http://www.2mcctv.com/blog/2011_10_11-ip-rating-chart/

Fire Station Designs

IONIC is involved in preparation of some conceptual designs for a Fire and Rescue Station in North Carolina. The structure will contain offices, meeting rooms, bunk rooms, kitchen and of course the engine bay area with gear storage and maintenance all within the facility. This is early on within the design process but a good start on our work as the go to regional Public Safety Architect.

It is all important to generate timeless and sound architecture when working with firehouses, police stations and other municipal buildings. Critical in the life of a building is the application of proper solid materials for use in these high use areas. Equally important is the necessity to keep maintenance low. Now throw in the idea of creating the same project as a sustainable entity. The value and integrity of the work at IONIC establishes the efficiency of the structure while placing the resources where they matter the most. This is an important component of our practice serving our clients that use our buildings and serve our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

www.ionicdezigns.com

D. Eugene Thompson, AIA

Wendy's - Independence Blvd

IONIC just finished the pre-construction meeting at the Wendy's on Independence Blvd in Virginia Beach. I know there are a few of them so for all you fans out there it is the one near Haygood Shopping.  Construction should begin on February 4th and last for six weeks. Another week for the managment and training and they will be back up and running. Quality Builders trong> out of Raleigh North Carolina
will be the general contractor on the project.  They have significant experience doing these additions and renovations for Wendy's.



This model will be the New Ultra Modern Tier Two style. The design has become so popular with their customers that more and more people are staying around longer meaning that they need more seats. So this one will have a 10 foot addition to the front to help accomphish a larger dining and seating area.

Look for our construction sign out front soon.

www.ionicdezigns.com

Exotic Materials

Sustainable materials can be a lot of fun if you use them right. Here is one that we are currently working with on a project.  Can you guess how we are going to use it? This shoud be lots of fun!

www.ionicdezigns.com

Residential - FDV Residence

Not everyone knows that we do quite a bit of residential work....not even myself sometimes. When asked a few years ago about our portfolio of work for custom residential work I had to honestly reply that we never seemed to make it back out to the houses to take pictures.  In most cases, the owner doesn't contract with us to do construction administration. Therefore we often don't see the finished product until much later.  That isn't the preferred method but just a reality. We have a significant number of homes of all types.  This post will begin a series of renders and some actual photos of our residential work.

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