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

Wicked Taco

Finally wrapped up the design for a new restaurant in Raleigh NC. We anticipated being provided much of the conceptual design by another designer but fortunately for TEAM IONIC we were afforded the opportunity to develop much of the designs both inside and out. The project consisted of renovating an existing vacate Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant of about 3000 square feet. It was a complete gut of the front interior dining area as well as laying out and reutilizing much of the same kitchen plan to minimize costs.

Once we developed the interior seating plan, it was decided that more interior seating would be necessary. With restrictions from easement requirements from overhead power lines and existing drive thru lanes, IONIC was able to incorporate a ten foot addition on the front which allowed to create a new branding image and entry.

The front facade is clad in several rustic type materials including reclaimed tobacco farm barn wood, galvanized coorigated metal and some ledger stone around a few accent columns. The new added dining area opens up to the outside with operating overhead doors allowing extended outdoor dining and fresh air. Both the stone and the metal come down into the interiors giving that inside/outside feeling.

The ceiling with the existing portion of the dining was exposed and painted wood trusses which allowed the round duct work to be an accent weaving through the webs. Lighting of similar industrial flair highlight the various features inside including punctuations of metal and barn wood as an interior finish. Logos and graphics will aborn much of the interior walls as BIG RIVER will decide final placement for much of this work.

We were excited about this new chain of restaurants that will eventually be sprinkled across the east near most of the college university markets. This one just may be the first of many as we are currently under plan review at the city of Raleigh and have sent the project out for bidding by general contractors specializing in restaurant work and fast pace construction methods.

This should be a WICKED one guys. Be sure to check back regularly as we hope to be under construction by the middle of February and complete a few short weeks later.

Everything is a team effort

Lead Designers: Dahlia White and Abby Hoffman

Ionic DeZign Studios

"Where Art and Architectue Come Together."

D. Eugene Thompson

www.ionicdezigns.com

Architects Do It In The Mud

One of the great things about our office is some of the crazy stuff we do together after hours. Maybe that has to do with the crazy guy that runs things around there? A few weeks ago, we all went down to Eden NC to participate in a team building event called the Mud & Music Mayhem. It is a six mile course that winds us through the country with 30 various obstatlces to conquer. Most of them include MUD of course. Physically challenging but rewarding accomplishments for all. Proof that not only do we work hard......but we certainly play even harder!

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.

Employment Opportunities

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

IONIC is a Virginia Beach based Architecture and Interiors firm. We work on a variety of project types, including retail, restaurants, hospitality, corporate offices, mixed-use and commercial, financial, municipality projects as well as religious architecture and custom residential homes. IONIC is a firm that strives to set the bar higher in terms creativity and ingenuity throughout the design process. Yes, the work is demanding and it takes the effort of putting in the time in order to reap the rewards. However, just as hard as we work we believe in playing equally as hard. 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.

Qualifications Summary:

-Completion of five or six-year architectural degree program.
-Minimum of 5 years total professional experience; experience required in all phases of project work including preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents and supporting materials.
-Licensed Architect or actively seeking licensure.
-Plans, schedules, organizes, and executes distinct portions of smaller projects; or contributions toward larger projects.
-Provides technical design input and support for the development of the entire design concept for the assigned work under a Principle.
-With limited supervision, responsible for a project’s or an assigned portion of a project’s technical design effort, subsequent detailed design development, project coordination and quality control efforts during all phases of project work in close collaboration with a Senior Designer or Principle.
-Develops thorough understanding of design philosophy of projects and provides major input in developing a design and building performance strategy.
-Develops leadership presence office wide as a resource to others within the office.
-Seeks creative and innovative solutions to assigned tasks and develops appropriate research and documentation to support these solutions.
-Drives collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated and support the performance goals of the project.
-Organizes own work efforts and that of his/her assigned team.
-Contributes to preparation of design documents and leads the detailed development of construction documents.
-Leads review of design and construction documents in order to confirm compliance with the contract deliverables.
-Sets an example for team effort through the spirit of cooperation.
-Proactively checks and coordinates project documents including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination, etc.
-Reviews shop drawings and sample submittals.
-Coordinates and develops responses to contractor questions, inquiries, RFI’s etc.
Prepares punch-lists and field observation reports.
-Seeks to build an external presence at industry events, conferences, organizations and beyond.
-Actively pursuing or has achieved LEED professional accreditation.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of architectural practice.
-Demonstrated advanced knowledge of building materials, detailing, construction techniques, building systems selection, related engineering principles, sustainability strategies and building codes.
-Demonstrated practical knowledge of space programming and functional adjacencies.
-Demonstrated practical understanding of the application of digital tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, 3dsMAX, Sketch-up, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
-Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Submit resumes, references and digital portfolios to info@ionicdezigns.com

For more informationn on IONIC DEZIGN STUDIOS vidit our site at 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

 

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