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

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."