Lithium Battery Manufacturer Chooses Passive Solar and Screen Wall Construction

View from the side

Back- South Elevation







With a regular manufacturing area the program called for a steel frame and screen walled construction to provide a protection for the structural wall. Metal panels were employed to the exterior with a 1 meter by 1 meter module.  Central clerestory was used to introduce lighting on the manufacturing floor and provide ventilation. A green roof would be applied if budget allows.

view from the front

Light Rail Extension -Virginia Beach

This proposal for the extension of the Hampton Roads Light Rail system is for a ground level station along existing a right of way purchased  from CSX. Originally a railroad line which transported material to the oceanfront it is now largely unused. The extension of the entire system needs to connect to Chesapeake in the South and  Virginia Beach to the East.

The reinforced concrete columns and frames will carry a translucent panel. The use of natural light will reduce the need for artificial light. This station proto- type would be fully accessible and yet provide a shelter from the occasional storm or harsh summer sun.

The only thing that needs to take place for this to happen is a foresight in the development of this spur line by the politicians and an economic boom. This is the most economical design for a hurricane zone.

New Dormitory for NSU

In the 1990-92 expansion of a local university in Norfolk, Virginia, a proposal to combine several dorms with a central dinning facility was proposed. Here was the preliminary model which reflects the massing and arrangements of the wings as a study. The project was partially funded . The result was that only two of the four wings were realized. Educational institutions of higher learning seem to be the most active land use in this area.

NEW r/d FACILITIY FOR LITHIUM BATTERY MANUFACTURER

CO-GEN PLANT ADJACENT TO NEW GREEN BUILDING IN THE MIDWEST

Historic Chapel Looking to renovate

Sanctuary with a meaningful place on a military base seeks to upgrade facility for all.

Rounded Kneeler is new.

Minor construction

My Marston

The top image is the entry lobby and the rendering below is one of the banquet rooms. The "t" configuration of the buildng had mirrored plan banquet rooms. However, it was learned that a duct at the end of the room was necessary to go above the ceiling meaning that we had to make additions to the exterior gable. Originally a hip roof, this 1842 facility was a showplace and will serve the returning U.S. Marines in a number of ways: training, weddings, command changes, etc.

And the Casements keep rolling along

The modification of an historic fort is part of the change from public/government to private. This is just one idea to cause minimal disruption.

Light Rail is coming to light

Glenwood Elementary School - Entry

United Sates Marine Corps- Initial Sketches

At the inception of the Wounded Warrior Project the entry could serve as a "gateway" to the multiple services for those stationed in North Carolina. For me it had become an area of interest on how the building could serve the many returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. Without becoming institutionalized we wanted to make it a home and yet serve the stated mission of care and recovery. We played with the uses of brick and material and the result was decided and is under construction at this very moment.

Past work -Schools and Museums

The Nansomon River High School is a testament to fee economy. Two schools were designed using the same floor plans and details. As no building is identical it was an attempt to save the schools of Suffolk, Virginia architectural fees. The only real difference between the buildings was the use of blue and red as the exterior trim color.

Jean Outland Art Library at the Chrysler Museum. Norfolk, Virginia

Combined U.S. Marine Corps and USPS Facility

Final Design

2006 The Jewish Community Center

Views of the inside of the New Jewish Community Center in Virginia Beach.

Working from concept to reality between two great families was fun and rewarding.Some of the functions in the center were a school, health club and pool area which is unique to an area which is not far from the ocean.

Stone brought from Jerusalem was used in the "Cardo" or main street of the center where weddings and artworks are displayed. It is a shame that at the close of the project the relationship of the administration of this center and the design firm did not allow amicable conclusion and post occupancy evaluation?

Condos at 15th Street

Award winning Office Building Exterior 2000

Lobby View
















Exterior from the East

Another 150 Unit Condo development

Condo, Condo, Condo

This is a proposed layout for a multistoried Condo Development. Several plans were investiaged to view what the possiblity of making this into a small community unto itself.
It is amazing how a develper can take a simple idea and develop 50 units without much immagination. I was not satisfied with one plan --so I did three. My first attempt before I was disuaded from the work are shown on the left.

Actually, with the use of sketch-up it is now possible to do a sketch like drawing and then , when you get back to the office -convert it to working drawings.

House at "da Beach"

What does one do with the corner of the building? To define the building in its setting do we terminate the viewers eye at some finial or raised tower such as here? Do we make it part of the neighborhood where this three story building sits amoung cottages which were here 50 years ago? We propose and the owener accepts . This is how things are designed sometimes. Their is a point in a project where it no longer becomes fun or free but is an exercise in the mundane.

Smithfield Plaza Extension

The proposed additon of an existing small shopping center included a Bank, Video Store and 11 other commericial spaces off Route 17. A total of 224 additioal parking spaces were added and the outcome refelcts a typical suburban developers dream. But alas, Zoning man brought some sensibility to the project and modified the final product. As often happen very little , if not secondary reverence is paid to such things as sun,planting, acoustics and lighting to enhance the quality.
Architects often say- "if I only had a client with money". While the owners decry -"if I only had an architect which would help me express my business?"- Well, you know what -------both are correct!

Proctologists Deck Repair

This project started with a great sense of freedom becasue the budget was unlimited. However, it became a repair that was caused by an exisitng concrete deck subsiding during the rainy season. The house was actually built on a revine and the pool and deck area was not supported on foundation. Therfore, this image represented was the proposed alteration of this Bishop's Gate Home in the Bayview Farms area of Virginia Beach.

House in Croatan

This addition to this house on the water was part of a family's plan to provide additional space for visiting children when they come to spend time. It also provides a more usable interior plan. The oceanfront which is less than a few steps away  makes this the sensible choice during these economic times. The flair for the artistic was displayed in color appointments and hand painted mirror, cabinets and lime green walls which provided a cool respit from the summer sun. It was the continued communication during the design process which made organizing this project fun.

Residential Work

Of the three proposals for the renovation of this spacious one story building -the image you see was not immediately selected by the owner. A foreign national with a growing family wanted to add a second story to this brick building and take advantage of the large lot and water elements at the site. He also wanted to reflect a Mediterranean style of building and wanted to use stone in the interior.

Along with family room and party/home theather, expanded kitchen, a great room was enlarged and a two story family room brought more North light for views and energy savings. Each bedroom in the front had a projecting balcony to view the water park created in the front of the house.

Overall, I would say that my freedom was considerable and I enjoyed  designing this building. The budget was modest, yet the reason for the successful of this design was that it was both functional and respected the environment from the start.

One of the key items in the house were the front doors which were fabricated in Wisconsin.

This building is located close to the George Washngton National Forest and is in a subdivisin where each lot contains a minimum of 5 acres of land in each lot. The Carolina Border is only a few miles away.

as it appears September 21, 2010 -Front

From the Billard Room-Interior

The Jean Outland Chrysler Library

The images you see here are taken of the Art Library of the Museum. Having detailed and completed construction of both plans and specifications for the project almost 15 years ago, I visited this part of the museum as part of my 3rd Precedence for my Thesis. I was able to view how things have been used. And they have been used! Architecture is only good for me when it is done for others. All my details and plan have not been changed since that time- It is nice to know that some things endure!

Il Villagio

Here is an attempt to put old world charm in a location which has no real cultural infulence. Is it correct and will it worlk is something we will have to find out after the residential market picks up. While the residential market is slow right now - it has always been about cycles - business.

I remember reading the Book by Ian McHaird about "RSVP Cycles " the naem has always stuck with me. Eventually, the things that we find as imortant will emerge again.

Nationwide Insurance of Chesapeake-Practical 2nd semester