Firms and projects showcasing metal from around the nation
From the people to the
projects, there are many things that make up a great architectural firm. Metal Architecture has compiled a listing of some of the leading architectural firms across the United States, along with some of their recent projects that feature metal. We also spoke to a few firms about the use of metal in the current architectural economy.
The use of metal in architectural design is something that many firms are seeing more of in recent years. From accent and highlight areas such as entry points and canopies to interior finishes, wall systems and exterior cladding, metal is a prominent player in many projects.
“Metal has allowed us to explore new paradigms in design,” says Jonathan Moore, AIA, principal at Tampa, Fla.-based ROJO Architecture LLC. “Traditional materials like woods, concrete, masonry and plaster have their place, but architecture is a tactile art. Metal allows us to complete the spectrum with everything from high-level finishes to beautiful patinas. It has allowed us to bring unique textural experiences to our projects, both inside and out.”
Gable Stubbs, AIA, project manager at McMillian Pazdan Smith Architecture, Spartanburg, S.C., adds: “Metal is becoming more and more prevalent primarily for its ability to provide an efficient, cost effective and quick approach to the building structure. The combinations of these factors have made it ideally suited for a variety of project types.”
Firms noted the use of metal building systems are on the rise. “Over the last few years metal buildings have been playing an increasing role in our projects with a significant number of our clients recognizing the benefits and responding positively to the performance and aesthetics of metal buildings,” says Stubbs.
“We anticipate that metal buildings will continue to grow in use and that they will play a significant role in future projects,” Stubbs continues. “They are quickly becoming the preferred method of construction for their versatility, economics and performance. As they increase their role as a primary structural approach, designers are exploring their potential and taking advantage of their unique qualities.”
“Most of our buildings are now economically constructed with steel frame and metal stud exterior wall systems,” explains Jeff Steiner, AIA, at Grand Forks, N.D.-based JLG Architects. “We have been increasing our use of metal skins. The nature of the material with its variety of finishes and ability to incorporate complex shapes allows us the flexibility we desire to create exciting, efficient building envelopes.”
Steiner adds: “In particular architects have been finding increasingly creative ways to clad structures with various metal products. It can be an economical product with a wide variety of textures and patterns with an infinite color pallet to express a contemporary aesthetic.”
“The clean lines and crisp profiles of metal panels provide for a variety of different installation options that help designers create innovative and fresh buildings that have a strong visual presence,” says Stubbs.
Scott Nordstrom, AIA, LEED AP, project designer at Altus Architectural Studios, Omaha, Neb., notes that even though metal tends to be a bit more expensive than some other materials and client’s budgets are tight and metal is being used sparingly, their firm is using more metal wall panels and roof panels in projects.
Moore believes that the use of metal will only increase in the future. “Affordability, ease of install, ease of maintenance and design diversity will continue to improve,” he says.
“The metal industry continues to develop modern solutions for the building envelope and interior finishes,” Moore continues. “With these developments comes the economy of scale. It is now affordable for a client on a budget to look at unique solutions to stand out and, more importantly, stand the test of time.
AEPC GROUP LLC
2850 Red Hill Ave., Suite 240
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(949) 224-1596
Ted S. Oyama, AIA, NCARB, ICC,
Manager of Architecture
This firm uses metal siding, metal roofing and prefabricated metal buildings on commercial, industrial and educational buildings.
Altus Architectural Studios
12925 W. Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68154
(866) 334-2422
www.altusstudios.com
Altus Architectural Studios Inc. provides innovative architecture, planning and interior design. We have a regional focus with national prominence and provide trusted experience within a framework for collaborative processes that deliver highly successful project outcomes within multiple market sectors.
Architrave Construction and Design Inc.
11003 Resource Parkway, Suite 201
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 997-7400
www.architraveconstruction.com
Todd A. Whistler
Balzer & Associates Inc.
1208 Corporate Circle
Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 772-9580
www.balzer.cc
Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon
Architects, Engineers, Planners
211 Commerce St., Suite 600
Nashville, TN 37201
www.bargewaggoner.com
Branch offices in Birmingham, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Dayton, Ohio; Dothan, Ala.; Huntsville, Ala.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Tri-Cities, Tenn.
Baskervill
101 S. 15th St., Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 343-1010
baskervill.com
Community Tectonics Architects
10651 Coward Mill Road
Knoxville, TN 37931
(865) 637-0890
www.communitytectonics.com
Community Tectonics Architects Inc. is a multi-disciplined design firm which includes architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; interior and graphic designers, and educational planners. Started in 1950 and incorporated in 1966, the firm has been providing quality services for more than 60 years in Tennessee and the surrounding states.
CTA has experience in a broad range of project types. Of particular note is CTA’s Educational Facility Portfolio. With over 30 Awards for Excellence in Educational Design in the last 25 years, CTA is a premier architectural firm for educational facilities. Also of note is CTA’s portfolio of over 250 successfully completed religious facilities. LEED certification can also be provided if desired.
Dattner Architects
1385 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(212) 247-2660
www.dattner.com
Dattner Architects is a New York City firm known for design excellence and civic engagement. Our portfolio includes master planning and buildings for public agencies, educational and cultural institutions; historic preservation/adaptive reuse; sustainable architecture; interior design. Our work aims at the realization of our clients’ highest aspirations accepting our shared responsibility for the built environment, including the need to building within available resources.
Dennis Mires Dennis Mires, P.A., THE ARCHITECTS
697 Union Street
Manchester, NH 03104
(603) 625-4548
www.thearchitects.net
Peggy Favreau, peggy@thearchitects.net Founded in 1980 by Dennis B. Mires, AIA, the nineperson firm currently has three registered architects, including one LEED AP. This diverse group brings a wide range of architectural experience which, combined with the use of 3-D CADD, provides the firm with the flexibility and skills required to meet the needs of clients with different priorities and concerns. Dennis Mires, P.A., THE ARCHITECTS, has a demonstrated track record of successful projects based on listening to the client components and design team. Based on a cyclic process of information and review, additional information and review, etc., THE ARCHITECTS build consensus to a project solution that is owned by the entire project team. Dennis Mires, P.A., THE ARCHITECTS, has a history of balancing resources with owners’ goals as evidenced by returning public, non-profit and private clients. Some projects for these budget sensitive clients have been recognized by independent juries for design excellence.
Edwin Brantley Smith & Associates Inc.
6688 North Central Expressway, Suite 580
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 368-1900
www.edwinbrantleysmith.com
Edwin Brantley Smith, AIA,
edwins@edwinbrantleysmith.com
Edwin Brantley Smith & Associates Inc. is a Dallasbased architecture, planning and interior design firm specializing in commercial contemporary design.
The firm was established in 1994 by Edwin Brantley Smith, AIA, and has maintained a high standard of design excellence with each unique project. One of their design specialties is the renovation of older buildings to compete in the commercial leasing market. Their insight into the creative use of many types
of standard materials has produced an architecture which is simply modern and appealing to companies seeking a progressive contemporary image.
Grace & Hebert Architects
501 Government St., Suite 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 338-5569
www.graceandhebert.com
Hutchison & Maul Architecture
4010 Whitman Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 545-1991
www.hutchmaul.com
JLG Architects
124 N. Third St.
Grand Forks, ND 58203
(701) 746-1727
www.jlgarchitects.com
James Galloway, AIA, LEED AP
With offices in Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismarck, Alexandria, and Minneapolis, JLG has been fortunate to shape the architecture throughout the Midwest. Since the firm’s inception in 1989, JLG has won more North Dakota AIA Design Awards than all other firms in North Dakota, and was recently named to the ZweigWhite Top 100 National Hot Firms list.
In addition, JLG Architects is committed to being a leader in the field of sustainable architecture. JLG’s architects believe that buildings should be responsible to current and future generations, and have strived to create facilities that are sustainable to the greatest extent possible, no matter the size of the project. JLG works with Owners and User Groups intensely during all phases of programming and design to assure that their building meets the goals they established at the onset: to be functional, flexible, sustainable, energy efficient, and, of course, on schedule and on budget. With 12 LEEDAccredited personnel on staff
(including all five firm partners), JLG has coordinated certification efforts on dozens of projects.
Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects Inc.
30 W. Arrellaga St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-1726
www.kbzarch.com
Legat Architects Inc.
651 W. Washington, Suite 1
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 258-9595
www.legat.com
Kate M. Brannelly, FSMPS,
Chief Marketing Officer, kbrannelly@legat.com Legat Architects is a leading sustainable architectural and interior design practice specializing in commercial/mixed use, corporate office, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, and municipal facilities. It serves clients regionally and nationally from its Illinois offices
(Chicago, Crystal Lake, Oak Brook, Waukegan) and its joint venture firm in Columbus, Ohio.
MANUEL ONCINA ARCHITECTS
514 Pennsylvania Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 295-4900 x110
www.oncinaarc.com
Manuel Oncina, Architect, FARA
Our firm almost exclusively designs public projects in San Diego County.
MARK HORTON / ARCHITECTURE
101 South Park
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 543-3347
www.mh-a.com
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
127 Dunbar St.
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 585-5678
www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com
McMillan Pazdan Smith is a regional planning and design firm serving a southeastern clientele of educational, institutional and corporate clients. We have a strong reputation for responsive and detailed project management coordination and oversight. Defining characteristics include a strong construction administration process, sustainable design expertise, and a commitment and mastery of sophisticated technology tools that aid in the communication and quality control of design documentation.
Mulvanny G2 Architecture
1110 112th Ave. NE, Suite 500
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 463-2000
Justin Hill, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Principal; Project Inquiries, justin.hill@mulvannyg2.com
Carla Thompson, FSMPS, Director of Marketing & Business Development, carla.thompson@mulvannyg2.com
Nagaki Design Build Associates Inc.
4601 N. Black Canyon Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(602) 647-3223
www.nagakidesign.com
Larry Nagaki
Orcutt | Winslow
3003 North Central Ave., Sixteenth Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 257-1764
www.owp.com
Additional locations in California, Louisiana and India.
Passero Associates
100 Liberty Pole Way
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 325-1000
www.passero.com
Peter Wehner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate and Senior Project Architect, pwehner@passero.com
Passero Associates offers architectural, engineering, environmental and planning services, with more than 36 years of experience. We are committed to providing exceptional service and partnering with you to achieve your goals, providing service above and beyond what you may expect from a professional services firm. To help meet the challenges of these difficult economic times, we identify innovative, costefficient methods of value engineering, cost impact analysis and sustainable design to maximize the use of your limited funds while meeting your objectives.
Perretz & Young Architects
10962 Richardson Road, Suite J
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 550-3098
www.perretz-young.com
ROJO Architecture LLC
5701 E. Hillsborough Ave., Suite 1130
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 630-5508
www.getROJO.com
ROJO is driven by design, problem solving and improving community. The firm has a 12-year history of most every sized project and type, regardless of style. Our style is an appropriate collision of client desire, site and budget. Providing planning, architecture and interior design we are specialists in hospitality, custom residential, multifamily, retail, office, medical and religious, our diversity allows us to deliver exceptional service based on the completion of over 500 projects. ROJO is a firm of nine professionals, led by Rob Glisson, John Saldana and Jonathan Moore. The firm has offices in Tampa, Memphis and San Francisco.
SmithGroup
455 N. Third St., Suite 250
Phoenix, AZ 85004
www.smithgroup.com
Additional offices in Ann Arbor, Mich., Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Madison, Wis., Minneapolis, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Stuckey Architects
118 Houston Ave.
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 341-0754
www.stuckeyarchitects.com
Robert Stuckey
William Loyd Jones Architect
723 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-3995
www.williamloydjonesarchitect.com