MN Architecture and Design Update

APPRO Development’s MN Architecture and Design Update

October 22,2013

The MN Architecture and Design Team at APPRO Development has been busy this autumn as we prepare for cooler months ahead. We have an award winning architect on staff; we have been busy tracking trends; and, we want to share a design secret with you.

 

Award Winning Architect on Staff at APPRO Development, Inc.

 

MN Architect Casie RadfordAPPRO Development is thrilled to have Casie Radford, AIA, LEED AP, as our staff architect. Recently, her accomplishments were recognized at the 2013 Fort Collins Urban Design Awards Ceremony, Fort Collins, CO. Before APPRO Development recruited Casie, she worked with SLATERPAULL Architects, Inc. in Colorado.

While in Colorado, Casie worked on a historic restoration project which ultimately resulted in the acknowledgement of this project at the Fort Collins Urban Design Awards on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at the Midtown Arts Center in Fort Collins, CO. The award was under the “Best Architecture” category for a historic preservation project of the Avery Block Storefront in Fort Collins, CO. Casie flew back to Colorado to be a part of the awards ceremony. We are overjoyed for her as she receives this honor. We are equally thrilled for our team here in Minnesota as Casie Radford brings this award winning expertise in architecture to our Minnesota design build projects.

More information on this project and awards ceremony can be found in the following publications:

Award winning architect Casie Radford presents CO project-3 Exterior Project Photos, Source: Casie Radford, AIA, LEED AP, 2013

Award winning architect Casie Radford presents CO project Award winning architect Casie Radford presents CO project-1 Award winning architect Casie Radford presents CO project-2

 

Trends in Architecture & Design

APPRO Development commercial architect and design team Image Source: Wikipedia, 2013

We have found a few fun architecture and design articles to share with our readers. The first is an article about how staircases are being used as seating in a variety of applications: Staircases that double as seating (via dezeen.com). The next trend we found takes a look at the benefits of incorporating Smart Technology into building design: Smart Technology can have quick payback (via bdcnetwork.com). On the local front, Dakota County is investing in Solar Energy. And, the final article we found, simply had to be shared as part of the season upon us: Just for fun: Creepy Pumpkin Design (via Inhabitat.com).

We hope you enjoy!!

 

Shhh…We want to share an architectural design secret

MN Architecture and design ideas on Napkin Sketch-APPRO Development can helpFew may know or be aware of the time it takes to build a new commercial construction project, plan a building expansion, or implement an interior remodel. A new building can take on average approximately 12-24 months from start to finish. Addition & Remodel projects, less overall time is required, but depends on the scope of the project with site selection and city processes, a few of the initial variables. Regardless of the type of project, design work must be factored into the overall schedule.

Our design team takes clients from ideas sketched on a napkin to more formal design sketches to complete architectural drawings ready for the city submittal process. If you are considering a commercial construction project, winter is the ideal time to work on designs. You may always “pull the trigger” at any time, but can’t really do so until you have a solid design in place. Now is the time to work on finalizing design ideas.

As we head into the cooler winter months, talk to our award winning design team today to share your ideas and to discuss the ideal timeline for your next architectural design or complete design-build project. Fill out this quick form to let us know a little about your company and current needs. We will get back to you quickly to chat with you about your ideas.

We thought you might want to know about this design secret – best wishes!

Wood Framing in Commercial Construction

Curious about wood framing in commercial construction?

Wood Lumber Framing in Commercial Construction article by APPRO Photo Source: Wikepedia, 2013.

Occasionally, changes in wood supply cause a downgrade in the structural properties of wood. You can see an example of this type of activity in the article at this link for the information put forth by Carolinalive.com at: http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=674670.

The angle this particular news story takes is to focus on the economic impact that may occur to the industry in the area or state. The steel framing industry association presents this info in a different light entirely by promoting the properties that steel framing members include.

I believe it will cause a trickle-down effect to consumers who will have to, in some instances, be required to use larger wood framing members than in the past to get the same job done. This affects us all when it comes to residential or commercial building when wood is the chosen material.

Interestingly enough the wood groups aren’t necessarily arguing the downgrade itself, only how quickly it is being proposed to be put into effect.

Both steel and wood association groups tout the sustainable properties of their products. It will remain to be seen how each product continues to be affected and the impact on residential or commercial construction.

If you’re not sure which material is right for you on your next project, contact our team at APPRO. We have been helping our clients make these types of decisions for more than 25 years, and we would be happy to help you, too!

 

Lakeville Industrial Warehouse Building Expansion Project Breaks Ground

APPRO Development as design build general contractor at QA1 Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking at QA1, Lakeville, MN with APPRO and CERRON

Lakeville Industrial Warehouse Building Expansion Project Breaks Ground with APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties helping QA1 to celebrate an official groundbreaking for the addition of a 17,200 sq. ft. warehouse. The new addition will expand their existing space to accommodate QA1’s growing business.

The entire QA1 team was joined by a few of the APPRO and CERRON team members to participate in the official groundbreaking ceremony. Everyone at QA1 is looking forward to the added space this new expansion will provide. More information about the ceremony can be found on QA1’s news page by clicking on the following link: QA1 NEWS. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about QA1, located in Lakeville, MN, you may visit their website at: www.QA1.net.

Looking for more information or ideas for your growing business? Feel free to contact our design team for a no obligation appointment to discuss your needs and ideas.

 

Design Ideas and Architectural Innovation

Do you ever come across a new idea and find yourself amazed at the creativity of another? I think we have all found ourselves. For us at APPRO, it is what keeps each of us striving for excellence.

At APPRO, we are constantly looking for new ideas to make the buildings we design better for our clients in the Midwest region of Minnesota and North Dakota. In the process, we come across a lot of information and very often we find ourselves marveling at the creative work of others in our field of architectural design and commercial construction. This week, we came across some pretty cool ideas in architecture and design we would like to share, in the hope that you too, might be a little amazed.

The first idea is a simple design for a 45 degree catch hinge. It is just a simple piece of hardware, right? But, if you have ever had your arm caught on a hinge that extends beyond the door, you know why this is such a great design! Click on the picture or the link below to review the full article.

http://dornob.com/45-degree-catch-hinge-simple-genius-safety-innovation/

The next innovative architectural idea is a staircase that is both fascinating to look at and inspiring in its origin. With an understanding and appreciation for the architecture of a whale’s spine, the designer of this staircase found inspiration and brought it into the design of this staircase. How cool!

http://dornob.com/spinal-staircase-bare-bones-steps-inspired-by-vertebrae/

The final item we wanted to share is a new feat for architectural design and construction. “In what will be a world first, Dutch architecture firm Universe Architecture is planning to construct an entire house using a 3D printer” according to a recent article by Angela Fedele, for Architecture Source, 2013. The technology and innovation is awe inspiring and quite a visual marvel. While the commercial construction industry is quite a ways from regularly utilizing this type of technology, the innovation is indeed inspiring. To read the entire article, click on the picture or the following link: http://designbuildsource.com.au/dutch-architecture-studio-to-build-3d-printed-home.

Inspiration for a new idea can come from anywhere –like changing a piece of metal 45 degrees to further improve an existing product, to marveling at nature’s design and incorporating it into the construction of a building, or being the first to design and build a structure utilizing ground breaking technology. Do you have an innovative design idea you would like to share? Our architectural design team would love to chat with you to find out what inspires you!

APPRO Development, Inc. is a full service design build company with an in house architecture and design team that is ready to create a property solution for you…with you! Contact us today for more information on design ideas for your next commercial building project