As its name indicates, the “Combustion Chamber” is a vehicle to fuel experimentation and discovery within the professional realm of architectural design. Led by Albert McDonald, AIA, the chamber seeks to propagate curiosity in the interest of sustained professional growth,…
In the conversation around school safety, active shooter scenarios still garner the most attention – but there is a valid argument to shift our focus to a more holistic, preventive approach by creating healthier school environments that encompass safety on…
In an age during which stories of bullying, school shootings, and mental health concerns are all too common, designers have a critical role to play in crafting K-12 schools that simultaneously promote engaged learning and student safety.
The value of a strong corporate culture is well-documented – it drives productivity, engagement, and satisfaction among employees – and all of that translates to better business metrics. Exploring the role of design in reinforcing, promoting, and even changing workplace…
With the explosion of the craft beer industry across the United States, cities and towns of all sizes are benefitting socially and economically from the establishment of local breweries. Ocmulgee Brewpub makes its mark in Macon, GA, a city known…
Academic environments in higher education are changing rapidly, reflecting the advent of new technology and shifting educational models that demand new space typologies. As both educators and designers, Chris Brasier, Dennis Stallings, Don Kranbuehl, and Paul Battaglia are immersed in…
Laboratories around the world provide the high-tech environments researchers need to uncover groundbreaking medical therapies, make agricultural advancements, and develop innovative approaches to the world’s greatest challenges. Successful laboratories are the result of extensive planning, collaboration, and coordination between the…
Design is changed forever when you can be transported to another environment without leaving your desk or conference room. It opens the door to endless possibilities – VR inherently expands the boundaries of creativity. Virtual reality first touched my life…
Energy modeling is at the forefront of sustainability and high performance building design. A critical tool in the design process, the information it provides has the potential to help designers transform energy performance – but the assumptions that are inherently…
Navy SEAL history began in 1942 in Virginia Beach when volunteers for World War II special missions came together to train, later distinguishing themselves in combat during Operation TORCH in North Africa. Despite their long and storied past in Virginia…
In our changing world, how can buildings and infrastructure be designed to both protect the environment and withstand it? Don Kranbuehl helps lead Clark Nexsen’s sustainability initiatives including our commitment to the 2030 Challenge, and he focuses on implementing resilient design…
Downtown revitalization is a hot topic in urban design, with big and small cities seeking to redevelop and re-energize their cultural cores. Tied to both the resident experience and economic development, these efforts emphasize key characteristics such as walkability and…