sfs architecture

That Building Off Highway 70...

2010-12-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

...is the new Headquarters for Midwest Public Risk which opened in Independence, Missouri this month. The building is just East of the Independence Events Center and has been attracting quite a bit of attention and visitors pulling off the highway to check out the building. The signature building, designed by SFS and built by A.L. Huber General Contractors, reflects MPR's desire to create a highly sustainable building that provides a great environment for staff and clients.

all photos by: aaron dougherty

additional photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfsarchitecture/sets/72157625430804597/

The Thompson Center Grand Opening

2010-12-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/12/03/1203-autism-center-grand-opening/

It is incredibly rewarding to be able to design projects for clients like the Thompson Center. The service they provide to families and our community is incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed working with them to create a space that will help serve their mission of providing research, training and treatment for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Color+Couture 2010

2010-10-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

SFS participated in the 2010 IIDA Color & Couture Fashion Show. In partnership with Herman Miller, the SFS designers created a dress that reflected the team's assigned theme of the 1900's. The dress utilized Herman Miller products including seating fabrics, task chair mesh and vertical surface fabric.

Built Environment & Outdoor Summit

2010-10-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Kerry Newman, Principal with SFS Architecture and Steve Rhoades, a Principal with Patti Banks Associates presented at the 2010 Built Environment & Outdoor Summit on the value and benefits of creating integrated indoor / outdoor spaces. Kerry and Steve highlighted both public and private sector projects for recreation, corporate office, public administration, education and community spaces that create added value for staff, visitors and the community.

For additional information on the conference: http://www.krpa.org/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=53&extmode=view&extid=507

PARK(ing) Day!

2010-09-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

PARK(ing) Day (parkingday.org) is an annual, worldwide event that inspires city dwellers everywhere to transform metered parking spots into temporary parks for the public good. SFS staff did our own park right outside our office at 12th and Grand in Downtown Kansas City.

Check out more pictures of our "park" at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfsarchitecture/sets/72157624881113667

SFS Ladies Night!

2010-07-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hard work deserves to be rewarded...with margaritas!

SFS Awarded Grandview Parks & Public Works Maintenance Facility

2010-06-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

SFS Architecture has been selected by the City of Grandview to design a new facility to house its parks and public works maintenance operations. SFS will work with the parks and public works departments to develop a plan that integrates their operations in order to maximize efficiency. The facility will also be designed to achieve the City's goal of LEED Silver minimum certification.

Project Change Challenge 4: Nutter Park

2010-05-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Our final 2010 Project Change Challenge for Nutter Park in the Ivanhoe neighborhood made the Fox 4 evening news. All 15 Project Change teams worked together to transform an open lot into a welcoming park for the neighborhood. Hundreds of volunteers came out on a rainy Saturday to build, dig, weed, and plant. The SFS team, Awaken KC, designed and installed a Children's Raingarden/Butterfly Garden with the Ivanhoe neighborhood Girl Scout Troop.

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-volunteers-fixup-ivanhoe-nieghborhood-051510,0,432576.story

For more info on our team's projects check out our team page at:
http://www.projectchange-kc.org/awakenkc2010.htm
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=46860687839&ref=ts

Lutjen Inc's LEED Certified Office Space

2010-05-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lutjen Inc. has officially moved into their new SFS designed office space in North Kansas City. The project, which is an adaptive reuse of an existing building is pursuing LEED Silver Certification. Creating a positive environment for staff was of utmost priority, so features such as indirect lighting, envelope insulative improvements, natural light and exterior views were incorporated throughout the space.

New Project: MGE Office & Warehouse

2010-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

SFS Architecture was selected by Missouri Gas & Energy and design-build contractor, A.L. Huber Construction, to be the architect for MGE's new office, warehouse and meter shop in St. Joseph, Missouri. The building will be designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver Certification.

SFS Takes Home 3 MADA Awards

2010-04-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

SFS was awarded 3 honors this past weekend at IIDA Mid America Chapter's Design Awards. The Osage Prairie YMCA Natatorium Addition received "Best of Show Runner Up" and Gold in the Sports & Recreation Category. The L.H. Bluford Library Renovation won Silver for the Renovation & Restoration category.

Border Challenge for Autism II

2010-04-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Border Challenge for Autism II, held April 14th at Boulevard Brewing Co. was a huge success. The event was organized by SFS Architecture's Project Change Team Awaken KC. The event raised awareness and $10k for MU's Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Kansas Center for Autism Research & Training. Special thanks to Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John of 810 Radio's Border Patrol for emceeing the event.

Event pics are available at www.flickr.com/photos/sfsarchitecture/sets/72157623765275607

Completed Project: Maryville Recreation Center Addition

2010-02-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

The new addition includes an aerobics room, personal training/spinning room, coffee/juice bar, yoga room and mutil purpose meeting space.

A Very Cool Roof

2010-01-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

The new, white "cool" roof and 22kW photovoltaic system on the Dole US Courthouse is complete! SFS in conjunction with Rand Construction, Derbigum Energy Innovations and e-PGEN designed and installed the system for the GSA as a High Performance Building Upgrade under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The system was implemented as an opportunity to generate energy as well as encourage renewable energy strategies in the Kansas City area.

Monitoring of the energy generated by the PV installation can be followed at www.deckmonitoring.com/dole_courthouse. The information automatically updates every 15 minutes to show how much energy has been collected and stored by the system.

The project is one of the first GSA ARRA projects completed in the country.

SFS Holiday Event: A Success!!!

2010-01-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to all that attended our office holiday party benefiting Project Warmth! The Chili was warm, the beer was cold and we were surrounded by many wonderful friends, colleagues and clients. Together we collected nearly 100 coats, blankets, scarves, and sweaters to donate to support Project Warmth (www.projectwarmthkc.com).

And to those of you that were wondering...Mike Shaughnessy was the winner of the Chili Cook-off. He's quite proud of his new title.

SFS Takes Top Honor at AIA KC Design Awards

2009-11-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

At Friday evening's ceremony for Kansas City AIA's Design Excellance Awards, SFS was awarded the top honor, the Honor Award, for the Osage Prairie YMCA Natatorium Addition. The project, an addition to an existing metal building with an extremely limited budget, demanded economy in the building shell so funds could be directed towards maximizing the swimming pool. The design solution, concrete precast panels with perforations, provides a durable building shell while allowing in natural light to animate the interior during the day. The glow from light reflecting off the water through the perforations also animates the exterior of the building at night.

SFS & MGC Awarded New Chanute Aquatic Center

2009-08-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Design-Build team of SFS Architecture and McCownGordon Construction were selected for the new Chanute, KS Family Aquatic Center. The project is currently in design, will start construction in September and will be complete for a Memorial Day opening in May 2010. This is the third aquatic center that will be designed and built by the SFS-McCownGordon team.

SFS Team "Awaken KC" Wins Greatest Impact Award for Project Change

2009-07-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Starting with seven companies, the Awaken KC Team grew to 40 supporting companies and organizations over the four month challenge. At the awards ceremony on June 10th the team was awarded the "Greatest Impact" Award and received a $1,000 check for partner charity Community Linc.

Over the 4 months of the Challenge the team completed projects for Community Linc such as an extreme makeover of a previously unusable basement into a teen center; a community garden for residents; giant grocery bags stuffed with pasta, recipes and ingredients for families; and a sustainble solution to existing drainage problems by installing a french drain and rain gardens.

In addition, the team held a fundraiser for autism that benefitted the MU Thompson Center and the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-Cart). The event, held at Boulevard Brewing Company raised awareness and $10,000 for the two organizations. Tapping into the rivalry that exists between MU and KU the event was attended by 25o supporters and alumni.

More info on our team's projects and team members can be found on our team blog that tracked our progress... http://projectchangekc-awakenkc.blogspot.com

Reynolds Journalism Institute Wins MADA Award

2009-04-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

The IIDA Mid America Design Awards were announced in St. Louis on Friday evening and the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) at MU won Gold in the Education & Research category.

The interior design of the Institute provides an environment that supports learning, as well as, the extensive research and development that takes place at the Institute. These varied needs required the specification of materials and finishes durable enough for college students, yet aesthetically appropriate for visiting international researchers and guests.

Finishes for the facility met stringent maintenance and durability requirements set by the University, while celebrating the energetic and innovative nature the Institute and its users. The simple yet elegant use of glass, concrete, wood and gloss-white terrazzo floors serve as a backdrop to balance the overall energy of the space.

The sensitive space planning and interior design by the SFS design team allowed the Journalism School to transform underutilized buildings into a premiere educational facility and allowed the Journalism School to keep all journalism school facilities in close proximity to each other on campus. "This is the best space the journalism program has ever had," Dr. Brian Brooks, Associate Dean of the School of Journalism said. "It gives (us) facilities that are worthy of the world's first school of journalism.

Belton Fire Station Wins Business Journal Capstone Award

2009-04-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Belton Fire Station No. 2 and Department Headquarters was selected as an Architectural Design winner for the KC Business Journal's annual Capstone Awards which honor the area's crowning achievements in real estate.

The new 23,500 s.f. Fire Station & Department Headquarters for the provides the City with much needed facilities to serve the local community, handle all administrative functions of the department and provide classroom and physical training for staff. The station serves as a home for the firefighters, as well as, a facility that serves their functional needs and promotes pride in their Department. The facility features three apparatus bays, an EOC bay, administrative headquarters, and a training tower. Living quarters include individual bunks, dayroom, kitchen, and an exercise area.

SFS Architecture sponsors team for Project Change

2009-04-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

SFS Architecture is leading a team of over 15 companies in the first annual Project Change community service challenge.

Project Change (www.projectchange-kc.org) is a multi-challenge competition created to bring together the Kansas City community for the greater good. In an effort to raise awareness, the goal is to connect people, share knowledge, use talents to fuel passions and simplify the act of giving. There are15 teams, each lead by an architecture/design firm, competing in 4 challenges. The competition kicked off in January and our team is currently in the midst of Challenge 3: Save the Planet.

Our team's progress on all four Challenges is updated regularly on our blog at
http://projectchangekc-awakenkc.blogspot.com

SFS Designs Sustainable Headquarters for MO Dept of Conservation

2009-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

SFS is working with the Missouri Department of Conservation to design a new regional headquarters that embodies the Department’s core ideals of wildlife resource protection and management, participatory connection with nature and environmental stewardship.

The one-story, 10,000 s.f. office building integrates a high level of sustainable design features such as geothermal HVAC, passive solar, photovoltaic solar power, daylighting, connection with the exterior, local and recycled materials, and an efficient building envelope system utilizing high-performance glazing and structural insulated panels.

Site design will incorporate prairie restoration, native landscaping, pervious pavement and sedimentation control, stormwater control, minimal site disturbance and other low-impact development concepts.

SFS Announces 3 New Associates

2009-04-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

SFS announced the promotion of Doug Barraza, Kwame Smith and Kelly Edinger Stindt to Associate. Doug, Kwame and Kelly are all project managers with the firm that have demonstrated exceptional leadership. Each of the new associates brings diverse experience, a unique perspective and the ability to develop strong positive relationships with clients.

Reynolds Journalism Institute unveiled at Cenntennial Celebration

2008-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

The new Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri - Columbia was officially dedicated on September 12th as part of the Journalism school's cenntennial celebration. The facility, which opened in time for the new school year provides students and visitors with access to a world-class center for learning, researching and testing new models of journalism. The facility not only provides MU students with a premiere facility but will also attract top journalism researchers and professors to the school. The new facility was featured in the university newspaper the Columbia Missourian
http://columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/09/11/new-journalism-institute-links-past-present-and-future/

SFS "Green" Project Featured on NBC News

2008-08-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

SFS Architecture's "green" renovation of St. Patrick Parish School was featured on Kansas City's NBC action news. The $3 million renovation was broken into two phases and completed over summer vacations so that the construction would not impact school activities. The updated facility has been met with praise from staff, administration and parents.

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/content/livinggreen/story.aspx?content_id=7b5f9f65-9587-41f6-9574-abceb60964df

Two New Wins!

2008-07-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

SFS was recently awarded the Community of Christ Auditorium Renovation and the First United Methodist Church Topeka Renovation/Addition. This is our second project with each of these clients and we couldn't be more excited. Since we believe repeat business is one of the greatest measures of our service it is a great compliment to have the opportunity continue our successful relationship with both of these clients.

Building Green for Habitat Kansas City

2008-05-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

May 3, 2008: SFS staff spent Saturday afternoon volunteering for Habitat Kansas City on one of twelve "green" homes they are building this year. The annual teambuilding event gave staff a chance to get their hands dirty, frame some walls and use a nail gun.

The energy efficient houses, designed by sfs staff member Waylon Arndt, follow energy star guidelines and sustainable design principles. As a volunteer for Habitat Kansas City, Arndt designed two prototypes that are capable of accommodating a multitude of existing site conditions. The sustainable homes are being constructed by Habitat with the intention of helping families keep utilities costs down and informing low-income communities about the benefits of green initiatives.

SFS Awarded “Judges Choice” at 2008 Color + Couture

2008-05-12T14:56:00.001-07:00

May 8th 2008: SFS architecture took home the “Judges Choice” award at the third annual Color + Couture fashion design competition on Thursday, May 8 at the Madrid Theater.

The SFS fashion team was paired up with John Kopmeyer / Xorel and conquered the task of designing and creating an ensemble out of wall coverings and upholstery fabrics. The end result was an elegant gown with a hand woven bodice and hundreds of ruffles cascading down the skirt and train.

There were 28 other teams that participated in the event; two from local universities, and the others were from the architectural/interior design industry. Out of the 28 teams, only six were presented with awards, and SFS is proud to be one of the winners.

sfs staff participate in basketball event to raise money for Greensburg GreenTown

2008-03-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

SFS Staff members donned their athletic attire and showed off their basketball skills last night at “Hoops to Help” - a new charity event sponsored by Scott Rice Office Works and select manufacturers. This year, the event’s beneficiary was Greensburg GreenTown, a nonprofit organization established to provide the residents of Greensburg, with the resources, information and support they need to rebuild as a model green community following the tornado that destroyed their community last year. The event was held at the new College Basketball Experience at the Sprint Center and had teams of 6-8 competing in six different events.

sfs awarded twelve apostles catholic parish

2008-03-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

SFS was selected by Twelve Apostles Catholic Parish to provide master planning for their new campus located in Platte City, Missouri. SFS will also be developing materials to assist the Parish in fundraising for the first phase of the master plan.

sfs|brs team selected for new KCMO Northeast Community Center

2008-03-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

sfs architecture in association with BRS architecture of Denver were awarded the new KCMO Northeast Community Center. The SFS/BRS Team will work with the City & community groups to identify user needs, establish project scope and space requirements for a new community center, develop programming requirements that facilitate designing to a LEED Silver Certified Level, prepare a pro forma of operational and maintenance costs for a five year period, determine cost and property requirements and develop a recommended action plan.

sfs awarded grain valley planning study

2008-03-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

SFS was selected by Grain Valley, Missouri to provide facility planning services for the Public Works department, the Parks and Recreation department and a new Business Incubator. The project entails space needs analysis, conceptual plans, and cost estimating to determine the best solutions for both the City's current and future needs.

sfs announces three new associates

2008-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

SFS announced the promotion of Steven Wise, Nathan Couch and Kate Wind to Associate. Steven is a project manager with the firm, Nathan is a Project Designer, and Kate is the firm’s Marketing Director. All three have demonstrated exceptional leadership and bring diverse set of skills and abilities to the firm.