Omni Architects Blog

Omni client NKU featured in Toyota's Tree Campus video

2012-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

In 2008, Toyota joined with the Arbor Day Foundation to create "Tree Campus USA," a program recognizing colleges and universities that commit to a set of five environmental standards meant to help promote healthy forests on campus and in the local community.
More than 100 distinguished campuses have already been designated a Tree Campus, including: Northern Kentucky University, Cornell University; University of Michigan; University of Texas; University of California, Los Angeles; Duke University; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

As part of the program, every year Toyota and the Arbor Day Foundation also pick ten to fifteen schools to host special tree planting events celebrating their designation.
To see the video, click here.

Jacobs home featured in national publication

2012-04-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

The home of Omni partner and Vice President Michael Jacobs and his wife Margie (also an architect) has been featured in 50 US Architects: Residential + Planning, a new hardcover book written by award-winning author Damir Sinovcic and published by Design Book.

The book was unveiled on Friday, March 9, 2012. 50 US Architects: Residential + Planning presents a curated collection of award-winning residential and master planning work from leading American designers whose philosophies are rooted in the modernist doctrine or are distilled from vernacular precedents. Meticulously detailed and site-specific, the featured projects focus on sustainability, technology, and the human spirit. Award winning designers from all 50 states are included in the publication and Omni Architects was selected to represent the state of Kentucky. To learn more about the Jacobs House, featured on the cover of the book in this photo, click here.For more information about the event or to view the video and image gallery, visit: www.designbook.us/events/us50.To order a copy of the 50 US Architects: Residential + Planning book, visit: www.50usarchitects.com.

Plans for NKU Rec Center taking shape

2012-03-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

The new Recreation Center at Northern Kentucky University will be a facility that reflects the opinions and desires of multiple constituencies. Click here to read the latest article in The Northerner, NKU's campus newspaper.

Omni's Michael Jacobs interviewed by WUKY

2012-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Through his teaching role at the University of Kentucky's College of Design, Michael Jacobs has been a key member of the team that is developing the Houseboats to Energy Efficient Residences (HBEER) program. Learn more about this unique opportunity for a struggling industry.

EKU Science Building offers food for thought

2012-02-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

On-campus restaurant in EKU's new Science Building offers healthy, affordable food choices and comfortable atmosphere.

UofL Rec Center in the news

2012-02-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

The new U of L Student Recreation Center was recently featured in a WAVE TV story, which included interviews with students and images of the project.
The facility was also featured in a recent edition of Louisville's business journal, Business First, the focus of which was how the facility is expected to enhance the student experience at U of L. Omni was selected to provide design services for the new $37.5 million facility, which is expected to be completed in August of 2013. Michael Jacobs is Principal in Charge and Project Manager, and Senior Associate Don Adams is the Project Architect.

HBEER Project Benefits University of Kentucky Students

2012-02-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

The University of Kentucky has released a new video, which talks about the ways HBEER benefits UK design students. The project was conceived to provide affordable, energy-efficient housing for low-income families, as well as a create an alternative product for houseboat manufacturers, who have been hard hit by the economy.

Click image to watch.

What Generation Gap?

2012-01-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

By Deb Cutts

It seems it was only a few short years ago that I was always the youngest person on staff, wherever I worked. I looked to the wiser, older, “seasoned” professionals for guidance as well as historical perspective – occasionally wondering how on earth they were still doddering around at the ripe old age of 50+.

I realized recently that I have now joined the ranks of the older generation – or as I like to refer to it, the “knowledge base”. I’m not sure how it happened, but in the blink of an eye I have become one of the older members of a staff that includes a healthy mix of energetic youth, fresh out of school with unjaded design aspirations; project managers who have fought in the trenches and won their medals enforcing fair play and good sportsmanship among uncooperative contractors and unruly consultants; and truly seasoned veterans of the design industry that have not only been around the block, they built the block.

Much has been written about the fact that, for the first time in our nation’s history, four generations are working side by side, and that many companies are challenged as they try to balance a gap of more than 50 years between oldest and youngest employees. I hope these companies embrace the reality of our multi-generational work force and understand that each of these generations has so much to learn from the other. Fortunately, I see that exchange of knowledge on a daily basis at Omni Architects. Younger employees impart current trends in culture, learning preferences, and curriculum to more experienced staff members and they, in turn, happily share the wisdom of their years of experience, along with anecdotal observations and a history lesson here and there.

I recently observed one of our senior staff members in deep conversation with several of our young architectural graduates, recounting his early years in the industry. As I watched them, watching him, I couldn’t help but visualize a group of wide-eyed children sitting at the feet of a charismatic storyteller. Their questions were so genuine, yet made it painfully obvious of how quickly things change within our industry and the world in general. “You mean you actually had to DRAW by HAND back then?” Or, “How did you create a 3D model if there was no Revit?”

We all have lessons to share regardless of age, and no amount of technology will ever replace the benefit of experience. Today’s hot topics of Integrated Project Delivery, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Sustainability will soon yield to other processes that will impact Architecture and the project delivery process. In a business that is ever-evolving and stringently regulated, there is no such thing as too much communication. It is the best hope we have for keeping our industry held in high esteem, raising the bar for building standards, and serving the best interest of our clients.

I have come to embrace my status as a “senior” staff member and am even putting the final, embellishing touches on a few of my own “back in the day” stories. If the culture at Omni is any indication, I’m confident that The Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X’s, and Generation Y’s will find a way to respect the value of experience – and each other – as they make their way into the future at light speed.

Governer appoints Jacobs and other new members to High Performance Buildings Advisory Committee

2012-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Omni partner Michael Jacobs has been appointed to the High Performance Buildings Advisory Committee, filling one of the terms expiring Aug. 22, 2012.
Governor Beshear appointed the following members to the Committee:

Michael Jacobs, of Lexington, is an architect at Omni Architects. He represents the design and construction industry involved in public works contacting. The appointment replaces Scott L. Guyon, whose term has expired.
Jeffery S. Moneypenny, of Louisville, is an architect at Luckett and Farley Associates. He represents the Kentucky Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The appointment replaces Clive Pohl, whose term has expired.
Cheryl Creech Kersey, of Louisville, is an architect and the owner of Kersey and Kersey Architects. She represents the Kentucky Society for the American Institute of Architects. The appointment replaces Mark Isaacs, whose term has expired.
Betty C. Whittaker, of Frankfort, is the executive director of Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute. She represents the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute. The appointment replaces William C. Wilson, whose term has expired.
Dr. Michael Speaks, of Lexington, is the dean of the University of Kentucky’s College of Design. He represents the University of Kentucky’s College of Design.
Robert Bauer, of Frankfort, is the executive director of the Kentucky Forest Industries Association. He represents the association.
Chris Tyler, of Lexington, is an HVAC sales engineer at Thermal Equipment Sales. He represents the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Brandon Akers, of Prestonsburg, is the executive vice president of Alliance Corp. He represents the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky.
Christopher J. Black, of Paducah, is a general contractor for Ray Black and Sons Inc. He represents the West Kentucky Construction Association.

For more information on the appointments made to state boards, read the January 27th article published on the Kenton County Fox 19 web site.

Focus Groups Scheduled for NKU Campus Rec Center

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

The Omni/Cannon Design Team will conduct a series of focus groups on the NKU campus to solicit feedback and comments on the planned expansion and renovation of the campus recreation center. The focus group meetings are scheduled for February 8 and 9, and will include NKU students, faculty, and staff.The collaborative process is a hallmark of the Omni project process, and has produced successful outcomes on many projects throughout the Commonwealth. The Omni/Cannon team was awarded the project in December, 2011.

Ribbon cutting slated for 1st HBEER Prototype

2012-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

A down economy and an increased demand for affordable, energy-efficient housing has led to an initiative that could create a new product for houseboat manufacturers, hard hit by the recession. Once known for producing some of the most luxurious houseboats in the world, manufacturers in eastern Kentucky have seen significant staff layoffs and several have been forced to close altogether. Now, thanks to a partnership between Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, the University of Kentucky College of Design, with help from UK's Center for Applied Energy Research; and Stardust Cruisers houseboat factory in Wayne County, these facilities may receive a new lease on life.

Jerry Rickett, president and chief executive officer of Kentucky Highlands, conceptualized the project, referred to as the houseboats-to-energy-efficient-residences project (HBEER). In addition to creating jobs, and affordable housing, Rickett wanted to promote development of energy-efficient homes that could appreciate in value, as an alternative to aging houses and mobile homes in rural Kentucky that are not energy efficient, while reducing electricity costs for owners.

The partnership created a prototype for the project using aggressive guidelines set forth by Rickett: design a house that could be built at a houseboat factory, that would cost a buyer approximately $100,000 for the home and lot, and that would be so efficient it would cost an average of $2 a day to heat and cool.

Stardust Ventures employees built two prototypes in late 2011, assembling them together on one of the same assembly lines where houseboats were formerly being built. Both houses have since been purchased and delivered to building sites in Wayne and Knox Counties.

East Kentucky Power recently performed an energy audit using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index. The lower a home scores using the HERS rating, the better. The HBEER prototype received a rating of 53 out of 100 – an astounding 32 points lower than the 5-star-plus rating of 85 achieved by a certified Energy Star home.
Michael Jacobs, AIA, LEED AP, a partner at Omni Architects and design studio instructor at UK’s College of Design, School of Architecture, has been involved in the HBEER studio project since its inception in 2009. Current students are working on PREFAB concepts for Academic Classrooms, Multi-Family Housing, and Disaster Relief Housing.
The ribbon cutting has been scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2012 in Monticello, Kentucky, featuring Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and UK’s new President Dr. Eli Capilouto as guest speakers.

New Science Building opens at EKU

2012-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

The new Science Building at Eastern Kentucky University officially opened for classes this semester. Check out the article in the latest edition of The Eastern Progress. For a full description of the project, visit the project page in our our higher education portfolio.

NKU to renovate and expand campus recreation center

2011-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Omni Architects, in partnership with Cannon Design, has been selected to design the renovation and expansion of the Albright Health Center at Northern Kentucky University. The campus recreation center project includes a first phase, 110,000 SF addition to be complete in 2014, and a second phase, 65,000 SF renovation to be complete in 2015.

NKU and the Omni-Cannon design team are committed to soliciting extensive student input into the program and design of the building so that the final design is reflective of student priorities. Some preliminary ideas of new activity spaces include the addition of three basketball courts, a Multi-Activity Court (MAC), expanded fitness space, a climbing wall, multipurpose rooms, and more. The project will also include construction of two lighted outdoor intramural fields, sized to accommodate soccer, football or baseball/softball.

The NKU Campus Recreation Center will target a minimum of LEED Silver certification, and will utilize Building Information Modeling to drive and leverage the design and construction process.

CEOC bids within 0.7% of Omni estimate

2011-11-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center bid within 0.7% of Omni's estimate in November, with Morell Construction as the selected contractor. The 25,100 SF state-of-the-art facility will expand the ability of the Commonwealth to remain fully operational at all times, regardless of the situation. The CEOC supports 24/7/365 monitoring and will step up during activation to support Kentucky’s 15 emergency support functions. The facility incorporates more current stand-alone and redundant design features with the latest technology, and complies with DoD security standards as well as the latest FEMA guidelines. Construction is set to begin in January 2012.

Blue Grass Airport to renovate administrative office area

2011-10-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Omni Architects has been selected by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board to design a renovation of the board room and administrative office area at Blue Grass Airport. The renovation of the Board Room will increase space to accommodate the number of attendees at Board meetings and will upgrade communication technology to better support the need for virtual communication and multimedia presentations. The renovation of the administrative space will include space planning to support current staff organizational structure and upgrade finishes throughout. Omni, in partnership with The Feldman Group and CMTA Engineers, will provide professional space planning and design services.

First public meeting on Downtown AA&E District draws 200

2011-10-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

The first public meeting to gather ideas and community input on the creation of an arena, arts and entertainment district around Rupp Arena and The Lexington Center in downtown Lexington brought 200 people to Busters Tuesday evening. Several "big picture" ideas were presented by Gary Bates of Space Group, where one of the things he discussed was creating opportunities to "continue the fan experience" after events (specifically UK basketball games) at Rupp Arena.

Check out the October 19, 2011 article in the Lexington Herald-Leader for more information on the discussion.

Kentucky National Guard to build new Readiness Center

2011-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Omni Architects is honored to be selected to design a new Readiness Center for the Kentucky Army National Guard in Burlington, Kentucky. A design-build partnership with D.W. Wilburn, Inc., the 75,000 SF facility will be located on an 11-acre site and include training spaces for guardsmen as well as administrative areas for KYANG staff. The building is targeting LEED Silver level certification and will be self-certified.

Check out the article about the groundbreaking ceremony on cincinnati.com.

City hires team to develop master plan for AA&E District

2011-08-30T06:56:00.000-07:00

Lexington's Arena, Arts & Entertainment District Task Force, appointed by Mayor Jim Gray, took another important step this week toward creating a plan for a new downtown district surrounding Rupp Arena. The task force hired a design team led by Gary Bates of Space Group to lead a collaborative, public planning process which will result in a master plan for the 46 acre chunk of downtown surrounding Rupp Arena and the Lexington Center. Omni is excited to be a member of the design team and a part of this important community conversation.

Check out the August 28 article in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Omni welcomes new staff

2011-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Four new faces have joined the Omni family this summer!

Kellin Vellenoweth joined Omni as an Architectural Intern in June. Kellin is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Design, where he served on the award-winning UK Solar Decathlon House Team and participated in the HBEER: Houseboat to Energy Efficient Residences Project. Kellin is from Brevard, North Carolina and also worked as an Architectural Intern at Domokur Architects in Akron, Ohio in 2010.

Michael Jernejcic, our newest Architectural Intern, came to Omni in August from Gray Construction and is originally from Colorado. He previously worked for Ross Tarrant Architects, where he largely focused on educational building design for K-12 schools and postsecondary facilities for nearly five years. He also worked with Guyon Architects in Lexington and Architectural Services of Kentucky in Bowling Green. He graduated in 2006 from the UK College of Design with a Masters of Architecture degree.

Valerie Morrow joined Omni in July as an Administrative Assistant. Valerie, who is originally from Evansville, Indiana, worked as a Marketing Assistant for Hafer Associates before relocating to Lexington in spring 2011. She enjoys working in the architecture industry and the sense of pride that comes with working for a great company involved with local and national projects. Recently married, she and her husband enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling.

Morgan Brown is currently in her third year in the UK College of Design and is working as Omni's summer intern. Morgan has a minor in Art History and is seeking a Masters degree. She was awarded best of 2011 designs for her 'EPIGONA' pavilion under UK Professor Mike Mckay, and has Interior Design experience as well. She is an active member in Habitat for Humanity as well as AIAS, and she participates in a wide range of various architectural clubs. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school in California.

Omni to collaborate with Studio Gang on CentrePointe block

2011-07-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Omni Architects is one of five local architecture firms chosen by Chicago architecture firm Studio Gang to collaborate on the CentrePointe project currently under development in downtown Lexington. Jeanne Gang revealed the current design still under development at a public meeting at the Kentucky Theatre July 14.
The project includes a 30-story tower with hotel, apartments, and condos; an 8-story office building, a sculpture garden, and several small buildings, including five that would face Main Street. The selected local architects will each design one of the Main Street buildings to provide a unique and diverse character of this central downtown corridor.

Lexington developer Dudley Webb is actively seeking financial backing for the project and is optimistic about the community support for the project.

Maysville CTC Licking Valley project bids below estimate

2011-07-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Maysville Community and Technical College's addition to its Licking Valley Campus in Cynthiana bid 2 percent under Omni's estimate of $1,813,000 at the bid opening July 7. The low bidder, The Walker Company, submitted a bid of $1,718,000 plus $58,000 for the alternate package for additional parking. Construction of the addition includes classrooms, nursing labs, and administrative space and will begin in early August.

Bennett and Boelhauf receive promotions

2011-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

Two Omnies recently received promotions in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the firm. Jeff Bennett is now a Senior Associate of the firm, and Jody Boelhauf was named as Associate.

Jeff has been a member of Omni Architects for 13 years and has served as Project Manager or Project Architect on several major projects. Most recently, he served as Project Architect for the $17 Million Gateway Community and Technical College Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which received an award from AIA Kentucky for design excellence. He is currently Project Architect for a $18 Million renovation of the University of Kentucky Student Center. Our clients that work with Jeff note their appreciation for his attention to detail, follow-through, positive attitude, and professionalism.

Since joining the Omni family in 2006, Jody Boelhauf has been an invaluable team member. His broad range of experience includes all phases of design for primary, secondary, and higher education facilities, as well as civic and healthcare buildings. His work in multiple firms in Louisiana and Kentucky has given Jody a diverse knowledge base, making him the go-to person among coworkers seeking guidance, especially regarding construction administration. Most recently, Jody has served as Project Architect and now oversees construction administration for Phase One of the $137 Million Eastern Kentucky University Science Building. He is also serving as Project Architect for the new $8 Million Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, currently in design.

UofL launches website for new student rec center

2011-06-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

The University of Louisville has devoted a new section of its website to the new $37.5 Million Student Recreation Center. The site features the approved rendering along with floor plans, listing of features and amenit

ies, an explanation of funding sources, a project history, and photos and descriptions of the project location. The project is currently in Design Development phase and is set to be complete Fall 2013.

UK to upgrade student center

2011-05-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Omni, in partnership with Perkins + Will, has been retained by the University of Kentucky to lead a $23 Million renovation of its Student Center. The project focuses heavily on the repair, upgrade and improvement of existing building infrastructure systems that have exceeded their useful life or need to be upgraded to meet current building code requirements. Aesthetic and architectural improvements will be made in support of infrastructure upgrades.

The project is targeting LEED Certification and will incorporate best principles of energy and product conservation resulting in both short and long term savings through the use of appropriate LEED principles, Energy Star equipment options, and environmentally responsible installations.

Th Student Center hosts over 9,000 events each year with a patron traffic count of 1.3 million persons. With this heavy traffic load, this project will be phased to ensure minimal disruption to operations. Final project completion is scheduled to be complete Fall 2012.

EKU Science Building making news as it nears completion

2011-05-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

The EKU Science Building continues to gain attention as it nears completion this fall. A Business Lexington article on May 17 discusses how the building itself is a learning tool and a reflection of the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of science education today. A feature on WTVQ on May 13 also profiled the project, quoting Biology Professor and Project Shepherd Malcolm Frisbee. The June Issue of the Lane Report featured an article entitled "Construction Goes to College," which discussed the ongoing construction on Kentucky college and university campuses throughout the recession and features several higher education construction projects including the EKU Science Building.