EKU New Science Building featured in University Building magazine

EKU’s New Science Building is among 16 academic facilities recognized in the February issue of University Business magazine as an example of how institutions are adapting to shifting educational trends by “creating learning spaces that foster innovative thinking and collaboration—and prepare students for the future.”

Inside/Outside presents concept for Town Branch

Topping Out ceremony held for UofL SRC

A "Topping Out" ceremony for U of L's new Student Recreation Center took place Tuesday, February 5.  U of L President James Ramsey and more than 50 students signed the final beam before workers installed it.

Maysville CTC Licking Valley Campus Opens New Wing

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 4, for the new Health Sciences Wing of Maysville Community & Technical College's Licking Valley Campus. Omni designed the new 8,000 square foot wing, which features instructional and administrative space such as nursing and simulation labs. The new space will support the growth of the Licking Valley Campus Nursing and Allied Health program.

The Licking Valley Campus is one of three campuses and two extensions of Maysville Community and Technical College. Maysville CTC was ranked among the nation’s fastest growing two-year public colleges by Community College Week in 2010.

This project marks Omni’s twelfth project for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the third project for Maysville Community and Technical College.
Click here to learn more about the project.

UofL's new Rec Center to enhance student experience

UofL students soon will enjoy state-of-the-art sports and recreation facilities in a location more convenient to new housing and other development on the west side of Belknap Campus. Read more of this article from the recent edition of UofL Today.

Jacobs home featured in national publication

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.

Plans for NKU Rec Center taking shape

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

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

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

UofL Rec Center in the news

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.

HBEER Project Benefits University of Kentucky Students

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.

Governer appoints Jacobs to High Performance Buildings Advisory 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.

EKU Science Building making news as it nears completion

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.

michael jacobs quoted in Architect

The Local Markets section of the December issue of Architect features photos of the University of Kentucky University Health Service building completed by Omni Architects in 2008. The article discussing the recent development in Lexington and the city's aspirations to balance new urban growth with its identity as "horse capital of the world" also includes a quote from Omni Principal and Vice President Michael Jacobs. The article can be found on page 26 of the print edition or on the Architect website.

nku student union featured in Architectural Record

Featured in an Armstrong advertisement on the inside cover of the November issue of Architectural Record, the Northern Kentucky University Student Union designed by Omni Architects continues to receive national attention for its innovative and creative design. The ad states "the most sought-after academic institutions successfully blend long-standing tradition with unconventional thinking."

two omni projects featured in The Lane Report Market Review

The new University Health Service building at the University of Kentucky and the new Science Building currently under construction at Eastern Kentucky University received recognition in the 2009-2010 Market Review, an annual publication by The Lane Report released earlier this month. A photo of the University Health Service building appeared on page 11 in an article entitled "Growing Strong in the Bluegrass" that discusses many qualities that make the Bluegrass a special place to live, including its growing emphasis on research and technology and its impressive healthcare facilities. A photo of the EKU Science Building is featured on page 45 in conjunction with the article "Easy Access to Talent" discussing how higher education institutions benefit the state economy by providing a highly educated workforce.

nku student union receives 2009 AIA Kentucky Merit Award

Northern Kentucky University's new Student Union designed by Omni Architects was selected to receive a 2009 Merit Award from AIA Kentucky in August. The 158,000 SF facility opened in July 2008 and has since become a major recruitment tool for the university, serving as a center for many campus activities and student services.

• Commonwealth of Kentucky Division of Engineering and Contract Administration - Owner and Project Manager
• Brailsford & Dunlavey - Student Center Planner
• Staggs & Fisher - MEP Engineer
• Senler Campbell & Associates - Structural Engineer
• Vivian Llambi & Associates - Site Designer
• Ricca Newmark Design - Food Service Consultant and Interior Designer
• Messer Construction - General Contractor

nku student union receives flooring award

Northern Kentucky University's Student Union continues to receive national attention, being named the winner in the Education category of the 2009 Starnet Design Awards. Since 2002, the Starnet Design Awards have recognized outstanding commercial interiors featuring innovative flooring products and technologies. Omni Architects was recognized along with AIC Contracting, Inc. for excellence in design and installation of Wausau terrazzo, Amtico tile, Milliken carpet, Daltile mosaics, and Durken broadloom throughout the building.

Awards are presented in eight different categories, including small and large corporate installations, healthcare, education, and hospitality and public spaces, as well as unique challenges, green projects and student achievement. Entries are judged based on the creative use of flooring, as well as the design concept and overall quality of the solution delivered to the client. 

The distinguished panel of judges included: Maurie O’Neill, Designer/Partner, O2 Design, past publisher of Floor Focus Magazine, New York; Clara Igonda, Principal, Perkins + Will, Los Angeles; Adel Smith Chapman, Director of Interiors, Architects Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker (DWRB), San Diego.

northside library receives brick award

The Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library, which opened in July 2008, received the only 2008 Brick Award of Honor from the Kentuckiana Masonry Institute on April 29, 2009. The award was presented at an awards luncheon hosted by KMI at the Muhammed Ali Center in Louisville.