around the office

Bennett and Boelhauf receive promotions
June 11

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.

habitat for humanity moving to new office

May 11

Omni Architects is working with Lexington Habitat for Humanity to expand its new recently purchased central office location. Habitat for Humanity has sold its office building on Industry Drive and purchased a new 15,000 SF building at 700 East Loudon Avenue. To accommodate their staff, they will be adding about 10 new offices, 2 small meeting rooms, and 1 large meeting room to the existing facility. The office space will occupy approximately one-third of the of the new building and construction processing will occupy the other two-thirds. In gratitude for their extensive work to eliminate substandard housing in Lexington, Omni Architects is happy to contribute our design services for Habitat for Humanity.

chad gallas joins omni team

January 11

Omni is excited to welcome Chad Gallas to our staff as the firm’s newest architectural intern. Chad is a native of Goshen, Kentucky, and graduated with a Masters of Architecture from the University of Kentucky College of Design in December 2010. A Summa Cum Laude graduate, Chad was a member of Tau Sigma Delta, a second year design award recipient, and a recipient of the Provost Scholarship for four years. While at UK, Chad served as Architecture Team Leader for the highly acclaimed UK 2009 Solar Decathlon Team. The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. In this role, Chad led the architecture team through the entire design/build process, and the UK team placed 9th out of 20, a remarkable placement for its first year of entry.
Prior to beginning work at Omni, Chad’s work experience includes professional positions with J. Quintin Biagi PSC and T.J.C. Engineering.

kim millerd promoted to associate

January 11

Kim Millerd was recently promoted to Associate in the firm. Kim became Omni’s Marketing Manager in November 2008 and is responsible for planning and managing all firm marketing and business development activities. Since coming to Omni, she has led the development and launch of a new website, redesigned the firm’s marketing materials and newsletter, and initiated a social media marketing plan. Before coming to Omni, Kim held positions with the Chronicle of Higher Education, the University of Kentucky, and the Council on Postsecondary Education. She is a native resident of Lexington and a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information Studies.

omni donates to cardinal hill hospital

December 10

In lieu of distribution of mailed Christmas cards to our clients and colleagues, Omni Architects has chosen to make a charitable contribution to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. This contribution was given in honor of Omni Principal Joe Williams, who was a patient there earlier this year.

sam halley inducted into aia college of fellows

June 10

Omni president and founding principal Sam Halley was inducted into the prestigious American Institute of Architects College of Fellows June 12 at the 2010 AIA National Convention in Miami. Sam was one of 134 new Fellows honored at an investiture ceremony and the only one representing the region of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Out of a total AIA membership of nearly 83,000, there are fewer than 2,872 who have received this honor. In the state of Kentucky, there are only seven other AIA Fellows.

The AIA Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects by a jury of their peers. Nominees must have at least 10 years of membership in the AIA in one or more of the following nomination categories:

Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession
Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice
Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations
Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment
Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society

Sam, who received this recognition for his service and leadership in the AIA, has served in many capacities in the AIA, including president of both his chapter and state organizations. Also active in his community, Sam founded and was president of his neighborhood association for eight years, was active at the University of Kentucky, served on many non-profit boards and even served on the Lexington-Fayette Urban City Council.

Throughout the years, AIA has recognized Sam’s extraordinary leadership. He was presented the highest award that AIA Kentucky bestows, the C. Julian Oberwarth Award (equivalent to AIA’s Gold Medal) in 1992 for his “ . . . long-standing commitment to the betterment of the profession.” He won the AIA Kentucky Distinguished Service Award in 1986. He also received the AIA Student Medal upon his graduation from the University of Kentucky School of Architecture in 1966. Read more about Sam's career achievements.

Sam was joined at the investiture ceremony by Larry Leis, FAIA, (pictured above on right) is sponsor and a former Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows; Janet Pike, Executive Vice President of AIA Kentucky; Brent Davis, Executive Director of AIA Southern Arizona; and his wife Suzanne.

omni gives holiday donation to united way

December 09

In lieu of distribution of Christmas cards to our clients and colleagues, Omni Architects has chosen to make a charitable contribution to United Way of the Bluegrass. Firm members designated personal donations which were matched by the firm. United Way supports a large network of more than 80 local nonprofit agencies serving Central Kentucky through 250 programs.

omni launches new website

October 09

Omni’s new website debuted in October and features an expanded portfolio, news updates, and a special section on sustainability. Visitors can learn more about the members of our firm and the services we offer, subscribe to our email e-newsletters, and read about how we work.

omni chosen for L&N historic railpark and train museum

September 09

Omni Architects has been retained by The Friends of the L&N Depot in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to design a historic replica of an original 19th century Railroad Roundhouse at The L&N Depot Historic RailPark and Train Museum. The mission of The Friends of the L&N Depot is “to facilitate display, exhibits, and programming which preserve and present railroad history in the context of its impact locally and as a vital role in our nation’s social and economic development.”

Part of their vision for the new roundhouse includes the idea that the ultimate users may be community organizations such as a Farmers Market, retail shops, restaurant and the growing HR&TM railcar collection. The project also includes the design of a 450 foot long train cover that protects an engine and four historic railroad cars from the weather elements and development of a site plan that includes a plaza style entrance and increased parking.

The Omni team for this project includes Sam Halley as Principal-In-Charge, Eric Zabilka as Project Manager, and Tracy Jones as Project Architect. Omni has teamed with Staggs and Fisher as MEP engineering consultants, BFMJ as structural consultants, and M2D Design Group as site design consultants for this project. The design team will be assisting the organization in seeking funding at both the federal and state levels to fully fund construction.

michael jacobs named teacher of the year

May 09

Michael Jacobs, Principal and Vice President of Omni Architects, was recently named University of Kentucky College of Design 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Michael was chosen to receive this honor by a selection committee led by Dean Michael Speaks and Director David Biagi. Michael has served as a faculty member teaching Design Studio at the University since 1986.

omni adds four more LEED APs

January 09

Beginning in 2006, Greg White and Michael Jacobs were the first Omni members to become LEED® Accredited Professionals. In the last two months, four more Omni architects passed the rigorous exam - Eric Zabilka, Don Adams, Jody Boelhauf, and Jeff Bennett. This new expertise will allow Omni to continue to offer our clients design solutions that take advantage of the latest technologies and trends in sustainable design.

Learn more about our expertise in sustainable design.

kudos and intros

November 08

Omni Architects would like to congratulate three members of the firm on becoming licensed architects.

Jeff Bennett became a registered architect in August and was promoted to Associate. Jeff has a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Kentucky and has been with Omni Architects since 1998.

Tracy Adele Wright became a registered architect in October. Tracy has a Masters of Architecture from the University of Kentucky and has been with Omni Architects since 2004.

Jody Boelhauf has been with Omni Architects since 2006 and received his license in June. Jody has a Masters of Architecture from Tulane University.

Omni is also pleased to announce a new addition to the firm. Kimberly Millerd was hired as Marketing Manager in November. Kimberly has a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Kentucky and previously served as Senior Associate for Communications for the Council on Postsecondary Education in Frankfort.