sam halley named AIA Fellow

March 10

Samuel H. Halley, AIA, President of Omni Architects, has been named to the 2010 College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Out of a membership of more than 84,000, there are fewer than 2,600 AIA members distinguished with the honor of fellowship. Sam is the seventh architect in Kentucky to receive this honor.

The honor of Fellow is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA who have made significant contributions in the following areas: the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; the standards of architectural education, training, and practice; the building industry through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations; advancement of living standards of people through an improved environment; and to society through significant public service.

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 will be invested in the College of Fellows at the 2010 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Miami on June 11.

Check out the press release from the American Institute of Architects

new biology labs at UK open

February 10

Newly recruited researchers in the University of Kentucky Biology Department began using freshly renovated laboratory space designed by Omni Architects this semester. Located on the second floor of the Thomas Hunt Morgan Biological Sciences Building, the research labs used a modular approach reconciled with building's existing structural grid so that the same laboratory layout can be repeated down the length of the building in future renovations.

Biology students also recently began using renovated teaching labs in the basement of this building. The Omni design team, led by Omni Principal Eric Zabilka, redesigned four basement research laboratories with no exterior windows into useful instructional space through use of innovative indirect lighting. The ceiling space and all overhead utilities are painted white to brighten and lengthen the space. The furniture is configured using modular utilities so they can be reconfigured to suit each instructors' unique teaching approach.
The teaching labs also features a high degree of embedded technology including high resolution zoom cameras over the demonstration benches so students can digitally capture demonstrations in real time to use for future study.
See more photos and a full project description.

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.

nku student union featured in Architectural Record

December 09

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."

michael jacobs quoted in Architect
December 09
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.

omni joins collaborative to develop LEED community

December 09

Earlier this year, Omni Architects became a partner in the Moderna community, America's first architecturally designed, LEED-certifiable residential development in Lexington, Kentucky. Located near Jacobson Park, the community is small by design and will feature 43 home sites developed as "high-concept" environmentally sensitive houses. The community is centered around the Miller Museum, which is owned by the Foundation for Advanced Architecture and designed by Jose Orbrerie, a collaborator with the legendary French architect Le Corbusier. Special access to the museum will be available to residents for events, parties, and receptions.

Omni is one of eight architecture studios assembled by The Miller Museum and The Foundation for Advanced Architecture to provide the design for each of the Moderna homes. Each homeowner will have the benefit of 175 years of collective experience in designing beautiful and functional residential space and the latest sustainable materials and techniques.

Projects are currently underway and lots are available for purchase. For more information, contact Michael Jacobs or visit the Moderna website.

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.

two omni projects featured in The Lane Report Market Review

October 09

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.

omni co-sponsors top-10 ranked uk solar decathlon house

October 09

The University of Kentucky Solar Decathlon team brought home ninth place in the U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon held on the National Mall last week - an outstanding achievement for a first-time competitor! The house was designed and constructed by an interdisciplinary team of architecture, engineering and communications students, faculty and staff from six colleges and 16 centers at the University of Kentucky. UK's entry, s.ky blue, is a 800-square-foot, fully equipped, single-story prototype house that uses only solar energy to power it and is designed to achieve net-zero—creating at least as much energy as it uses.

After arriving in DC, the team had just four days to reassemble the solar house to be judged along with projects from 19 other invited universities. Entries were evaluated in ten different categories including architecture, engineering, lighting design, net metering, comfort zone, communications, appliances, market viability, hot water and home entertainment. Teams were required to demonstrate that, using just solar power, their homes can do everything that other homes can do, from running computers to heating water and doing laundry.

Omni Architects is one of several sponsors of the project and donated time and expertise to assist the team in the design phase. After the Solar Decathlon, the s.ky blue house will be showcased on campus in front of the Main Building during UK's 2009 Homecoming Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, and will also be on display during the 2010 World Equestrian Games next fall.

uofl belknap research building to be renamed

October 09

The University of Louisville will name its Belknap Research Building after former University President John Shumaker at a dedication ceremony in November. Shumaker served as university president from 1995-2002, leading significant expansion in the university's research and academic missions during his term.

Designed by Omni Architects, the Belknap Research Building has received multiple awards for its design and construction including the 2005 Brick Award of Merit from the Kentuckiana Masonry Institute, the 2006 Kentuckiana ABC Capter President's Award in Construction, and the 2006 Kentuckiana ABC Chapter Mechanical Institutional Award of Honor.