Code Updates: Streamlining Title 24, CalGreen and the Code Adoption Process With Effective Software

 Guest Blog:

Code Updates

  Streamlining Title 24, CalGreen and the Code Adoption Process

With Effective Software

 John Whitcraft, P.E., Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, Inc.

I recently attended a meeting of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)  and the AIA of Santa Clarita featuring guest speaker Michael Nearman, Deputy Executive Director of the California Building Standards Commission. Nearman discussed updates to the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical code, California Plumbing Code, CALGreen, Title 24, and the code adoption process. The subject is timely because the 2016 Intervening Code Adoption Cycle supplements are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2018.

Some of the “blue supplement” changes include the following:

• CBC — NFPA 13D (Fire Sprinklers in Homes) Stand-alone Pump and Tanks in residential occupancies
• CBC — Skylight and garage doors in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas
• CBC & CFC — Early adoption of 2018 IBC & IFC Plant Processing and Extraction and Power Storage Systems
• CFC — Early adoption of 2018 IFC On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations
• CEC — Early adoption of 2017 NEC Energy Storage Systems
• CPC — Outdoor recycled water supply systems for irrigation where recycled water is available from a purveyor
• CPC — Recycled water regulations amended and relocated from Chapter 16 A to Chapter 15, Section 1503
• CMC — Amendments specific to hospital occupancies
• CALGreen — Long-term bicycle parking updates
• CALGreen — Stormwater pollution prevention
• CALGreen — Outdoor recycled water supply systems
• CALGreen — Electric Vehicle infrastructure for hotels and motels
• CALGreen — Commissioning new buildings, 10,000sf and over, updates
• CALGreen — Commissioning reference standards
• CALGreen — New Tier 1 and Tier 2 compliance checklists

Mike’s presentations were timely and informative. However, members of the construction community need effective and efficient software to comply with the codes.

I believe that the use of effective software tools is vital in order to process electrical engineering designs.

When Construction Dive Magazine asked me what my must-use tools of the trade include, I immediately named Bluebeam Revu workflow and construction management software.

Bluebeam Revu software works within AutoCAD as a high quality PDF creator. It has the ability to count reference points with a certain shape or label, as well as create tables or schedules of lighting fixtures, skylights, and other construction materials. Bluebeam Revu software also helps with a wide variety of documents such as construction and electrical drawings, plan check comments, supplier cut sheets, and technical specifications.

I, like many construction and design professionals, recognize the value of using accurate and current electrical documentation. Recently, I designed the electrical infrastructure for the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS). The LA-RICS system upgrades the radio and broadband communications for first-responders across Los Angeles County – a service that is vital for our public safety.

Furthermore, government projects have critical deadlines with unforeseen delays. Therefore, I believe a good management tool streamlines the process by keeping the construction team updated and involved in real time.  Bluebeam Revu proved to save time with the LA-RICS project — and met all code requirements.

During my work with the SeaWorld DAS Nodes project in San Diego, CA, obtaining approval and sign-off from the city inspector was critical. I documented the new Distributed Antenna System infrastructure as part of a team consisting of Mitchell J Architecture Inc, and Crown Castle. Nonetheless,  Bluebeam Revu’s software allowed me to produce and seal as-built documents that correctly matched the original design and satisfied all RFI (Request for Information) changes which occurred during construction.

With the upcoming updates to the California Building Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, CALGreen, and Title 24, it will be a challenge to meet the new requirements in a timely manner. Changes are to be expected, making the need for reliable tools critical.

If you would like more information on how Whitcraft Engineering Solutions, Inc., can assist your team, call John Whitcraft at (858) 229-8722 or login to whitcraftengineering.com

Member News: BWE, Inc. Granted the ASCE Region 9 Award

CONTACT: Hansol An, Associate, BWE, Inc., (619) 299-5550, han@bwesd.com

BWE, Inc. Granted the ASCE Region 9 Award

 

San Diego, CA — BWE, Inc. recently received the “Outstanding Architectural Engineering Project” Award for the civil engineering design of UCSD Jacobs Medical Center & Central Plant. The award was conferred by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 9 (California) during a ceremony on March 23, 2018, held at the Wilsey Center in San Francisco, CA. During her acceptance speech, Laura Moore, Principal Civil Engineer for UCSD said, “This is a small engineering firm that took on a big job very successfully because they provided a good engineer who was fully integrated into the project, every step of the way… and it resulted in a great project.”

All elements of the buildings, utilities and sites were modeled utilizing 3D design software and coordinated amongst the various disciplines to maximize construction efficiency while minimizing the need for field changes.     The site design yielded sustainable drainage solutions that protect the receiving stream bed to the south of the site, contributing to the LEED Gold Certification of the Central Plant. The tower was designed to meet LEED Silver Certifications standards. CannonDesign led the design team, which included BWE, while Kitchell provided construction management.

BWE began civil engineering design in June 2008 and provided full site design and construction administration service for the tower, central plant and the surrounding road. BWE was also responsible for surveying, construction staking, layout and 3D laser scanning services. 3D laser scanning was deployed to document to plumb line, location and top of steel for the structural steel building. In addition, the laser scan’s floor flatness color mapping provided for critical finish floor areas, permanent vertical and horizontal site and building control for the new buildings, and major gridline layout at each level of the building.

The UCSD Jacobs Medical Center & Central Plant was named after Irwin and Joan Jacobs, who donated $100M to the project. It is a 10-story, 509,500 SF specialty hospital tower adjacent and connected to the existing Thornton Hospital and specializes in three areas: maternity and infant care, cancer treatment and advanced surgery. The project added 245 new beds and includes a helicopter landing pad with direct access to all floors, garden-based design to maximize natural light as well as dedicated family areas on each bed floor.

The high efficiency central plant, which came online in 2015, energizes and serves the bed tower, in addition to other current and future facilities of the UCSD East Campus Master Plan. The roughly 43,000 SF Central Plant is located across the main loop road from the new tower and is a free-standing, 2-story structure housing mechanical and electrical equipment, as well as shop space and offices. A utility tunnel houses the critical hospital services that cross under the main road.

The hospital, which opened in November 2016, after more than a decade of planning, design and construction, combines the highest-quality advanced care with upscale amenities, landmark design, and future-focused technology – ushering in a new era in specialty inpatient care. The Jacobs Medical Center was designed with healthcare and wellness in mind throughout the campus, both within the hospital tower and across the outdoor areas surrounding the building. The site lends itself to the healing process by providing patients with pathways through olive groves, serene resting areas and organic elements that are both functional and therapeutic. This approach is apparent even in the stormwater retention & treatment design which included multiple planted basins connected by a cobble-lined spillway with a pedestrian overpass bridge and seat wall. The stormwater treatment system meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act while providing usable outdoor spaces for patients during the dry season.

The complexity of the project extended beyond the immediate components of the new facilities and included phasing and coordination to maintain the operations and functionality of the existing hospital and campus circulation. It included roughly 70,000 SF of renovations to the existing Thornton Hospital and consisted primarily of renovations to imaging, surgery, and support spaces located on the existing lower level. Not only is Jacobs Medical Center critical to meet the growing medical needs of the San Diego community, but it also allows doctors to work with researchers on campus to further advance and implement areas of genomics and translational medicine.

Since 1971, BWE has provided structural and civil engineering, land surveying and land planning services on construction projects throughout San Diego, the Southwest, and beyond. Our staff has built a reputation for excellence in design and service by fulfilling our self-imposed mandate to exceed the expectations of our clients and colleagues. BWE supports the career development of its employees through mentoring, training, licensure fees, and professional association dues, among other means. For more information about BWE, go to bwesd.com.

Member News: AVRP Skyport Featured in San Diego Magazine

AIA San Diego member firm, AVRP Skyport, was recently featured in the May 2018 San Diego Magazine as a "San Diego Design Leader." Congratulations! "For more than four decades, visionary architect Douglas H. Austin has transformed downtown San Diego with some of the most iconic additions to the city’s skyline, including Ariel Luxury Apartments, Smart Corner, and Children’s Museum Tower. Two years ago, Austin’s firm, AVRP, merged with longtime friends and collaborators at Skyport Studio to create AVRP Skyport."

View the article here

Member News: T.B. Penick's "Unity Plaza" Receives 2018 ASCC DCC Award

View the award here // Learn more about T.B. Penick & Sons here

T.B. Penick & Sons received First Place in Concrete Artistry, Over 5000SF for Unity Plaza in the 2018 American Society of Concrete Contractors - Decorative Concrete Contractors.

Unity Plaza serves as a hub connecting businesses, residents, City College, and Muni routes in the area with the goal to be known as an iconic, attractive, comfortable and safe gathering place in addition to an enduring and lasting presence in the community. The plaza features benches, pedestrian lighting, a domed climbing-structure and photography displays depicting the area’s history.

T.B. Penick closely collaborated with the City of SF Landscape Architect Jasmine Kaw and artist Kelly Ording to install her paving-design entitled “Ebb and Flow” which is a homage to the Plaza’s micro-climate and its constant cycle of fog, sun and wind. According to Kaw, the design is “a unique pattern and required a specialized paving contractor to execute. The design team turned to Penick early in the design process. The Lithocrete paving material not only brought unique colors and textures but successfully enabled the artist’s two dimensional vision to become a reality at a large scale.”

TBP poured the 8” thick plaza using white cement. In the “Chevron” design, Penick top-seeded blue aggregates before applying a broom finish to the surface. Penick then performed decorative saw-cuts and sandblasted to expose the seeded-aggregate. In the “Sun” design, black aggregate was seeded before applying a broom finish and then saw-cut before being sandblasted. The “Wave” design features decorative saw-cuts in a wave pattern superimposed over quarried stone finish that was stained with an opaque black water-based stain.

The entire project consisted of 1,300 lineal feet of decorative saw-cuts and an additional 2,900 lineal feet of saw-cuts. The project required approximately a week and a half of sandblasting.

Challenges of the project include the difficulty of working with white cement, and accurately laying out the numerous sandblast stencils, which required 3-days, and the tremendous effort of containment and cleanup of sandblast debris.

About T.B. Penick & Sons

For over a century, we’ve seen changes in every aspect of construction. It takes an agile company like ours to meet today’s aggressive schedules and tighter budgets, offer cutting-edge methodologies such as BIM, advocate best practices and offer safe and sustainable construction practices. Clients across the country turn to us for general construction, design-build, construction management, structural concrete and Innovative Concrete Systems.

Member News: Steven Shinn, AIA writes on the state of sustainability in San Diego

2018 AIA San Diego President, Steven Shinn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Well AP contributed an op-ed piece to The Daily Transcript on March 7, 2018, "The state of green in 'America's Finest City'". View a copy of the article here or subscribe to The Daily Transcript.

Member News: Lance Hosey, FAIA Wins Architectural Journalism Prize

View original article here

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2018 -- Lance Hosey, FAIA, LEED Fellow, is the 2018 recipient of the Sarah Booth Conroy Prize for Journalism and Architectural Criticism, from the Washington Chapter of the AIA. He is an architect in HED's San Diego office, as well as a prolific author, speaker, and widely published critic. The prize rewards critical or reportorial excellence in fostering a better public understanding of architecture and urbanism in Washington, DC, where Hosey was based before joining HED last year.

Hosey oversees design for HED's San Diego office and chairs the firm's Design Excellence effort nationally. Hosey's speaking and writing (The Washington Post, Architect, Architectural Record, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Huffington Post, and The New York Times) has focused, broadly, on how design impacts society. Specifically, he has looked carefully at the importance of merging design excellence with sustainability—or how form and performance are intimately connected. His 2012 book, The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design, studies how to bridge the gap between standards of good design and green design. Almost all of Hosey's writing and speaking has been about the relationships between image and impact, which correlates directly to HED's mission to have a positive impact.

"At HED, we are continually looking at how to integrate the idea that image can—and does—have an impact," Hosey said. "The purpose of design excellence is to advance the world of the clients and communities we serve."

Hosey's public voice about design's impact is one example of how HED is seeking to elevate dialogue in the industry and how the broader understanding of the possibilities of design impact can be brought to bear on clients and communities.

ABOUT HED HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux) HED Advances Your World. Founded in 1908, HED seeks creative solutions that have a positive impact for its clients, the community, and the world. HED has earned a reputation for excellence in all facets of architecture, including design, consulting, engineering and planning services. The firm serves clients in a broad range of market sectors including Workplace, Housing, Mixed Use, Science + Technology, Healthcare, Higher Education and Pre K-12 + Community Education from offices in six U.S. locations. See how HED advance your world at www.hed.design.

CONTACT: Rachel Carr, 619.398.3800, 190978@email4pr.com

SOURCE HED

Related Links

http://www.hed.design

Society for Design Administration SD: CANstruction 2019

The Society for Design Administration San Diego Chapter is looking for help and volunteers for CANstruction 2019!

What is CANstruction?

Canstruction® is a special public relations event aimed at putting a spotlight on the design/construction industry doing something tangible to help in the fight against hunger by combining the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help those in need.  Canstruction, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by SDA in 1992.

The late Cheri Melillo, a member of the Society of Design Administration (SDA), conceived and held the first Canstruction event in New York City in 1992. During Cheri's tenure as the SDA's National Public Relations Chair, she developed Canstruction with the vision to unite the design and construction community in a series of friendly competitions that also improved the lives of the underprivileged and underserved.   Cheri served as volunteer President and Executive Director for 17 years before her passing in December 2009 of brain cancer. Learn more here

If you are interested in helping or just want more information, sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/FPhT9R8LAkh5aCo03. 

Member News: Taylor Design Hires Thomas W. Clark, AIA as Senior Project Manager in its San Diego Office

Taylor Design Hires Thomas W. Clark as Senior Project Manager in its San Diego Office

San Diego, Calif. (February 14, 2018) – Taylor Design, an employee-owned architectural, interior design and strategies firm, has expanded its San Diego team with the addition of Thomas Clark, AIA as senior project manager. Clark brings extensive experience in the education market to his role at Taylor Design.

Clark joins the firm from Gafcon where he was a project manager for Palomar Community College responsible for construction management and facilities support. He also served as design project manager for RQ Construction, LLC. where he handled design-build for USMC facilities at Camp LeJeune, N.C. and a tactical operations facility at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., among others. Prior to that, Clark ran his own architectural consulting business specializing in design and planning services for various educational facilities.

“Thomas brings a combination of thoughtful design and expertise needed to continue our momentum in higher education. Moreover, his experience is well suited to complement our existing team,” said Joe Lowe, associate and San Diego office leader, Taylor Design.

“As a life-long learner, my passion focuses on educational design as an evolving holistic concept. Taylor Design shares my beliefs of collaboration and exploration in how people respond to the built environment and how their physical being defines space,” Clark shared.

Clark’s background also includes roles as executive director of facilities and planning with the San Marcos Unified School District, and senior project manager with San Diego Unified School District. Clark currently serves as a community planning board member for Rancho Peñasquitos and is former chair of the Palomar Community College Prop M Bond Oversight Committee.

About Taylor Design:

Taylor Design is a strategy-based design firm with practices in Architectural Design, Interior Design and Design Strategy; with offices in southern and northern California. For almost four decades, the firm has built a national reputation in the healthcare design industry, and has since established a growing presence in the education, science & technology, and senior living market sectors. Taylor Design works with clients to discover, develop, and design solutions for the built environment. Clients of the firm have included: UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco; Stanford University; SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; UC Berkeley; San Mateo County; Scripps Health, San Diego; UC San Diego Health System, San Diego; UC Irvine Health, Orange County; Hoag Health Network, Orange County; as well as numerous service areas for Kaiser Permanente, among others. For more information about Taylor Design, visit www.WeAreTaylor.com

Member News: Studio E Architects Break New Ground With Expansion

CONTACT: Elaine Camuso, (619) 606-6445 or media@studioearchitects.com STUDIO E ARCHITECTS – INNOVATORS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING DESIGN – BREAK NEW GROUND WITH EXPANSION

Nationally-Recognized Firm Doubles Size of Leadership Team

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 12, 2018) – Studio E Architects – known for innovative and award-winning designs, including San Diego County’s first affordable housing tax credit project – is bringing Maxine Ward, AIA, and Mathilda Bialk, AIA, on as Partners and Principals. The two will join founding Principals Eric Naslund, FAIA, and John Sheehan, AIA, in the creative direction and ownership of the firm.

“Maxine and Mathilda started here early in their careers and earned great respect from the staff over a decade of strong creative work,” said Naslund. “I’m excited about where we are heading with their unique perspective and what it means for our work.”

”As a Principal, I want to build on the legacy that John and Eric have nurtured over 30 years in San Diego and continue to break new ground,” said Bialk. “By doubling the size of the leadership team, and recognizing two women, we’ve laid the groundwork for further change in this industry and for producing authentic and innovative projects.”

Like Studio E Architects’ founders, both Ward and Bialk are talented, multi-faceted architects who combine creativity with leadership, clear-headed organization skills and a desire to embrace challenges.

“This decision was really a natural progression of the skills that they both have demonstrated over time, said Sheehan. “Studio E Architects has always been a meritocracy where individuals are promoted based on their abilities.”

The two new Principals have produced many meaningful projects in San Diego and beyond. Bialk was instrumental in the design of UC Davis’s West Village Square, the country’s largest net-zero energy development and a ULI Global Award for Excellence winner. Ward’s work includes landmark affordable housing communities such as downtown San Diego’s Celadon at 9^th and Broadway – also a ULI Global Award for Excellence winner – and Talmadge Gateway, San Diego County’s first supportive housing community designed for formerly homeless seniors with chronic health needs.

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Here are some of the  projects the two new Principals of Studio E Architects are working on:

• Thrive Charter School is one of Maxine’s projects. It will open in August: http://www.studioearchitects.com/work/thrive-charter-school-breaks-ground/
• Mathilda is working on a really unique project for UC Riverside. It’s a great example of how this team really embraces challenges, because it is in a super remote location in the high desert that’s been untouched by humans for years. Mathilda said it required meticulous code compliance research in order to overcome those obstacles and make the project feasible: http://www.studioearchitects.com/work/new-work-for-ucr-in-the-high-desert/

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“When I was first starting out, I kept hearing about Studio E Architects, these San Diego innovators who were getting national attention for their incredible projects. That’s what drew me to work here,” said Ward. “All these years later, I am excited to have a hand in shaping the future direction of the firm and building on that body of work.”

About Studio E Architects

For 30 years, the team at Studio E Architects has been making places that matter. Winners of three prestigious AIA National Awards, the firm’s architects create homes, schools and recreation spaces that seamlessly fit the ways that people live, learn and play. The team produces meaningful projects for mission-driven clients, building better communities – including charter schools for students who will become tomorrow’s technology innovators and affordable housing communities where working families can succeed. Learn more at www.studioearchitects.com

RFQ: Police Station Replacement Project

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking Statements of Qualifications from interested professionals for services leading to construction of a new Police Station. View RFQ Here

RFP: Architectural Services

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Grossmont Union High School District of San Diego County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “the District” will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 pm, March 13, 2018, sealed proposals for: Architectural Services (CN-1177)

Proposals shall be received by the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020.

All interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFQ online at: http://www.guhsd.net/Departments/Business-Services/Purchasing/Solicitations/RFPRFQ/index.html or by contacting the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020-5664.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person or mailed, shall be disqualified.

The evaluation criteria specified herein will be used to determine which of the proposals provide the best quality for Grossmont Union High School District. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive all technicalities, and to accept the proposal(s) that is determined to be the most favorable to the District. Recognizing that there are important considerations other than price, the District may not necessarily award to the lowest proposer. District has the right to ask for any clarifications on any or all proposals.

Proposals must be effective for sixty (60) days following deadline for the receipt of proposals.

Clerk of the Governing Board Grossmont Union High School District, of San Diego County, California

Publication: Daily Transcript February 13 and February 20, 2018

RFP: Architectural Services for Bus Maintenance Facility

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Grossmont Union High School District of San Diego County, California, acting by and through its Governing Board, hereinafter referred to as the “the District” will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 pm, March 15, 2018, sealed proposals for:

Architectural Services for Bus Maintenance Facility (CN-1187)

Proposals shall be received by the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, at 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020.

All interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFQ online at: http://www.guhsd.net/Departments/Business-Services/Purchasing/Solicitations/RFPRFQ/index.html or by contacting the Grossmont Union High School District, Purchasing Department, 1100 Murray Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020-5664.

Any proposal received later than the specified time, whether delivered in person or mailed, shall be disqualified.

The evaluation criteria specified herein will be used to determine which of the proposals provide the best quality for Grossmont Union High School District. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive all technicalities, and to accept the proposal(s) that is determined to be the most favorable to the District. Recognizing that there are important considerations other than price, the District may not necessarily award to the lowest proposer. District has the right to ask for any clarifications on any or all proposals.

Proposals must be effective for sixty (60) days following deadline for the receipt of proposals.

Clerk of the Governing Board Grossmont Union High School District, of San Diego County, California

Publication: The Daily Transcript February 16 and 23, 2018

Judicial Council of California Solicitation: A&E Consultation Services

The Judicial Council of California (“JCC”) has posted solicitation no. FS-2017-01-BD for ID/IQ Architectural & Engineering consultation services.  The JCC is a division of our California Judiciary responsible for the management and development of over 500 courthouse buildings statewide. The JCC seeks proposals from firms to provide the services of qualified, properly licensed architectural and engineering Consultants with expertise in all phases of the design, construction and renovation of public buildings.  Because the scope and number of Projects and tasks are unknown at the time of contract execution, the contracts that may be awarded as a result of this RFP, are known as Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (“ID/IQ”) contracts.

The Judicial Council expects to initiate various projects between May 2018 and May 2021 with possible extensions to May 2023.

All solicitation documents are available at the following link: http://www.courts.ca.gov/38250.htm

Member News: BWE, Inc. Names New Director of Civil Engineering

DATE: February 15, 2018 CONTACT: Hansol An, Associate, BWE, Inc. (619) 299-5550 han@bwesd.com

BWE, Inc. Names New Director of Civil Engineering

San Diego, CA — Local industry veteran Michael Slawson has joined BWE, Inc. as the new Director of Civil Engineering. Mr. Slawson will immediately make an impact at BWE with his leadership and project management experience. He brings over 27 years of diverse experience having owned his own firm and served as a Principal, Vice President or Project Manager for several civil and environmental engineering firms. His management experience encompasses firms ranging in size from an 8(a) design-build federal contractor to an ENR top 100 firm. BWE’s President, Tom Newsom, was excited about the announcement saying, “Adding Mike Slawson to our team will facilitate the growth of our Civil Engineering Department – not only because his experience opens doors to new markets but because he will provide mentorship and guidance for our current team members.”

Prior to joining BWE, Mr. Slawson was contracted to provide Project Management at the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority working on various infrastructure improvement projects. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona at Tucson with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, a licensed Professional Engineer in California and Arizona and a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in California. In 2009, Mr. Slawson became a LEED Accredited Professional as conferred by the United States Green Building Council to further support his expertise in sustainable building practices. He is also BWE’s fourth Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), an individual who is authorized to design Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, a role that continues to grow in importance in the age of environmental consciousness.

He has successfully managed over $3 billion in projects for his clients which include Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the University of California, San Diego and dozens of private industry clients. Slawson was the project manager on the first large-scale commercial wind farm on Native American lands in the United States, which is a significant producer of one the cleanest commercial energy sources available. Other project experience includes various local public works, residential land development, water supply and distribution, hydrology, water quality, transportation, Caltrans permitting, easement and right-of-way acquisition, public improvements, survey and construction support, hazardous waste remediation, and environmental compliance.

Mr. Slawson will be reunited with Casey Lynch, PLS, one of the Principals at BWE. The pair previously worked together at another firm in the mid-2000’s in the land surveying department. Mr. Lynch said, “I really enjoyed working with Mike in the past and I know he is going to be a great addition to BWE.”

Since 1971, BWE has provided structural and civil engineering, land surveying and land planning services on construction projects throughout San Diego, the Southwest, and beyond. Our engineers have built a reputation for excellence in design and service by fulfilling our self-imposed mandate to exceed the expectations of our clients and colleagues. BWE supports the career development of its employees through mentoring, training, licensure fees, professional association dues among other means. For more information about BWE, to bwesd.com.

Member News: Tony Garcia, AIA Receives AIA National Young Architect Award

February 12, 2018 - San Diego, CA - Already in his young career, Garcia has left an imprint on the profession. His talent and commitment to building a practice based on mutual respect and collaboration benefits his colleagues, clients, and the communities he serves. Friends and Co-Founders, Tony Garcia, AIA and Jessie Whitesides, NCARB, formed Asquared Studios Inc in 2004. Within the construct of the current global professional economy, they have mastered the technologies that allow them to operate as one unified design studio with locations in both San Diego and Santa Rosa, California. Asquared Studios has built an award-winning portfolio of work that features projects of all scales and diverse forms of context both regionally and nationally.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected 18 recipients for the 2018 AIA Young Architects Award. This award, now in its 25th year, honors individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers. As a recipient of The Young Architects Award, Tony will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.

To read more of Tony’s accomplishments and for a list of all honorees for the 2018 program follow the link: https://www.aia.org/showcases/174416-tony-garcia-aia

Member News: Jim Mumford Featured in SD Home/Garden Magazine

Congratulations to AIASD Corporate Allied Member, Jim Mumford, President of Good Earth Plant Company and GreenScaped Buildings for his recent feature in the February 2018 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine.

Issue is available via digital edition (page 92-94) or on newsstands now.

Member News: Bluemotif Architecture Featured in San Diego Home/Garden Magazine

Matthew Ellis, AIA of Bluemotif Architecture recently designed Queensborough, an East Coast-inspired cocktail lounge located in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. The modern cocktail lounge with an old-fashioned twist is a multi-level space that fuses both new and original materials.

The February 2018 San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine is available on newsstands and digital now.

Member News: Asquared Studios Receives Best of Houzz 2018 Award

Asquared Studios has won “Best Of Design” and “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our established Architectural Design Studio was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals. Asquared Studios has won “Best Of Design” and “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Our established Architectural Design Studio was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2017. A “Best Of Houzz 2018” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

At Asquared Studios, we believe in what we do “for you”; simply stated, we help bring our client’s dreams to life, and along the way we develop a lasting relationship filled with truth, tribulations, laughter, and friendship. We want to thank all of our clients, general contractors, and building design colleagues for motivating us to offer the best possible architectural services.

“The Houzz community selected a phenomenal group of Best of Houzz 2018 award winners, so this year’s recipients should be very proud,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz. “Best of Houzz winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry, and we are extremely pleased to give them both this recognition and a platform on which to showcase their expertise.”

Houzz is recognized as the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. It can be accessed online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality.

Member News: IS Architecture Receives A 2018 "Home of the Year" Award

Congratulations to IS Architecture for receiving a 2018 Home of the Year Award in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine. Featured in the February 2018 issue available on newsstands now, the 1916 Prairie style home in Mission Hills underwent a restoration that preserved its historic integrity while embracing modern features.

Learn more about the project at IS Architecture's Accolades page here, or visit SDHG's digital edition (available soon). Photography by Matthew Meier.

Member News: Bill Bocken Receives A 2018 "Home of the Year" Award

Congratulations to AIA San Diego member, Bill Bocken, AIA for his recent 2018 Home of the Year Award in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine! Landing the cover of the February 2018 issue, Bocken remodeled a 1960's ranch home in Point Loma, and included an addition.

The issue is available on newsstands right now, and the digital edition will be available on SDHG's site soon.

Bill Bocken, AIA specializes in architecture, interior, and garden design. With over 30 years of experience, you can learn more about Bocken here or or on his Houzz page. Photography by Shelley Metcalf.

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