Author: Lyssa Perry

  • St. Timothy and St. Athanasius Orthodox Church

    St. Timothy and St. Athanasius Orthodox Church

    STSA Church had been meeting at rented facility for many years prior to purchasing their current property in Arlington. With a vision for bringing an ancient faith to a modern world, STSA uniquely holds two services; one with traditional liturgy and another with contemporary worship style and message. Between these services is a time for breaking fast and fellowship. The architecture reflects and enhances this practice with two rooms for differing worship styles and an interstitial large, light-filled foyer. Further, the parking areas on the ground level are the monolithic, solid foundation representing the ancient practices while the modernist church exterior is an expression of the current era. Icons and interior finishes of the sanctuary were designed by Line Architects in Egypt.

     

    Location

    Arlington, VA

    Square Footage

    103,500 SF (28,480 for the Church)

    Owner

    St. Timothy & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church








  • Cartersville First Baptist Church

    Cartersville First Baptist Church

    Cartersville First Baptist Church is a fast-growing, yet longstanding congregation in the north Georgia region with historical significance. Their existing worship room is a contemporary box and not conducive to smaller, intimate gatherings like weddings and funerals. Further, more classrooms were needed to accommodate the burgeoning children’s ministry. LDDBlueline provided master planning services which translated into the large addition and renovation constructed. Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, LDDBlueline completed the construction documents and made regular site visits to observe construction. One unique feature is the stained glass in the chapel which was relocated from their former church building to provide a beautiful backdrop for chapel services.

    Location

    Cartersville, GA

    Square Footage

    20,000 SF

    Owner

    Cartersville First Baptist Church








  • Innovative Solutions for Budget-Driven Educational School Projects:  Embracing Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

    Innovative Solutions for Budget-Driven Educational School Projects: Embracing Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

    By Jack Duran, AIA, Vice President | Regional Director | Published on June 6, 2024

    Innovative Solutions for Budget-Driven Educational School Projects: Embracing Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

    Private and charter schools often face unique challenges in educational infrastructure, particularly regarding funding. The need for cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or aesthetics is paramount in Texas, where limited or no state funds per student are allocated. In response to this challenge, forward-thinking architecture firms are considering innovative approaches, such as utilizing pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) as structural frames, to deliver exceptional educational facilities within tight budgets.

     

    Pre-engineered metal buildings have long been recognized for their efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness in various construction projects. Traditionally associated with warehouses and industrial facilities, PEMBs have undergone significant advancements in design and technology, making them a viable option for educational buildings.

     

    Cost-Effectiveness

    One of the primary reasons for choosing PEMBs in budget-driven school projects is their cost-effectiveness. With private and charter schools operating within limited budgets, PEMBs offer significant savings compared to traditional construction methods. The streamlined manufacturing process and ease of assembly reduce construction time and labor costs, translating into overall project savings.

     

    Structural Integrity and Durability

    Despite their cost-effectiveness, PEMBs do not compromise on structural integrity or durability. Engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-term stability, these buildings offer a reliable and resilient solution for educational facilities. This is particularly important for schools in regions prone to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

     

    Flexibility in Design

    Contrary to popular misconceptions, choosing a PEMB as a structural frame does not limit design possibilities. Modern PEMB systems offer a high degree of flexibility regarding architectural aesthetics and functional layout. Schools can customize their building envelopes with various exterior finishes, including masonry and stone, to achieve the desired look and feel while staying within budget constraints.

     

    Sustainable Construction

    In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability is a key consideration in construction projects. PEMBs are inherently sustainable, as they are often fabricated from recycled materials and can be easily disassembled and reused if necessary. Additionally, the energy efficiency of metal buildings can contribute to reduced operational costs for educational institutions in the long run.

     

    Case Study: LDDBlueline’s Approach

    LDDBlueline specializes in designing educational facilities for private and charter schools in Texas. Its focus is on maximizing value without compromising quality. The firm has embraced pre-engineered metal buildings in several projects, recognizing the importance of budget-driven solutions.

     

    One notable example is a Charter School, where the firm integrated PEMBs as the structural frame while incorporating high-quality exterior finishes to enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal. By strategically combining cost-effective materials with innovative design solutions, LDDBlueline delivers a new Grade School building that meets the school’s functional requirements while staying within budget constraints.

     

    Innovative Solutions for Budget-Driven Educational School Projects: Embracing Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, using pre-engineered metal buildings as structural frames presents a compelling solution for budget-driven educational school projects, particularly in contexts with limited funding. By leveraging the cost-effectiveness, structural integrity, and design flexibility of PEMBs, architecture firms can deliver high-quality educational facilities that meet the needs of students, educators, and communities alike. With careful planning and innovative design strategies, budget constraints need not limit the creation of inspiring learning environments for the next generation.

     

     

  • Unlocking Potential:  Human Resources as the Engine of Organizational Excellence

    Unlocking Potential: Human Resources as the Engine of Organizational Excellence

    By Danielle Coates, PHR, SHRM-CP, Human Resources | Recruiting | Published on May 28, 2024

    My journey into Human Resources began in college through an HR work-study program in the banking industry at a Fortune 500 company. I was fortunate to experience traditional HR and organizational development there, which gave me a well-rounded glimpse into the world of HR. I graduated with a degree in Business Management with a concentration in HR (yes, I am working in my field of study 😊). Throughout my career, I’ve gained extensive HR experience at rapidly growing companies across various industries, including pharmaceutical, banking, real estate/appraisal management, medical equipment, and now most recently HR in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) space. I’ve obtained HR-specific certifications (PHR and SHRM-CP), continually striving to enhance my expertise. Along the way, I’ve had numerous mentors who have guided me, reinforcing the importance of HR as a strategic partner in any organization.

    At LDDBlueline our mission is to deliver innovative buildings of lasting value that exceed client expectations. In order to support that mission, it is vital to have personnel policies and practices that ensure that employees are provided the tools they need to grow professionally. For example, licensure and career development is very important at the firm, so we provide support for employees to obtain further education and certifications. Additionally, we have implemented a quarterly review process to replace annual reviews to provide timely feedback and support for professional development. We want our employees to have a clear path to success within the firm.

    At LDDBlueline, our core values are Honor, Integrity, Generosity, and Humility. The culture at our firm can be described as one of creativity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. In order to drive that culture, we employ several strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent, and we must constantly re-evaluate these strategies in an ever-changing employment environment.  We have several professional development initiatives underway, including a mentor and internship program, which follows our organization’s commitment to excellence. Additionally, all employees fill out a weekly reporting system to highlight comments, tasks and concerns from employees that is shared with our leadership team. 

    LDDBlueline’s mission, values, and culture should drive every decision we make, including influencing HR practices.  As the HR and Recruiting leader, I am a strategic partner working with both employees and leaders to help ensure we are all headed in the same direction. I oversee the execution of HR processes, policies and procedures, strategies, programs, and operations. I work closely with all stakeholders to ensure our HR and Recruiting practices align with our business goals. At LDDBlueline, we believe in doing what we say and saying what we do, ensuring transparency and trust within our team. 

    Lastly, we are hiring!! If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities, please send your resume to careers@i-hate-architects.wr.ardent.dev

  • Resurgens Orthopaedics at Forsyth Physicians Center

    Resurgens Orthopaedics at Forsyth Physicians Center

    LDDBlueline was selected to provide architectural and interior design services for Resurgens’ 21,500 sf medical office space. The suite includes 42 exam rooms, 2 x-ray rooms, administrative suites, rehabilitation suites, an MR suite, all with specialty finishes to complete the look and feel.

    Location

    Cumming, GA

    Square Footage

    21,500 SF 

    Owner

    Resurgens Orthopaedics










  • Northside Hospital Forsyth Medical Office Building V

    Northside Hospital Forsyth Medical Office Building V

    LDDBlueline worked with each tenant and Northside Hospital – Forsyth for all aspects of the Space Planning / Interior Design Services. Included in the design is a new aquatic therapy pool which includes zero entry for ease of patients getting in and out without the use of stairs. An underwater treadmill was also installed in the pool for therapy exercises. Also, LDDBlueline de­signed a variety of rehabilitation or therapy areas. These spaces are typically large, open rooms with a few adjacent, individual treatment rooms. LDDBlueline often times help layout the indi­vidual pieces of equipment throughout the rehabilitation space, along with customizing millwork and/or finish items to meet specific therapy needs.

    Location

    Cumming, GA

    Square Footage

    55,741 SF (all suites combined)

    Owner

    Northside Hospital Forsyth








  • Skin Cancer Specialists P.C. & Aesthetic Center Medical Office Building

    Skin Cancer Specialists P.C. & Aesthetic Center Medical Office Building

    LDDBlueline was selected to provide full architectural and interior design services, including furniture, fixture and equipment selection. This new medical office building is a 1-story, single tenant facility and includes 22 Mohs and Aesthetic Exam rooms, aesthetic services area, administrative offices, break room, and work stations.

    Location

    Newnan, GA

    Square Footage

    12,496 SF

    Owner

    Newnan Dermatology, LLC










  • Northside-Cherokee Town Lake Medical Office Building and Parking Deck

    Northside-Cherokee Town Lake Medical Office Building and Parking Deck

    On a four-acre site, this 103,869 square foot medical office building consists of four stories of tenant space and a 119,325 square foot, 351-space, pre-cast concrete parking deck which connects to the building with a covered walkway. The building is a Class A Medical Office Building for Northside Hospital. It houses various physician offices and clinical spaces supporting the Northside Cherokee Hospital campus. The building exterior is brick-clad architectural precast wall panels with blue-tinted glazing.

    In 2016, a 2,200 s.f. addition to the shell building was required to support an Ambulatory Surgery Center for this facility. The construction of the new addition matched the existing building’s brick-clad precast concrete wall panels with high performance glass. LDDBlueline provided full architectural and interior design services for the addition and the Surgery Center. The Ambulatory Surgery Center includes three (3) operating rooms and one procedure room with required support and patient areas.

    Location

    Woodstock, GA

    Square Footage

    103,869 SF building; 119,325 SF parking deck
















  • Forsyth Physicians Center

    Forsyth Physicians Center

    LDDBlueline provided full architectural and interior design services for this medical center. Our Interior Design Studio provided interior design services for the core as well as the Resurgens Orthopedics tenant including an MRI Suite.

    Location

    Cumming, GA

    Square Footage

    95,232 SF

    Owner

    ISTAR North Old Atlanta Road LLC










  • 660 Cherokee Street Medical Office Building

    660 Cherokee Street Medical Office Building

    This is a two-story, 37,864 square foot Medical Office Building. LDDBlueline provide full architectural and interior design for this shell building project which includes the public lobby, fire egress stairs, 2 elevators and building support spaces. Our Interior Design Studio also provided interior design services for Piedmont Healthcare’s imaging suite, cardiology suite, primary care suite, and pulmonology suite. 660 Cherokee Street consists of steel frame construction with brick and EIFS for the exterior skin with aluminum and glass window systems.

    Location

    Atlanta, GA

    Square Footage

    37,864 SF

    Owner

    SK Commercial Realty