Performance Chevrolet's New Look

Williams + Paddon led the recent efforts to upgrade the Performance Chevrolet car dealership in Sacramento, CA. 

The improvements were focused in the primary exterior façade facing Madison Avenue and Wall Street, areas surrounding the main showroom, the interior of the main showroom, reception, hallways, and Service Department customer lounge area. Accessibility upgrades for both site and interior were also included in this project.

Our team led coordination efforts with Gensler's Chicago office to ensure all upgrades were in line with corporate standards and national branding. The project's success was hinged on our flexibility and responsiveness in incorporating changes requested by the owner after construction had begun.



Photos are courtesy of Wells Construction.

 

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DIY Diva : Building a Designer Style Headboard in No Time!

There's no better use of spare time than a good DIY project, in my book!

So when we moved into our new home in early Spring, the first thing I wanted to do was make our very own headboard. I looked online for inspiration, as well as instructions. The one that caught my eye was not a traditional upholstered headboard--its nail head design added a little bit of character. This particular designer headboard retails for $1250... I was up for quite a challenge!

Step 1: Buy materials--plywood cut to size, quilt backing, nail head trim, picture hooks, fabric of choice, staple gun.

Step 2: Wrap the quilt bating and fabric over the front and staple them both to the back of the plywood. Trim the excess.

Step 3: Replicate the nail head pattern. I used a nail head trim in place of individual nail heads, so instead of hammering each nail head in individually, I only had to nail every fifth one. This nail head trim was also great because it was easier to keep a straight line.


Step 4: Attach picture hooks to the back of the headboard, about six inches from either side, and hang on the wall behind the bed. 

Despite the fact that it’s a fairly large piece, it was surprisingly easy to put together and only took about an hour. I am thrilled with the results and it only cost me $90... saving over a thousand dollars! Not only am I happy about the savings, but I’m also proud to know I was able to create something beautiful and customized to my taste!

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AIA Central Valley Appoints Brian Whitmore as Treasurer

On November 13, Brian Whitmore, AIA, LEED® AP, was elected to the position of Treasurer for the AIA Central Valley Chapter.

The AIA Central Valley is the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects that serves 17 Northern California counties, including Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba. The Chapter has been in existence since 1942 and has grown from a group of 5 charter members to a current membership of 850, serving architects, associates working towards licensure, students and allied professionals.

Brian has already served as Director for the Chapter since 2011. As Treasurer, he now serves on the Executive Committee, with the opportunity to culminate as President of the Chapter in 2017.

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PCOE : A Study in 21st Century Educational Environments

The recently completed I-Learn and I-Care Charter School and Professional Development Facility for Placer County Office of Education is an excellent example of Williams + Paddon’s commitment to 21st Century Learning.

This adaptive re-use of an existing commercial office building for educational use houses two County dependent Charters and a professional development center: 

• The I-Care Program - a school for “at-risk” middle and high school age students who are struggling in the public school environment
• The I-Learn Program - focused on “home-school” program resources and learning
• A 160-seat professional development and staff resource room, administrative office space and “itinerate” docking area for PCOE staff and administration.

The facility, a 22,000 sf existing building, was designed to allow for maximum use of the space, accommodation of natural daylight and the concept of a shared “hub” space that could be used for student interaction and break out. This tenant improvement demonstrates how commercial office space can be transformed into a 21st Century Learning facility through proper programming, infrastructure and safety/ security measures. The classrooms utilize SMART technology, tablet based audio-visual systems and lighting control, and are arranged around a shared “hub” area for social interaction and student presentation. The furniture is mobile and offers both lecture and soft seating options.
The need to specify “indestructible” materials was pronounced from the beginning of design development due to security/safety and vandalism concerns. This appeared to discourage investments in 21st Century Learning; however, by working closely with PCOE’s administration and staff, Williams + Paddon developed creative design solutions that addressed these needs while still promoting the principles of 21st Century Learning.

The design incorporated a combination of heightened visibility, durability of materials, ergonomic furniture, and warmth of color, resulting in spaces that students consciously value and choose not to vandalize. This strategic investment to develop spaces students would consider “their own” and take pride in reduces any inclination towards vandalism and increases the students’ involvement and desire to care for the environment. Above all else, Williams + Paddon believes a pleasing, comfortable, clean and well-maintained educational facility brings about more positive perspectives and is particularly conducive to learning.

This design direction led the District to commit both complex technology and high quality furniture for a richer interior environment. The investment has proven to be especially rewarding: the reaction of the students was one of amazement. It is evident that they appreciate the high level of care demonstrated by their new surroundings, and the sense that the community has truly invested in them encourages them to better value this opportunity to learn.

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Williams + Paddon’s Commitment to 21st Century Learning

In today’s world, it’s become more evident that true learning happens everywhere—inside, outside, and in all the nooks and crannies in between.

Williams + Paddon supports this by developing 21st Century Learning Environments that are extremely adaptive—where a hallway may serve as a gallery or stage, and an outdoor plaza can be as a classroom.

These environments are collaborative—information is not just obtained and mastered, but also shared, reflected upon and added on to—utilizing the careful integration of technology, equipment and mobile furnishings that allow spaces to be both comfortable and flexible. We design a multitude of spaces for the various ways in which people learn—balancing traditional lecture halls with more private environments as well as a more spontaneous, collaborative environments.

In addition, we understand that educational facilities that closely mimic the real world (such as career technical education space) can be more compelling and relevant than static or standard spaces. We work hard to weave our knowledge of commercial, civic and hospitality design into the educational environment; thus creating real workplaces and dynamic environments that people seek out to be educated within.

In creating 21st Century Learning Environments, our incorporation of sustainable practices is vital. In addition to directly translating into cost savings for long-term facilities maintenance, sustainable design improves occupant comfort, indoor air quality, access to daylight and views, and the overall relationship between indoor and outdoor space. These elements have been shown to impact the long-term operational budget through the improvement of the health and well-being of employees, reductions in absenteeism and improvements in productivity. And just as this premise is logical when it comes to working adults, all the more it makes sense when it comes to children and young adults who need to be able to focus in order to learn—they can apply themselves most effectively to learning if their environment is appropriate, comfortable and not distracting.

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AOC's New Merced Los Banos Courthouse Continues to Move Forward

The Judicial Council of California has authorized the Los Banos Courthouse project to proceed with preliminary plans to 100% Design Development.

This development is of great community significance for the County of Merced, the City of Los Banos, and the public it will serve. The modern, secure, and functionally appropriate courthouse will expand court services in western Merced County by providing a jury capable courtroom, and a jury assembly room to allow jury selection and trials to be held in Los Banos.  It will also be adding a family law division to provide family law proceedings, including mediation and self-help services.

The 29,500 SF building is designed to embody the ideals of the California justice system and enhance the employees’ ability to efficiently serve the public. The courthouse conveys a lasting civic impression that is dignified and welcoming.

 

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Serrano Country Club : Fitness Center Expansion

Williams + Paddon assisted Serrano Country Club with the expansion of its existing fitness center.

 

 

The addition includes a new 3,800 SF addition with a new enlarged fitness room, a group fitness room, 2 additional tennis courts with a viewing terrace, remodeled accessible shower & restroom facilities, remodeled and expanded dining room, and remodeled reception and multi-purpose rooms. The entire facility was upgraded with an automatic fire sprinkler system.

“We really enjoyed overcoming design challenges to ensure the addition had a unified vocabulary that tied into the existing clubhouse and fitness center,” said Mark Posnick, who was the project architect and manager. “It was a great collaborative effort with the client and RCP Construction.”

 

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Employee News : Trish Dawson

W+P's Trish Dawson : Appointed to the Citrus Heights Planning Commission

 

The Citrus Heights City Council recently appointed Trish Dawson to be one of seven Planning Commissioners for the City of Citrus Heights for a four-year term. The Planning Commission holds hearings in a public forum to review land use planning issues for the city. Planning commissioners are selected by the City Council for their interest, experience, and expertise.

Trish has resided in Citrus Heights for the past 27 years, and has tirelessly devoted her time to her community. She held the position of Chamber of Commerce President in 2010 and Vice President for Economic Development in 2009, and she was one of the founders of the Elevate Young Professionals Group. Trish graduated from Leadership Citrus Heights and received the President’s Award in 2007.

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