IKM Incorporated, celebrating 100-years of design excellence, continues to promote improving the knowledge-base of its professional staff through monthly education programs and on-location visits to job sites and product manufacturer locations.
This month, IKM architects represented by eight staff including graduate and registered architects toured Centria’s Product Innovation Center in Ambridge, PA. The Innovation Center houses the company’s testing and training facilities for its metal wall and roof systems for commercial and industrial buildings.
Two recent projects designed by IKM which feature the Centria metal wall panel systems include theWestinghouse Corporate Headquarters in Cranberry, PA and the St. Clair Hospital Emergency Department Additionin Mt. Lebanon, PA.
After a brief classroom-style presentation from District Sales Manager Benjamin Marnik, PE, the architects toured the indoor and outdoor testing facilities, viewing the onsite equipment and capabilities, including: sample fabrication; mock ups of wall and window systems; and air, water and load testing areas. In addition to testing new products at the Innovation Center, Centria uses the mock up areas to demonstrate the physical properties of its various products, best practices in application and to conduct focus groups for input on quality, performance and the aesthetic attributes of products.
“At IKM, we believe hands-on learning creates a lasting impression,” says Tami Greene, AIA, NCARB, the head of IKM’s Intern Development Program. “The more exposure we can provide to our intern architects, the better design decisions they can make; whether it’s in design development or construction observation. These tours further that knowledge and understanding.”
“We practice what we preach here,” said Keith Boyer, Director of Design and Development for Centria, “portions of the building feature numerous Centria products and systems.”
About IKM IKM is a knowledge-based architecture, planning and interior design practice founded in 1911. The firm’s portfolio exemplifies the reputation of excellence in executing high profile, high design commissions including theLEED® Silver renovation and addition to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the University of Pittsburgh’s LEED® Gold McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and award winning projects such as the Westinghouse Corporate Headquarters.
About Centria (www.CENTRIA.com) is where building teams turn for solutions, support and a distinct advantage in architectural metal wall and roof systems. Based in Pittsburgh (Moon Township, Pa.), Centria has a world-wide reputation of helping to create commercial and industrial buildings that are beautiful, functional and sustainable. Visitwww.CENTRIA.com and find out more about why we are…Distinctively Centria.