Ideas

  “Buildings are not commodities that can be replaced with the next hot product. They house the people that are most precious to us and the activities that are most critical to education, production, community, and health outcomes. Design for the highest performance over the long term.” – Vivian Loftness, Elsevier Interview   Last week,…

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“Light is the first element of design; without it there is no color, form, or texture.” – Thomas E. Farin   It’s no secret that well-executed lighting design is essential to creating more productive workplaces, fostering employee well being, and lifting the spirits of visitors when they walk through the doors. Gone are the days of…

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The Engineering and Science (E&S) Building at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown campus is getting a major renovation that is driven in large part by concern for sustainability.  The project, designed by IKM Incorporated, Pittsburgh architects, and currently under construction, is seeking LEED certification. The envelope of the Engineering and Science Building will remain mostly…

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As part of IKM’s mission “to provide innovative and informed services that positively impact the world,” the firm often sends staff to conferences to further their education – thus staying “informed.” Such was the case recently with IKM’s VP of Corporate Communication, Patty Swisher, attending the “RaganDisney” conference, “Social Media Conference for PR, Marketing and…

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While some of his canvases may display leftover paint from his parent’s dining room, IKM’s Resident Artist, Cameron Logan’s art is far from ordinary.  Mixing with other mediums like acrylic paint and Indian ink, Logan describes his artwork as a form of “mental meditation” that mirrors his architectural design aesthetic. “I tend to prefer simpler…

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Design team sets up shop at Chartiers Valley High School for a week-long, interactive design charette. January 12, 2015 — Having been selected as the architects for the evaluation, planning and design of renovations and new construction associated with the Chartiers Valley High School and Middle School project, IKM has been working with the school…

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Pittsburgh Architects, IKM, receive National Award for Training Program Interns in architecture aren’t what you think of when you first think “intern.” The generally accepted definition of an intern is a student who is still in school, who is seeking practical work experience for their first resume and who ultimately will use that experience to…

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