RIM Announces Two New Principals

RIM Architects (RIM) announces the promotion of Michelle Klouda, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, and Jason Arnold, AIA, NCARB, CDT as Principals in RIM’s Anchorage office. “Michelle and Jason actively participate in the Alaskan community, volunteering for various organizations and managing the design process for an assortment of project types. Both have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and are exceptionally qualified and well-deserving of this promotion,” remarked James Dougherty, Managing Principal of RIM’s Anchorage office.

Michelle, a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in Architecture, began her career at RIM in 2007 as a summer intern. “I’ve always wanted to be an ambassador for RIM. For that reason, I participate in several organizations: Downtown Community Council, Past President for the Society of American Military Engineers, Anchorage Post, and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership. As a Principal, I’ll have an even greater opportunity to contribute and represent the firm.”

Beginning at RIM as an intern in 2008, Jason is now President of the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) Alaska Chapter, an Alaska State Licensing Advisor for the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the Architectural Registration Examinations (ARE), a member of the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) visiting team, and a member of the Food Bank of Alaska’s Building Committee.

Jason is a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and minors in Digital Media Design and Philosophy. Prior to joining RIM, he served in the U.S. Army for ten years as an Army Resources Sergeant with several deployments to Iraq. “In my role as Principal, I plan to focus on implementing new programs, processes, and technology to streamline and improve our project delivery.”

RIM Architects is a design firm providing excellence in comprehensive architecture, interior design, planning strategy, sustainable design, and branding/graphic design services since 1986. Today, RIM is recognized for its diversity in regional design expertise—created and managed by a staff of 70 who are strategically located in Anchorage, Alaska; San Francisco and Tustin, California; Hagatña, Guam; and Honolulu, Hawaii. RIM supports clients from pre-design strategy through project implementation, occupancy, and post-occupancy follow up.

RIM Names David McVeigh as CEO/President

RIM Architects (RIM) announced David L. McVeigh as CEO/President, succeeding Larry S. Cash, who plans to continue as Founder and Chair of the Board. “Dave is a proven leader who has demonstrated his business skills, architectural knowledge, and keen ability to bring people together for more than 34 years. His vision is exactly what RIM needs as the company enters its next chapter of invigoration, innovation, and growth.”

Since joining the company in 1986 Dave has spearheaded initiatives across the company’s portfolio, working with each of RIM’s five offices to maximize the potential of each regional site and strengthen the offerings of the entire firm. He has introduced and led the firm into foreign markets spanning from Australia, Russia, and throughout Asia. Having resided in Alaska, Guam, and Hawaii, Dave recognizes regional and business diversification. He is keenly aware of the impact local culture brings to the design process.

Larry said, “Dave is clearly the right person to lead RIM and has the unanimous support of all of our Principals. He is a well-respected consensus builder who has thoughtfully and tirelessly supported RIM’s staff and clients. We couldn’t have selected a more qualified, knowledgeable role model to lead RIM.”

Dave’s focus will be business development and strategic growth the offering of diversified services and locations that complement RIM’s geographic diversity and design expertise. “I am humbled to lead RIM in this new decade. Larry has been my inspiration, my guide, and my lifetime mentor. I will do all I can to continue the great work Larry has inspired. Although Larry is not retiring, he will take a modified role, advising and counseling the firm while maintaining a schedule that allows more time with his family.”

RIM Architects is a design firm providing excellence in comprehensive architecture, interior design, planning strategy, sustainable design, and branding/graphic design services since 1986. Today, RIM is recognized for its diversity in regional design expertise—created and managed by a staff of 70 who are strategically located in Anchorage, Alaska; San Francisco and Tustin, California; Hagatña, Guam; and Honolulu, Hawaii. RIM supports clients from pre-design strategy through project implementation, occupancy, and post-occupancy follow up.

RIM served as Architect of Record for the newly opened Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, located on the Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaii. As the first Auberge Resorts property in the Aloha State, this popular, luxury hotel has experienced up to 100% occupancy during its first few weeks of reopening. The redesigned resort is sited on 32 oceanside acres and offers three distinct pools, five restaurants, two golf courses, a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, and various outdoor programs.

The famous Canoe House, which is the resort’s iconic signature restaurant, was largely preserved structurally, maintaining the large volume ceilings and heavy timber beams. The interior and exterior spaces, including the central bar, are completely new with a wide range of casual seating opportunities and exquisite décor. The Canoe House is recognized as the kitchen where modern Hawaiian cuisine pioneer Alan Wong made his mark. Canoe House is carrying on this tradition under Chef Matt Raso.

RIM’s in-house team included David McVeigh, Principal-in-Charge, Brent Wiese, Project Manager; Eric Nelson, On- Site Construction Administrator; Molly Logelin; Jagit Riyait, Jamie Busch, Dana Aiken, Louie Garcia, and Leo Bisarra, Jr., and a host of RIM’s talented designers, technicians, and support staff. The team was supported by 16 other outside consultants.

We asked Eric Nelson, about his involvement.

“I was heavily involved throughout the entire construction process, providing construction administration services and advising about design details. This project had a 12-month construction schedule which is very short for a $200 million construction project. During construction, many changes occurred. Brent and Molly managed the construction documents and design changes, and I oversaw real time construction design and administration.

Mauna Lani was an extremely complex and expedited project. Hawaiian Dredging did a magnificent job of managing all the complex and intricate construction tasks required to complete this project in the time allowed. At times, work was being accomplished by over 400 workers; simultaneously constructing atriums, restaurants, lobbies, fitness areas, markets, 330 guest rooms, swimming pools, landscaping, and site improvements. The owners, the contractors, the operator, the construction manager, and the Architects and Engineers all worked together as a very good team to accomplish this exceptional project.”

What was the highlight of this project for you?

“The construction documents were primarily completed under the management of Brent and Molly. For me, being full time on site, the highlight was that my fingerprints were on almost everything–from the rooms to atrium spaces. For example, for the 12’ high Teak Screens, I sat down with the fabricators and described how the screens should be built, determining the wood detailing, and how they would be anchored into the floor and ceiling. I also had the opportunity to design the Grand Stairway which is one of the major design features in the Atrium. It was a real pleasure working directly with the contractor daily to ensure that the design intent was understood and achieved. ”

What were some of the greatest challenges from your perspective?

“The schedule and the complexity of the project were the biggest challenges. The sheer volume of work to review and approve $200 million worth of work while construction is occurring is quite daunting. During the last five weeks of the project, previously unknown site conditions were discovered. This required an incredible amount of unanticipated construction to occur in order to maintain the targeted opening date.”

Brent, from your perspective, what was the biggest challenge and what is your favorite part of the project?

“The tight schedule, necessitated by the pre-determined opening date, was the biggest challenge. My favorite part of the project is the Canoe House which we successfully managed to save from installing a fire sprinkler system in that beautiful open beam, exposed wood ceiling.”