Nikko Wedding Chapel

Nikko Wedding Chapel

CIVIL & CULTURAL / HOSPITALITY

Nikko Wedding Chapel

ROLE: Architect, Interior Design
CLIENT: World Bridal Micronesia

The World Bridal wedding chapel is an innovative chapel concept for the Japanese wedding market. This concept includes a dramatic chapel building located on the cliff line overlooking Tumon Bay, along with three salon buildings, and an office structure that surrounds a landscaped courtyard plaza. The lighting of the Chapel includes uplighting of the majestic exterior columns with walkway lighting and tropical landscaping.  

The salons are individual residential-scale units designed to offer the wedding couple and their family a place to congregate and prepare for the wedding. The three salons allow for various wedding couples to prepare in privacy and in close proximity to the Chapel, and  they offer a convenient reception area for after the wedding. 

Adjacent to the Hotel Nikko Guam, the facility has a spectacular view of the ocean and offers a world class wedding experience.  

Dena`ina Civic and Convention Center

Dena`ina Civic and Convention Center

CIVIC & CULTURAL

Dena`ina Civic and Convention Center

ROLE: Architect 
CLIENT: Alaska Center for Convention and Trade, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kevin Smith
AWARDS: 2010 Design-Build Merit Award, Design-Build Institute of America

Working closely with the J L Properties/Venture Development Group development team and in collaboration with LMN Architects, RIM Architects designed this civic and convention center for Downtown Anchorage. The name of this facility, “Dena`ina Civic and Convention Center”, was selected in recognition of the Athabascan people who first settled the Upper Cook Inlet basin area approximately 1,500 years ago. 

This 200,000 SF facility includes a 50,000 SF exhibit hall, a 25,000 SF ballroom, and 12,000 SF of meeting rooms. Key components of the civic center include extensive circulation, registration, and support areas. Its design is vibrant and contemporary–offering convenient, flexible, and attractive space to visitors and the Anchorage community.

Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center

CIVIC & CULTURAL

Eielson Visitor Center

ROLE: Architect, Planner 
CLIENT: National Park Service
SUSTAINABILITY: LEED Platinum 
AWARDS:

Citation Award; American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska; Members’ Choice Awards [Most Alaskan; Liked the Best; Most Original Design], American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska 

Located 67 miles inside the pristine beauty of Denali National Park and Preserve, the visitor center was designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding wilderness. Durable materials were required to withstand the extremes of winter and to perform in accordance with LEED Platinum Certification. The partial submersion of the building preserves the astonishing view of Mt. McKinley while offering panoramic views at the roof deck’s observation lookout.

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

CIVIC & CULTURAL

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

ROLE:  Architect
CLIENT:  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
AWARDS:

2005 Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture – American Institute of Architects, AK Chapter

2005 Design for Life Award-Public Buildings; American Society of Interior Designers, WA Chapter

This visitor center is sited on a natural bluff with occupied spaces arranged along the southern façade to maximize views of Kachemak Bay. The intent is for all occupants to feel a connection with coastal Alaska. Thus, the building orients itself toward the sea coast, and turns its back on the adjacent highway. The coastal façade is open and inviting, while the urban façade incorporates solid sound buffer walls to reinforce the permanence of the institutions housed within. The upper and lower floors remain connected visually by means of open areas or overlooks. Other connections to nature include access to interpretive trails and various outdoor amenities such as an amphitheater and plazas. 

The building was programmed as an important community element, having a distinct local identity and expressing a strong historical association with artisans. Hence, the design team commissioned original works within the building to integrate with the architecture. The seamless result has been well received. 

  

This 35,000 SF facility is shared by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve.  It is essentially divided into three distinct functional components: Visitor Facilities, Educational Program Spaces, and Headquarter Offices. An 832 SF laboratory and research area provide space for scientific research of marine wildlife and educational purposes. 

  

General Contractor:  Jay-Brant General Contractors, Homer 

Pacific Buddhist Academy

Pacific Buddhist Academy

CIVIC AND CULTURAL / EDUCATION

Pacific Buddhist Academy

ROLE: Planning, Architect of Record, Interior Design, Construction Administration
CLIENT: Pacific Buddhist Academy
PROGRAM: 2-story, 10,800 SF, classrooms, lab, multi-purpose rooms, and Tea Room
PHOTOGRAPHY: Andre Brizzi
Pacific Buddhist Academy (PBA), was founded in Hawai`i in 2003, and by 2010 the academy outgrew its current location. With a goal to double its student population and continue to provide high-quality education, a larger facility was built to align with PBA’s mission and values.

As the first Shin Buddhist high school to open outside of Japan, and the first accredited Buddhist high school in the United States, PBA embraces Buddhist values, while at the same time seeking a diverse student body. PBA’s core mission is to educate students through enlightened learning and peace practice, so that they may become active members of their community. RIM and the design team created a flagship facility that embodies PBA’s core values and provides a space for students and teachers to grow and flourish.