Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

Alaska Islands & Visitor Center

Aug 26, 2005

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 

PG&E Headquarters Remodel

PG&E Headquarters Remodel

Aug 27, 2002

COMMERCIAL OFFICE / EDUCATION

PG&E Headquarters Remodel

ROLE: Architecture & Interior Design
CLIENT: Pacific Gas & Electric
DESIGN BUILDER: Roebbelen

The renovation of the eighth and twenty-seventh floors of PG&E’s headquarters is now complete. Located in San Francisco’s financial district at 77 Beale Street, the newly renovated floors include meeting rooms, offices, a dining area, quiet spaces, and lounge areas for viewing the bay. RIM provided architectural and interior design services from conceptual design through construction documents for both floors including furniture and room layouts.      

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

Jan 29, 1997

COMMERCIAL OFFICE / EDUCATION / BRANDING

PG&E Center for Gas Safety and Innovation

ROLE: Architect of Record, Interior Design, Construction Administration
CLIENT: Pacific Gas & Electric
PROGRAM:

25,000 SF: Offices, Breakroom & Materials Library, Conference Room, Workshops, Technical Testing & Training Rooms 
PRESS: PG&E Opens New 25,000-Square-Foot Center for Gas Safety and Innovation
PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Mourraille
RIM completed the design for this showcase project for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The scope of work included relocation and consolidation of three individual PG&E groups from existing locations in Concord and San Ramon to one, new consolidated operations facility in Dublin, California. The functions of the three groups vary. The responsibilities for the Test Lab group involve testing, evaluation, and implementation of measurement and control devices and systems used throughout the PG&E system. The Measurement & Procedures group activities include research, testing, and evaluation of new gas construction methods, tools, and technologies. Lastly, the Non-Destructive Evaluation group reviews gas operations methods, tools, and technologies. This new, combined building provides a workspace for approximately 50 employees with varying workstation styles and collaboration zones. This state-of-the-art facility is a milestone for PG&E’s latest innovations and technologies with gas piping, design, and monitoring.
Pacific Buddhist Academy

Pacific Buddhist Academy

Jan 30, 1995

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.

KIRC Administration Building

KIRC Administration Building

Oct 31, 1994

COMMERCIAL / CIVIC AND CULTURAL / EDUCATION

KIRC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

ROLE: Design Architect
CLIENT: Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC)
PRESS: KIRC Unveils Plans for New Center
A Voyage of Design
RIM provided concept designs for KIRC to use to receive financing and approvals. This 20,000 SF facility is designed with the Hawaiian culture as a centerpiece, complete with central community spaces, a cultural museum and collaborative office spaces. The building will facilitate educational, administrative, exhibition, and operational functions associated with the island of Kaho`olawe, along with activities supporting Native Hawaiian cultural practice. Specific uses within the proposed center include offices, a historical and interactive exhibit about Kaho`olawe Island, meeting spaces, classrooms, a visitor center, gift shop, and café. The proposed project will also include the development of an outdoor performance/gathering area, plant nursery, exterior interactive exhibits, parking and related improvements.