Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center

Aug 26, 2007

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.

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building

Aug 26, 2006

COMMERCIAL OFFICE

Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building

ROLE: Architect of Record, Interior Design 
CLIENT: Guam Power Authority
SUSTAINABILITY: LEED Silver 

Guam Power Authority (GPA) experienced major operational inefficiencies as a result of scattered offices throughout Guam for the company’s GPA and Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) employees. Prior to planning and designing a new campus facility, RIM conducted more than 60 interviews with GPA/GWA management and staff, visiting their existing facilities to determine what the employees needed. The result was a new 116,000 SF, 3-story facility for management, accounting, human resources, procurement, engineering, customer service, and IT employees. Desired components included offices, conference space, training centers, a client customer service center, and a central control system to monitor power island-wide. With its energy-efficient features, this building has become the standard for sustainability in Guam and is certified as LEED Silver. 

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.