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Dental Case Study: Navigating City Codes toward a Successful Result Excelsior Town Dental construction is underway! Karkela Construction is the general contractor on the project and they expect to finish this spring. When completed, the new design will feature four treatment areas within a completely re-designed, efficient space. Space was tight at the Excelsior Town Dental. Working within the confines of an existing 2,000 square foot building, The Foundation expanded their useable space by almost two times the original clinic. By keeping the traffic flow of the clinic efficient, they were able to maximize the area of the building, gaining comfortable and productive work spaces.
Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation Architects, used his background as a current city council member and his knowledge of city government to work through many difficult layers of zoning codes, community concerns, city commissions and the city council to obtain necessary variances, commission approvals and allow the clinic to move forward in an expeditious manner. The Foundation Architects works with each dentist and clinic to meet their unique challenges with individual, personal solutions. Whether it is the look and feel of the clinic environment, or how the spaces function, our team approach with the client guides design decisions and ensures a successful overall project. See our typical dental clinic design process.
Featured Team Member (February 26, 2010) Minneapolis—Excelsior Town Dental was interested in staying at their current location, but needed help to determine whether remodeling was a feasible idea. Working with Tom Junnila of The Junnila Company, The Foundation Architects provided a building feasibility study and early schematic designs for cost analysis. We also guided the clinic through city processes to obtain necessary variances. Junnila specializes in commercial real estate services for dental clinics. The company can assist dentists in lease negotiation, financial projections and analysis for an expansion or clinic relocation, and they work with an architect to see the project through construction. Read more about Junnila in this recent Star Tribune article. Partners like The Junnila Company form a part of the collaorative team with The Foundation to make a dental clinic project run smoothly and provide the best new or remodeled space for your needs.
Stop by and See The Foundation at the Star of the North Meeting (February 13, 2010) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects will be exhibiting at the Star of the North Meeting, by the Minnesota Dental Association April 22 through 24 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. The Foundation will be located at booth #451. “We really enjoyed our time at the Star or the North Meeting last year, meeting dental professionals,” said Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation. “We are excited to go again this year. We will be showing additional dental projects in our portfolio.” They expect 9,200 attendees and several hundred exhibitors at the Star of the North meeting. There will also be speakers, sessions and entertainment available for attendees. Learn more about the event and register by visiting http://star.mndental.org.
Dental Architecture Q & A with Architect Bob Shaffer Q: What first step should I take when thinking about building or remodeling our clinic? A: Often, what you WANT to do to is increase of patients, add new equipment or secure financing. This gets you excited about the new remodeling or building project. However, we recommend first answering "What CAN we do?" A feasibility study can uncover city requirements, building codes and project timing issues that will impact your project. A feasibility study looks at your clinic specifically. Product manufacturers offer information about new equipment, but don't have the local requirement information you'll need. Depending on when your clinic was last remodeled, there may be additional compliance tasks you hadn’t considered. Often city comprehensive plans or district zoning regulations need to be reviewed. For instance, one client's clinic is located in a historic district (not a historic building), which added complexities to the project. In order to accomplish their goals, The Foundation worked to get logical variances approved by the municipality. Understanding these needs early came from conducting a feasibility study. Proactively bringing them up to the municipality helped define the work up front, which made the project more efficient. "The Foundation Architects negotiated our project smoothly through a myriad of city approvals and unforeseen pitfalls. We would not have been able to begin our project on schedule without The Foundation. In addition, we are confident that our renovated facility will be a quality, contemporary structure that blends nicely into an historic district," said Chris Johnson, DDS, Excelsior Town Dental Dentists
Foundation Architects Recently Published in Finance and Commerce Magazine (December 19, 2009) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects project at CBS radio described in the article “Foundation Architects leaves its mark on CBS Radio building” by Brian Johnson. CBS Radio was looking for a fresh update for their lobby, newsroom and studios. The landmark offices house WCCO 830AM, 102.9 LiteFM, 104.1 JackFM and others. The Foundation Architects worked with CBS Radio to strike a balance in their new central studio area between what is seen and heard. The design hides much of the technical equipment while revealing celebrity, personality and credibility. Staff, advertisers and guests appreciate the natural light that creates a more welcoming atmosphere. The lobby, newsroom, studios and guest green room were updated to mirror the energy of a continuous broadcast taking place behind the microphone. To see more photos of this project, visit the portfolio.
Robert Shaffer Appointed to Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Committee (September 24, 2009) Minneapolis—Robert Shaffer AIA, CID, LEED AP was appointed to the Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) yesterday evening. LUAC provides advice and assistance regarding land use, comprehensive planning and matters of metropolitan significance. Its members consist of at least half elected officials; Shaffer currently serves on the Golden Valley City Council. Shaffer is president of The Foundation Architects, a residential and commercial firm founded in 1994. The Foundation also specializes in dental facility design, with a unique emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and patient experience. Dental Case Study: Lodge-inspired Clinic BACKGROUND SOLUTION Instead of the typical lineup of dental chairs, The Foundation designed a unique layout that matched the practice’s workflow. Separate work zones facilitate the easy flow of employees and patients. The hygienist stations are at the core and the dentists’ two zones branch from there. Now there is ample space for the staff. The site was not previously a dental clinic, so it was nearly an entirely “from scratch” project. The Foundation was able to save one of the original restrooms, which saved the client about $15,000. The Foundation was able to blend contemporary and lodge styles by incorporating high ceilings and raised windows with bands of black granite and oak. The front desk has a concierge feel but maintains the coziness of a rustic lodge. Even back work rooms echo the warmth of the lobby with the resilient flooring that looks like wood. A custom see-through aquarium connects the waiting room with the operatories and was installed with a child’s height in mind. Cottage-style windows throughout bring the outdoors in. There is a custom dental lab, but instead of concealing the Cerec there, it is prominently displayed so patients can watch as their dental work is made. Flat-panel monitors are mounted in every operatory, which improves the communication between doctors and patients. RESULTS Take a photo tour of Chanhassen Family Dental! Dental Architecture Q & A with Architect Bob Shaffer Q. How much “green” design are your dental clinic clients really doing? We design dental clinics to incorporate some level of “green” elements. The thing to remember with “green” is that every step matters—low VOC paints and recycled carpeting are important factors to consider. So while your clinic may not have the resources to be platinum or gold LEED certified, take whatever steps you can. What seems small adds up to a big difference. Learn more about incorporating "green" design in your dental clinic by reading my white paper “Keeping Your Dental Practice Fresh by Becoming ‘Green.’” Also, feel free to contact us about your specific situation. We’d love to discuss ideas with you. Have a question for Bob? Just ask! The Foundation will follow up with an answer, and your question may be featured in the next newsletter. bob@foundationarch.com Garage Transformation in Remodel Magazine
Robert Shaffer AIA and Marie Parish of The Foundation Achieve LEED Accreditation (April 5, 2009) Minneapolis—Architect Bob Shaffer and Associate Marie Parish are now LEED Accredited Professionals. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the building industry measure of sustainable design in building practices. “LEED gives objective benchmarks to measure 'going-green'," Parish said. "By establishing clear criteria; it allows us to design to and beyond standards with more client involvement. It opens up a great conversation about goals and how to achieve them in various aspects of their projects." LEED benefits clients whether or not they choose to get their building project LEED certified. LEED AP professionals bring their knowledge to the process to affect small changes, making a big difference in the building’s impact on the environment. Even small changes can add up to the better health of the building occupants. Interested in learning more about LEED? Contact The Foundation.
The Foundation to Exhibit at Star of the North Meeting “We understand that dentists are busy. So we have a straightforward, team approach that quickly gets results—creative and efficient spaces,” said Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation. “We are looking forward to the Star of the North meeting.” Besides the exhibit floor, the Star of the North meeting will include speakers, sessions and entertainment. They expect 7,000 attendees and several hundred exhibitors. Learn more about the event and register by visiting http://star.mndental.org/
The Foundation Highlighted in National Publication Remodel “In the end, the kitchen shines. Its elegant marble counters and sinks, recycled-glass backsplash, sleek appliances, and Tasmanian oak flooring create a space worthy of its position at the heart of the home,” stated the article. The article also described the kitchen circle concept, created by The Foundation. Because people move in circular patterns rather than the 1950s kitchen-triangle, The Foundation developed storage, prep, cooking and cleaning circles in the kitchen. The zones overlap so work is as efficient as possible. “This kitchen is an example of how function and style do not have to be mutually exclusive,” said Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation. “This kitchen accounts for how the family works, while also embracing a warm atmosphere.”
Foundation Associate, Marie Parish, Is Certified Accessibility Specialist (January 5, 2009) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects congratulates Marie Parish Associate AIA, LEED AP, CAS on passing the Minnesota accessibility specialist exam. As a certified accessibility specialist, Parish has the education and experience to administer the requirements of the accessibility portions of the Minnesota State Building Code. Parish has a background in residential and commercial accessibility, developing designs to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. The accessibility portions of the code ensure new and remodeled buildings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Minnesota accessibility requirements. This provides access throughout buildings for persons with disabilities. Examples of requirements include accessible routes, proper countertop heights, specific toilet room layouts and access between all floor levels. The Foundation Architects Featured on WCCO Shaffer said, “We try to get it to be the most efficient plan, the most efficient design. We also incorporate it; if we’re doing an addition, we try to make sure that the addition is part of the house, not just a box added on to the house.”
The Foundation Architects Celebrates its 14th year
The Foundation Architects Participates in Homes by Architects Tour The Foundation Architects remodel of the interior and exterior makes the home inviting. The front porch addition gives the home a focal point and gives life to the façade of the 1950s-era rambler. "The Homes by Architects tour gives the public access to homes they would not have been able to see before. This allows architects to give greater detail on the design process by showing a finished product," said Bob Shaffer, AIA, CID, who led this project. "This also gives homeowners a sense of what architects contribute to the process. The Foundation's strength is to listen carefully to the needs of our clients and to reflect that in the design." The AIA put the home in the category of perfect for visitors interested in "Entertaining Spaces." As stated on the AIA Web site, "The art of entertaining often signals a need for open floor plans, yet distinctive spaces within the larger context. These homes may have kitchens as the center point that flow into conversation spaces, with views to outdoor spaces that make entertaining flexible and functional." The AIA Homes by Architects tour runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days of the weekend. For tickets and information visit http://www.homesbyarchitects.org
Architecture MN Features Bob Shaffer as “Citizen Architect”
Lavin Residence Featured in Twin Cities Spaces magazine
Adsoka Office Set for National Television Commercial
Deephaven Residence Remodel Filmed for DIY Network
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