In recent years, the concept of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has gained prominence as an innovative housing solution. ADUs, also known as granny flats and in-law or secondary suites, are self-contained living spaces located on the same property as a primary residence. These versatile structures offer homeowners many benefits, from increased rental income and property […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Lisa Gomperts/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngLisa Gomperts2023-05-22 12:30:592023-05-26 17:01:19Unlocking the Future of Housing: Designing Bloomington, Indiana’s ADUs for Sustainable Living and Vibrant Communities
With a curious spirit and a love of art and design, Tom Ning, RA, realized he wanted to be an architect in elementary school. He arrived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from Hong Kong with his family at age seven and became a U.S. citizen when he was 18. Earning associate degrees in construction technology and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Karen Gillmore/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngKaren Gillmore2023-05-19 21:05:362023-05-19 21:05:49Talent and Tomatoes: Tom Ning Reflects on Life as an Architect
Modular wall systems have long been available in workplace solutions for commercial office and retail facilities, and now these systems are becoming more widely used in healthcare settings because of shorter building times, sustainable building practices, and flexibility. In the end, these reasons alone cannot only save health systems time and money but may also […]
With a spark of warm seasonal tones and textures, centralized fabrics, art deco-influenced geometry, and stunning accents, Interior Design Student Intern Lauren Burke shares her unique process for assembling interior finishing palettes that capture the art and essence of everything in full bloom for the season. Watch her process and get inspired by her talent.
Early in his career, David McDow, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, knew that pursuing healthcare design was his passion and long-term goal. Over time, he’s focused on constant learning and coming to expect the unexpected in design, which he believes happens daily. Years later, he’s reflecting on key trends, both stateside and abroad. We recently caught […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2023-05-03 14:28:242023-05-03 14:28:45Q&A With Architect David McDow
To better understand an Owner’s future workplace, we recently hosted an engagement workshop with the KPFF Louisville team who is planning their new office in downtown Louisville. KPFF is a national structural engineering firm that partners with the world’s most thoughtful and creative design professionals to design and build extraordinary places and things. In 2022, […]
New Kentucky Trails Exhibit Seeks to Redefine Zoo Experience Continuing the Louisville Zoo’s mission to “Better the Bond Between People and our Planet,” a new experience is beginning to take shape. Together with international zoological consultants CLR Design, Schmidt Associates is excited to play a major role in its development. Introducing Kentucky Trails Design is […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Dan Billings/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngDan Billings2023-05-01 14:11:402023-05-10 15:53:40Coming Soon to the Louisville Zoo
Ron Fisher, AIA, LEED AP July 25, 1956 – April 5, 2023 Ron Fisher, AIA, LEED AP, our friend, mentor, and long-time principal at Schmidt Associates, passed away on April 5 at the age of 66. Born and raised on Indianapolis’s Southside, Ron was drawn to architecture from an early age, spending countless hours drawing, […]
The Design Innovation Behind Schmidt Associates, Farm Credit Mid-America’s Ongoing Relationship Signifying the early days of the United States Department of Agriculture in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed a Country Life Commission to address issues facing rural populations, including farmers’ inability to secure loans with fair terms. After many studies and bill passages, the Farm […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Dan Billings/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngDan Billings2023-04-14 13:57:132023-04-18 12:51:01Built to Last
How Schmidt Associates Designers Made the Alumni House at Allison Mansion Welcoming to All Emulating historical character and turn-of-the-century charm, Allison Mansion housed the family of transportation pioneer James Allison when it was built in 1911. Possessing opulent taste, the mansion was outfitted with an imported German chandelier, a sunken conservatory, a music room with […]
Associate Steven K. Alspaugh, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C® has been elevated to the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) College of Fellows for his efforts toward making the profession a part of an ever-increasing service to society. AIA Fellows receive this esteemed membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to the profession of architecture and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2023-03-07 15:39:052023-03-07 21:22:49Steven K. Alspaugh Elevated to AIA’s College of Fellows
Schmidt Associates designers work to re-imagine existing space for Spalding University’s physical therapy program On the Spalding University campus in downtown Louisville, Ky., a new school of physical therapy will begin educating the next wave of compassionate, caring, and skilled physical therapists in a $7M building beginning in fall 2023. Located along Spalding’s Health Sciences […]
For over 45 years and counting, Schmidt Associates has proudly supported the development of Midtown neighborhoods, and our portfolio further reflects it. This area focuses on the midpoint of Illinois and 38th Streets and works to coordinate efforts from the Crown Hill, Butler-Tarkington, North Meridian Historic District, Meridian Kessler, and Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhoods. Together, these […]
How the Schmidt Associates team helped keep MLK Center operating The Martin Luther King Community Center (MLK Center) at 40th and Illinois is an important community resource serving families from the Butler-Tarkington, Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek, and Meridian-Kessler neighborhoods by embracing the teachings and philosophies of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Deeply […]
Project Manager| Associate Eddie Layton, AIA, LEED AP, has been named one of 10 finalists in the Real Estate, Development, & Construction category for the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Indy’s Best and Brightest honor. Now in its 19th year, the honors recognize up-and-coming talent in Central Indiana, and finalists are judged on their professional […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2023-02-09 15:48:352023-02-14 20:35:41Project Manager | Associate Eddie Layton Named Indy’s Best and Brightest Finalist
Since 2012, rural hospital closures have accelerated due to factors including unfavorable reimbursements, ongoing operational costs, and declining and exceedingly sicker populations. These closures have resulted in underserved communities where residents may have to travel miles for access to emergency and other healthcare needs. Consequently, Congress launched the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This act […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00J.R. Robertson/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngJ.R. Robertson2023-02-09 10:15:562023-02-16 19:58:28The Case for Rural Emergency Hospitals: The New REH is Access to Care
To provide students with a top-ranked engineering education that prepares them for successful careers and transformative leadership within the region, nation, and world, the new Marian University Witchger School of Engineering will be opening its doors this fall. What’s in store for the first class of students is truly exciting. The school will not only […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2023-01-31 22:02:562023-02-14 20:35:52Deep Dive: Marian University Witchger School of Engineering
How the City of Indianapolis leaders, Schmidt Associates, engineers collaborated for energy savings When the City of Indianapolis began planning for a new state-of-the-art Community Justice Campus (CJC) on Indianapolis’s southeast side, pledging justice reform wasn’t the only goal leaders aspired toward. Along with modernizing facilities and centralizing operations into one safe and secure location, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Chad Chalos/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngChad Chalos2022-12-01 19:09:482022-12-09 21:20:37Designing a Community Payback
There’s been a concerning trend in mental health over the last few years that has challenged existing and overburdened behavioral healthcare modalities. Consequently, providers are responding with increased treatment options to address addiction, depression, and stress disorders, which have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Today, caregivers across the country are addressing the growing need […]
Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership From navigating everyday team operations, carrying maximum impact in the boardroom, and being a community visionary, outstanding leaders use their experiences to create success. As servant leaders, the Schmidt Associates team brings you Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership. In the episodes below, we speak with executives […]
The big C. For patients and their families, the word is tough to process. In 2020, 18,093,716 cases were diagnosed globally in 185 countries, according to the American Cancer Society. In the Middle East, there were 463,675 new cases, accounting for 2.4% of the global incidence, as stated by JCO® Global Oncology. Certainly, becoming a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-09-14 18:29:302023-02-16 22:42:08Designing the future of cancer care
Campus considerations from incoming freshmen With summer winding down, the annual higher education rite of passage is near for a new class of incoming students moving into their new homes away from home over the next couple weeks. Between shopping for the essentials, saying goodbye to family, meeting and making new friends, decorating the ultimate […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-08-22 21:01:582022-09-02 15:46:06The old college try
Written by Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at the Indiana State Fair The excitement is BACK as The Greatest 18 Days of Summer returns with the Indiana State Fair, Friday, July 29 through Sunday, August 21 (CLOSED Mondays and Tuesdays). The 2022 State Fair will honor Indiana’s Automotive Excellence, in partnership with Tom […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-08-02 16:11:002022-08-02 17:47:25The Greatest 18 Days of Summer
In 1992, CANStruction was founded with the intent of building life-sized structures made entirely of canned goods to benefit local food banks. Years after the national charity’s founding, employees from Schmidt Associates and Turner Construction who are teaming on the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion’s design and construction, have gone beyond. For this year’s […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-08-02 15:07:332022-08-02 16:22:09CANStruction 2022: Taco walk on the wild side
Schmidt Associates has jumped 112 spots on the 2022 Architectural Record list of Top 300 Architecture Firms. The firm earned the 152nd spot on this year’s list. “We are grateful to employ amazing talent from across the region, and to have earned the trust of our clients,” said CEO and Principal Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-06-24 18:48:322022-08-16 01:45:09Schmidt Associates Gains 112 Spots on National Architecture List
Schmidt Associates, Turner Construction Company employees participate in central Indiana Earth Day clean-up Committed to servant leadership, sustainability, and a desire to serve and save Mother Earth, Schmidt Associates employees traded their drawing software and schematics for gloves and trash bags as they rolled up their sleeves and spent time beautifying Indianapolis parks for Earth […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1170.jpg589937Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-04-22 20:32:262022-08-16 01:45:32Serving up a community benefit
When older buildings start losing their luster, it might be time for a retro-commissioning study (RCx) to ensure internal systems are running efficiently. What is retro-commissioning? An RCx study is the first stage in a building upgrade process. It involves studying the performance of HVAC, lighting, and building controls systems while comparing them to a […]
Across the country, facilities staff, advancement officers, and CFOs alike are tackling deferred maintenance and master planning to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. Those responsible recognize how daunting this is, especially with tighter budgets, less state funding, and project backlogs. “When deferred maintenance is addressed early and often with an understanding of which priorities to […]
Seeing your building project on paper is one step closer to becoming a reality but, thanks to technology advancements in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), you can now see a project in 3D and start using it to build consensus, early in the process. This is good news for Owners, but before getting into specifics, […]
How one small, private college shifted their approach to maintaining campus buildings while saving time, money “How old are our systems?” “How much time is left before we have to replace our equipment and facilities?” “What is the condition of our roofs?” “Where are we right now?” “How can we maintain our facilities?” On most […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Oakland-City-University-campus-for-web.jpg588800Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2022-02-10 22:48:362022-04-05 14:39:07The Value of a Facilities Audit
To effectively and efficiently analyze data contained in master plans, Schmidt Associates offers Strategic Capture of Planning Elements (SCOPE). This interactive dashboard allows facilities staffs to easily utilize, edit, and sort information by facility or project type, priority, and need, making your deferred maintenance planning easier.
For the past 27 years, Schmidt Associates’ Louisville office (formally known as Arrasmith) and the Louisville Zoo have enjoyed a relationship, filled with exotic animals, intricate storylines, and dazzling designs that bring the public closer to the built environment. The result? Nine exhibits, architectural awards from both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Underwater-view-of-Polar-Bear.jpg494800Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2022-01-28 16:08:222022-01-31 18:35:12Behind the Scenes at the Louisville Zoo
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen evidence of inequity and inequality with current events across the country. Along with these events, we’ve also witnessed a mental health crisis of epic proportions that is affecting young people. As a result, and to maintain stability with our students in K-12 schools, the importance of equity, equality, and […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lawrence-renderings.jpg7591001Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2021-12-09 16:45:572022-03-31 20:55:29Making the Grade in Lawrence Township
Seeing beautiful buildings co-exist against a backdrop of mountains, valleys, and blue waters in his homeland of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, Architectural Graduate Alvin Laguerre knew he wanted to contribute to beauty and speak loudly through design. This solidified his career decision, and he’s drawn his own roadmap to success. Learn more about Alvin and his bright […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alvin-Laguerre_headshot.jpg774774Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2021-10-06 13:42:062022-04-05 14:38:18Alvin Laguerre, aka Alvin the Architect makes his mark at Schmidt Associates
Environmental design has an impact on occupant health, productivity, and sense of belonging. There’s no exception for students on college campuses. According to an October 2020 “Inside Higher Ed,” survey, 44 percent of student respondents said stress, anxiety, and loneliness had been their biggest challenge. In our last blog, we cited that in 2021, college […]
https://schmidt-arch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Breakout-Lounge-2.jpg18002400Sara Richey/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSara Richey2021-09-28 15:44:022022-04-05 14:42:57Designing College Campuses for Student Health, Equity, and Performance – Part 2
Acoustics and Well-being Well-designed classrooms are central to learning. While students and staff may not immediately consider what they hear (or don’t hear), noise control is fundamental to their learning environment. As architects and engineers specializing in higher education design, we have an obligation to minimize these distractions, making acoustics an integral aspect of design […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Steve Alspaugh/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSteve Alspaugh2021-09-22 10:23:512021-09-23 15:39:14The Intersection of Comfort and Sound: How Quiet HVAC Systems and Good Acoustics Contribute to Higher Learning
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized profound weaknesses in healthcare and the inequities that have traditionally pervaded it. The virus has highlighted gaps and exacerbated them. Decades of widespread dependence on employment-based coverage meant Americans could lose coverage if they changed or lost their jobs. Layoffs show that as many as 7.7 million workers and 6.9 […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2021-08-26 18:42:232022-03-31 17:16:21Charting the future of Health Sciences Education
Deep-fried doughs. Gooey Wisconsin cheese curds. Creamy milkshakes. Getting hungry yet? We are, and after a year with no Indiana State Fair, we’ve been busy planning routes and to-do lists that include indulging in tasty fair treats. Before the gates opened, we asked Schmidt Associates team members to share their favorite foods and what they […]
From the obscure food combinations, the iconic midway, a stellar concert lineup, dozens of 4-H competitions, and annual livestock exhibitions, the Schmidt Associates team looks forward to the Indiana State Fair—and with good reason. The fair time means an annual pilgrimage to the Dairy Bar for a grilled cheese sammie and a deep fried Twinkie […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2021-08-12 15:36:332021-08-17 19:27:37Deep Dive: Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion
Minutes from downtown Indianapolis sits an Eastside neighborhood where access to healthcare proved challenging. Many residents often went without. But, thanks to a partnership between the Indiana University School of Medicine, the Neighborhood Fellowship Church, the Butler University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy, residents […]
In 1992, CANStruction was founded with the intent of building life-sized structures made entirely of canned goods with proceeds benefitting local food banks. Seventeen years after the national charity’s founding, Schmidt Associates employees joined the local CANstruction chapter’s effort, getting inspired to do good for the community while exercising creativity. One of the first sculptures […]
Schmidt Associates team members share their favorite Indiana State Fair memories. Every year, thousands of Hoosiers flock to the Indiana State Fair. They observe traditions started years before and make new memories with family and friends. With the fair’s return, it only seemed appropriate to ask Schmidt Associates team members to share their fondest recollections. […]
In 2017, School City of Hammond hired Schmidt Associates to complete a facility study resulting in plans to develop the new Hammond Central High School, which, along with the existing Morton High School, replaces the aging Clark, Gavit, and Hammond High Schools that closed in June. On July 22 during the building’s dedication, ribbons were […]
Within the architectural design and engineering community, we often hear about learning by doing. Likewise, a major emphasis in K-12 education is on teaching students through hands-on project experience in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). This can lead to programs based around community needs such as healthcare, agriculture, or even […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2021-07-15 14:37:562021-08-16 17:50:53Building functional, collaborative spaces
Schmidt Associates is proud to offer its Student Mentors program for high school students to get a professional glimpse of everyday life in the field before graduating. While the firm’s leadership always enjoys educating young people and helping shape their futures, the real excitement comes from success stories like Myrisha Powell. As a Project Lead […]
Distraught, a friend described having sleepless nights concerned about her 19-year-old freshman son’s mental health. She wasn’t alone as many students across college campuses had a rough journey filled with isolation and anxiety from COVID-19. College is about connecting, community, and forming relationships. As they prepare to welcome students back, administrators’ focus will be on […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sara Richey/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSara Richey2021-06-24 16:36:522021-07-08 21:09:37Designing College Campuses for Student Health, Equity, and Performance—Part 1
Acoustical, Lighting, and Building System Considerations In the first of this two-part series exploring building design’s impact on student mental and emotional health, we discussed how the design of a space, its furnishings, and the types of visual elements it uses impact how students feel. But there are a variety of additional building aspects […]
Whether it’s home, work, school, or elsewhere, we spend more than 90 percent of our time indoors today. When everything from the furniture we sit on to the sources of our light are artificial, it is easy to lose the connection to the natural world that we need as human beings. This can have a […]
Architectural and Interior Design Considerations The mental and emotional wellbeing of students has a significant impact on their development and ability to learn. The onset of COVID-19 has highlighted those needs and the critical nature of creating a healthy school environment in all aspects. A 2020 Pulse Point survey of college presidents by […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2021-04-14 13:24:542021-05-14 13:23:22Designing K-12 Education Spaces for Student Mental and Emotional Wellbeing | Part 1
The realities of a pandemic have made running a college or university harder than ever. Institutions must simultaneously plan for a murky future state while trying to keep the doors open today. This balancing act impacts nearly every decision made and every dollar spent. Even during the best of times, facilities leaders almost always need […]
Evaluating K-12 Facilities for Health and Safety Since an additional round of COVID-19 emergency relief funding was announced through ESSER II, you’ve likely already started talking with your team and partners about how you can and should plan to spend this money. You have a list a mile long of the things your […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eric Broemel/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEric Broemel2021-02-24 15:56:212021-02-25 21:06:11Should You Spend ESSER II Funds on Facilities Projects?
Auditoriums and performing arts centers are important features of many K-12 and higher education facilities. They not only host the latest dramatic or musical performance for students, but they can also be used for professional performances, large meetings, community events, and other activities. They are truly an educational and community asset. Designing auditoriums requires knowledge […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Steve Schaecher/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSteve Schaecher2021-02-17 21:33:192021-02-18 15:13:26What are the Design Components of an Auditorium?
When we conduct facility condition assessments, we frequently find heavily worn and cracked tennis courts. If you have asphalt courts, you likely know that a fact of life is significant court repair or replacement every decade or so. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is an alternative: post-tension concrete. Post-tension concrete […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bob Ross/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBob Ross2021-02-15 22:11:262021-03-31 19:56:22What You Need to Know About Post-Tension Concrete Tennis Courts
Healthcare organizations must juggle numerous priorities—clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, infection control, revenue cycle management, and physician and staff satisfaction to name a few. This often leaves something like energy conservation near the bottom of the list. With patient care at the forefront, reducing energy usage may even seem counterintuitive. Building System Challenges Most healthcare facilities […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2021-01-20 17:47:532021-01-20 18:55:35Taking Control of Energy Costs in Your Healthcare Facility
Fast Facts about Janet Position: Business Development Manager – New Markets Education: University of Louisville Dream Louisville Meal: The pork chop at Jack Fry’s, lobster macaroni and cheese from Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse; and a slice of key lime pie from Stoney River Grill From her infectious smile to her genuine interest in others, Janet […]
After decades of unsuccessful attempts by for-profit developers, Englewood Community Development Corporation and John Boner Neighborhood Centers managed to revive the historic but neglected P.R. Mallory factory as a community asset. Once the bustling intellectual headquarters of P.R. Mallory & Company, the inventors of the Duracell battery and many other technological innovations, the industrial site […]
How Purdue University is combining community engagement, early program exposure, and cutting-edge education design to increase its engineering student pipeline. STEM careers are in increasingly high demand. Today, we don’t have the volume of prepared applicants funneling into higher education institutions to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow and continue to successfully compete in the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-12-14 18:32:182020-12-15 14:39:52Design Crossover: Filling the Higher Ed STEM Pipeline Starting in K-12
Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, is expanding its health sciences campus. We’ve partnered with them to design a training environment that helps differentiate its health sciences programs, further develop its graduate portfolio, and enhance interprofessional education. The new space is a renovation of the existing Cooke Building, a former automobile showroom. The goal is […]
Facility condition assessments are an important tool for school districts and other organizations to appropriately plan for deferred maintenance or create a long-term master plan. Remember the 4 P’s of facility condition assessments: Proactive One of the benefits of initiating a facility condition assessment is moving from a reactive state—where you are constantly putting out […]
A facility assessment evaluates the state of a school district’s physical buildings and building systems, as well as their suitability for students’ educational needs and the district’s goals. K-12 schools typically undergo a facility assessment during the master planning or district facility planning process. The frequency of updating these plans, and thus undergoing an assessment, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2020-11-12 20:25:072020-11-12 21:33:40What’s Involved in a K-12 District Facility Assessment?
Mission- or value-based organizations—such as philanthropic organizations, non-profit colleges or universities, social service organizations, charitable foundations, and other not-for-profit entities—have additional considerations when looking for professional services partners. It’s not just about who can do the work best, but also who aligns with their brand and core values. Professional services partners can include any external […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2020-10-28 14:36:512020-11-30 22:01:33Finding the Right Professional Partners for Your Mission-Based Organization
By Sarah Hempstead and Sara Richey Creating and enhancing STEM programs, especially for engineering, is critical to developing the next generation of innovators. Feeding a pipeline of workers to support our local and regional communities is just a starting point. Designing academic spaces for students in professional programs requires a tailored approach based in […]
New, permanent hand-washing stations provide improved pathogen control in elementary and middle schools When school districts began brainstorming solutions and new policies for safely bringing students back to the classroom amid COVID-19, Penn-Harris-Madison (P-H-M) School Corporation wasted no time. Early on, they explored the need for solutions to enhance hygiene practices among students, especially younger […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-10-19 18:37:392020-10-28 18:58:57Improving Hygiene for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. During COVID-19
It’s not just a few dollars here and there—making energy-efficient upgrades to your building can result in significant operational savings. Greater efficiency means less energy used and lower operational costs long term. Whether you own or operate a commercial property, healthcare facility, residential complex, or an educational facility, increased energy efficiency is good for your […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-10-05 19:19:172020-10-28 18:55:33The ROI of Energy Efficiency
The adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the P.R. Mallory factory—best known for the invention of the Duracell® battery—gives it new life as a K-12 education facility PRESS RELEASE — The grand opening of the P.R. Mallory campus as the new home of Purdue Polytechnic High School and Paramount Englewood Middle School marked yet another […]
This semester, students moved into the new North Residence Hall at Ball State University. A part of the campus’ North Residential Neighborhood, the hall closely accompanies two other residence halls, a dining hall, and a fourth residence hall currently under construction. The 496-bed residence hall is a science, technology, and math Living-Learning Community. It includes […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-09-30 14:31:372020-10-09 13:39:31Owner Perspective: Ball State University North Residence Hall
Kevin Shelley, AIA, LEED AP, principal and project manager, and Ryan Benson, AIA, associate and senior project architect, both embarked on their first design project at Ball State University in 2007. For the past 13 years, they have played a vital role in the transformation of Residence Life facilities on campus. And they are both […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-09-30 14:26:242020-09-30 21:01:12Full Circle: Ball State Grads Now Make Design Contributions to Campus
If you’re in commercial real estate, securing new tenants is only half your battle. Perhaps most important is retaining them. A variety of factors contribute to a tenant’s likelihood to renew their lease. Energy efficiency can help. In fact, according to the Institute for Market Transformation, high-performance buildings have higher occupancy rates (and higher asset […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-30 19:05:222020-10-28 18:56:06How an Energy Audit Can Help You Retain Tenants
A wind study is an engineering tool we can use to help clients make informed design decisions. It’s not a primary component of most projects and is not done for every building design, but when it is needed, the results can make a significant impact on the daily experience users have with a building or […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eric Broemel/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEric Broemel2020-09-30 19:48:492020-10-09 13:53:46How a Wind Study Informs Building Design
Interview with Kelly Knable, Director of Construction at Ball State University A residence hall—particularly one like North Hall at Ball State University, which is designed as a living-learning community for science, technology, and math majors—includes several different project types rolled into one. It serves as a space for occupants to live, socialize, and study. It […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-09-30 14:34:502020-10-09 13:38:58Construction Insights: Ball State University North Residence Hall
Watch the Video Playlist: Watch on YouTube Now that many industries have spent several months working from home, business leaders have new questions about office needs and design. Do we even need a physical office anymore? Should we transition from an open office plan back to cubicles or walled offices? What changes can […]
Both tenants and building managers benefit from efficient systems If you manage a residential or commercial building, maintenance requests and tenant complaints can be a huge headache. By understanding your building’s current energy usage and identifying areas of improvement, you can help eliminate some of the common complaints and requests, saving you time and improving tenant […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-25 18:55:532020-10-28 18:56:263 Types of Tenant Complaints You Can Prevent with an Energy Audit
Building owners can see a ripple effect from good energy practices Making your buildings more energy efficient is a win-win. Not only does it conserve resources and save money on operational costs, but earning that LEED certification or Energy Star rating can actually be good for business. Your brand is more than your logo or […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-20 18:38:592020-10-28 18:56:37How Does Energy Efficiency Impact Your Brand?
By Cassidy O’Hara | Cassidy is an architecture student at Ball State University, completing an internship with Schmidt Associates. As a self-described lifetime learner, I love trying new things, teaching myself new skills (most recently rollerblading and sewing), and learning about anything and everything. Yet as a full-time architecture student, I don’t always have […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-09-17 15:26:532020-09-17 16:33:53Design Podcasts to Add to Your Queue
You may be convinced that you need an energy audit in the building(s) you manage. But if you need approval from your owner, CFO, or someone else to sign on the dotted line, you may have to make your case. Share with your boss these five reasons you need an energy audit: 1. Energy Audits Save […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-15 18:36:232021-09-22 13:47:18How to Convince Your Boss You Need an Energy Audit
Today’s HVAC systems have the technology to do amazing things. They make a building comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. To get the most out of your systems, they must be tuned to stay in sync with the activities of the occupants and monitored to ensure proper operation. This ongoing adjusting of HVAC and other systems […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-11 12:51:352020-10-09 13:36:56Building Optimization: Saving Energy and Money
While making improvements to a commercial property’s energy efficiency is never a bad thing, property ownership and lease structure can make a big difference in how your return on investment (ROI) is realized. Oftentimes, all parties see some benefit to efficient upgrades, but it may not be in the form of direct monetary savings or […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-10 18:07:512020-10-28 18:57:01How Commercial Lease Structures Impact the ROI of Energy Efficiency
An energy audit helps you identify opportunities to reduce energy usage in your building(s) and save money. Whether you own or operate a retail space, office building, healthcare facility, or school, an energy audit is often the first step to greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs. Our energy audit is a three-step process: […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-09-05 03:27:532021-01-27 17:03:25What is an Energy Audit?
When it comes to energy incentive/rebate programs, you may know your stuff. You understand the difference between a prescriptive and a custom energy incentive. You’re familiar with the programs offered by your utility company, and you’ve even filled out a few of the applications yourself. Maybe you work for a university, hospital, school district, or […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2020-08-27 17:28:472020-08-31 16:34:41Do You Need an Energy Incentive Administrator?
When you think about a building’s energy efficiency, you likely think about its mechanical systems, such as HVAC and lighting. Improving building system design and using new technologies are critical in reducing a facility’s energy consumption. However, the building’s architectural design also plays a role in its efficiency. In fact, it sets the very foundation […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Meghan Miller/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngMeghan Miller2020-08-25 17:54:252020-08-26 14:14:17Efficient Architecture: How Building Design Impacts Energy Consumption
“Net zero”—also called “zero energy”—is a term that gets tossed around frequently when talking about sustainable design, but many building Owners don’t know what it really means or what a net zero project entails. Let’s talk about the basics: What is a net zero building? The concept of a net zero building is simple: the […]
School districts regularly tell us that student and staff safety are top priorities when taking on a new project. But safety and security don’t just mean cameras and metal detectors. As designers, we can implement strategies that help create a secure environment before you ever walk into the building. Crime prevention and traffic control are […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-08-18 01:30:432020-08-25 12:31:404 Ways to Improve School Safety Through Site Design
The short answer to this question is, “Yes.” If your district doesn’t have one, or you have never been involved in a master planning process before, you likely have a lot of questions. Let’s start with the basics. What is a master plan? A master plan is a roadmap for the future of your school […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2020-08-12 16:35:162020-10-29 18:42:23Does Your K-12 School District Need a Master Plan?
By Elizabeth Bishop, Interior Designer specializing in Healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic was an unexpected blow to the healthcare system. Just weeks into the pandemic, we were talking about dramatic changes to how hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be designed and operated in the future. If you didn’t have a renovation already in the pipeline, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-08-04 09:00:232020-08-11 18:05:04Material Selections to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Healthcare Facilities
Maintaining the project budget is one of the primary concerns for virtually all Owners of K-12 facilities. There are a variety of tools integrated into our design process that help us stay within the Owner’s budget. A few of these include: In-house Cost Estimating We are a full-service architectural and engineering firm, so our expertise […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-08-03 14:30:002020-08-04 12:45:314 Methods We Use to Maintain Budget Control in K-12 Projects
Why We Do Our Own Design Estimates To design projects to meet costs, you have to know costs. We believe all our designers—whether an architect, civil engineer, or mechanical engineer—must understand the cost of what they are proposing to an Owner. In our industry, many designers prefer not to do their own cost estimates because, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Ron Fisher/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngRon Fisher2020-07-30 12:20:482020-08-04 14:12:32Ensuring Project Budgets are Met and Maintained
How Indiana school districts are beginning to move forward during a global pandemic In mid-May, we surveyed K-12 school corporations across Indiana. We wanted to understand what they’d seen so far as a result of COVID-19 and their plans for the future. Based on our findings, we offered insights and potential solutions for some of […]
Fast Facts about Lisa Position: Project Manager, Principal Education: University of Cincinnati Favorite Restaurant: Bakersfield Whether it’s visioning and managing projects at work or crafting at home, Lisa Gomperts has mastered the art of assembling pieces to make a whole that is better than its parts. Learn more about one of our principals below! Tell […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-09-22 12:45:162022-05-20 21:22:19Q&A Session with Lisa Gomperts, Principal
Fast Facts about Arne Position: Associate Education: Rhode Island School of Design Secret Talent: Jewelry Making Harboring an eye for detail and a childhood surrounded by architecture, Arnold “Arne” Judd, Associate, seemed destined to become an architect from a young age. Arne is a Kentucky native who works in our Louisville office. What drew […]
Keys to Successful Communication Communication is critical to the success of design and construction projects. Almost every client—large or small, old or new—is most concerned with their project being on time and on budget. We have found the key to both is effective and frequent communication. This might sound like a simple concept, and it […]
In mid-May, we surveyed higher education institutions across Indiana. We wanted to understand what they’d seen so far as a result of COVID-19 and their plans for campus in the future. Based on our findings, we offered insights and potential solutions for some of their facility challenges during a moderated discussion in mid-June. Below are […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-06-24 16:43:092020-06-26 13:46:37How Higher Ed Facilities are Moving Forward After COVID-19
I know you’ve heard what everyone is saying. They say that I’ve moved on. That remote learning has stolen my heart and that we’re planning to run away together and live happily every ever. But Campus, you were my first love! What we have can’t be replaced by a fast internet connection […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-06-22 17:43:022020-06-24 16:43:22A Love Letter to the College Campus
By Eddie Layton, Associate and Project Manager, and Dan Billings, Associate and Project Architect The implications of COVID-19 and the impact it’s having on life and business is still in constant flux. We know things have to change, and there are lots of ideas floating around. We likely won’t have a firm grasp on […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-06-03 20:33:222020-06-24 16:43:35What We Know About Office Design in the Wake of COVID-19
The current pandemic has drastically changed the business landscape and has many organizations looking for ways to cut costs. Here are some of the best ways to maximize your budget and reduce operational costs. Adjust building controls to reduce energy consumption If your facility is currently closed or at reduced occupancy, adjusting your building […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-06-01 15:49:252020-06-24 16:43:446 Ways to Save on Operational Costs in the Time of COVID-19
Turning an outdoor space into a functional work area has been a trend in the corporate world for years. The mental and physical benefits of giving employees access to natural daylight, fresh air, and a change of scenery have been well documented. As a global pandemic turned the working world on its head, outdoor office […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Craig Flandermeyer/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCraig Flandermeyer2020-05-27 20:14:352020-06-24 16:43:54How to Maximize Outdoor Space for a Healthier Work Environment
We are proud to have broken into Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) list of the Top 500 Design Firms in the country. This is the first year the firm has made the national list, at number 498. Earning a spot on the list signals our consistent growth as a result of our team’s commitment to servant leadership. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-05-07 15:05:112020-05-08 12:34:26Schmidt Associates Makes ENR’s List of Top 500 Design Firms
See Inside the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre Upon completion, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre in Karachi, Pakistan, will serve a region of nearly 23 million people. The facility is over 800,000 sq. ft. with inpatient, outpatient, surgical, and research modalities. A large portion of the facility is dedicated […]
Fast Facts about John Position: Medical Equipment Planner Education: University of Kentucky Interesting Hobby: Hot Air Ballooning Favorite Place in Louisville: The Falls of Ohio State Park Although occasionally an aeronaut, John Hitron, Senior Architect/Medical Planner, is anything but flighty. With his feet planted firmly in architectural soil, he sat down for a few […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-05-05 15:35:402020-08-10 16:23:04Q&A Session with John Hitron, Medical Equipment Planner
When designing clinical spaces in a hospital or other medical facility, it’s important to assemble the right team. This includes individuals on the design side—such as architects, engineers, and interior designers—and on the clinical side—such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others who will be using the space every day. It also includes a very important […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00John Hitron/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngJohn Hitron2020-04-27 22:39:232021-01-26 13:47:183 Reasons You Need a Medical Equipment Planner on Your Design Team
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Your employees have likely been forced from their cubicles or standing desks into their dining rooms or home offices. Virtual-only interaction with their colleagues and clients is the new norm. This will inevitably cause significant shifts in how we think about the physical workplace and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Dan Billings/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngDan Billings2020-04-22 14:27:502020-06-24 16:44:065 Changes to Make Before Employees Return to the Office
COVID-19 is transmitted through saliva droplets from the mouth and nose. These droplets are released by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. It is possible for them to remain in the air for hours and potentially be transmitted through ventilation systems. Your HVAC system is one tool you can use to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eric Broemel/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEric Broemel2020-04-15 17:14:282021-09-02 21:35:01Using HVAC to Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
For years, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and has been the primary standard against which building projects have been measured. You may own, operate, or work in a LEED-certified facility. If not, you likely frequent one on a regular basis. LEED certification continues to be well respected and widely sought after. However, it […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Laura Hardin/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngLaura Hardin2020-04-14 18:05:002020-04-14 18:55:11What is a WELL Building?
As we are acutely aware, now more than ever, schools are hot beds for illness—especially elementary and middle schools, where kids are still learning proper hygiene and how to avoid getting sick. The health of kids’ environment at school directly impacts the health of their families and society at large. As architects, engineers, and interior […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Cindy McLoed/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCindy McLoed2020-04-10 14:15:342020-06-24 16:44:28How We Design to Keep Students Healthy
By Bill Gruen and Dave McDowell With many schools, universities, and businesses closed due to COVID-19, you will likely have buildings that are essentially empty for the next several weeks or months. This means you do not need to heat and cool them the same way you normally would. It may seem like a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-04-08 19:16:172020-05-04 13:37:04How to Adjust System Settings When Your Buildings are Closed
Fast Facts about Sara Position: Client Liaison Hometown: Buffalo, NY Education: Purdue University, Rhode Island School of Design Skill She Wishes She Had: The ability to do a handstand Sara Richey, interior designer and Client Liaison, brings her passion and unique perspective to the Higher Education Studio. Combining her creative eye, inquisitive mind, and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-03-30 18:50:352020-03-31 21:32:19Q&A Session with Sara Richey, Client Liaison – Higher Ed Studio
As a facilitator of higher education, you strive to provide the highest quality educational experience for your students. How you achieve that mission varies, and professional programs—such as nursing, engineering, or law—present unique challenges and opportunities. Just as you customize the academic requirements for each professional school, each warrants a customized educational environment as well. […]
We are Staying Open Remotely As you may know, Indiana’s and Kentucky’s governors have ordered people to stay in their homes in response to COVID-19. While this directive is important to the slow of the pandemic, it will only impact where the Schmidt Associates team works—not how we work or what we value. We are […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-03-23 19:20:592020-06-24 16:44:41Continuing to Support You
Fast Facts Position: Client Liaison Hometown: Terre Haute, IN Education: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (BS, Civil Engineering), Eastern Michigan University (MBA) Currently Watching: NCIS Dick Butwin recently joined Schmidt Associates as a Client Liaison, leading our Workplace and Lifestyle studios. Learn a little more about him below! Tell us about your background. I am a […]
There is no template or formula for a successful police station design. Many stations have similar components or core functions, but personnel use them in different ways and need them to perform to different standards. For example, it’s safe to say every police department needs an evidence room. Based on their operations and case load, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Brad Brutout/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBrad Brutout2020-03-10 16:03:532021-02-01 15:20:014 Things to Consider When Designing a Police Station
“It started with the students, and it ended with the students.” Trouble viewing the video? Click here Greg Hunt, Chief Financial Officer for LaPorte Community School Corporation (LPCSC), has held this position for seven years and has worked with the school corporation for a total of 20 years. Our team has partnered with LPCSC […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-02-25 15:44:452020-02-27 20:35:45Owner Perspective: LaPorte Community School Corporation
We’re proud to again be named to the list of Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Schmidt Associates has earned a place on the list more than 10 times, making us a Hall of Fame Company. This year, the firm earned the no. 26 spot among medium-sized companies (75 to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-02-24 14:34:332020-08-26 15:27:13Schmidt Associates Named One of the Best Places to Work in Indiana 2020
Fast Facts About John Robertson Discipline: Architecture Education: University of Kentucky Favorite Movie: Hoosiers John “J.R.” Robertson comes to Schmidt Associates from Louisville, KY, architecture firm Arrasmith. Our two firms joined forces earlier this year to provide even greater service and expertise to our clients and communities. J.R.’s more than 30 years […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-02-20 20:48:442020-08-10 16:14:40Q&A Session with John “J.R.” Robertson, Healthcare Studio Lead
By Duane Dart and Steve Schaecher LaPorte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) knew they had aging buildings that were causing gaps in the student experience across their schools. Like many other school corporations, their standard approach had been to fix the buildings in the worst condition one at a time. To get a broader view of […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-02-20 19:39:152021-02-01 15:49:18How One Building Project Can Transform a School District
Many factors help us determine what mechanical systems are best for a project Owner. The decision depends on their building type and what it will be used for, as well as their financial and operational priorities. For K-12 schools, there are unique considerations we must often take into account when choosing HVAC and other building […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Brad Wallace/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBrad Wallace2020-02-13 21:07:232021-02-04 18:38:10How to Choose the Right HVAC System for a K-12 School
Joining forces means expanded services and support for clients and the community Schmidt Associates announced today that it has welcomed the team at Arrasmith in Louisville, Ky., into the firm. Arrasmith’s experience in healthcare—including university lab, hospital, and medical research facility design—will support the joined firm’s Healthcare Studio. Full-service healthcare architecture and engineering is now […]
Fast Facts About Denise Discipline: Accounting Hometown: Terre Haute, IN Education: Indiana Business College (Harrison College) Favorite Lunch Spot: The Watering Hole From the infectious smile to the sassy attitude, Denise Sallee, Accounting Assistant, brings much joy and laughter to Schmidt Associates. Tell us about your background. I grew up in the woods in […]
By Kaylyn Kelly, Interior Design Intern As commercial interior designers, we typically don’t design around trends. Our goal is often to provide owners with colors and finishes that feel current but are generally timeless. We love a good statement, but we also want to prevent projects from looking dated in a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2020-01-10 16:08:552020-01-10 18:50:14Using the 2020 Color of the Year: Naval
Our Year in Review Every December, it’s amazing to look back at the past year and see everything we’ve helped our clients, employees, and community accomplish. We kicked off new projects and celebrated grand opening ribbon cuttings. We welcomed new employees to the Schmidt Associates family and honored those who’ve spent their careers with us. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-12-18 13:38:252019-12-18 19:44:29Jumping into a New Decade
Jim McBee, Director of Business and Transportation, has worked with the North Montgomery Community School Corporation for the past 15 years in his current position. He previously worked at Purdue University for six years as a business manager before coming to NMCSC and served on the school board for two years. Jim is a member […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-12-09 15:52:512019-12-10 13:55:32A Word from Our Owners – North Montgomery CSC
Boost your budget by getting paid for energy efficient upgrades We all want to save money, and seeking energy rebates for your engineering work is one way to add dollars back into your bottom line. If you are planning renovations in your facility, making system upgrades, or putting up a brand new building, you probably […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Bill Gruen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngBill Gruen2019-12-03 16:10:312020-03-25 12:04:44Are You Getting the Energy Rebates You Deserve?
Fast Facts About Andrew Discipline: Mechanical Engineering, Clean Energy Engineering Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN Education: University of Dayton Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption From international adventures to playing banjo around the campfire, Andrew Eckrich, graduate engineer, has an eclectic array of hobbies—including an inherited bouncy ball collection! When did you decide you wanted to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-11-26 15:37:572019-12-09 16:06:30Q&A Session with Andrew Eckrich, Energy Engineer
Alan Witchey is president and CEO of the Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Alan began working with the Damien Center as a volunteer in the 1990s and later became a full-time employee. He has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, previously serving as executive director of the Coalition […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-11-21 15:22:112020-02-06 14:17:13A Word from Our Owners – Damien Center
At Schmidt Associates, sustainability is something we strive for in each architecture and engineering project we do. We work with clients to implement designs that are energy efficient, use renewable energy sources, gain LEED certification if desired, or even reuse existing structures and materials when possible. This focus on sustainability is, in part, why we […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Craig Flandermeyer/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCraig Flandermeyer2019-11-15 15:08:452021-02-01 15:29:396 Ways to Reuse and Recycle in Your Workplace
Wraparound healthcare services are exactly what they sound like—they encompass medical and non-medical services and resources that wrap around a person or family to best support their individual needs and improve their well-being in multiple areas of their life. Wraparound healthcare programs are based on the idea of treating the whole person. There are many […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2019-11-13 13:35:172020-02-06 14:16:37Designing Facilities for Wraparound Health Services
PART 3 IN A SERIES Consider the community that surrounds and supports your school when planning for new builds and renovations Schools are important assets to cities and towns. A neighborhood school is responsible for producing good future citizens and has a direct impact on the well-being of the community. As a result, changes within […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2019-11-05 17:48:312020-02-18 22:02:49How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on the Community
Fast Facts About Jessica Discipline: Landscape Architecture Hometown: Centerville, OH Education: The Ohio State University, Ball State University Podcast Currently Listening to: The Model Health Show She got married on a mountain in Costa Rica, and her itch to travel takes her far and wide. It’s no surprise that Graduate Landscape Architect Jessica […]
PART 2 IN A SERIES Consider the effects of school renovations and new builds on teachers and other staff Any design and construction work in your school is ultimately for the benefit of the students—to provide them with a better environment to learn and grow. But they aren’t the only ones who need to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2019-10-25 15:22:142020-02-18 22:02:15How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on Teachers
If you’re starting your first building or renovation project in your district—or even your first project in a long time—there can be a hefty learning curve. The processes are nuanced, there are endless acronyms and industry jargon, and many different people and organizations are involved. For even the savviest of school administrators, it can be […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-10-14 17:20:402019-10-30 18:30:35Choosing a Construction Delivery Method for K-12 Building Projects
PART 1 IN A SERIES Proper planning is critical to avoid unintended consequences of school construction for those who matter most—students. Initiating a new school build or a significant renovation can be a lengthy process. Getting the project approved, perhaps passing a referendum, and determining the vision for your new or updated facilities is a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2019-10-10 18:39:032020-02-18 22:03:26How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on Students
Fast Facts About Eric Discipline: Construction Administration Hometown: Logansport, IN Education: Purdue University Who He’d Pick to Play Himself in a Movie: Robert Redford From a construction site to a campground, Eric Wolf, construction delivery field manager, feels most at home outside and surrounded by nature. What drew you to engineering and construction? Construction […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-10-08 12:16:132019-10-17 14:38:56Q&A Session with Eric Wolf, Field Manager
How to successfully expand your campus by repurposing old buildings Whether you have a building on campus that is sitting vacant, or you’re looking for a new space to expand into, adaptive reuse is an effective option for many higher education construction projects. “Adaptive reuse” refers to giving an existing building—often a fairly […]
Dr. Ena Shelley was appointed dean of the College of Education at Butler University in June 2005. Shelley’s experience with the College of Education began 37 years ago when she joined the faculty as an assistant professor of early childhood education in 1982. Now Dean and Professor Emerita, Dr. Shelley retired in the spring of […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-09-17 16:45:102019-09-18 13:04:43A Word from Our Owners – Butler College of Education
Fast Facts About Bob Discipline: Engineering Hometown: Valparaiso, IN Education: Trine University Favorite Movie: The Sandlot As Bob Ross, civil designer, designs parking lots and detention ponds for Owners, he daydreams of visiting every ballpark in the country. Learn more about him below! Where did you grow up? I grew up in “The […]
Schmidt Associates is an approved Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) Retro-Commissioning Study Provider. This status helps us enhance our energy service offerings to our Indianapolis-area clients by allowing us to execute retro-commissioning studies and lead clients through IPL’s energy incentive program. Even if a building was designed to be energy efficient, as time goes on, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-09-09 18:56:362020-04-21 15:48:49We’re an Approved IPL RCx Study Provider. What Does That Mean?
Is your building’s energy performance at its highest possible level? If you don’t know the answer to this question offhand, it’s probably “no.” Even if your building was designed to be energy efficient at the time it was built or renovated, as time goes on, building usage may evolve and equipment ages. Modern building […]
Molly Ellsworth has been the Parish Business Manager at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for eight years and served various churches in Indianapolis; Charleston, SC; and Chicago for 25 years. She earned both undergraduate (B.A. History) and graduate degrees (Master of Leadership Development) from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Schmidt Associates worked with St. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-08-20 14:52:242019-08-20 17:20:46A Word from Our Owners – St. Joan of Arc Church
Fast Facts About Brad Discipline: Engineering Hometown: Lebanon, IN Education: ITT Technical Institute Favorite Place on Mass Ave: Bru Burger or Condado Brad Wallace, senior HVAC mechanical designer, is a country boy at heart. He’s an open book and is almost constantly smiling. Learn more about him. Where did you grow up? I […]
With design studios in both K-12 and higher education, back-to-school season is a busy and exciting time for our team. This year, some of our staff members reminisced on their favorite grade-school memories. Read their sweet, funny, and surprising stories below! Laura Hardin – Senior Interior Designer What made school the most memorable was […]
When it comes to updating or repairing the mechanical systems in your facility, timing is crucial. This is true whether you work in an office building, school, or hospital. If a facility’s mechanical systems are functioning properly, they tend to be “out of sight, out of mind.” However, when they fail, it can cause serious […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Charlie Wilson/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCharlie Wilson2019-08-06 14:22:322019-08-06 15:20:49When to Plan for Water Boiler and Chiller Upgrades
Affordability, walkability, excitability—Indianapolis has something to offer everyone. It’s no longer a secret that Indianapolis is one of the country’s best places to live at any stage of life. From Gen Z college grads looking for new opportunities, to millennials starting families and buying their first homes, to retirees wanting to return to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-07-30 16:50:102021-02-01 13:58:38What We Love About Living in Indianapolis
Corrie Meyer, AICP, PLA, is an entrepreneur working in the urban environment as a certified Urban Planner and licensed Landscape Architect. As President and CEO of Innovative Planning, a central Indiana strategic planning firm, she provides visionary and adaptive leadership by delivering creative site layouts, pro-formas, and development solutions for mixed-use projects and communities. Her […]
Schmidt Associates is proud to be named to Architectural Record’s 2019 Top 300 list. The firm earned the 195th spot on this year’s list, moving up nine spots from last year. The annual national list, compiled by Architectural Record’s sister publication Engineering News-Record, ranks companies by their architectural revenue from the prior year, as reported by […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-07-19 14:45:212019-07-19 18:25:08Schmidt Associates Gains 9 Spots on List of Top 300 Architecture Firms
Years of redevelopment and steadfast anchor institutions are to thank for the Mass Ave we know and love. Did you know that MacNiven’s used to be a biker bar? Maybe you noticed the original “Sears, Roebuck and Company” still etched into the west side of Needler’s Fresh Market at the corner of Alabama and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Steve Alspaugh/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSteve Alspaugh2019-07-17 13:56:342022-09-28 18:48:48Mass Ave Isn’t What It Used to Be: Urban Revitalization in Indianapolis
Fast Facts about Steve Alspaugh Discipline: Design Architect Hometown: Monticello, IN Undergrad: Ball State University Graduate: Ball State University Favorite Spot on Mass Ave: MacNivens It was April 3, 1974, and major storms were descending on Monticello, IN. Three tornadoes tore through the small city northwest of Indianapolis, destroying it in about 20 minutes. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-07-02 15:25:542019-07-17 19:27:41Q&A Session with Steve Alspaugh
Ask any commercial interior designer what the biggest industry event of the year is, and they’ll have the same answer – NeoCon. In its 51st year, NeoCon is considered the most important annual event for the commercial design industry that influences the trends and aesthetics of the built environment. This three-day extravaganza brings the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Kathryn Roche/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngKathryn Roche2019-06-25 13:04:052020-01-21 18:19:24What I Learned at My First NeoCon
Now that we are all ‘resident experts’ with beekeeping, we sat down with Mark Manship to learn a little bit about the honey. Albeit, what most of would consider the best part of beekeeping! But maybe you haven’t heard the buzz about our bees yet – check out this blog first to catch up. How […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-06-18 14:37:242019-10-18 12:52:57The Sweet Side of Beekeeping
Angela Britain-Smith, Director of Operations Angela Britain-Smith, Director of Operations at MSD Washington Township, brings 30 years of educational qualifications extending into facilities management, maintenance, custodial, food services, safety, and security. Ms. Britain-Smith holds a MS degree & Indiana School Administration Licensure from Butler University; BS degrees in Library Services K-12 & Speech & Communications […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-06-10 19:28:262019-07-18 13:33:40A Word from Our Owners – MSD of Washington Township
In an industry where only one in ten workers is a woman, Robin Leising, Construction Administrator for Schmidt Associates, shines. Whether it is her quick wit, her strong confidence, or her amicable personality, Robin fits right in on the job site and is well respected. Tell me about your background. Growing up […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-06-04 12:56:382019-07-17 19:27:53Q&A Session with Robin Leising
Sometimes referred to as “The Science of the Art of Construction,” civil engineering is often the unsung hero of a project; without it, buildings and cities would cease to exist in a way that’s operable or sustainable. Although the projects they work on have vastly changed over the centuries, civil engineering is arguably […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Allen Jacobsen/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAllen Jacobsen2019-05-28 16:13:592021-02-01 13:56:07Civil Engineers: The Science of the Art of Construction
In case you haven’t heard the buzz, Schmidt Associates is now an urban beekeeper with a honeybee hive on our roof. Luckily, Mark Manship, one of our construction administrators, maintains two beehives at home and has become the keeper of our hives. Since many of us are curious about what this means, we decided to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-05-20 13:42:282019-10-18 12:53:09What’s that buzz? It’s Schmidt Associates’ New Bee Hive on our Green Roof!
George Edwards – Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life Facilities at Ball State University Joel Bynum – Assistant Director for the Coordination of Living Learning Programs at Ball State University When did Ball State University decide to implement the Living Learning Community model in their residence halls and why? It’s a long history, but […]
It’s not a secret — it is scientifically proven that we, as humans, thrive best when we have access to sunlight. If you are having a long and stressful day at work, a walk around the block is a good way to clear the mind. Restaurants with outdoor seating tend to be packed during those […]
Generation Z, the 60-some million young people born between the late 1990s and early 2000s, are the most diverse group in our country’s history. They grew up during times of recessions and financial crises, war and terror threats, and technology overload. Many of them knew how to operate a tablet or cellphone before they could […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2019-05-01 12:53:052021-02-01 13:48:20Designing for Generation Z
Typically there are three primary team members on a design/build project. They include the Owner, the criteria developer, and the design/build (D/B) contractor. Each one is explained in more detail below: 1. Owner • Work with criteria developer to capture needs and desires in criteria documents/contract documents • Implement a process to select D/B contractor […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Lisa Gomperts/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngLisa Gomperts2019-04-24 08:20:352021-02-01 13:52:32What are the Roles of a Design/Build Team?
Ask most architects in Indianapolis where they went to school… they will most likely say Ball State. But not Cindy McLoed! Cindy’s architectural allegiance is to Mississippi State University, home of the Bulldogs. Why Mississippi State University? I was born in Mississippi, and my Dad’s side of the family is firmly rooted […]
Presentation by Bill Gruen and Andrew Eckrich – 2019 IAPPA Meeting, hosted by Independent Colleges of Indiana Bill and Andrew explain what building controls are, define terminology associated with a building’s life cycle, and give a couple examples of how we’ve saved our Owners money through energy and optimization services:
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-04-09 14:33:302019-04-09 14:34:34Saving Money Through Building Controls and Optimization
Physical design features are only one piece of enhancing school safety and security that we—as designers—can directly play a part in. School Corporations regularly tell us student and staff safety are their top priority when taking on a new project, as it is ours as well. School safety includes crime prevention as well as traffic […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Cindy McLoed/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCindy McLoed2019-04-01 18:49:132019-04-02 13:13:025 Ways to Improve School Safety through Site Design
There are a lot of terms to understand in the construction, building operations, and maintenance world. You may often notice engineering lingo is thrown around as if everyone knows what each term or phrase means. A core focus at Schmidt Associates is ensuring the buildings we design and construct are done so to the highest possible […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-03-26 13:09:052019-08-30 18:58:24Demystifying the Terminology: Energy Efficiency Edition
Though quiet upon first introduction, Bill Gruen—Manager of Energy and Optimization Services—brings a laser focus of energy efficiency to projects at Schmidt Associates. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know him. Tell me about yourself. I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and went to college […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-03-19 12:44:272019-07-17 19:28:50Q&A Session with Bill Gruen
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) might seem like a buzz word or a trend these days, but demand for careers in these fields are steadily increasingly. Our economy and overall well-being depend heavily on STEM-related occupations—whether it is computer programming, manufacturing, civil engineering, or general family medicine. Getting kids involved and interested in STEM-related […]
A building project is far more than pieces and parts that define spaces. Projects reflect the goals and aspirations of the communities they serve. Schmidt Associates views community engagement as an essential part of our strategic, data-based planning, giving Owners information to evaluate viable options and make good decisions. We take a proactive role in […]
We have all heard the real estate mantra “Location, location, location!” However, great location does not also lead to perfect buildings. In fact, oftentimes the least perfect building is situated right on the site you want. And while some may consider a total demolition and rebuild as the only option, there are oftentimes a lot […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-02-26 15:53:012019-10-18 12:53:33Top 6 Things to Know when Considering Adaptive Reuse
Steve Spangler, Construction Administrator, is a big eater with an even bigger heart. He can often be seen walking around the office with a carton of ice cream in hand and a big smile on his face. Tell me about yourself. Growing up in Greenfield, I had an uncle and […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-02-19 14:49:392019-07-17 19:29:09Q&A Session with Steve Spangler
While our interior designers do make great material and color selections, they do much more than that. We all have our stereotyped image of what interior designers do from design shows, design magazines, and social media. However, the reality is much different. A common misconception is that interior designers only select interior finishes, but structural […]
Jane Callahan is the Director of Organizational and New Site Development at Cornerstone Lutheran Church – Fishers. As director, she oversees the development of new sites for the church including policy and planning, building projects, and organizational changes and structure. Jane has been with Cornerstone Lutheran Church for 5 years after a 35-year career in […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-02-06 19:36:222019-05-02 17:01:05A Word from Our Owners – Cornerstone Lutheran Church
A lot goes into becoming a licensed architect. As many already know, hiring Schmidt Associates for a facility project is a “no brainer”. However, have you thought about the process your designers go through in order to be qualified to design your facilities? Though we can stereotype and say that all architects loved building […]
Wayne Schmidt set out on his own and started our firm July 4th, 1976. More than four decades later, we are proud that we are different in all the regards that matter to us, to our clients, and to our community. While we are celebrating our 42nd anniversary, we are also celebrating another big milestone: 25 […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-01-22 08:56:022021-02-01 13:18:12When Did You Know You Wanted to be an Engineer? Take 2
The middle of winter is hands down my least favorite time to live in the mid-west. While I love the changing of the seasons – the trudge post-holidays to mid-March takes twice as long as it should. The only way to survive is with a glass of wine, a nice fire, and a few good […]
Audra Blasdel graduated from DePauw University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Computer Science and received her Masters of Business Administration with a focus in global supply chain management from the University of Indianapolis in 2009. Prior to starting her own company–Blasdel Solutions, a WBE Certified Project Management and Business Analysis […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-01-15 14:37:512019-01-15 14:53:59A Word from Our Owners – Marian University & The Children’s Museum
As Drew Morgan—Business Development Representative—comes into a room, there is an energy that appears with him. From his effervescent personality to his warm smile, Drew is someone that draws you in and makes you feel welcome wherever you are. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know him a bit better. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-01-08 14:53:572019-07-17 19:29:30Q&A Session with Drew Morgan
As 2018 is quickly coming to an end, it is a great time to reflect on all that we have accomplished. Schmidt Associates has had the pleasure of working with our clients on many impactful projects, but we are about more than just our work. This coming week, in particular, reminds us all how grateful […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-12-18 18:06:272018-12-19 18:49:41‘Tis the Season of Giving Back
When it comes to sustainable design, perhaps sustaining the attention of consumers is as important as the design itself. While sustainability may be written off as one of many “green trends”, it plays an enormous role in shaping how our future looks – both from the buildings we inhabit to the overall planet we live […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-12-04 14:32:132018-12-04 14:32:48Form, Function, and Funds: The Next Wave of Sustainability
Whether you’re redesigning or renovating a high school gymnasium, or building a new structure from scratch, there are a lot of things to consider. Most importantly, you need to remember that a high school gym is so much more than just a place for sporting events; it’s a place for communities to gather. From the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Tom Ning/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngTom Ning2018-11-27 14:49:422021-02-01 13:41:52The Design Components Every High School Gymnasium Needs
Since 2011, 11.5 million jobs have been created in the United States for workers with education past high school. However, only about 47% of working-aged adults in Indiana currently have degrees. One way to fill this gap is to include workforce-ready spaces and programs directly within high schools. Think auto shops, TV broadcasting spaces, welding […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-11-20 16:24:082018-11-26 19:10:08Workforce Skills Training in K-12 Facilities
It seems like Myrisha Colston, Architectural Graduate, has worked here forever. Her smiling face has been a mainstay on the second floor for many years. Myrisha has interned or just helped around the office six or seven (who is really keeping track?) different stints through the years before graduating with her masters and landing at Schmidt […]
While the title electrical engineer covers a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, there is an easy-to-guess common denominator: electricity. A profession that began not surprisingly in the late nineteenth century (the same time electricity itself was harnessed in Edison’s light bulb), the numerous branches of […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-11-06 14:49:402018-11-06 16:08:07Electrical Engineer: An Important Role in Design
Like mentioned in my previous blog, co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Although Europe has been ahead of the game when it comes to fostering a healthy work environment for individuals who don’t work a standard in-office, 9-to-5 type of job, the United States is in no way behind in terms […]
If you’ve spent any amount of time on a well-designed, beautifully constructed university campus, then you understand the importance of architecture when it comes to influencing higher education. Not only can architecture inspire imagination and creativity, but it can unite students, teachers, and the community to create a space that feels energized, organic, and magnetic. […]
Whether it is the Taj Ma-Stall by Emperor Shah Jahan or Flushingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, Steve Schaecher—Senior Project Architect and one of the newest Principals of the firm—is quite knowledgeable about architecture and is happy to share this knowledge through humor. What makes you tick? I am an architect, so obviously I have […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-10-16 14:31:532021-11-04 17:34:48Q&A Session with Steve Schaecher
Open office spaces are popular, but not necessarily because they make employees feel more engaged or productive. Although, in theory, they seem to check all of the boxes, some studies show that they can be problematic for certain types of workers who may need quiet, isolated space in order to focus and feel relaxed. That […]
Interactive learning is one of the best ways for teachers and educators to make sure their students are actually grasping the knowledge and skills they are sharing. An effort to combat Mark Twain’s famous sentiment of higher education being “a place where a professor’s lecture notes go straight to the students’ lecture notes without passing […]
Mike Hildebrand is a retired Indiana State Police Detective with over 23 years of service. He began his career in education with the Pike County School Corporation in Petersburg, Indiana in 2003. Mike was hired by Greenwood Community Schools in 2014 as the Director of Operations. He is the Administrator over the facilities, grounds, maintenance, transportation, […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-09-25 15:15:182018-09-25 15:28:30A Word from our Owners – Greenwood Community Schools
Whether it’s the management of a multi-million dollar school, creation of the music behind project videos, or poker on a Friday night, Kyle Miller—Principal and Project Manager at Schmidt Associates—puts full effort into all he does. Tell me a bit about yourself. I grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana and have held a full-time […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-09-18 08:48:522021-11-04 17:27:50Q&A Session with Kyle Miller
To understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2021-05-27 16:52:012021-05-28 16:54:15The Value of Adaptive Reuse
To understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-09-11 13:11:082021-02-01 13:32:31Why Is Adaptive Reuse Important in Today’s World?
HVAC & Accessibility Renovation – St. Joan of Arc Sanctuary Project In preparation for the Centennial Celebration in 2021, the Schmidt Associates team kicked off the first phase of the St. Joan of Arc Sanctuary Restoration Project in 2017. This phase included: Updating/adding HVAC and electrical components Making the sanctuary more ADA accessible Adding a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Lisa Gomperts/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngLisa Gomperts2018-09-04 10:10:592018-09-04 14:11:35Case Study: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
“Biophilia is the humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. It helps explain why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us; why a garden view can enhance our creativity; why shadows and heights instill fascination and fear; and why animal companionship and strolling through a park have restorative, healing effects.” – Terrapin Bright Green What is […]
Think back to when you were in college. Do you remember when and where your best learning happened? Chances are, it wasn’t necessarily in the classroom. Your college education more likely happened while you socialized by the front desk of your residence hall, or while you lay on the grass in the quad, or even […]
Dr. Russ Kershaw has been the Dean of the Byrum School of Business at Marian University since 2010. Previously, he was the Dean of the School of Business Administration at Philadelphia University and also has held various positions at Butler University. Before entering the academic world, Russ spent 13 years in corporate America. During this […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-08-14 14:48:012018-08-28 16:17:23A Word from our Owners – Marian University
I had the opportunity to read a great blog post by my friend Greg Cafouros at Kroger Gardis & Regas (KGR). At Schmidt Associates, using Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a standard practice for all of our projects. We see the direct benefits it has on reducing errors and saving costs for our Owners. It […]
The Erskine Green Training Institute and Courtyard by Marriott – Muncie developed under the dream of The Arc of Indiana with the helpful insights from Self-Advocates of Indiana. This hotel and training institute is now a place where individuals with disabilities can gain post secondary education in an immersive learning environment. The students stay in the hotel for the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Cindy McLoed/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCindy McLoed2018-07-31 14:12:012019-04-15 17:08:59Designing ADA for Independent Living
From the infectious smile to the genuine care and concern for those around her to her constant flurry of activity, Anna Marie Burrell—K-12 Studio Leader and Principal-in-Charge—has a magnetic and energetic personality. Below, we try to get her to take a few minutes to just breathe and share a bit of her life. Tell […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2019-07-24 09:37:382020-08-05 17:35:10Q&A Session with Anna Marie Burrell
Dr. David Adams has 36 years of service in public school systems, all in Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Ball State University, Masters of Science from Indiana University, Ed. S from Ball State University, and Ph.D. in Education Administration from Indiana State University. He will retire next year, after […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-07-17 10:30:002019-09-19 12:10:44A Word from our Owners – Shelbyville Central Schools
Here at Schmidt Associates, we like user engagement to happen early in the design process to help determine how the spaces need to work and how the facility can best help them meet their mission. We prefer one or two meetings during schematic design and another at the end of a project through a room-by-room […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Lisa Gomperts/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngLisa Gomperts2018-07-10 10:03:032018-07-10 15:06:27User Engagement Early in Design
Wayne Schmidt set out on his own and started our firm July 4th, 1976. More than four decades later, we are proud that we are different in all the regards that matter to us, to our clients, and to our community. While we are celebrating our 42nd anniversary this July, we are also celebrating another […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-07-03 15:47:382018-07-10 15:07:42When Did You Know You Wanted to be an Engineer?
Multipurpose Facilities (MPF’s) exist in many forms. As we consider the transformation of existing facilities into part-time athletic venues – ad hoc “field houses” – a plethora of sports can reasonably be considered. Indoor track and field, cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics, indoor soccer, baseball batting cages, tennis, and competition court activities (e.g. volleyball, basketball, and handball) should […]
David Shepherd – Facilities Engineer, Ball State University David is a Facilities Engineer at Ball State University where he coordinates, designs, and oversees construction of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including projects from small maintenance repair and replacements to large capital improvement projects and new construction. David has over 15 years of professional experience in […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-06-19 16:36:042018-06-20 12:37:06A Word from our Owners – Ball State University
Our Architects don’t set out just to make plans for good-looking buildings. They strive to understand the aspirations of clients and then to deliver against those aspirations, exceeding expectations along the way. Here at Schmidt Associates, our Architects: Are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present options you might never […]
Summer is almost here! Time to pour a tall glass of lemonade, find a shady spot, and start a great book! We are back with another edition of “WOYS” – What’s On Your Shelf to help you out. I have listed three books that are worth reading while soaking up some good Vitamin D: […]
The concept of co-working spaces originally started on the West Coast in the mid-2000’s, driven by tech-focused start-ups. Breaking through the traditional, cubicle, 9-5 mindset has started to spread geographically and across industries. We now see a wide variety of professionals sitting alongside the traditional coders, web developers, and freelance designers within a co-working space. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eddie Layton/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEddie Layton2018-05-29 14:14:532018-05-29 15:05:18Co-Working: The Future of Small Business Workspace
What is a façade? Façade, by definition, is the face of a building. It is what you can see from the exterior that protects the interior. Façades are an integral part of the building shell – keeping us humans warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also providing a barrier from outside elements […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Steve Schaecher/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSteve Schaecher2018-05-22 11:50:492020-12-21 15:18:055 Common Façade Systems and Materials
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra Most organizations see great value in planning for the future. Time is often spent on developing both long-term strategic plans as well as yearly actionable business plans. If you are an organization that owns your own facility, one piece […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-05-15 12:43:372019-03-01 14:31:09Planning for the Future: Facility Assessments and Master Plans
Major Bob Webster – Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Indiana Division Major Robert Webster is a graduate of Asbury College with a degree in physical education and recreation. He also holds a Masters of Ministry degree from Olivet Nazarene University. Prior to becoming a Salvation Army officer, he worked as a physical education teacher for the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Megan Scott/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngMegan Scott2018-05-08 11:57:282018-05-25 13:46:21A Word from our Owners – The Salvation Army Indiana Division
All of us have something special about ourselves, a small claim to fame. For Eddie Layton, Project Architect, he was a University of Virginia Scavhunt Marshmallow Peep Eating Contest Champion. But he hasn’t let the glory from his victory go to his head. Tell me about yourself. I grew up in rural southern Virginia. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-05-01 09:30:072019-07-17 19:31:19Q&A Session with Eddie Layton
As the ASHRAE Central Indiana Chapter President, I set out several goals for myself. One of which, bringing engineers and architects together in a collaborative setting. The two worlds are joining forces in the industry already, and I see engineers and architects working as a cohesive unit in our office every day. I want to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eric Broemel/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEric Broemel2018-04-24 14:52:172018-04-25 14:23:115 Things You Should Know
It’s a good thing we move desks so often at Schmidt Associates. If we didn’t, Kevin Shelley—Principal and Project Manager—might be covered in cobwebs! After completing an architectural internship at Schmidt Associates in the late 80s, Kevin has never looked back… or worked anywhere else! Tell me about your background. I grew up […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-04-17 15:57:192019-07-17 19:31:25Q&A Session with Kevin Shelley
Pam Thompson – Dean of the School of Nursing, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington Pam has served as Dean for the School of Nursing at the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus since 2010. Prior to that, she served in the roles of Program chair for the Associate of Science Nursing Program and faculty for the […]
What makes a successful learning environment for training much-needed healthcare providers? Facilities geared toward experiential learning! Students today must learn differently while new information is being generate faster than ever before. Designers of healthcare teaching facilities are tasked with creating flexible, experiential learning environments to fulfill this need, and Schmidt Associates has worked with many […]
Hear from two of our Owners on the addition/renovation of Lake Central High School athletic spaces: Dr. Larry Veracco, Superintendent of the Lake Central School Corporation Dr. Larry Veracco is in his 8th year as Superintendent at LCSC. He has spent 24 years serving the community as teacher, assistant principal, and Assistant Superintendent prior to his […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-03-26 18:51:232018-03-27 16:44:07A Word from our Owners – Lake Central Athletics
Schmidt Associates was founded on the guiding principle of Servant Leadership. It threads through interactions we have internally and externally, resulting in a constant search to add value to every project. By operating as servant leaders, our designs consistently surprise and delight, technology solutions deliver true efficiencies, and environments become a place where people are better […]
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the framework, backed by research, that guides the development of learning environments to accommodate individual learning differences. Universal Design for Learning recognizes the different needs that are unique to those with visual, hearing, motor, or learning/cognitive disabilities while also designing for able-bodied users as well. UDL provides us, as […]
Your brain is a vastly complex system with billions of neurons and interneurons constantly firing. And with billions of people in the world, with their own unique neural pathways to process daily experiences, it is safe to say we all think, interact, work, and learn differently than the next. That said, our brains are similar […]
Matt Durbin, Technology Designer and Information Systems (IS) Manager, has taken an interesting path to land where he is today. Below, we journey along that path with him. Where did you go to school? I attended Olney College, majoring in General Studies and playing first base on their baseball team. And […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-02-27 09:14:052019-07-17 19:31:33Q&A Session with Matt Durbin
Oh, how complicated (and scary) the mind of a teen works – emotions are high and attention is scattered. They may be more worried about the gossip in the hallway than the lessons in the classrooms. Distractions are everywhere, and it can be difficult to keep them engaged. But to be fair, it isn’t entirely […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2018-02-20 01:15:292019-10-18 12:35:49Designing for the Middle School Mind
When the electric grid was still in its infancy, electrical utility companies needed more people to use electricity to make a profit. They would therefore incentivize the purchase of electric vacuums, laundry machines, dish washers, water heaters, radiant floor heating systems, and so on. But in today’s world, we have so much electric demand that […]
Better buildings! It’s the goal of the LEED Certification rating system. As such, each new version raises the bar; challenging owners, designers, building managers, manufacturers, and contractors to continually improve. One example of a higher standard is LEED version 4. Referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2010, it is an energy code more stringent than Indiana’s current energy code. High […]
The dichotomy between engineering and the arts is apparent to most people. However, those lines seem to be blurred for Eric Broemel, PE, Engineering Quality Manager and an Associate at Schmidt Associates. Maybe that is why he is able to make engineering understandable to most people? Where did you go to school? […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-01-30 13:47:102019-07-17 19:31:38Q&A Session with Eric Broemel
It is true in many of life’s situations, it is often wise to plan for more than you may need. Take pizza for example. You may plan to have five friends join you for dinner, or you may end up having ten friends show up. It’s best to order enough for ten people and have […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eddie Layton/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEddie Layton2018-01-18 20:29:492018-01-23 14:53:49Eat Your Frog First
Anne Penny Valentine Vice President, Student Experience and Customer Service Ivy Tech Community College We’ve had the privilege of working with Anne over the years on Ivy Tech projects and presentations regarding our work. We wanted to sit down with her to get her take on one of our projects, the renovation of the Ivy […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2018-01-16 11:00:552018-02-06 19:55:33A Word from an Owner – Anne Penny Valentine
Most of us may have a difficult time remembering what it was like to be in preschool, but try to put yourself there for a moment. Everything seems so much bigger than you, your imagination is running freely, and you are actually encouraged to nap in the middle of the day. When planning for an […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2018-01-08 20:55:232018-07-26 13:52:45Infographic: 5 Tips for Early Childhood Planning, Design, and Construction
Schmidt Associates regularly tracks and discusses impacts to the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry so we can be prepared to respond. We have seen a tightening in the labor market, which results in higher construction costs for our clients. As clients ask what is causing this, we found a report by McGraw Hill Construction* that […]
What is Clash Detection? Clash Detection software integrates with BIM/Revit design tools, showing the designers and contractors when two or more objects are intersecting and by how much. The software exports a location and physical image of the detected intersection, so you will see the actual conflicting pipes, duct runs, wires, etc. that need to […]
From beautifully decorated cakes to cupcakes to confections of all imaginings, Asia Coffee—a registered interior designer at Schmidt Associates—is just as sweet as the beautiful creations she makes. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know her. Tell me about your background. I was born and raised in Indy. In high […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-12-12 18:34:132019-07-17 19:31:43Q&A Session with Asia Coffee
Naptown is officially awake. If you have ever visited, worked in, or lived in Indianapolis, you know how much pride there is for our little/big city. Whether it be the Hoosier hospitality, the “just right” size of the downtown, or the copious amount of entertainment destinations, there is something appealing to Indy for a wide […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-12-05 16:25:272021-02-01 14:01:48Why Live in Indy?
Integrating specific academic environments into five Ball State University Residence Halls was a key early design consideration for the combined $144+ million projects. There was an opportunity to create an interplay between pre-millennial student lifestyle, academic, and career interests while also optimizing for energy efficiency. By adding the latest technologies, new amenities, and flexible design […]
Q&A with Dr. Kent Pettet – Franklin Township: Bunker Hill Elementary Principal. Dr. Kent Pettet grew up in the Region of Indiana and attended Indiana University. His first job was teaching 5th Grade at Boone Grove Elementary School in Porter Township School Corporation. He moved to Colorado for five years while his wife went to […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-11-16 15:34:542019-10-18 13:00:07A First Timer’s Guide to an Architectural Project
I was fortunate enough to attend an event recently in which Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, keynoted. I’ve listened to a lot of speakers in my career, and I was impressed with Pat. He has researched key leaders through history: Jesus to Mother Theresa to Winston Churchill to George Washington […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Megan Scott/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngMegan Scott2017-11-14 15:44:512017-11-14 15:45:477 Common Traits of Leaders
Ben Bain, Business Development Representative, is definitely not cut out to be an undercover spy. Instead, he is an outgoing and friendly face often found traveling the state meeting new people. Tell me about your background. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Marietta, Ohio, in the middle of my sophomore […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-11-07 15:40:412019-07-17 19:31:50Q&A Session with Ben Bain
Today’s HVAC systems have the technology to perform amazing things —providing comfort, safety, and efficiencies. To achieve optimum performance, the systems must be “tuned” to stay in sync with the activities of the occupants and monitored to affirm proper operation. This can be done through building optimization, a post-construction service which includes: Working with the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-10-31 17:35:192019-03-26 12:26:40Optimization: Saving Energy and Money
At Schmidt Associates, we know pools are community assets—no matter their location. Today’s generation is able to experience pools built for specific purposes to maximize the experience and benefit. There are four basic categories of pools: competition and diving, instructional, recreational, and therapy pools. Competition and diving pools are designed and constructed to meet strict state […]
Milton, red stapler guy in the classic scene from the movie “Office Space”, whines on the telephone from his cluttered cubicle “if they move my desk one more time…” Milton wouldn’t last at Schmidt Associates. He probably wouldn’t have met our employment predictive analytics criteria at the outset. As the CEO, I often remind staff […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2017-10-17 12:45:542017-10-17 13:17:07There Is No Box
Walk into our lobby early on the second Monday, and you’ll hear energetic applause rocketing up the stairway from the monthly all-staff meeting. One set of applause is a rhythmic cadence – one, two, three claps. Another starts with one clap – escalating to 15 claps in unison. This isn’t a random party. Each applause […]
Great news! Your business is booming, and it is time for you to find a new location that serves the needs of your business and growing staff. You have possibly gotten by with renting a small space, maybe just a few rooms in an office building or a co-working space. But now you need a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-10-03 15:04:302019-10-18 12:54:14Impacts of Growing your Business Beyond 50 People
VRF (variable refrigerant flow) is a sophisticated HVAC technology. Invented around 30 years ago, this is known as the “Rolls Royce” of air conditioning systems. The use of the VRF mechanical system can assist in achieving LEED certification for facilities. The basic elements of VRF systems are: Refrigerant liquid is used as the cooling/heating medium, […]
As a child, if you had asked Sayo Adesiyakan, graduate architect at Schmidt Associates, what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have told you she wanted to be a pilot. It’s funny how growing up changes your aspirations—and helps you realize your fear of heights. Tell me about […]
As part of developing good relationships, personally or professionally, you need to learn about the person. What do they like or dislike? What is their communication style? Do they want coffee, donuts, or both in an early morning meeting? Getting to know a client on a personal level and professional level is something we enjoy […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Cindy McLoed/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngCindy McLoed2017-09-12 14:13:372019-10-18 13:00:13The Value of Long-Standing Relationships
Megan Scott, CPSM Associate/Marketing Manager You never know what you might learn in one of Schmidt Associates’ internal trainings called Schmidt Academy. The session might explore advances in technology, discuss enhancing our design presence, teach us to be nimble and efficient, or to strengthen our leadership skills. Last week, we had one called, “Project […]
Building Quality Depends On Decision Quality. And Quality Decisions Need Rock Solid Foundations. In times of budget pressure, every capital project in every school has to make the best possible sense for all stakeholders. Our assessment-based approach provides a trustworthy and transparent foundation for key decisions. Every Decision Rationale Needs To Be Rational It goes without […]
With an extroverted personality and a smile that lights up the room, interior designer Liam Keesling is happiest building things around him—from Owner relationships to finished spaces, Liam is always in creation mode. Tell me about your background. I grew up in Richmond, IN and have always loved the creative process. I […]
Maybe it is stating the obvious, but A/E firms (Architect/Engineer) function differently than firms comprised of only architects or only engineers. As an A/E firm ourselves, we think that a combined force of architects and engineers will function fundamentally better. And by “better”, we choose efficiency, convenience, and quality as our units of measurement. Two […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-08-15 18:21:272017-08-15 18:34:33When Architects and Engineers Live Under One Roof
Towards A More Sympathetic Aesthetic In so many situations when designing for the higher education facilities, the values of context and continuity are every bit as important as the desire for the cutting edge. The art form is to harmonize the old with the new, without tensions, so as to create a worthy next chapter […]
It always pays to know the advantages and disadvantages before making a big change for your facility. Deciding to switch from natural to synthetic turf is a good example of that. Synthetic turf fields are gaining popularity among sporting and recreational venues because of the lower maintenance costs and the perk of year-round use. However, […]
It isn’t typical to have an intern come back into your office after their few-month stint is over, especially not three separate times. But we just couldn’t get enough of Myrisha Colston! So we thought we should get some expert advice on internships from our in-office expert. Myrisha is a 23-year-old second year graduate student […]
Have you ever noticed that walking into some office spaces fills you with a sense of energy and excitement while others make you want to curl up and take a nap? Good design can help engage employees and create an environment that makes them more excited to come to work every day. Studies show that […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Desma Belsaas/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngDesma Belsaas2017-07-11 18:30:292019-10-18 12:54:35Improving your Business Through Office Design
NeoCon is a chance to see new products, immerse yourself in each showrooms’ unique design, mingle with other designers, and bring back inspiration for our clients. Whether it be ideas for comfortable, collaborative office breakout spaces or a twist on a traditional textile, this event showcases everything you could dream of as a designer. Consider it a small slice […]
It takes a strong, smart, and feisty woman to keep up with Sarah, Schmidt Associates’ CEO. But, have no doubt, Patricia Brant is definitely up for the task! Let’s start with your background Well, I come from a family of six, so I am used to having constant motion around me. […]
Site Analysis with Daylight and Wind Good engineering design begins with a comprehensive understanding of not only where your building sits in the world, but how it sits on the site. Utilizing tools like Green Building Studio in Revit, the Schmidt Associates team is able to test various site configurations to inform design. […]
Sitting at his desk on the second floor all day, doing the things that electrical designers do, we haven’t had a chance to get to know Dave Jones much yet. So this week, we took the opportunity! Tell me about your background. Well, I am originally from Dayton, Ohio, but I was born […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-05-30 15:07:022019-02-11 20:21:00Q&A Session with Dave Jones
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times. Technology is constantly changing how we function at home, in the workplace, around town, in school, and just about everywhere else in the world. In this blog, we are going to focus on one way we’ve see classroom technology is evolving to fit the needs […]
Spending just a few minutes with Joe Redar, Project Architect with Schmidt Associates, and you will recognize the intensity with which he approaches life. From his days in architecture school to his time at Schmidt Associates, Joe has known what he wanted and hasn’t hesitated to pursue it. Not so long ago, we had a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-05-18 09:29:452019-02-11 20:21:28Q&A Session with Joe Redar
Each year architects from our office attend the National AIA conference. They hear best practices in the industry, network, visits projects, and come back invigorated. Here’s what this years Schmidt Associates attendees took away! Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP “Michelle Obama talked about how it is our role as architects to make sure youth are […]
Schmidt Associates has received an increasing number of inquiries about geothermal heating systems. We are also designing geothermal systems for a variety of projects. This blogs explains that technology. A geothermal ground source heat pump (GSHP) is an electrically powered system that taps the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eric Broemel/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEric Broemel2017-05-09 09:40:422019-04-12 14:38:29Geothermal Heating Systems: How Do They Work?
“Value engineering” is perhaps the most overused and under-realized term in the design/construction industry today. It has become the catch bucket for any exercise that involves reducing costs. By definition, value is the ratio of function to cost. Value is increased by improving function or reducing cost. A great example: the benefit analysis of solar […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Ron Fisher/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngRon Fisher2017-05-02 16:03:012019-11-04 15:01:40Getting Real About Value Engineering
Schmidt Associates was founded on the guiding principle of Servant Leadership. This value threads itself through every interaction we have both internally and externally, resulting in a constant search to add value in every project. Flip through the magazine below to see five examples of how we have added value to our recent projects by focusing on […]
Every place evokes feelings for people. A great place feels welcoming, exciting, curious, comforting—and maybe even inspiring. Your designated place always has the opportunity to evoke vastly different feelings than it does now. In downtown places, reinvestment from all parties is evident and necessary—and generates a lot of interest and excitement. A Placemaking Plan does […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-03-28 01:40:372019-10-18 12:55:06The Heart of the Placemaking Process
Everyone involved with a construction project hopes to avoid challenges or hiccups along the way. What warnings or red flags should you look out for if “smooth sailing” doesn’t seem to be the direction your project is going? We came up with a list of 12. We’ve touched on the first half, lets look at […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Ryan Benson/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngRyan Benson2017-03-21 09:55:462019-05-01 18:53:34Red Flags for your Construction Project: Part 2
How do you balance two priorities for a new building: a need for high-tech learning and the desire for a beautiful and inspiring space? It’s working at the new Evans Center for Health Sciences at Marian University. The building was recognized at the Monumental Affair with an Achievement Award in the Public Art category in 2013. It […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2017-03-14 09:25:332019-11-04 15:01:47Making Art a Priority
In our last blog on Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), we discussed what differentiated this delivery method from others. We also talked about what made a CMc different from a more traditional CM or Construction Manager as Adviser (CMa). This blog will look at the process required by law to formally select a CMc on a […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Ron Fisher/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngRon Fisher2017-02-09 13:54:072021-02-01 15:19:07Construction Manager as Constructor – How is the CMc Selected on Publicly Funded Projects
Schools serve as a fixture within their communities, stirring up nostalgic moments for past students. Like for the college student driving past their old elementary school on their way through town during their first break away from school, remembering those days on the playground during recess. Or for the parents of high school students, strolling through […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Anna Marie Burrell/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngAnna Marie Burrell2017-03-07 10:00:332019-10-18 13:00:28Does Your School Really Need New Construction?
Everyone involved with a construction project hopes to avoid challenges or hiccups along the way. What warnings or red flags should you look out for if “smooth sailing” doesn’t seem to be the direction your project is going? We came up with a list of 12, but let’s start with the first half: RED FLAG #1: Incomplete […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Ryan Benson/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngRyan Benson2017-02-28 14:41:212017-04-10 15:51:38Red Flags for your Construction Project: Part 1
David Logan, Graduate Architect _____________ Tattoos on the Heart By Gregory Boyle I am always on the lookout for another memoir, and in all my searching, I have yet to find one I enjoyed as much as Tattoos on the Heart. Father Boyle is a Jesuit priest working in the heart of […]
As a school corporation determines the future of its buildings, it must look at both the physical conditions of the existing buildings and systems, as well as their capacity to serve the needs of the educational programs. Step one is a Facility Assessment to develop priorities for upgrading, repairing, or even replacing each building. The […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Tom Neff/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngTom Neff2017-02-21 12:30:382017-02-23 16:10:32Components of a Facility Assessment
We have been fortunate to have many wonderful church projects come through our office. Let’s take a quick moment and reflect on some of the current trends we are seeing when it comes to designing these sacred spaces. Multi-Site Approach – Growing a congregation and reaching out to new believers has long been a focus area. Now, in […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-02-13 21:49:332019-03-01 14:32:32Trends in Church Design
Since the beginning of social civilization, people have held meetings in some form or another. One could argue the first “meetings” were held around a campfire, discussing a tribes’ plans for the next season and where they would move. Over time, as humans settled and formed cities, these meetings moved into a room. The technological […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Eddie Layton/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngEddie Layton2017-02-07 09:10:412017-02-09 17:54:38The Evolution of a Meeting
Just sitting down for a friendly conversation with Tom Neff—Principal—you can understand why he leads our K-12 Studio. It’s always an interesting education and a fantastic conversation! Tell me about your background I grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University—one of the last Beaux Arts programs in the […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-01-31 21:30:592019-02-11 20:21:52Q&A Session with Tom Neff
For public institutions, there are three project delivery methods approved by state law: Design-Bid-Build Design-Build Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) In this blog, we will discuss Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc)—a new construction project delivery method signed into law in March 2014. Public educational institutions have been able to use the CMc method since that […]
Quality cost analyses are important to share with not only the Owner, but the design and construction team. Updating them throughout the life a project helps ensure the result is what everyone expected. There are multiple ways to do a cost analysis, but here’s an overview of what it means at Schmidt Associates. So, what […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Kyle Miller/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngKyle Miller2017-01-31 18:49:542017-02-09 17:55:51Using Cost Analysis to Tell the Story
Megan Scott, Marketing Manager _____________ The Serving Leader By Kenneth R. Jennings and John Stahl-Wert This book touches on five actions that can help transform your team, business, and community. It tells a great story that demonstrates what Servant Leadership (a core value at Schmidt Associates) is through real life examples. There are […]
Design discovery is a process, not an event. It involves developmental steps which consider and refine more and more information as it moves towards becoming a reality. It is not always a linear process, sometimes turning back on itself to reconsider a previous direction and chart a new one. The path of a design process […]
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take the time to read more books in 2017. Books are a way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, allowing us to dive into another world. Or books can serve as an inspiration, a motivator, or a new perspective on life. But it can be hard to find […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Sarah Hempstead/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSarah Hempstead2017-01-19 16:37:062017-01-19 18:49:33Welcome to our WOYS (What’s On Your Shelf) Series
After signing up for an intercorporate training program in 1988 at Arlington High School, Charlie Wilson–Plumbing Designer and one of our newest Associates—spent a half day in the classroom and the other half day in an architecture and engineering office training to be an architect and draftsman. Not long after he began that job working […]
/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.png00Schmidt Associates/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Schmidt_WebLogo3.pngSchmidt Associates2017-01-17 15:31:042019-02-11 20:22:19Q&A Session with Charlie Wilson
This time of year—when color, light, and warmth have faded from the natural world—is the perfect time for us to create our own. And we do! We know the antidote to spirits grown worn and weary. If it momentarily escapes us, we soon rediscover it in the eyes of a child or someone in love. […]
Unlocking the Future of Housing: Designing Bloomington, Indiana’s ADUs for Sustainable Living and Vibrant Communities
/in Community, Design/by Lisa GompertsIn recent years, the concept of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has gained prominence as an innovative housing solution. ADUs, also known as granny flats and in-law or secondary suites, are self-contained living spaces located on the same property as a primary residence. These versatile structures offer homeowners many benefits, from increased rental income and property […]
Talent and Tomatoes: Tom Ning Reflects on Life as an Architect
/in Company Culture, Careers, Q&A/by Karen GillmoreWith a curious spirit and a love of art and design, Tom Ning, RA, realized he wanted to be an architect in elementary school. He arrived in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from Hong Kong with his family at age seven and became a U.S. citizen when he was 18. Earning associate degrees in construction technology and […]
Integrating Modular Wall Systems in Healthcare Settings
/in Construction, Healthcare, Sustainability, Leadership/by J.R. RobertsonModular wall systems have long been available in workplace solutions for commercial office and retail facilities, and now these systems are becoming more widely used in healthcare settings because of shorter building times, sustainable building practices, and flexibility. In the end, these reasons alone cannot only save health systems time and money but may also […]
Design Inspiration: Creating Interior Finishing Palettes
/in Company Culture, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesWith a spark of warm seasonal tones and textures, centralized fabrics, art deco-influenced geometry, and stunning accents, Interior Design Student Intern Lauren Burke shares her unique process for assembling interior finishing palettes that capture the art and essence of everything in full bloom for the season. Watch her process and get inspired by her talent.
Q&A With Architect David McDow
/in Design, Q&A, Lifestyle/by Schmidt AssociatesEarly in his career, David McDow, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, knew that pursuing healthcare design was his passion and long-term goal. Over time, he’s focused on constant learning and coming to expect the unexpected in design, which he believes happens daily. Years later, he’s reflecting on key trends, both stateside and abroad. We recently caught […]
The Benefits of Engagement Workshops
/in Community, Design, Owners' Perspectives, Workplace, Engineering/by Ben SimmonsTo better understand an Owner’s future workplace, we recently hosted an engagement workshop with the KPFF Louisville team who is planning their new office in downtown Louisville. KPFF is a national structural engineering firm that partners with the world’s most thoughtful and creative design professionals to design and build extraordinary places and things. In 2022, […]
Coming Soon to the Louisville Zoo
/in Design, Construction, Owners' Perspectives, Landscape Architecture, Sustainability, Project Highlights, Leadership, Engineering, Community/by Dan BillingsNew Kentucky Trails Exhibit Seeks to Redefine Zoo Experience Continuing the Louisville Zoo’s mission to “Better the Bond Between People and our Planet,” a new experience is beginning to take shape. Together with international zoological consultants CLR Design, Schmidt Associates is excited to play a major role in its development. Introducing Kentucky Trails Design is […]
Remembering Ron Fisher
/in Design, Leadership, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesRon Fisher, AIA, LEED AP July 25, 1956 – April 5, 2023 Ron Fisher, AIA, LEED AP, our friend, mentor, and long-time principal at Schmidt Associates, passed away on April 5 at the age of 66. Born and raised on Indianapolis’s Southside, Ron was drawn to architecture from an early age, spending countless hours drawing, […]
Built to Last
/in Design/by Dan BillingsThe Design Innovation Behind Schmidt Associates, Farm Credit Mid-America’s Ongoing Relationship Signifying the early days of the United States Department of Agriculture in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed a Country Life Commission to address issues facing rural populations, including farmers’ inability to secure loans with fair terms. After many studies and bill passages, the Farm […]
Designing Accessibility On Campus
/in Higher Ed, Deep Dive, Project Highlights, Engineering, Technology, Design/by Lisa GompertsHow Schmidt Associates Designers Made the Alumni House at Allison Mansion Welcoming to All Emulating historical character and turn-of-the-century charm, Allison Mansion housed the family of transportation pioneer James Allison when it was built in 1911. Possessing opulent taste, the mansion was outfitted with an imported German chandelier, a sunken conservatory, a music room with […]
Steven K. Alspaugh Elevated to AIA’s College of Fellows
/in Awards, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAssociate Steven K. Alspaugh, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C® has been elevated to the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) College of Fellows for his efforts toward making the profession a part of an ever-increasing service to society. AIA Fellows receive this esteemed membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to the profession of architecture and […]
Adapting, Expanding, Prevailing
/in Higher Ed, Project Highlights, Engineering, Design/by Lisa GompertsSchmidt Associates designers work to re-imagine existing space for Spalding University’s physical therapy program On the Spalding University campus in downtown Louisville, Ky., a new school of physical therapy will begin educating the next wave of compassionate, caring, and skilled physical therapists in a $7M building beginning in fall 2023. Located along Spalding’s Health Sciences […]
Building Community: How Schmidt Associates Supports Midtown Indy
/in Design, Community/by Joe JarzenFor over 45 years and counting, Schmidt Associates has proudly supported the development of Midtown neighborhoods, and our portfolio further reflects it. This area focuses on the midpoint of Illinois and 38th Streets and works to coordinate efforts from the Crown Hill, Butler-Tarkington, North Meridian Historic District, Meridian Kessler, and Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhoods. Together, these […]
Preserving Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Midtown Dream
/in Project Highlights, Design, Community/by Joe JarzenHow the Schmidt Associates team helped keep MLK Center operating The Martin Luther King Community Center (MLK Center) at 40th and Illinois is an important community resource serving families from the Butler-Tarkington, Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek, and Meridian-Kessler neighborhoods by embracing the teachings and philosophies of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Deeply […]
Project Manager | Associate Eddie Layton Named Indy’s Best and Brightest Finalist
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesProject Manager| Associate Eddie Layton, AIA, LEED AP, has been named one of 10 finalists in the Real Estate, Development, & Construction category for the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana Indy’s Best and Brightest honor. Now in its 19th year, the honors recognize up-and-coming talent in Central Indiana, and finalists are judged on their professional […]
The Case for Rural Emergency Hospitals: The New REH is Access to Care
/in Design/by J.R. RobertsonSince 2012, rural hospital closures have accelerated due to factors including unfavorable reimbursements, ongoing operational costs, and declining and exceedingly sicker populations. These closures have resulted in underserved communities where residents may have to travel miles for access to emergency and other healthcare needs. Consequently, Congress launched the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This act […]
Deep Dive: Marian University Witchger School of Engineering
/in Higher Ed, Design, Deep Dive, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesTo provide students with a top-ranked engineering education that prepares them for successful careers and transformative leadership within the region, nation, and world, the new Marian University Witchger School of Engineering will be opening its doors this fall. What’s in store for the first class of students is truly exciting. The school will not only […]
Designing a Community Payback
/in Design/by Chad ChalosHow the City of Indianapolis leaders, Schmidt Associates, engineers collaborated for energy savings When the City of Indianapolis began planning for a new state-of-the-art Community Justice Campus (CJC) on Indianapolis’s southeast side, pledging justice reform wasn’t the only goal leaders aspired toward. Along with modernizing facilities and centralizing operations into one safe and secure location, […]
Considerations For Effective Behavioral Health Facility Design
/in Design, Healthcare/by J.R. RobertsonThere’s been a concerning trend in mental health over the last few years that has challenged existing and overburdened behavioral healthcare modalities. Consequently, providers are responding with increased treatment options to address addiction, depression, and stress disorders, which have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Today, caregivers across the country are addressing the growing need […]
Introducing Luminate
/in Podcast, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesLuminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership From navigating everyday team operations, carrying maximum impact in the boardroom, and being a community visionary, outstanding leaders use their experiences to create success. As servant leaders, the Schmidt Associates team brings you Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership. In the episodes below, we speak with executives […]
Designing the future of cancer care
/in Design, Healthcare/by Schmidt AssociatesThe big C. For patients and their families, the word is tough to process. In 2020, 18,093,716 cases were diagnosed globally in 185 countries, according to the American Cancer Society. In the Middle East, there were 463,675 new cases, accounting for 2.4% of the global incidence, as stated by JCO® Global Oncology. Certainly, becoming a […]
The old college try
/in Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesCampus considerations from incoming freshmen With summer winding down, the annual higher education rite of passage is near for a new class of incoming students moving into their new homes away from home over the next couple weeks. Between shopping for the essentials, saying goodbye to family, meeting and making new friends, decorating the ultimate […]
The Greatest 18 Days of Summer
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesWritten by Anna Whelchel, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at the Indiana State Fair The excitement is BACK as The Greatest 18 Days of Summer returns with the Indiana State Fair, Friday, July 29 through Sunday, August 21 (CLOSED Mondays and Tuesdays). The 2022 State Fair will honor Indiana’s Automotive Excellence, in partnership with Tom […]
CANStruction 2022: Taco walk on the wild side
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIn 1992, CANStruction was founded with the intent of building life-sized structures made entirely of canned goods to benefit local food banks. Years after the national charity’s founding, employees from Schmidt Associates and Turner Construction who are teaming on the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion’s design and construction, have gone beyond. For this year’s […]
Schmidt Associates Gains 112 Spots on National Architecture List
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates has jumped 112 spots on the 2022 Architectural Record list of Top 300 Architecture Firms. The firm earned the 152nd spot on this year’s list. “We are grateful to employ amazing talent from across the region, and to have earned the trust of our clients,” said CEO and Principal Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED […]
Serving up a community benefit
/in Leadership, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates, Turner Construction Company employees participate in central Indiana Earth Day clean-up Committed to servant leadership, sustainability, and a desire to serve and save Mother Earth, Schmidt Associates employees traded their drawing software and schematics for gloves and trash bags as they rolled up their sleeves and spent time beautifying Indianapolis parks for Earth […]
Retro-commissioning: Restoring Energy Standards
/in Engineering, K-12/by Bill GruenWhen older buildings start losing their luster, it might be time for a retro-commissioning study (RCx) to ensure internal systems are running efficiently. What is retro-commissioning? An RCx study is the first stage in a building upgrade process. It involves studying the performance of HVAC, lighting, and building controls systems while comparing them to a […]
Deferred Maintenance and Master Planning
/in Higher Ed, Presentations & Publications/by Sarah HempsteadAcross the country, facilities staff, advancement officers, and CFOs alike are tackling deferred maintenance and master planning to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency. Those responsible recognize how daunting this is, especially with tighter budgets, less state funding, and project backlogs. “When deferred maintenance is addressed early and often with an understanding of which priorities to […]
Three Ways VR/AR Engages Audiences While Building Consensus
/in Technology, Higher Ed/by Sara RicheySeeing your building project on paper is one step closer to becoming a reality but, thanks to technology advancements in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), you can now see a project in 3D and start using it to build consensus, early in the process. This is good news for Owners, but before getting into specifics, […]
The Value of a Facilities Audit
/in Design/by Sarah HempsteadHow one small, private college shifted their approach to maintaining campus buildings while saving time, money “How old are our systems?” “How much time is left before we have to replace our equipment and facilities?” “What is the condition of our roofs?” “Where are we right now?” “How can we maintain our facilities?” On most […]
SCOPE: Your Facility Assessment Dashboard
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesTo effectively and efficiently analyze data contained in master plans, Schmidt Associates offers Strategic Capture of Planning Elements (SCOPE). This interactive dashboard allows facilities staffs to easily utilize, edit, and sort information by facility or project type, priority, and need, making your deferred maintenance planning easier.
Behind the Scenes at the Louisville Zoo
/in Community/by Schmidt AssociatesFor the past 27 years, Schmidt Associates’ Louisville office (formally known as Arrasmith) and the Louisville Zoo have enjoyed a relationship, filled with exotic animals, intricate storylines, and dazzling designs that bring the public closer to the built environment. The result? Nine exhibits, architectural awards from both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the […]
Making the Grade in Lawrence Township
/in K-12/by Anna Marie BurrellThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen evidence of inequity and inequality with current events across the country. Along with these events, we’ve also witnessed a mental health crisis of epic proportions that is affecting young people. As a result, and to maintain stability with our students in K-12 schools, the importance of equity, equality, and […]
Alvin Laguerre, aka Alvin the Architect makes his mark at Schmidt Associates
/in K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesSeeing beautiful buildings co-exist against a backdrop of mountains, valleys, and blue waters in his homeland of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, Architectural Graduate Alvin Laguerre knew he wanted to contribute to beauty and speak loudly through design. This solidified his career decision, and he’s drawn his own roadmap to success. Learn more about Alvin and his bright […]
Designing College Campuses for Student Health, Equity, and Performance – Part 2
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Sara RicheyEnvironmental design has an impact on occupant health, productivity, and sense of belonging. There’s no exception for students on college campuses. According to an October 2020 “Inside Higher Ed,” survey, 44 percent of student respondents said stress, anxiety, and loneliness had been their biggest challenge. In our last blog, we cited that in 2021, college […]
The Intersection of Comfort and Sound: How Quiet HVAC Systems and Good Acoustics Contribute to Higher Learning
/in Engineering, Higher Ed/by Steve AlspaughAcoustics and Well-being Well-designed classrooms are central to learning. While students and staff may not immediately consider what they hear (or don’t hear), noise control is fundamental to their learning environment. As architects and engineers specializing in higher education design, we have an obligation to minimize these distractions, making acoustics an integral aspect of design […]
Health Equity: Partnering to Improve Access
/in Healthcare, Community, Higher Ed/by Janet Lively McCauleyThe COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized profound weaknesses in healthcare and the inequities that have traditionally pervaded it. The virus has highlighted gaps and exacerbated them. Decades of widespread dependence on employment-based coverage meant Americans could lose coverage if they changed or lost their jobs. Layoffs show that as many as 7.7 million workers and 6.9 […]
Charting the future of Health Sciences Education
/in Healthcare, Design, Higher Ed/by Sarah HempsteadFair Food Traditions
/in Design/by Beth HeadrickDeep-fried doughs. Gooey Wisconsin cheese curds. Creamy milkshakes. Getting hungry yet? We are, and after a year with no Indiana State Fair, we’ve been busy planning routes and to-do lists that include indulging in tasty fair treats. Before the gates opened, we asked Schmidt Associates team members to share their favorite foods and what they […]
Deep Dive: Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion
/in Community/by Sarah HempsteadFrom the obscure food combinations, the iconic midway, a stellar concert lineup, dozens of 4-H competitions, and annual livestock exhibitions, the Schmidt Associates team looks forward to the Indiana State Fair—and with good reason. The fair time means an annual pilgrimage to the Dairy Bar for a grilled cheese sammie and a deep fried Twinkie […]
Exploring Healthcare Education: IU Student Outreach Clinic
/in Design, Higher Ed, Community, Healthcare/by Sarah HempsteadMinutes from downtown Indianapolis sits an Eastside neighborhood where access to healthcare proved challenging. Many residents often went without. But, thanks to a partnership between the Indiana University School of Medicine, the Neighborhood Fellowship Church, the Butler University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the University of Indianapolis Krannert School of Physical Therapy, residents […]
CANStruction 2021: Indiana’s Star Explorers
/in Design, Company Culture/by Beth HeadrickIn 1992, CANStruction was founded with the intent of building life-sized structures made entirely of canned goods with proceeds benefitting local food banks. Seventeen years after the national charity’s founding, Schmidt Associates employees joined the local CANstruction chapter’s effort, getting inspired to do good for the community while exercising creativity. One of the first sculptures […]
An “A Fair” to Remember
/in Community/by Beth HeadrickSchmidt Associates team members share their favorite Indiana State Fair memories. Every year, thousands of Hoosiers flock to the Indiana State Fair. They observe traditions started years before and make new memories with family and friends. With the fair’s return, it only seemed appropriate to ask Schmidt Associates team members to share their fondest recollections. […]
Enhancing education in Hammond, Indiana
/in K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesIn 2017, School City of Hammond hired Schmidt Associates to complete a facility study resulting in plans to develop the new Hammond Central High School, which, along with the existing Morton High School, replaces the aging Clark, Gavit, and Hammond High Schools that closed in June. On July 22 during the building’s dedication, ribbons were […]
Building functional, collaborative spaces
/in Design/by Anna Marie BurrellWithin the architectural design and engineering community, we often hear about learning by doing. Likewise, a major emphasis in K-12 education is on teaching students through hands-on project experience in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). This can lead to programs based around community needs such as healthcare, agriculture, or even […]
Student Mentors Success: Myrisha Powell
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates is proud to offer its Student Mentors program for high school students to get a professional glimpse of everyday life in the field before graduating. While the firm’s leadership always enjoys educating young people and helping shape their futures, the real excitement comes from success stories like Myrisha Powell. As a Project Lead […]
Designing College Campuses for Student Health, Equity, and Performance—Part 1
/in Higher Ed, Design/by Sara RicheyDistraught, a friend described having sleepless nights concerned about her 19-year-old freshman son’s mental health. She wasn’t alone as many students across college campuses had a rough journey filled with isolation and anxiety from COVID-19. College is about connecting, community, and forming relationships. As they prepare to welcome students back, administrators’ focus will be on […]
Designing K-12 Education Spaces for Student Mental and Emotional Wellbeing | Part 2
/in Engineering, K-12/by Gabe CurrierAcoustical, Lighting, and Building System Considerations In the first of this two-part series exploring building design’s impact on student mental and emotional health, we discussed how the design of a space, its furnishings, and the types of visual elements it uses impact how students feel. But there are a variety of additional building aspects […]
Using Biophilic Building Design to Improve Patient Outcomes
/in Design, Healthcare/by Elizabeth BishopWhether it’s home, work, school, or elsewhere, we spend more than 90 percent of our time indoors today. When everything from the furniture we sit on to the sources of our light are artificial, it is easy to lose the connection to the natural world that we need as human beings. This can have a […]
Designing K-12 Education Spaces for Student Mental and Emotional Wellbeing | Part 1
/in K-12, Design/by Anna Marie BurrellArchitectural and Interior Design Considerations The mental and emotional wellbeing of students has a significant impact on their development and ability to learn. The onset of COVID-19 has highlighted those needs and the critical nature of creating a healthy school environment in all aspects. A 2020 Pulse Point survey of college presidents by […]
3 Strategies to Help Colleges Prioritize Deferred Maintenance Post-COVID
/in Higher Ed, Engineering/by Sara RicheyThe realities of a pandemic have made running a college or university harder than ever. Institutions must simultaneously plan for a murky future state while trying to keep the doors open today. This balancing act impacts nearly every decision made and every dollar spent. Even during the best of times, facilities leaders almost always need […]
Should You Spend ESSER II Funds on Facilities Projects?
/in Engineering, K-12/by Eric BroemelEvaluating K-12 Facilities for Health and Safety Since an additional round of COVID-19 emergency relief funding was announced through ESSER II, you’ve likely already started talking with your team and partners about how you can and should plan to spend this money. You have a list a mile long of the things your […]
What are the Design Components of an Auditorium?
/in Higher Ed, K-12/by Steve SchaecherAuditoriums and performing arts centers are important features of many K-12 and higher education facilities. They not only host the latest dramatic or musical performance for students, but they can also be used for professional performances, large meetings, community events, and other activities. They are truly an educational and community asset. Designing auditoriums requires knowledge […]
What You Need to Know About Post-Tension Concrete Tennis Courts
/in Higher Ed, Engineering, K-12/by Bob RossWhen we conduct facility condition assessments, we frequently find heavily worn and cracked tennis courts. If you have asphalt courts, you likely know that a fact of life is significant court repair or replacement every decade or so. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There is an alternative: post-tension concrete. Post-tension concrete […]
Taking Control of Energy Costs in Your Healthcare Facility
/in Healthcare, Engineering/by Bill GruenHealthcare organizations must juggle numerous priorities—clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, infection control, revenue cycle management, and physician and staff satisfaction to name a few. This often leaves something like energy conservation near the bottom of the list. With patient care at the forefront, reducing energy usage may even seem counterintuitive. Building System Challenges Most healthcare facilities […]
Q&A Session with Janet Lively
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about Janet Position: Business Development Manager – New Markets Education: University of Louisville Dream Louisville Meal: The pork chop at Jack Fry’s, lobster macaroni and cheese from Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse; and a slice of key lime pie from Stoney River Grill From her infectious smile to her genuine interest in others, Janet […]
Owner Perspective: Historic P.R. Mallory Factory Redevelopment
/in Community, Project Highlights, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesAfter decades of unsuccessful attempts by for-profit developers, Englewood Community Development Corporation and John Boner Neighborhood Centers managed to revive the historic but neglected P.R. Mallory factory as a community asset. Once the bustling intellectual headquarters of P.R. Mallory & Company, the inventors of the Duracell battery and many other technological innovations, the industrial site […]
Design Crossover: Filling the Higher Ed STEM Pipeline Starting in K-12
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesHow Purdue University is combining community engagement, early program exposure, and cutting-edge education design to increase its engineering student pipeline. STEM careers are in increasingly high demand. Today, we don’t have the volume of prepared applicants funneling into higher education institutions to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow and continue to successfully compete in the […]
Sneak Peek: Spalding University Health Sciences Campus Expansion
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesSpalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, is expanding its health sciences campus. We’ve partnered with them to design a training environment that helps differentiate its health sciences programs, further develop its graduate portfolio, and enhance interprofessional education. The new space is a renovation of the existing Cooke Building, a former automobile showroom. The goal is […]
The 4 P’s of Facility Condition Assessments
/in K-12/by Lisa GompertsFacility condition assessments are an important tool for school districts and other organizations to appropriately plan for deferred maintenance or create a long-term master plan. Remember the 4 P’s of facility condition assessments: Proactive One of the benefits of initiating a facility condition assessment is moving from a reactive state—where you are constantly putting out […]
What’s Involved in a K-12 District Facility Assessment?
/in K-12/by Anna Marie BurrellA facility assessment evaluates the state of a school district’s physical buildings and building systems, as well as their suitability for students’ educational needs and the district’s goals. K-12 schools typically undergo a facility assessment during the master planning or district facility planning process. The frequency of updating these plans, and thus undergoing an assessment, […]
Finding the Right Professional Partners for Your Mission-Based Organization
/in Community, Design, Healthcare, Higher Ed/by Sarah HempsteadMission- or value-based organizations—such as philanthropic organizations, non-profit colleges or universities, social service organizations, charitable foundations, and other not-for-profit entities—have additional considerations when looking for professional services partners. It’s not just about who can do the work best, but also who aligns with their brand and core values. Professional services partners can include any external […]
Designing STEM Higher Education Spaces to Fuel Economic Growth
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Sarah Hempstead and Sara Richey Creating and enhancing STEM programs, especially for engineering, is critical to developing the next generation of innovators. Feeding a pipeline of workers to support our local and regional communities is just a starting point. Designing academic spaces for students in professional programs requires a tailored approach based in […]
Improving Hygiene for Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. During COVID-19
/in K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesNew, permanent hand-washing stations provide improved pathogen control in elementary and middle schools When school districts began brainstorming solutions and new policies for safely bringing students back to the classroom amid COVID-19, Penn-Harris-Madison (P-H-M) School Corporation wasted no time. Early on, they explored the need for solutions to enhance hygiene practices among students, especially younger […]
The ROI of Energy Efficiency
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenIt’s not just a few dollars here and there—making energy-efficient upgrades to your building can result in significant operational savings. Greater efficiency means less energy used and lower operational costs long term. Whether you own or operate a commercial property, healthcare facility, residential complex, or an educational facility, increased energy efficiency is good for your […]
Historic Indianapolis Factory Transformed into Cutting-Edge Education Campus
/in Higher Ed, K-12, Community/by Schmidt AssociatesThe adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the P.R. Mallory factory—best known for the invention of the Duracell® battery—gives it new life as a K-12 education facility PRESS RELEASE — The grand opening of the P.R. Mallory campus as the new home of Purdue Polytechnic High School and Paramount Englewood Middle School marked yet another […]
Owner Perspective: Ball State University North Residence Hall
/in Owners' Perspectives, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesThis semester, students moved into the new North Residence Hall at Ball State University. A part of the campus’ North Residential Neighborhood, the hall closely accompanies two other residence halls, a dining hall, and a fourth residence hall currently under construction. The 496-bed residence hall is a science, technology, and math Living-Learning Community. It includes […]
Full Circle: Ball State Grads Now Make Design Contributions to Campus
/in Higher Ed, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesKevin Shelley, AIA, LEED AP, principal and project manager, and Ryan Benson, AIA, associate and senior project architect, both embarked on their first design project at Ball State University in 2007. For the past 13 years, they have played a vital role in the transformation of Residence Life facilities on campus. And they are both […]
How an Energy Audit Can Help You Retain Tenants
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenIf you’re in commercial real estate, securing new tenants is only half your battle. Perhaps most important is retaining them. A variety of factors contribute to a tenant’s likelihood to renew their lease. Energy efficiency can help. In fact, according to the Institute for Market Transformation, high-performance buildings have higher occupancy rates (and higher asset […]
How a Wind Study Informs Building Design
/in Design, Engineering, Higher Ed/by Eric BroemelA wind study is an engineering tool we can use to help clients make informed design decisions. It’s not a primary component of most projects and is not done for every building design, but when it is needed, the results can make a significant impact on the daily experience users have with a building or […]
Construction Insights: Ball State University North Residence Hall
/in Owners' Perspectives, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesInterview with Kelly Knable, Director of Construction at Ball State University A residence hall—particularly one like North Hall at Ball State University, which is designed as a living-learning community for science, technology, and math majors—includes several different project types rolled into one. It serves as a space for occupants to live, socialize, and study. It […]
Ask an Architect: COVID-19 Office Changes
/in Workplace, Design/by Eddie LaytonWatch the Video Playlist: Watch on YouTube Now that many industries have spent several months working from home, business leaders have new questions about office needs and design. Do we even need a physical office anymore? Should we transition from an open office plan back to cubicles or walled offices? What changes can […]
3 Types of Tenant Complaints You Can Prevent with an Energy Audit
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenBoth tenants and building managers benefit from efficient systems If you manage a residential or commercial building, maintenance requests and tenant complaints can be a huge headache. By understanding your building’s current energy usage and identifying areas of improvement, you can help eliminate some of the common complaints and requests, saving you time and improving tenant […]
How Does Energy Efficiency Impact Your Brand?
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenBuilding owners can see a ripple effect from good energy practices Making your buildings more energy efficient is a win-win. Not only does it conserve resources and save money on operational costs, but earning that LEED certification or Energy Star rating can actually be good for business. Your brand is more than your logo or […]
Design Podcasts to Add to Your Queue
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Cassidy O’Hara | Cassidy is an architecture student at Ball State University, completing an internship with Schmidt Associates. As a self-described lifetime learner, I love trying new things, teaching myself new skills (most recently rollerblading and sewing), and learning about anything and everything. Yet as a full-time architecture student, I don’t always have […]
How to Convince Your Boss You Need an Energy Audit
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenYou may be convinced that you need an energy audit in the building(s) you manage. But if you need approval from your owner, CFO, or someone else to sign on the dotted line, you may have to make your case. Share with your boss these five reasons you need an energy audit: 1. Energy Audits Save […]
Building Optimization: Saving Energy and Money
/in Engineering, K-12/by Bill GruenToday’s HVAC systems have the technology to do amazing things. They make a building comfortable, safe, and energy efficient. To get the most out of your systems, they must be tuned to stay in sync with the activities of the occupants and monitored to ensure proper operation. This ongoing adjusting of HVAC and other systems […]
How Commercial Lease Structures Impact the ROI of Energy Efficiency
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenWhile making improvements to a commercial property’s energy efficiency is never a bad thing, property ownership and lease structure can make a big difference in how your return on investment (ROI) is realized. Oftentimes, all parties see some benefit to efficient upgrades, but it may not be in the form of direct monetary savings or […]
What is an Energy Audit?
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenAn energy audit helps you identify opportunities to reduce energy usage in your building(s) and save money. Whether you own or operate a retail space, office building, healthcare facility, or school, an energy audit is often the first step to greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs. Our energy audit is a three-step process: […]
Do You Need an Energy Incentive Administrator?
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenWhen it comes to energy incentive/rebate programs, you may know your stuff. You understand the difference between a prescriptive and a custom energy incentive. You’re familiar with the programs offered by your utility company, and you’ve even filled out a few of the applications yourself. Maybe you work for a university, hospital, school district, or […]
Efficient Architecture: How Building Design Impacts Energy Consumption
/in Design, Engineering/by Meghan MillerWhen you think about a building’s energy efficiency, you likely think about its mechanical systems, such as HVAC and lighting. Improving building system design and using new technologies are critical in reducing a facility’s energy consumption. However, the building’s architectural design also plays a role in its efficiency. In fact, it sets the very foundation […]
Net Zero Buildings Explained
/in Engineering/by Schmidt Associates“Net zero”—also called “zero energy”—is a term that gets tossed around frequently when talking about sustainable design, but many building Owners don’t know what it really means or what a net zero project entails. Let’s talk about the basics: What is a net zero building? The concept of a net zero building is simple: the […]
4 Ways to Improve School Safety Through Site Design
/in K-12, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesSchool districts regularly tell us that student and staff safety are top priorities when taking on a new project. But safety and security don’t just mean cameras and metal detectors. As designers, we can implement strategies that help create a secure environment before you ever walk into the building. Crime prevention and traffic control are […]
Does Your K-12 School District Need a Master Plan?
/in K-12/by Anna Marie BurrellThe short answer to this question is, “Yes.” If your district doesn’t have one, or you have never been involved in a master planning process before, you likely have a lot of questions. Let’s start with the basics. What is a master plan? A master plan is a roadmap for the future of your school […]
Material Selections to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Healthcare Facilities
/in Healthcare, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Elizabeth Bishop, Interior Designer specializing in Healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic was an unexpected blow to the healthcare system. Just weeks into the pandemic, we were talking about dramatic changes to how hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be designed and operated in the future. If you didn’t have a renovation already in the pipeline, […]
4 Methods We Use to Maintain Budget Control in K-12 Projects
/in K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesMaintaining the project budget is one of the primary concerns for virtually all Owners of K-12 facilities. There are a variety of tools integrated into our design process that help us stay within the Owner’s budget. A few of these include: In-house Cost Estimating We are a full-service architectural and engineering firm, so our expertise […]
Ensuring Project Budgets are Met and Maintained
/in K-12/by Ron FisherWhy We Do Our Own Design Estimates To design projects to meet costs, you have to know costs. We believe all our designers—whether an architect, civil engineer, or mechanical engineer—must understand the cost of what they are proposing to an Owner. In our industry, many designers prefer not to do their own cost estimates because, […]
Survey: Indiana K-12 Schools’ COVID-19 Response
/in K-12, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesHow Indiana school districts are beginning to move forward during a global pandemic In mid-May, we surveyed K-12 school corporations across Indiana. We wanted to understand what they’d seen so far as a result of COVID-19 and their plans for the future. Based on our findings, we offered insights and potential solutions for some of […]
Q&A Session with Lisa Gomperts, Principal
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about Lisa Position: Project Manager, Principal Education: University of Cincinnati Favorite Restaurant: Bakersfield Whether it’s visioning and managing projects at work or crafting at home, Lisa Gomperts has mastered the art of assembling pieces to make a whole that is better than its parts. Learn more about one of our principals below! Tell […]
Q&A Session with Arnold “Arne” Judd, Associate
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about Arne Position: Associate Education: Rhode Island School of Design Secret Talent: Jewelry Making Harboring an eye for detail and a childhood surrounded by architecture, Arnold “Arne” Judd, Associate, seemed destined to become an architect from a young age. Arne is a Kentucky native who works in our Louisville office. What drew […]
Communication Tools to Maintain Schedules
/in K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesKeys to Successful Communication Communication is critical to the success of design and construction projects. Almost every client—large or small, old or new—is most concerned with their project being on time and on budget. We have found the key to both is effective and frequent communication. This might sound like a simple concept, and it […]
How Higher Ed Facilities are Moving Forward After COVID-19
/in Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesIn mid-May, we surveyed higher education institutions across Indiana. We wanted to understand what they’d seen so far as a result of COVID-19 and their plans for campus in the future. Based on our findings, we offered insights and potential solutions for some of their facility challenges during a moderated discussion in mid-June. Below are […]
A Love Letter to the College Campus
/in Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesI know you’ve heard what everyone is saying. They say that I’ve moved on. That remote learning has stolen my heart and that we’re planning to run away together and live happily every ever. But Campus, you were my first love! What we have can’t be replaced by a fast internet connection […]
What We Know About Office Design in the Wake of COVID-19
/in Workplace, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Eddie Layton, Associate and Project Manager, and Dan Billings, Associate and Project Architect The implications of COVID-19 and the impact it’s having on life and business is still in constant flux. We know things have to change, and there are lots of ideas floating around. We likely won’t have a firm grasp on […]
6 Ways to Save on Operational Costs in the Time of COVID-19
/in Workplace, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesThe current pandemic has drastically changed the business landscape and has many organizations looking for ways to cut costs. Here are some of the best ways to maximize your budget and reduce operational costs. Adjust building controls to reduce energy consumption If your facility is currently closed or at reduced occupancy, adjusting your building […]
How to Maximize Outdoor Space for a Healthier Work Environment
/in Workplace, Design, Landscape Architecture/by Craig FlandermeyerTurning an outdoor space into a functional work area has been a trend in the corporate world for years. The mental and physical benefits of giving employees access to natural daylight, fresh air, and a change of scenery have been well documented. As a global pandemic turned the working world on its head, outdoor office […]
Schmidt Associates Makes ENR’s List of Top 500 Design Firms
/in Design, Awards/by Schmidt AssociatesWe are proud to have broken into Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) list of the Top 500 Design Firms in the country. This is the first year the firm has made the national list, at number 498. Earning a spot on the list signals our consistent growth as a result of our team’s commitment to servant leadership. […]
Video Fly-Through for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital
/in Design, Project Highlights, Healthcare/by Schmidt AssociatesSee Inside the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre Upon completion, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and Research Centre in Karachi, Pakistan, will serve a region of nearly 23 million people. The facility is over 800,000 sq. ft. with inpatient, outpatient, surgical, and research modalities. A large portion of the facility is dedicated […]
Q&A Session with John Hitron, Medical Equipment Planner
/in Company Culture, Healthcare/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about John Position: Medical Equipment Planner Education: University of Kentucky Interesting Hobby: Hot Air Ballooning Favorite Place in Louisville: The Falls of Ohio State Park Although occasionally an aeronaut, John Hitron, Senior Architect/Medical Planner, is anything but flighty. With his feet planted firmly in architectural soil, he sat down for a few […]
3 Reasons You Need a Medical Equipment Planner on Your Design Team
/in Design, Healthcare/by John HitronWhen designing clinical spaces in a hospital or other medical facility, it’s important to assemble the right team. This includes individuals on the design side—such as architects, engineers, and interior designers—and on the clinical side—such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others who will be using the space every day. It also includes a very important […]
5 Changes to Make Before Employees Return to the Office
/in Workplace/by Dan BillingsThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Your employees have likely been forced from their cubicles or standing desks into their dining rooms or home offices. Virtual-only interaction with their colleagues and clients is the new norm. This will inevitably cause significant shifts in how we think about the physical workplace and […]
Using HVAC to Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
/in Engineering/by Eric BroemelCOVID-19 is transmitted through saliva droplets from the mouth and nose. These droplets are released by coughing, sneezing, or speaking. It is possible for them to remain in the air for hours and potentially be transmitted through ventilation systems. Your HVAC system is one tool you can use to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and […]
What is a WELL Building?
/in Sustainability, Design/by Laura HardinFor years, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and has been the primary standard against which building projects have been measured. You may own, operate, or work in a LEED-certified facility. If not, you likely frequent one on a regular basis. LEED certification continues to be well respected and widely sought after. However, it […]
How We Design to Keep Students Healthy
/in Design, K-12/by Cindy McLoedAs we are acutely aware, now more than ever, schools are hot beds for illness—especially elementary and middle schools, where kids are still learning proper hygiene and how to avoid getting sick. The health of kids’ environment at school directly impacts the health of their families and society at large. As architects, engineers, and interior […]
How to Adjust System Settings When Your Buildings are Closed
/in Engineering, K-12, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Bill Gruen and Dave McDowell With many schools, universities, and businesses closed due to COVID-19, you will likely have buildings that are essentially empty for the next several weeks or months. This means you do not need to heat and cool them the same way you normally would. It may seem like a […]
Q&A Session with Sara Richey, Client Liaison – Higher Ed Studio
/in Company Culture, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about Sara Position: Client Liaison Hometown: Buffalo, NY Education: Purdue University, Rhode Island School of Design Skill She Wishes She Had: The ability to do a handstand Sara Richey, interior designer and Client Liaison, brings her passion and unique perspective to the Higher Education Studio. Combining her creative eye, inquisitive mind, and […]
How to Design Academic Spaces for Tomorrow’s Professionals
/in Higher Ed, Design/by Sarah HempsteadAs a facilitator of higher education, you strive to provide the highest quality educational experience for your students. How you achieve that mission varies, and professional programs—such as nursing, engineering, or law—present unique challenges and opportunities. Just as you customize the academic requirements for each professional school, each warrants a customized educational environment as well. […]
Continuing to Support You
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesWe are Staying Open Remotely As you may know, Indiana’s and Kentucky’s governors have ordered people to stay in their homes in response to COVID-19. While this directive is important to the slow of the pandemic, it will only impact where the Schmidt Associates team works—not how we work or what we value. We are […]
Q&A Session with Dick Butwin, Client Liaison
/in Lifestyle, Workplace, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts Position: Client Liaison Hometown: Terre Haute, IN Education: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (BS, Civil Engineering), Eastern Michigan University (MBA) Currently Watching: NCIS Dick Butwin recently joined Schmidt Associates as a Client Liaison, leading our Workplace and Lifestyle studios. Learn a little more about him below! Tell us about your background. I am a […]
4 Things to Consider When Designing a Police Station
/in Community/by Brad BrutoutThere is no template or formula for a successful police station design. Many stations have similar components or core functions, but personnel use them in different ways and need them to perform to different standards. For example, it’s safe to say every police department needs an evidence room. Based on their operations and case load, […]
Owner Perspective: LaPorte Community School Corporation
/in Project Highlights, K-12, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt Associates“It started with the students, and it ended with the students.” Trouble viewing the video? Click here Greg Hunt, Chief Financial Officer for LaPorte Community School Corporation (LPCSC), has held this position for seven years and has worked with the school corporation for a total of 20 years. Our team has partnered with LPCSC […]
Schmidt Associates Named One of the Best Places to Work in Indiana 2020
/in Awards, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesWe’re proud to again be named to the list of Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Schmidt Associates has earned a place on the list more than 10 times, making us a Hall of Fame Company. This year, the firm earned the no. 26 spot among medium-sized companies (75 to […]
Q&A Session with John “J.R.” Robertson, Healthcare Studio Lead
/in Healthcare, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About John Robertson Discipline: Architecture Education: University of Kentucky Favorite Movie: Hoosiers John “J.R.” Robertson comes to Schmidt Associates from Louisville, KY, architecture firm Arrasmith. Our two firms joined forces earlier this year to provide even greater service and expertise to our clients and communities. J.R.’s more than 30 years […]
How One Building Project Can Transform a School District
/in Project Highlights, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Duane Dart and Steve Schaecher LaPorte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) knew they had aging buildings that were causing gaps in the student experience across their schools. Like many other school corporations, their standard approach had been to fix the buildings in the worst condition one at a time. To get a broader view of […]
How to Choose the Right HVAC System for a K-12 School
/in Project Highlights, Engineering, K-12/by Brad WallaceMany factors help us determine what mechanical systems are best for a project Owner. The decision depends on their building type and what it will be used for, as well as their financial and operational priorities. For K-12 schools, there are unique considerations we must often take into account when choosing HVAC and other building […]
Schmidt Associates Welcomes Louisville Architecture Firm
/in Healthcare, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesJoining forces means expanded services and support for clients and the community Schmidt Associates announced today that it has welcomed the team at Arrasmith in Louisville, Ky., into the firm. Arrasmith’s experience in healthcare—including university lab, hospital, and medical research facility design—will support the joined firm’s Healthcare Studio. Full-service healthcare architecture and engineering is now […]
Q&A Session with Denise Sallee, Accounting Assistant
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Denise Discipline: Accounting Hometown: Terre Haute, IN Education: Indiana Business College (Harrison College) Favorite Lunch Spot: The Watering Hole From the infectious smile to the sassy attitude, Denise Sallee, Accounting Assistant, brings much joy and laughter to Schmidt Associates. Tell us about your background. I grew up in the woods in […]
Using the 2020 Color of the Year: Naval
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesBy Kaylyn Kelly, Interior Design Intern As commercial interior designers, we typically don’t design around trends. Our goal is often to provide owners with colors and finishes that feel current but are generally timeless. We love a good statement, but we also want to prevent projects from looking dated in a […]
Jumping into a New Decade
/in Company Culture, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesOur Year in Review Every December, it’s amazing to look back at the past year and see everything we’ve helped our clients, employees, and community accomplish. We kicked off new projects and celebrated grand opening ribbon cuttings. We welcomed new employees to the Schmidt Associates family and honored those who’ve spent their careers with us. […]
A Word from Our Owners – North Montgomery CSC
/in Engineering, K-12, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt AssociatesJim McBee, Director of Business and Transportation, has worked with the North Montgomery Community School Corporation for the past 15 years in his current position. He previously worked at Purdue University for six years as a business manager before coming to NMCSC and served on the school board for two years. Jim is a member […]
Are You Getting the Energy Rebates You Deserve?
/in Engineering/by Bill GruenBoost your budget by getting paid for energy efficient upgrades We all want to save money, and seeking energy rebates for your engineering work is one way to add dollars back into your bottom line. If you are planning renovations in your facility, making system upgrades, or putting up a brand new building, you probably […]
Q&A Session with Andrew Eckrich, Energy Engineer
/in Engineering, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Andrew Discipline: Mechanical Engineering, Clean Energy Engineering Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN Education: University of Dayton Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption From international adventures to playing banjo around the campfire, Andrew Eckrich, graduate engineer, has an eclectic array of hobbies—including an inherited bouncy ball collection! When did you decide you wanted to […]
A Word from Our Owners – Damien Center
/in Owners' Perspectives, Community, Healthcare/by Schmidt AssociatesAlan Witchey is president and CEO of the Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Alan began working with the Damien Center as a volunteer in the 1990s and later became a full-time employee. He has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, previously serving as executive director of the Coalition […]
6 Ways to Reuse and Recycle in Your Workplace
/in Sustainability, Workplace/by Craig FlandermeyerAt Schmidt Associates, sustainability is something we strive for in each architecture and engineering project we do. We work with clients to implement designs that are energy efficient, use renewable energy sources, gain LEED certification if desired, or even reuse existing structures and materials when possible. This focus on sustainability is, in part, why we […]
Designing Facilities for Wraparound Health Services
/in Design, Community, Healthcare/by Sarah HempsteadWraparound healthcare services are exactly what they sound like—they encompass medical and non-medical services and resources that wrap around a person or family to best support their individual needs and improve their well-being in multiple areas of their life. Wraparound healthcare programs are based on the idea of treating the whole person. There are many […]
How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on the Community
/in K-12, Design/by Anna Marie BurrellPART 3 IN A SERIES Consider the community that surrounds and supports your school when planning for new builds and renovations Schools are important assets to cities and towns. A neighborhood school is responsible for producing good future citizens and has a direct impact on the well-being of the community. As a result, changes within […]
Q&A Session with Jessica Suttle, Graduate Landscape Architect
/in Company Culture, Landscape Architecture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Jessica Discipline: Landscape Architecture Hometown: Centerville, OH Education: The Ohio State University, Ball State University Podcast Currently Listening to: The Model Health Show She got married on a mountain in Costa Rica, and her itch to travel takes her far and wide. It’s no surprise that Graduate Landscape Architect Jessica […]
How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on Teachers
/in Design/by Anna Marie BurrellPART 2 IN A SERIES Consider the effects of school renovations and new builds on teachers and other staff Any design and construction work in your school is ultimately for the benefit of the students—to provide them with a better environment to learn and grow. But they aren’t the only ones who need to […]
Choosing a Construction Delivery Method for K-12 Building Projects
/in Construction, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesIf you’re starting your first building or renovation project in your district—or even your first project in a long time—there can be a hefty learning curve. The processes are nuanced, there are endless acronyms and industry jargon, and many different people and organizations are involved. For even the savviest of school administrators, it can be […]
How to Avoid Negative Impacts of School Construction Projects on Students
/in K-12, Design, Construction/by Anna Marie BurrellPART 1 IN A SERIES Proper planning is critical to avoid unintended consequences of school construction for those who matter most—students. Initiating a new school build or a significant renovation can be a lengthy process. Getting the project approved, perhaps passing a referendum, and determining the vision for your new or updated facilities is a […]
Q&A Session with Eric Wolf, Field Manager
/in Company Culture, Construction/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Eric Discipline: Construction Administration Hometown: Logansport, IN Education: Purdue University Who He’d Pick to Play Himself in a Movie: Robert Redford From a construction site to a campground, Eric Wolf, construction delivery field manager, feels most at home outside and surrounded by nature. What drew you to engineering and construction? Construction […]
4 Tips for Adaptive Reuse in Higher Education
/in Design, Higher Ed, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesHow to successfully expand your campus by repurposing old buildings Whether you have a building on campus that is sitting vacant, or you’re looking for a new space to expand into, adaptive reuse is an effective option for many higher education construction projects. “Adaptive reuse” refers to giving an existing building—often a fairly […]
A Word from Our Owners – Butler College of Education
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesDr. Ena Shelley was appointed dean of the College of Education at Butler University in June 2005. Shelley’s experience with the College of Education began 37 years ago when she joined the faculty as an assistant professor of early childhood education in 1982. Now Dean and Professor Emerita, Dr. Shelley retired in the spring of […]
Q&A Session with Bob Ross, Civil Designer
/in Company Culture, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Bob Discipline: Engineering Hometown: Valparaiso, IN Education: Trine University Favorite Movie: The Sandlot As Bob Ross, civil designer, designs parking lots and detention ponds for Owners, he daydreams of visiting every ballpark in the country. Learn more about him below! Where did you grow up? I grew up in “The […]
We’re an Approved IPL RCx Study Provider. What Does That Mean?
/in Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates is an approved Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) Retro-Commissioning Study Provider. This status helps us enhance our energy service offerings to our Indianapolis-area clients by allowing us to execute retro-commissioning studies and lead clients through IPL’s energy incentive program. Even if a building was designed to be energy efficient, as time goes on, […]
What is Retro-Commissioning?
/in K-12, Higher Ed, Community, Workplace, Lifestyle, Engineering/by Bill GruenIs your building’s energy performance at its highest possible level? If you don’t know the answer to this question offhand, it’s probably “no.” Even if your building was designed to be energy efficient at the time it was built or renovated, as time goes on, building usage may evolve and equipment ages. Modern building […]
A Word from Our Owners – St. Joan of Arc Church
/in Community, Owners' Perspectives, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesMolly Ellsworth has been the Parish Business Manager at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for eight years and served various churches in Indianapolis; Charleston, SC; and Chicago for 25 years. She earned both undergraduate (B.A. History) and graduate degrees (Master of Leadership Development) from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. Schmidt Associates worked with St. […]
Q&A Session with Brad Wallace
/in Engineering, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts About Brad Discipline: Engineering Hometown: Lebanon, IN Education: ITT Technical Institute Favorite Place on Mass Ave: Bru Burger or Condado Brad Wallace, senior HVAC mechanical designer, is a country boy at heart. He’s an open book and is almost constantly smiling. Learn more about him. Where did you grow up? I […]
Our Back-to-School Memories
/in Company Culture, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesWith design studios in both K-12 and higher education, back-to-school season is a busy and exciting time for our team. This year, some of our staff members reminisced on their favorite grade-school memories. Read their sweet, funny, and surprising stories below! Laura Hardin – Senior Interior Designer What made school the most memorable was […]
When to Plan for Water Boiler and Chiller Upgrades
/in Engineering/by Charlie WilsonWhen it comes to updating or repairing the mechanical systems in your facility, timing is crucial. This is true whether you work in an office building, school, or hospital. If a facility’s mechanical systems are functioning properly, they tend to be “out of sight, out of mind.” However, when they fail, it can cause serious […]
What We Love About Living in Indianapolis
/in Community, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAffordability, walkability, excitability—Indianapolis has something to offer everyone. It’s no longer a secret that Indianapolis is one of the country’s best places to live at any stage of life. From Gen Z college grads looking for new opportunities, to millennials starting families and buying their first homes, to retirees wanting to return to […]
Community Perspective: Corrie Meyer on Urban Revitalization
/in Community/by Schmidt AssociatesCorrie Meyer, AICP, PLA, is an entrepreneur working in the urban environment as a certified Urban Planner and licensed Landscape Architect. As President and CEO of Innovative Planning, a central Indiana strategic planning firm, she provides visionary and adaptive leadership by delivering creative site layouts, pro-formas, and development solutions for mixed-use projects and communities. Her […]
Schmidt Associates Gains 9 Spots on List of Top 300 Architecture Firms
/in Design, Workplace, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates is proud to be named to Architectural Record’s 2019 Top 300 list. The firm earned the 195th spot on this year’s list, moving up nine spots from last year. The annual national list, compiled by Architectural Record’s sister publication Engineering News-Record, ranks companies by their architectural revenue from the prior year, as reported by […]
Mass Ave Isn’t What It Used to Be: Urban Revitalization in Indianapolis
/in Community, Design/by Steve AlspaughYears of redevelopment and steadfast anchor institutions are to thank for the Mass Ave we know and love. Did you know that MacNiven’s used to be a biker bar? Maybe you noticed the original “Sears, Roebuck and Company” still etched into the west side of Needler’s Fresh Market at the corner of Alabama and […]
Q&A Session with Steve Alspaugh
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFast Facts about Steve Alspaugh Discipline: Design Architect Hometown: Monticello, IN Undergrad: Ball State University Graduate: Ball State University Favorite Spot on Mass Ave: MacNivens It was April 3, 1974, and major storms were descending on Monticello, IN. Three tornadoes tore through the small city northwest of Indianapolis, destroying it in about 20 minutes. […]
What I Learned at My First NeoCon
/in Design/by Kathryn RocheAsk any commercial interior designer what the biggest industry event of the year is, and they’ll have the same answer – NeoCon. In its 51st year, NeoCon is considered the most important annual event for the commercial design industry that influences the trends and aesthetics of the built environment. This three-day extravaganza brings the […]
The Sweet Side of Beekeeping
/in Community, Workplace, Company Culture, Lifestyle/by Schmidt AssociatesNow that we are all ‘resident experts’ with beekeeping, we sat down with Mark Manship to learn a little bit about the honey. Albeit, what most of would consider the best part of beekeeping! But maybe you haven’t heard the buzz about our bees yet – check out this blog first to catch up. How […]
A Word from Our Owners – MSD of Washington Township
/in Owners' Perspectives, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesAngela Britain-Smith, Director of Operations Angela Britain-Smith, Director of Operations at MSD Washington Township, brings 30 years of educational qualifications extending into facilities management, maintenance, custodial, food services, safety, and security. Ms. Britain-Smith holds a MS degree & Indiana School Administration Licensure from Butler University; BS degrees in Library Services K-12 & Speech & Communications […]
Q&A Session with Robin Leising
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIn an industry where only one in ten workers is a woman, Robin Leising, Construction Administrator for Schmidt Associates, shines. Whether it is her quick wit, her strong confidence, or her amicable personality, Robin fits right in on the job site and is well respected. Tell me about your background. Growing up […]
Civil Engineers: The Science of the Art of Construction
/in Engineering/by Allen JacobsenSometimes referred to as “The Science of the Art of Construction,” civil engineering is often the unsung hero of a project; without it, buildings and cities would cease to exist in a way that’s operable or sustainable. Although the projects they work on have vastly changed over the centuries, civil engineering is arguably […]
What’s that buzz? It’s Schmidt Associates’ New Bee Hive on our Green Roof!
/in Community, Company Culture, Workplace, Lifestyle/by Schmidt AssociatesIn case you haven’t heard the buzz, Schmidt Associates is now an urban beekeeper with a honeybee hive on our roof. Luckily, Mark Manship, one of our construction administrators, maintains two beehives at home and has become the keeper of our hives. Since many of us are curious about what this means, we decided to […]
A Word from Our Owners – BSU Residence Halls
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives, Lifestyle, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesGeorge Edwards – Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life Facilities at Ball State University Joel Bynum – Assistant Director for the Coordination of Living Learning Programs at Ball State University When did Ball State University decide to implement the Living Learning Community model in their residence halls and why? It’s a long history, but […]
The Effects of Natural Daylight
/in Higher Ed, K-12, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesIt’s not a secret — it is scientifically proven that we, as humans, thrive best when we have access to sunlight. If you are having a long and stressful day at work, a walk around the block is a good way to clear the mind. Restaurants with outdoor seating tend to be packed during those […]
Designing for Generation Z
/in Workplace, Lifestyle, Design, Community/by Sarah HempsteadGeneration Z, the 60-some million young people born between the late 1990s and early 2000s, are the most diverse group in our country’s history. They grew up during times of recessions and financial crises, war and terror threats, and technology overload. Many of them knew how to operate a tablet or cellphone before they could […]
What are the Roles of a Design/Build Team?
/in Community, Higher Ed, Construction, K-12, Design/by Lisa GompertsTypically there are three primary team members on a design/build project. They include the Owner, the criteria developer, and the design/build (D/B) contractor. Each one is explained in more detail below: 1. Owner • Work with criteria developer to capture needs and desires in criteria documents/contract documents • Implement a process to select D/B contractor […]
Q&A Session with Cindy McLoed
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAsk most architects in Indianapolis where they went to school… they will most likely say Ball State. But not Cindy McLoed! Cindy’s architectural allegiance is to Mississippi State University, home of the Bulldogs. Why Mississippi State University? I was born in Mississippi, and my Dad’s side of the family is firmly rooted […]
Saving Money Through Building Controls and Optimization
/in Project Highlights, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesPresentation by Bill Gruen and Andrew Eckrich – 2019 IAPPA Meeting, hosted by Independent Colleges of Indiana Bill and Andrew explain what building controls are, define terminology associated with a building’s life cycle, and give a couple examples of how we’ve saved our Owners money through energy and optimization services:
5 Ways to Improve School Safety through Site Design
/in K-12, Design/by Cindy McLoedPhysical design features are only one piece of enhancing school safety and security that we—as designers—can directly play a part in. School Corporations regularly tell us student and staff safety are their top priority when taking on a new project, as it is ours as well. School safety includes crime prevention as well as traffic […]
Demystifying the Terminology: Energy Efficiency Edition
/in Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesThere are a lot of terms to understand in the construction, building operations, and maintenance world. You may often notice engineering lingo is thrown around as if everyone knows what each term or phrase means. A core focus at Schmidt Associates is ensuring the buildings we design and construct are done so to the highest possible […]
Q&A Session with Bill Gruen
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesThough quiet upon first introduction, Bill Gruen—Manager of Energy and Optimization Services—brings a laser focus of energy efficiency to projects at Schmidt Associates. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know him. Tell me about yourself. I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and went to college […]
The Importance of STEM in K-12 Schools
/in Engineering, Project Highlights, K-12, Design, Technology/by Schmidt AssociatesScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) might seem like a buzz word or a trend these days, but demand for careers in these fields are steadily increasingly. Our economy and overall well-being depend heavily on STEM-related occupations—whether it is computer programming, manufacturing, civil engineering, or general family medicine. Getting kids involved and interested in STEM-related […]
Community Engagement
/in Higher Ed, Workplace, Lifestyle, K-12, Community/by Sarah HempsteadA building project is far more than pieces and parts that define spaces. Projects reflect the goals and aspirations of the communities they serve. Schmidt Associates views community engagement as an essential part of our strategic, data-based planning, giving Owners information to evaluate viable options and make good decisions. We take a proactive role in […]
Top 6 Things to Know when Considering Adaptive Reuse
/in Higher Ed, Workplace, Lifestyle, Sustainability, Project Highlights, Design, Community/by Schmidt AssociatesWe have all heard the real estate mantra “Location, location, location!” However, great location does not also lead to perfect buildings. In fact, oftentimes the least perfect building is situated right on the site you want. And while some may consider a total demolition and rebuild as the only option, there are oftentimes a lot […]
Q&A Session with Steve Spangler
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesSteve Spangler, Construction Administrator, is a big eater with an even bigger heart. He can often be seen walking around the office with a carton of ice cream in hand and a big smile on his face. Tell me about yourself. Growing up in Greenfield, I had an uncle and […]
Becoming an Interior Designer
/in Design/by Laura HardinWhile our interior designers do make great material and color selections, they do much more than that. We all have our stereotyped image of what interior designers do from design shows, design magazines, and social media. However, the reality is much different. A common misconception is that interior designers only select interior finishes, but structural […]
A Word from Our Owners – Cornerstone Lutheran Church
/in Owners' Perspectives, Construction/by Schmidt AssociatesJane Callahan is the Director of Organizational and New Site Development at Cornerstone Lutheran Church – Fishers. As director, she oversees the development of new sites for the church including policy and planning, building projects, and organizational changes and structure. Jane has been with Cornerstone Lutheran Church for 5 years after a 35-year career in […]
Becoming an Architect
/in Design/by Brandon FoxA lot goes into becoming a licensed architect. As many already know, hiring Schmidt Associates for a facility project is a “no brainer”. However, have you thought about the process your designers go through in order to be qualified to design your facilities? Though we can stereotype and say that all architects loved building […]
When Did You Know You Wanted to be an Engineer? Take 2
/in Engineering, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesWayne Schmidt set out on his own and started our firm July 4th, 1976. More than four decades later, we are proud that we are different in all the regards that matter to us, to our clients, and to our community. While we are celebrating our 42nd anniversary, we are also celebrating another big milestone: 25 […]
WOYS #5
/in Company Culture/by Sarah HempsteadThe middle of winter is hands down my least favorite time to live in the mid-west. While I love the changing of the seasons – the trudge post-holidays to mid-March takes twice as long as it should. The only way to survive is with a glass of wine, a nice fire, and a few good […]
A Word from Our Owners – Marian University & The Children’s Museum
/in Owners' Perspectives, Higher Ed/by Schmidt AssociatesAudra Blasdel graduated from DePauw University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Computer Science and received her Masters of Business Administration with a focus in global supply chain management from the University of Indianapolis in 2009. Prior to starting her own company–Blasdel Solutions, a WBE Certified Project Management and Business Analysis […]
Q&A Session with Drew Morgan
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAs Drew Morgan—Business Development Representative—comes into a room, there is an energy that appears with him. From his effervescent personality to his warm smile, Drew is someone that draws you in and makes you feel welcome wherever you are. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know him a bit better. […]
‘Tis the Season of Giving Back
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAs 2018 is quickly coming to an end, it is a great time to reflect on all that we have accomplished. Schmidt Associates has had the pleasure of working with our clients on many impactful projects, but we are about more than just our work. This coming week, in particular, reminds us all how grateful […]
Form, Function, and Funds: The Next Wave of Sustainability
/in Design, Sustainability/by Schmidt AssociatesWhen it comes to sustainable design, perhaps sustaining the attention of consumers is as important as the design itself. While sustainability may be written off as one of many “green trends”, it plays an enormous role in shaping how our future looks – both from the buildings we inhabit to the overall planet we live […]
The Design Components Every High School Gymnasium Needs
/in Design, K-12/by Tom NingWhether you’re redesigning or renovating a high school gymnasium, or building a new structure from scratch, there are a lot of things to consider. Most importantly, you need to remember that a high school gym is so much more than just a place for sporting events; it’s a place for communities to gather. From the […]
Workforce Skills Training in K-12 Facilities
/in K-12, Project Highlights, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesSince 2011, 11.5 million jobs have been created in the United States for workers with education past high school. However, only about 47% of working-aged adults in Indiana currently have degrees. One way to fill this gap is to include workforce-ready spaces and programs directly within high schools. Think auto shops, TV broadcasting spaces, welding […]
Q&A Session with Myrisha Colston
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIt seems like Myrisha Colston, Architectural Graduate, has worked here forever. Her smiling face has been a mainstay on the second floor for many years. Myrisha has interned or just helped around the office six or seven (who is really keeping track?) different stints through the years before graduating with her masters and landing at Schmidt […]
Electrical Engineer: An Important Role in Design
/in Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesWhile the title electrical engineer covers a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, there is an easy-to-guess common denominator: electricity. A profession that began not surprisingly in the late nineteenth century (the same time electricity itself was harnessed in Edison’s light bulb), the numerous branches of […]
Designing & Building Successful Co-Working Spaces
/in Workplace, Design/by Eddie LaytonLike mentioned in my previous blog, co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Although Europe has been ahead of the game when it comes to fostering a healthy work environment for individuals who don’t work a standard in-office, 9-to-5 type of job, the United States is in no way behind in terms […]
How Can Architecture & Design Affect Higher Education?
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Sarah HempsteadIf you’ve spent any amount of time on a well-designed, beautifully constructed university campus, then you understand the importance of architecture when it comes to influencing higher education. Not only can architecture inspire imagination and creativity, but it can unite students, teachers, and the community to create a space that feels energized, organic, and magnetic. […]
Q&A Session with Steve Schaecher
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesWhether it is the Taj Ma-Stall by Emperor Shah Jahan or Flushingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, Steve Schaecher—Senior Project Architect and one of the newest Principals of the firm—is quite knowledgeable about architecture and is happy to share this knowledge through humor. What makes you tick? I am an architect, so obviously I have […]
How to Create Engaging, Productive Open Office Spaces
/in Workplace/by Lisa GompertsOpen office spaces are popular, but not necessarily because they make employees feel more engaged or productive. Although, in theory, they seem to check all of the boxes, some studies show that they can be problematic for certain types of workers who may need quiet, isolated space in order to focus and feel relaxed. That […]
5 Tips for Designing More Interactive Classrooms
/in K-12, Technology, Design/by Cindy McLoedInteractive learning is one of the best ways for teachers and educators to make sure their students are actually grasping the knowledge and skills they are sharing. An effort to combat Mark Twain’s famous sentiment of higher education being “a place where a professor’s lecture notes go straight to the students’ lecture notes without passing […]
A Word from our Owners – Greenwood Community Schools
/in Engineering, Owners' Perspectives, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesMike Hildebrand is a retired Indiana State Police Detective with over 23 years of service. He began his career in education with the Pike County School Corporation in Petersburg, Indiana in 2003. Mike was hired by Greenwood Community Schools in 2014 as the Director of Operations. He is the Administrator over the facilities, grounds, maintenance, transportation, […]
Q&A Session with Kyle Miller
/in Company Culture, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesWhether it’s the management of a multi-million dollar school, creation of the music behind project videos, or poker on a Friday night, Kyle Miller—Principal and Project Manager at Schmidt Associates—puts full effort into all he does. Tell me a bit about yourself. I grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana and have held a full-time […]
The Value of Adaptive Reuse
/in Community, Higher Ed, Workplace, K-12, Sustainability, Design, Lifestyle/by Sarah HempsteadTo understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]
Why Is Adaptive Reuse Important in Today’s World?
/in Lifestyle, Sustainability, Design, Community, Higher Ed, Workplace/by Schmidt AssociatesTo understand the importance of adaptive reuse, one must first appreciate the value of old buildings and architecture. While it can feel “progressive” to tear down the old in order to make room for the new, adaptive reuse defines progress differently. Rather than creating a narrow vision that imagines possibilities with a blank slate, reuse […]
Case Study: St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
/in Project Highlights, Community/by Lisa GompertsHVAC & Accessibility Renovation – St. Joan of Arc Sanctuary Project In preparation for the Centennial Celebration in 2021, the Schmidt Associates team kicked off the first phase of the St. Joan of Arc Sanctuary Restoration Project in 2017. This phase included: Updating/adding HVAC and electrical components Making the sanctuary more ADA accessible Adding a […]
Six Biophilic Design Tactics
/in Design/by Steve Alspaugh“Biophilia is the humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. It helps explain why crackling fires and crashing waves captivate us; why a garden view can enhance our creativity; why shadows and heights instill fascination and fear; and why animal companionship and strolling through a park have restorative, healing effects.” – Terrapin Bright Green What is […]
Accidental Interaction
/in Design, Higher Ed/by Kevin ShelleyThink back to when you were in college. Do you remember when and where your best learning happened? Chances are, it wasn’t necessarily in the classroom. Your college education more likely happened while you socialized by the front desk of your residence hall, or while you lay on the grass in the quad, or even […]
A Word from our Owners – Marian University
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt AssociatesDr. Russ Kershaw has been the Dean of the Byrum School of Business at Marian University since 2010. Previously, he was the Dean of the School of Business Administration at Philadelphia University and also has held various positions at Butler University. Before entering the academic world, Russ spent 13 years in corporate America. During this […]
BIM in Dispute Resolution – KGR
/in Technology, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesI had the opportunity to read a great blog post by my friend Greg Cafouros at Kroger Gardis & Regas (KGR). At Schmidt Associates, using Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a standard practice for all of our projects. We see the direct benefits it has on reducing errors and saving costs for our Owners. It […]
Designing ADA for Independent Living
/in Project Highlights, Design, Community/by Cindy McLoedThe Erskine Green Training Institute and Courtyard by Marriott – Muncie developed under the dream of The Arc of Indiana with the helpful insights from Self-Advocates of Indiana. This hotel and training institute is now a place where individuals with disabilities can gain post secondary education in an immersive learning environment. The students stay in the hotel for the […]
Q&A Session with Anna Marie Burrell
/in Company Culture, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesFrom the infectious smile to the genuine care and concern for those around her to her constant flurry of activity, Anna Marie Burrell—K-12 Studio Leader and Principal-in-Charge—has a magnetic and energetic personality. Below, we try to get her to take a few minutes to just breathe and share a bit of her life. Tell […]
A Word from our Owners – Shelbyville Central Schools
/in K-12, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt AssociatesDr. David Adams has 36 years of service in public school systems, all in Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Ball State University, Masters of Science from Indiana University, Ed. S from Ball State University, and Ph.D. in Education Administration from Indiana State University. He will retire next year, after […]
User Engagement Early in Design
/in Company Culture, Design/by Lisa GompertsHere at Schmidt Associates, we like user engagement to happen early in the design process to help determine how the spaces need to work and how the facility can best help them meet their mission. We prefer one or two meetings during schematic design and another at the end of a project through a room-by-room […]
When Did You Know You Wanted to be an Engineer?
/in Company Culture, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesWayne Schmidt set out on his own and started our firm July 4th, 1976. More than four decades later, we are proud that we are different in all the regards that matter to us, to our clients, and to our community. While we are celebrating our 42nd anniversary this July, we are also celebrating another […]
Multipurpose Facilities (MPF’s)
/in Community/by Sarah HempsteadMultipurpose Facilities (MPF’s) exist in many forms. As we consider the transformation of existing facilities into part-time athletic venues – ad hoc “field houses” – a plethora of sports can reasonably be considered. Indoor track and field, cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics, indoor soccer, baseball batting cages, tennis, and competition court activities (e.g. volleyball, basketball, and handball) should […]
A Word from our Owners – Ball State University
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt AssociatesDavid Shepherd – Facilities Engineer, Ball State University David is a Facilities Engineer at Ball State University where he coordinates, designs, and oversees construction of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including projects from small maintenance repair and replacements to large capital improvement projects and new construction. David has over 15 years of professional experience in […]
What Do Architects Do?
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesOur Architects don’t set out just to make plans for good-looking buildings. They strive to understand the aspirations of clients and then to deliver against those aspirations, exceeding expectations along the way. Here at Schmidt Associates, our Architects: Are specially educated to help you define what you want to build, present options you might never […]
WOYS #4
/in Company Culture/by Sarah HempsteadSummer is almost here! Time to pour a tall glass of lemonade, find a shady spot, and start a great book! We are back with another edition of “WOYS” – What’s On Your Shelf to help you out. I have listed three books that are worth reading while soaking up some good Vitamin D: […]
Co-Working: The Future of Small Business Workspace
/in Design, Workplace/by Eddie LaytonThe concept of co-working spaces originally started on the West Coast in the mid-2000’s, driven by tech-focused start-ups. Breaking through the traditional, cubicle, 9-5 mindset has started to spread geographically and across industries. We now see a wide variety of professionals sitting alongside the traditional coders, web developers, and freelance designers within a co-working space. […]
5 Common Façade Systems and Materials
/in Design/by Steve SchaecherWhat is a façade? Façade, by definition, is the face of a building. It is what you can see from the exterior that protects the interior. Façades are an integral part of the building shell – keeping us humans warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also providing a barrier from outside elements […]
Planning for the Future: Facility Assessments and Master Plans
/in Community, Design/by Schmidt Associates“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra Most organizations see great value in planning for the future. Time is often spent on developing both long-term strategic plans as well as yearly actionable business plans. If you are an organization that owns your own facility, one piece […]
A Word from our Owners – The Salvation Army Indiana Division
/in Community, Workplace, Owners' Perspectives, Project Highlights/by Megan ScottMajor Bob Webster – Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Indiana Division Major Robert Webster is a graduate of Asbury College with a degree in physical education and recreation. He also holds a Masters of Ministry degree from Olivet Nazarene University. Prior to becoming a Salvation Army officer, he worked as a physical education teacher for the […]
Q&A Session with Eddie Layton
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAll of us have something special about ourselves, a small claim to fame. For Eddie Layton, Project Architect, he was a University of Virginia Scavhunt Marshmallow Peep Eating Contest Champion. But he hasn’t let the glory from his victory go to his head. Tell me about yourself. I grew up in rural southern Virginia. […]
5 Things You Should Know
/in Engineering, Design/by Eric BroemelAs the ASHRAE Central Indiana Chapter President, I set out several goals for myself. One of which, bringing engineers and architects together in a collaborative setting. The two worlds are joining forces in the industry already, and I see engineers and architects working as a cohesive unit in our office every day. I want to […]
Q&A Session with Kevin Shelley
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIt’s a good thing we move desks so often at Schmidt Associates. If we didn’t, Kevin Shelley—Principal and Project Manager—might be covered in cobwebs! After completing an architectural internship at Schmidt Associates in the late 80s, Kevin has never looked back… or worked anywhere else! Tell me about your background. I grew up […]
A Word from our Owners – Ivy Tech Bloomington
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesPam Thompson – Dean of the School of Nursing, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington Pam has served as Dean for the School of Nursing at the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus since 2010. Prior to that, she served in the roles of Program chair for the Associate of Science Nursing Program and faculty for the […]
Hands-On Healthcare Education
/in Project Highlights, Design, Higher Ed, Healthcare, Technology/by Lisa GompertsWhat makes a successful learning environment for training much-needed healthcare providers? Facilities geared toward experiential learning! Students today must learn differently while new information is being generate faster than ever before. Designers of healthcare teaching facilities are tasked with creating flexible, experiential learning environments to fulfill this need, and Schmidt Associates has worked with many […]
A Word from our Owners – Lake Central Athletics
/in Owners' Perspectives, K-12, Project Highlights/by Schmidt AssociatesHear from two of our Owners on the addition/renovation of Lake Central High School athletic spaces: Dr. Larry Veracco, Superintendent of the Lake Central School Corporation Dr. Larry Veracco is in his 8th year as Superintendent at LCSC. He has spent 24 years serving the community as teacher, assistant principal, and Assistant Superintendent prior to his […]
Demonstrating Servant Leadership
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates was founded on the guiding principle of Servant Leadership. It threads through interactions we have internally and externally, resulting in a constant search to add value to every project. By operating as servant leaders, our designs consistently surprise and delight, technology solutions deliver true efficiencies, and environments become a place where people are better […]
7 Principles of Universal Design for Learning
/in Design/by Cindy McLoedUniversal Design for Learning (UDL) is the framework, backed by research, that guides the development of learning environments to accommodate individual learning differences. Universal Design for Learning recognizes the different needs that are unique to those with visual, hearing, motor, or learning/cognitive disabilities while also designing for able-bodied users as well. UDL provides us, as […]
Brain-Based Design
/in Design/by Sarah HempsteadYour brain is a vastly complex system with billions of neurons and interneurons constantly firing. And with billions of people in the world, with their own unique neural pathways to process daily experiences, it is safe to say we all think, interact, work, and learn differently than the next. That said, our brains are similar […]
Q&A Session with Matt Durbin
/in Technology, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesMatt Durbin, Technology Designer and Information Systems (IS) Manager, has taken an interesting path to land where he is today. Below, we journey along that path with him. Where did you go to school? I attended Olney College, majoring in General Studies and playing first base on their baseball team. And […]
Designing for the Middle School Mind
/in Design, K-12/by Anna Marie BurrellOh, how complicated (and scary) the mind of a teen works – emotions are high and attention is scattered. They may be more worried about the gossip in the hallway than the lessons in the classrooms. Distractions are everywhere, and it can be difficult to keep them engaged. But to be fair, it isn’t entirely […]
Energy Rebates: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
/in Engineering/by Andrew EckrichWhen the electric grid was still in its infancy, electrical utility companies needed more people to use electricity to make a profit. They would therefore incentivize the purchase of electric vacuums, laundry machines, dish washers, water heaters, radiant floor heating systems, and so on. But in today’s world, we have so much electric demand that […]
LEED Certification 101
/in Sustainability, Design/by Craig FlandermeyerBetter buildings! It’s the goal of the LEED Certification rating system. As such, each new version raises the bar; challenging owners, designers, building managers, manufacturers, and contractors to continually improve. One example of a higher standard is LEED version 4. Referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2010, it is an energy code more stringent than Indiana’s current energy code. High […]
Q&A Session with Eric Broemel
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesThe dichotomy between engineering and the arts is apparent to most people. However, those lines seem to be blurred for Eric Broemel, PE, Engineering Quality Manager and an Associate at Schmidt Associates. Maybe that is why he is able to make engineering understandable to most people? Where did you go to school? […]
Eat Your Frog First
/in Design/by Eddie LaytonIt is true in many of life’s situations, it is often wise to plan for more than you may need. Take pizza for example. You may plan to have five friends join you for dinner, or you may end up having ten friends show up. It’s best to order enough for ten people and have […]
A Word from an Owner – Anne Penny Valentine
/in Higher Ed, Owners' Perspectives, Workplace/by Schmidt AssociatesAnne Penny Valentine Vice President, Student Experience and Customer Service Ivy Tech Community College We’ve had the privilege of working with Anne over the years on Ivy Tech projects and presentations regarding our work. We wanted to sit down with her to get her take on one of our projects, the renovation of the Ivy […]
Infographic: 5 Tips for Early Childhood Planning, Design, and Construction
/in Design, K-12/by Anna Marie BurrellMost of us may have a difficult time remembering what it was like to be in preschool, but try to put yourself there for a moment. Everything seems so much bigger than you, your imagination is running freely, and you are actually encouraged to nap in the middle of the day. When planning for an […]
Construction Workforce Trends
/in Construction/by Schmidt AssociatesSchmidt Associates regularly tracks and discusses impacts to the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry so we can be prepared to respond. We have seen a tightening in the labor market, which results in higher construction costs for our clients. As clients ask what is causing this, we found a report by McGraw Hill Construction* that […]
Thank you!
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesClash Detection: Protecting your Budget and Timeline
/in Technology, Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesWhat is Clash Detection? Clash Detection software integrates with BIM/Revit design tools, showing the designers and contractors when two or more objects are intersecting and by how much. The software exports a location and physical image of the detected intersection, so you will see the actual conflicting pipes, duct runs, wires, etc. that need to […]
Q&A Session with Asia Coffee
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesFrom beautifully decorated cakes to cupcakes to confections of all imaginings, Asia Coffee—a registered interior designer at Schmidt Associates—is just as sweet as the beautiful creations she makes. Below, we take a few minutes to get to know her. Tell me about your background. I was born and raised in Indy. In high […]
Why Live in Indy?
/in Community, Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesNaptown is officially awake. If you have ever visited, worked in, or lived in Indianapolis, you know how much pride there is for our little/big city. Whether it be the Hoosier hospitality, the “just right” size of the downtown, or the copious amount of entertainment destinations, there is something appealing to Indy for a wide […]
Designing Residence Halls Specifically for the Student
/in Design, Higher Ed, Project Highlights, Lifestyle/by Ron FisherIntegrating specific academic environments into five Ball State University Residence Halls was a key early design consideration for the combined $144+ million projects. There was an opportunity to create an interplay between pre-millennial student lifestyle, academic, and career interests while also optimizing for energy efficiency. By adding the latest technologies, new amenities, and flexible design […]
A First Timer’s Guide to an Architectural Project
/in K-12, Owners' Perspectives/by Schmidt AssociatesQ&A with Dr. Kent Pettet – Franklin Township: Bunker Hill Elementary Principal. Dr. Kent Pettet grew up in the Region of Indiana and attended Indiana University. His first job was teaching 5th Grade at Boone Grove Elementary School in Porter Township School Corporation. He moved to Colorado for five years while his wife went to […]
7 Common Traits of Leaders
/in Leadership/by Megan ScottI was fortunate enough to attend an event recently in which Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, keynoted. I’ve listened to a lot of speakers in my career, and I was impressed with Pat. He has researched key leaders through history: Jesus to Mother Theresa to Winston Churchill to George Washington […]
Q&A Session with Ben Bain
/in Company Culture, K-12/by Schmidt AssociatesBen Bain, Business Development Representative, is definitely not cut out to be an undercover spy. Instead, he is an outgoing and friendly face often found traveling the state meeting new people. Tell me about your background. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Marietta, Ohio, in the middle of my sophomore […]
Optimization: Saving Energy and Money
/in Engineering/by Schmidt AssociatesToday’s HVAC systems have the technology to perform amazing things —providing comfort, safety, and efficiencies. To achieve optimum performance, the systems must be “tuned” to stay in sync with the activities of the occupants and monitored to affirm proper operation. This can be done through building optimization, a post-construction service which includes: Working with the […]
A Perspective on Pools
/in K-12, Design, Community/by Tom NeffAt Schmidt Associates, we know pools are community assets—no matter their location. Today’s generation is able to experience pools built for specific purposes to maximize the experience and benefit. There are four basic categories of pools: competition and diving, instructional, recreational, and therapy pools. Competition and diving pools are designed and constructed to meet strict state […]
There Is No Box
/in Company Culture/by Sarah HempsteadMilton, red stapler guy in the classic scene from the movie “Office Space”, whines on the telephone from his cluttered cubicle “if they move my desk one more time…” Milton wouldn’t last at Schmidt Associates. He probably wouldn’t have met our employment predictive analytics criteria at the outset. As the CEO, I often remind staff […]
Infographic: 7 Types of Engineering
/in Engineering/by Eric BroemelCheck out our handy infographic about the 7 types of engineering systems that affect a building:
Creative Culture : Smooth Sailing
/in Company Culture/by Sarah HempsteadWalk into our lobby early on the second Monday, and you’ll hear energetic applause rocketing up the stairway from the monthly all-staff meeting. One set of applause is a rhythmic cadence – one, two, three claps. Another starts with one clap – escalating to 15 claps in unison. This isn’t a random party. Each applause […]
Impacts of Growing your Business Beyond 50 People
/in Workplace, Community/by Schmidt AssociatesGreat news! Your business is booming, and it is time for you to find a new location that serves the needs of your business and growing staff. You have possibly gotten by with renting a small space, maybe just a few rooms in an office building or a co-working space. But now you need a […]
What is VRF?
/in Engineering, Sustainability/by Jim WaldeVRF (variable refrigerant flow) is a sophisticated HVAC technology. Invented around 30 years ago, this is known as the “Rolls Royce” of air conditioning systems. The use of the VRF mechanical system can assist in achieving LEED certification for facilities. The basic elements of VRF systems are: Refrigerant liquid is used as the cooling/heating medium, […]
Q&A Session with Sayo Adesiyakan
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAs a child, if you had asked Sayo Adesiyakan, graduate architect at Schmidt Associates, what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have told you she wanted to be a pilot. It’s funny how growing up changes your aspirations—and helps you realize your fear of heights. Tell me about […]
The Value of Long-Standing Relationships
/in K-12, Design/by Cindy McLoedAs part of developing good relationships, personally or professionally, you need to learn about the person. What do they like or dislike? What is their communication style? Do they want coffee, donuts, or both in an early morning meeting? Getting to know a client on a personal level and professional level is something we enjoy […]
Project Management – Lessons Learned
/in Company Culture, Design/by Megan ScottMegan Scott, CPSM Associate/Marketing Manager You never know what you might learn in one of Schmidt Associates’ internal trainings called Schmidt Academy. The session might explore advances in technology, discuss enhancing our design presence, teach us to be nimble and efficient, or to strengthen our leadership skills. Last week, we had one called, “Project […]
Assessment-Based Insights
/in K-12/by Tom NeffBuilding Quality Depends On Decision Quality. And Quality Decisions Need Rock Solid Foundations. In times of budget pressure, every capital project in every school has to make the best possible sense for all stakeholders. Our assessment-based approach provides a trustworthy and transparent foundation for key decisions. Every Decision Rationale Needs To Be Rational It goes without […]
Q&A Session with Liam Keesling
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesWith an extroverted personality and a smile that lights up the room, interior designer Liam Keesling is happiest building things around him—from Owner relationships to finished spaces, Liam is always in creation mode. Tell me about your background. I grew up in Richmond, IN and have always loved the creative process. I […]
When Architects and Engineers Live Under One Roof
/in Engineering, Company Culture, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesMaybe it is stating the obvious, but A/E firms (Architect/Engineer) function differently than firms comprised of only architects or only engineers. As an A/E firm ourselves, we think that a combined force of architects and engineers will function fundamentally better. And by “better”, we choose efficiency, convenience, and quality as our units of measurement. Two […]
Sympathetic Design
/in Higher Ed, Design/by Sarah HempsteadTowards A More Sympathetic Aesthetic In so many situations when designing for the higher education facilities, the values of context and continuity are every bit as important as the desire for the cutting edge. The art form is to harmonize the old with the new, without tensions, so as to create a worthy next chapter […]
Synthetic Turf Fields 101
/in Higher Ed, Community, K-12/by Kyle MillerIt always pays to know the advantages and disadvantages before making a big change for your facility. Deciding to switch from natural to synthetic turf is a good example of that. Synthetic turf fields are gaining popularity among sporting and recreational venues because of the lower maintenance costs and the perk of year-round use. However, […]
Internship Advice
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIt isn’t typical to have an intern come back into your office after their few-month stint is over, especially not three separate times. But we just couldn’t get enough of Myrisha Colston! So we thought we should get some expert advice on internships from our in-office expert. Myrisha is a 23-year-old second year graduate student […]
Improving your Business Through Office Design
/in Engineering, Workplace, Project Highlights, Design, Community/by Desma BelsaasHave you ever noticed that walking into some office spaces fills you with a sense of energy and excitement while others make you want to curl up and take a nap? Good design can help engage employees and create an environment that makes them more excited to come to work every day. Studies show that […]
NeoCon 2017 Update
/in Design/by Schmidt AssociatesNeoCon is a chance to see new products, immerse yourself in each showrooms’ unique design, mingle with other designers, and bring back inspiration for our clients. Whether it be ideas for comfortable, collaborative office breakout spaces or a twist on a traditional textile, this event showcases everything you could dream of as a designer. Consider it a small slice […]
Q&A Session with Patricia Brant
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesIt takes a strong, smart, and feisty woman to keep up with Sarah, Schmidt Associates’ CEO. But, have no doubt, Patricia Brant is definitely up for the task! Let’s start with your background Well, I come from a family of six, so I am used to having constant motion around me. […]
Tools to Inform Design
/in Engineering, Design/by Eric BroemelSite Analysis with Daylight and Wind Good engineering design begins with a comprehensive understanding of not only where your building sits in the world, but how it sits on the site. Utilizing tools like Green Building Studio in Revit, the Schmidt Associates team is able to test various site configurations to inform design. […]
Q&A Session with Dave Jones
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesSitting at his desk on the second floor all day, doing the things that electrical designers do, we haven’t had a chance to get to know Dave Jones much yet. So this week, we took the opportunity! Tell me about your background. Well, I am originally from Dayton, Ohio, but I was born […]
The Interactive Classroom
/in Technology, K-12/by Matt DurbinIf we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times. Technology is constantly changing how we function at home, in the workplace, around town, in school, and just about everywhere else in the world. In this blog, we are going to focus on one way we’ve see classroom technology is evolving to fit the needs […]
Q&A Session with Joe Redar
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesSpending just a few minutes with Joe Redar, Project Architect with Schmidt Associates, and you will recognize the intensity with which he approaches life. From his days in architecture school to his time at Schmidt Associates, Joe has known what he wanted and hasn’t hesitated to pursue it. Not so long ago, we had a […]
2017 AIA Conference on Architecture
/in Design, Leadership/by Schmidt AssociatesEach year architects from our office attend the National AIA conference. They hear best practices in the industry, network, visits projects, and come back invigorated. Here’s what this years Schmidt Associates attendees took away! Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP “Michelle Obama talked about how it is our role as architects to make sure youth are […]
Geothermal Heating Systems: How Do They Work?
/in Engineering, Sustainability/by Eric BroemelSchmidt Associates has received an increasing number of inquiries about geothermal heating systems. We are also designing geothermal systems for a variety of projects. This blogs explains that technology. A geothermal ground source heat pump (GSHP) is an electrically powered system that taps the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. […]
Getting Real About Value Engineering
/in Design, Community, Sustainability, K-12/by Ron Fisher“Value engineering” is perhaps the most overused and under-realized term in the design/construction industry today. It has become the catch bucket for any exercise that involves reducing costs. By definition, value is the ratio of function to cost. Value is increased by improving function or reducing cost. A great example: the benefit analysis of solar […]
Adding Value
/in Design, Workplace, Project Highlights, Community, Lifestyle, Higher Ed, Engineering/by Lisa GompertsSchmidt Associates was founded on the guiding principle of Servant Leadership. This value threads itself through every interaction we have both internally and externally, resulting in a constant search to add value in every project. Flip through the magazine below to see five examples of how we have added value to our recent projects by focusing on […]
The Heart of the Placemaking Process
/in Community, Design/by Schmidt AssociatesEvery place evokes feelings for people. A great place feels welcoming, exciting, curious, comforting—and maybe even inspiring. Your designated place always has the opportunity to evoke vastly different feelings than it does now. In downtown places, reinvestment from all parties is evident and necessary—and generates a lot of interest and excitement. A Placemaking Plan does […]
Red Flags for your Construction Project: Part 2
/in Construction/by Ryan BensonEveryone involved with a construction project hopes to avoid challenges or hiccups along the way. What warnings or red flags should you look out for if “smooth sailing” doesn’t seem to be the direction your project is going? We came up with a list of 12. We’ve touched on the first half, lets look at […]
Making Art a Priority
/in Higher Ed, Project Highlights/by Sarah HempsteadHow do you balance two priorities for a new building: a need for high-tech learning and the desire for a beautiful and inspiring space? It’s working at the new Evans Center for Health Sciences at Marian University. The building was recognized at the Monumental Affair with an Achievement Award in the Public Art category in 2013. It […]
Construction Manager as Constructor – How is the CMc Selected on Publicly Funded Projects
/in Construction/by Ron FisherIn our last blog on Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), we discussed what differentiated this delivery method from others. We also talked about what made a CMc different from a more traditional CM or Construction Manager as Adviser (CMa). This blog will look at the process required by law to formally select a CMc on a […]
Does Your School Really Need New Construction?
/in K-12, Design/by Anna Marie BurrellSchools serve as a fixture within their communities, stirring up nostalgic moments for past students. Like for the college student driving past their old elementary school on their way through town during their first break away from school, remembering those days on the playground during recess. Or for the parents of high school students, strolling through […]
Red Flags for your Construction Project: Part 1
/in Construction/by Ryan BensonEveryone involved with a construction project hopes to avoid challenges or hiccups along the way. What warnings or red flags should you look out for if “smooth sailing” doesn’t seem to be the direction your project is going? We came up with a list of 12, but let’s start with the first half: RED FLAG #1: Incomplete […]
WOYS #3
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesDavid Logan, Graduate Architect _____________ Tattoos on the Heart By Gregory Boyle I am always on the lookout for another memoir, and in all my searching, I have yet to find one I enjoyed as much as Tattoos on the Heart. Father Boyle is a Jesuit priest working in the heart of […]
Components of a Facility Assessment
/in K-12/by Tom NeffAs a school corporation determines the future of its buildings, it must look at both the physical conditions of the existing buildings and systems, as well as their capacity to serve the needs of the educational programs. Step one is a Facility Assessment to develop priorities for upgrading, repairing, or even replacing each building. The […]
Trends in Church Design
/in Community/by Schmidt AssociatesWe have been fortunate to have many wonderful church projects come through our office. Let’s take a quick moment and reflect on some of the current trends we are seeing when it comes to designing these sacred spaces. Multi-Site Approach – Growing a congregation and reaching out to new believers has long been a focus area. Now, in […]
The Evolution of a Meeting
/in Technology, Workplace, K-12, Higher Ed/by Eddie LaytonSince the beginning of social civilization, people have held meetings in some form or another. One could argue the first “meetings” were held around a campfire, discussing a tribes’ plans for the next season and where they would move. Over time, as humans settled and formed cities, these meetings moved into a room. The technological […]
Q&A Session with Tom Neff
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesJust sitting down for a friendly conversation with Tom Neff—Principal—you can understand why he leads our K-12 Studio. It’s always an interesting education and a fantastic conversation! Tell me about your background I grew up in Coshocton, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University—one of the last Beaux Arts programs in the […]
Construction Manager as Constructor
/in Construction/by Ron FisherFor public institutions, there are three project delivery methods approved by state law: Design-Bid-Build Design-Build Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) In this blog, we will discuss Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc)—a new construction project delivery method signed into law in March 2014. Public educational institutions have been able to use the CMc method since that […]
Using Cost Analysis to Tell the Story
/in Design/by Kyle MillerQuality cost analyses are important to share with not only the Owner, but the design and construction team. Updating them throughout the life a project helps ensure the result is what everyone expected. There are multiple ways to do a cost analysis, but here’s an overview of what it means at Schmidt Associates. So, what […]
WOYS #2
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesMegan Scott, Marketing Manager _____________ The Serving Leader By Kenneth R. Jennings and John Stahl-Wert This book touches on five actions that can help transform your team, business, and community. It tells a great story that demonstrates what Servant Leadership (a core value at Schmidt Associates) is through real life examples. There are […]
Iterations and Evolutions
/in Design/by Steve AlspaughDesign discovery is a process, not an event. It involves developmental steps which consider and refine more and more information as it moves towards becoming a reality. It is not always a linear process, sometimes turning back on itself to reconsider a previous direction and chart a new one. The path of a design process […]
Welcome to our WOYS (What’s On Your Shelf) Series
/in Company Culture/by Sarah HempsteadOne of my New Year’s resolutions is to take the time to read more books in 2017. Books are a way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, allowing us to dive into another world. Or books can serve as an inspiration, a motivator, or a new perspective on life. But it can be hard to find […]
Q&A Session with Charlie Wilson
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesAfter signing up for an intercorporate training program in 1988 at Arlington High School, Charlie Wilson–Plumbing Designer and one of our newest Associates—spent a half day in the classroom and the other half day in an architecture and engineering office training to be an architect and draftsman. Not long after he began that job working […]
Brighter Today, Better Tomorrow
/in Leadership/by Wayne SchmidtThis time of year—when color, light, and warmth have faded from the natural world—is the perfect time for us to create our own. And we do! We know the antidote to spirits grown worn and weary. If it momentarily escapes us, we soon rediscover it in the eyes of a child or someone in love. […]
Q&A Session with Tricia Smith
/in Company Culture/by Schmidt AssociatesTricia Smith, Company Ambassador/Receptionist greets our guests, answers the phones, and generally keeps the office running smoothly. Though, if