|
|
|
|
Greetings!
Happy Spring!
After such a long, cold winter (in so many ways!), we thought it would be a great time to touch base with our valued clients, colleagues, and friends. As we settle into our new office, we look forward to more optimistic economic times in which we can even better serve our clients. Armed with improved resources, better facilities, and staff development (see Employee Spotlight) we offer this newsletter to share bits of FCA news and other newsworthy items in an effort to stay connected. As always, we welcome your questions and comments. If there is ever a new topic you would like us to cover, please let us know. We hope you enjoy this issue!
|
January 16th was our office open house, where we had a gratifyingly large turnout in spite of the arctic temperatures. Thank you to everyone who braved the cold. We hope that the warmth that was extended at the party mitigated the bitter weather!
David Meyer won our contest that evening, discovering more eco-friendly features in our office than anyone else. Congratulations, David!
On February 5th we conducted our first "Edu-tainment" event, titled "Green to Gold." We hosted a panel of Green Building experts who offered advice on the most cost effective green remodeling and home improvement strategies. Bill Sweitzer, Sales Manager at USbank; Jim Cavallo, certified Illinois Home Energy Rater; and Ori J. Sivan, founding partner of Greenmaker Supply in Chicago, all had good advice and prompted some lively discussion! The bottom line appeared to be that some of the more traditional energy saving techniques, such as sealing air leaks and effectively adding good insulation still had the best return on construction investments. Meaningful payback is much longer for some of the newer products, such as geothermal and photovoltaic systems. Although one of our guests who recently installed a geothermal system touted the benefits of the additional comfort and immediate energy savings, we still look forward to these emerging technologies coming down in price as market demand and production efficiencies increase on a daily basis.
At the January 17th CAI (Community Associations Institute) conference, Dan presented his innovative ideas on green building improvements and managing mixed-use properties. The information was so well received, Dan was asked to write an article for an upcoming ACTHA newsletter and was also asked to appear as a guest host on a segment for CAI radio. Dan will also be speaking to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce on May 7 about green commercial improvements.
  On March 29th we participated in Earth Hour. As part of a global initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, people were asked to turn out lights to raise awareness about global climate change and the benefits of energy efficiency. As Chicago area homes, businesses, and landmarks turned off the lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., ComEd saw the demand for electricity drop by about 1 percent, according to figures released by the utility. The reduction in electricity usage in the Chicago area was estimated to be about 100 megawatt hours, the equivalent of removing 154,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, or planting 19 acres of trees. This symbolic effort proved that small changes, when performed on a large scale, can make a positive impact in the long term. Yes, each of us can make a difference!
Upcoming Events
On the topic of benefitting the environment, Full Circle will celebrate Earth Day 2009 by participating in two special events. Beginning on Earth Day itself, Wed. April 22 at 7:00 p.m., Full Circle will host another panel of experts who will provide home improvement tips demonstrating how "Building Green can save Green." Based on the success of our February 5th "Edu-tainment" event, we've planned another evening of sharing more valuable information for building healthier, more comfortable, and more energy efficient environments. This event will take place at Full Circle Architects' office space, 85 Revere Drive, Suite B, Northbrook. All are welcome to drop in and learn something new from experts Richard Spiess of Innovative Insulation Solutions; Robert Haren of Ashland Millwork; and our own LEED AP, Michael Fries. If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP to Jennifer Gordon, 847-564-0884 or JGordon@FullCircleArchitects.com.
|
Employee Spotlight
Michael Fries
Michael Fries has recently achieved LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) status. This certification is awarded by passing a rigorous exam offered by a division of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC, founded in 1993, is a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. A LEED AP is generally recognized as an expert in the field of sustainable design. We are very proud of Michael's achievement.
|
Economic Musings
 As the economy has caused everyone to re-assess how we live and what we spend, we have recently found an increased interest in home improvement and remodeling projects. Many homeowners are thinking more long term, and have decided to embark on projects that increase the comfort and functionality of their existing homes. Not surprisingly, these projects tend to increase the value of the properties at the same time. We encourage homeowners and condo unit owners to assess their current surroundings and evaluate whether it suits their present needs. Consider: Has a relative moved in to (or out of) your home? Does a change in job situations necessitate a home office? Are you concerned about reducing energy costs? A common request reflects the current trend showing that people prefer to go out less and stay at home more, "nesting" and entertaining. We can help people consider different options including the fact that sometimes it makes sense to subdivide or reallocate existing spaces rather than adding on to a home. The accompanying photo shows a recently completed home office we designed, created out of an adjacent under-utilized storage space.
|
In Memoriam:
We are saddened by the passing of Armand "Arnie" Piechocki, vice president of Wirtz Realty. Mr. Piechocki, 47, died on March 29th after an accident which occurred while he was vacationing with his family. Full Circle has been working for years with Arnie, and has always respected the professionalism, expertise, and personal warmth he brought to every project. We will certainly miss him.
| |
|
|
Lenore Weiss Baigelman, AIA
Full Circle Architects, LLC |
|
|
