ARCHITECT OF THE MONTH – JUNE 2010
Rick Van Gelderen - InterActive Studio, LLC
Question: What do you feel sets you apart from other architects?
Rick: I believe our “process” is what sets us apart, and by process, here’s what I mean: Once we have been contacted by a client for an interview pertaining to an upcoming architectural project, we go to work researching the business for which the project is being built. We feel that it is of utmost importance to really know and understand their philosophy and goals. This helps us to plan what kinds of spaces will work for this business. Then we contact a contractor and, possibly, an interior designer and other key service providers whom we feel fit this particular type of venture. As a team, we go meet with the leadership of the firm to learn exactly what they’re looking for with this construction project. Once we’ve discussed specifics with the leadership team, we then hold a workshop with a cross section of employees from the company and continue to ascertain what the needs and desires for the workspaces are. Using a “think tank” approach, we now have a big picture of what will work best for this company’s business environment. Next we go back to the drawing board and create a design, weighing all that we’ve seen and heard from the leadership and employees of all levels in the company combined with the values and costs involved. Together, as a team, we accomplish more in less time and the project moves forward. Research. Design. Build…that is the business strategy of IA Studio.
Q: What are “green building” practices?
Rick: Sustainability starts as a principle…that from the get-go a decision has been made to use sustainable products and practices everywhere possible in the building and design process. In order to do that, the architect and builder must know the resources available to keep the costs down and the value up.
Q: How does West Michigan rate in the “sustainable building practices” scale?
Rick: West Michigan, especially referring to commercial buildings, is way ahead in using renewable resources in their buildings. IA itself has designed 6 LEED projects in the past 4 years and we’re a small company. That shows the dedication to sustainable building practices in this area. Long before “green” was in vogue, companies like Herman Miller and Steelcase were already using sustainable resources, not only in the products they produced but in their own offices and manufacturing facilities.
Q: What does LEED mean?
R: LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Projects receive points for each area where sustainable practices and products are used. Coordinating through the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a “scorecard” is used to obtain LEED certification by adding up the points they earned to achieve a particular level; silver gold, etc.
Q: What is your most prominent “green” material request?
Rick: That’s a question that pertains to the level of LEED certification a firm is aspiring to. For instance, if a company is seeking a basic certification, but still wants a visible representation of their commitment, then a rapidly renewable product such as bamboo, cork or other recycled/recyclable flooring or paneling is specified. If they want a higher level of certification, such as silver, gold or platinum, then the more involved products and systems such as high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems are installed along with using the sustainable products.
Q: In a home setting, what areas do you find most enjoyable to design?
Rick: I really enjoy working with areas where the family spends the most time, for instance, the kitchens, great rooms, family rooms, and home theaters. I like to get to know the family’s habits and hobbies…are they active, do they like the outdoors, are they video gamers? Then I like to plan the energy flow from kitchens to living rooms to decks, and work around the family for whom I’m designing the home.
Q: How do you personally feel about sustainable flooring, such as, bamboo and cork?
Rick: I like it a lot. We specify it for many projects. We’ve found that cork is a little unpredictable in some environments…comfortable under-foot and good, even in places that could get a little damp, such as bathrooms and kitchens, but it does fade somewhat in windowed areas. Bamboo, mulberry and other such flooring works well and is beautiful and very durable.
Q: Finally, Rick, what are the prevailing trends in the architectural design of homes?
Rick: In this economy, we’re seeing a more conservative trend in architecture. People are saying, “Don’t depict me as a risk-taker.” It’s almost like the design motifs are reflective of the current economic mood. So you’ll see that there’s a minimalist flavor in architecture (which refers to simple, unadorned designs that embody only the most basic and fundamental needs.) Also, gray tones and subtle organic, natural colors and textures are dominating living spaces and work environments. As we see an up-tick in the economy, there will most likely be a more adventurous, corresponding outlook in the architectural design world.