As the executive director of a new arts center being built in downtown Fort Wayne, Jim Palermo wants to make sure it’s accessible to everyone. That’s why he’s working closely with the Design Collaborative team to incorporate universal design into the 37,000-square-foot facility. It starts at the front door, which …

On a cloudy day in late February, half a dozen manila file folders lay neatly stacked atop Rick Conner’s desk. Each folder contains information about an American Structurepoint employee who will celebrate an anniversary at the company in March.

“This is my anniversary stack,” Conner said. “We've got two …

The pandemic changed what people expect from work. Reflecting that change means shaping an office that addresses those needs on a human level.

When the pandemic struck, it forced both people and organizations into a new way of operating. With physical interactions no longer available, the virtual meetings brought into …

The 2024 AIA Indianapolis Design Awards recognized outstanding architectural achievements across various categories, showcasing exemplary projects that demonstrate innovation, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. From new constructions to preservation efforts, each entry reflects a commitment to excellence in design, addressing diverse challenges with thoughtful solutions. Recognized by esteemed jurors …

Positively impacting humanity and improving the quality of life for as many people as possible is the primary focus for Damon Hewlin, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, who makes it his career goal for every community on the planet to be equitable, and for the built environment to be an …

In the bustling urban centers of Japan, where land is at a premium, a distinctive architectural phenomenon thrives: the zakkyo building.

Rooted in the intricate web of property laws and the economic realities of urban development, these structures exemplify innovation in architectural adaptation and efficient land utilization.

Zakkyo buildings, also …

Ed Gossett founded ERMCO in 1962, and his son Greg grew up with the business. After graduating from the Indianapolis Electrical JATC Apprenticeship Program in 1985, Greg joined ERMCO as a Journeyman Electrician. He then served in a variety of roles, including foreman, estimator, engineer, labor superintendent, project manager, vice …

Three years ago, the White House established a task force to help facilitate the organization and deployment of a government-wide approach to climate action. Within a year, the federal government set ambitious long-term goals for decarbonizing the electrical grid in the United States. These goals are part of a broader …

As one of the most rigorous fields of study available to college students, engineering sees some of the lowest graduation rates of any higher education discipline in the country. Marian University wants to change that.

In 2020, the school announced plans to build the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering to …

In a world where golf is often associated with exclusivity and formality, Five Iron is challenging the status quo. Co-founded by Nora Dunnan, Mike Doyle, and Jared Solomon, Five Iron is transforming the golfing experience into an inclusive and accessible pastime for everyone.

When Angie’s List vacated its 13.5-acre property on the near-eastside of Indianapolis five years ago, Holy Cross residents were left to wonder if the once-bustling campus in the heart of their neighborhood would ever recapture the allure it once had as one of downtown’s most attractive corporate destinations.

But while …

Embedded in company culture lies your identity, what you believe, how you do business, and all the unique characteristics that your team brings to your organization. Branding, taglines, and mission statements often represent your culture, but what about your workplace? Likewise, how do your customers interact with and become contributing …

Each year, the Monumental Awards recognize the most significant achievements by individuals and businesses contributing to excellence in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, real estate development, neighborhood revitalization, innovative reuse, and public art throughout the Indianapolis region. This marked the third year the award ceremony took place at …

Governor Eric J. Holcomb visited the Town of Plainfield in late October to commemorate the ongoing development of Hobbs Station, a $300 million mixed-use community set to bring new residential, commercial, and office spaces together into one centralized, accessible location.

Collective efforts made by key stakeholders such as the Indiana …

It’s a beautiful summer evening. You and your friend are taking a stroll around a park in your town and before you know it, the sun has set. Suddenly you realize there is very little lighting above the sidewalk you are walking on, you are unable to read signage for …

Debra Kunce, FAIA is not afraid to take chances. She worked her way up the ladder at Schmidt Associates from a Graduate Architect to Licensed Architect in charge of some of the most challenging building projects, including a $695 million capital improvement project for Indianapolis Public Schools from 2002 to …

Michael Eagan, Principal and Director of Faith-Based Design at Browning Day dedicated the past 40 years of his career to creating unique spaces for faith-based organizations. Four decades and more than 400 projects later, Eagan joins Browning Day as Principal and Director of Faith-Based Design, marking the firm’s official …

In 1965, the Evansville Press highlighted the winner of its Teen-of-the-Year award, a promising young man who seemed destined for great things. After a career spanning more than 50 years, it’s safe to say that Randall Shepard exceeded expectations. Today, he can add one more laurel as winner of Indiana …

Most of us are lonely, at least that’s what surveys say. When asked, over half of American admit that they struggle to have meaningful, in-person relationships.

If given the attention it deserves, loneliness could be classified as a national epidemic. However, to accept such a claim requires us to admit …

Design matters when healthcare systems are looking to retain and recruit employees, improve patient outcomes, and inspire people to live healthy lifestyles. That’s why the American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA) created its first-ever Healthcare Design Awards – to showcase innovation and trends in healthcare design.

AIA presented nine awards …

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky (ABC) proudly celebrate the excellence achieved by their member companies each year through the prestigious Excellence in Construction Awards. This annual event not only acknowledges exceptional projects, but also serves as a powerful catalyst for increasing community awareness regarding the outstanding work delivered …

Built with the healthcare community in mind, RJE Business Interiors (RJE), Falkbuilt, and numerous local cohorts are partnering to create an immersive experience in downtown Indianapolis called The HIVE (Healthcare Interiors Visionary Experiences).

Meant to act as a conduit to generate creative engagement and inspire thinking, The HIVE offers …

In this illuminating Q&A session, Sanford Garner, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP ND, Founding Partner and President at RG Collaborative, shares his journey and insights as only the third African American in the state of Indiana to be named to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. …

Over 30 years ago, Ersal Ozdemir, Chairman and Founder of Keystone Group and Indy Eleven, moved away from his home country of Turkey to pursue an engineering degree at Purdue University.

In 2002, Ozdemir started Keystone Group, a development, construction, property management, and investments company, and in 2013, Ozdemir …

Workplace design consists of a variety of amenities as employers strive to attract and retain their employees. A mother’s room, or a nursing or lactation room, is a place where employees currently breastfeeding can go to comfortably, conveniently, and privately express breastmilk during a day at work. Since becoming an …

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana (ACEC Indiana) recognized a handful of the state’s most respected engineering firms during its 35th annual Engineering Excellence Awards at the Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis this Spring.

Echoing the organization’s commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of technical performance and …

Sam Mishelow, Outgoing Director of Client Development at Meyer Najem, officially retired effective June 15th after spending more than two decades playing an instrumental role in shaping Meyer Najem's legacy.

With nearly a quarter-century of experience, Mishelow offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of Meyer Najem, its commitment …

Emergency Departments (EDs) frequently handle the intake of patients with mental health care needs.

In today’s mental health crisis, there is a widespread shortage of beds to handle certain populations. Patients may languish in the ED for hours or days before they can be linked to an appropriate inpatient program. …

Sam Mishelow, Outgoing Director of Client Development at Meyer Najem, officially retired effective June 15th after spending more than two decades playing an instrumental role in shaping Meyer Najem's legacy.

With nearly a quarter-century of experience, Mishelow offers valuable perspectives on the evolution of Meyer Najem, its commitment …

The architectural, engineering, and construction community in Indiana is unwavering in its dedication to delivering exceptional buildings throughout the state in 2023. In this edition of "Improving our Built Environment," a selection of local projects that have recently commenced construction will be showcased.

The Building Contractors Association (BCA) is a professional trade association that has served northeast Indiana’s commercial construction industry since 1917.

The BCA and Irving Materials Inc. (IMI) teamed up to present the 2023 BCA IMI Excellence in Construction Awards to recognize outstanding projects and the work of BCA members. This …

The College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) Alumni Awards Program at Ball State University honors alumni each year who have achieved great professional success or made notable contributions in architecture, construction management, historic preservation, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design, and urban planning. The highest honor that a Ball State …

You were recently elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. What does that mean to you, as someone who has devoted decades of his life to architecture?

It’s a milestone on a journey as opposed a destination. For me, it's a great accolade, but I wake up every morning, thinking, …

In 2017, Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PSE) took on the second-largest renovation project in the history of the NBA with a $362 million investment in modernizing Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Phase one focused on interior improvements and featured new elements such as sideline clubs, retractable club seating, and a new center-hung scoreboard. …

Winners of 21 championships since 1990, including a recent victory at the 2022 Indianapolis 500 by driver Marcus Ericsson, the Chip Ganassi Racing Team has solidified itself as one of the most prolific winners in the sport since the team was founded 30 years ago.

Last fall, Ganassi identified the …

The conversation about how our buildings use energy has shifted over the past two decades.

Back then, “energy-efficient” design was evaluated primarily by energy cost savings. These were the early days of green building certification, and the building design and construction industry was just starting to process and communicate the …

With a population just over 200 people according to 2020 census, Pine Village, Indiana, has been home to several remarkable structures over the years, including a two-story, 1909 Italian Romanesque-style elementary school (which eventually burned down), and a 1940 Midwestern-Art-Deco-style gymnasium.

Heavily crowded and in need of numerous repairs, Pine …

In late 2022, MKM architecture + design appointed Zach Benedict, AIA, LEED AP to President of the firm.

Benedict has dedicated his career to understanding the connection between people and places. As a principal at MKM, he has managed numerous projects ranging from critical access hospitals to public libraries. In …

The architecture, engineering, and construction community in Indiana has remained steadfast in its commitment to producing high-quality projects across the state in 2023. The March 2023 installment of “Improving our Built Environment” places a spotlight on a handful of local projects which recently broke ground or completed construction.

Butler University recently completed construction on the Levinson Family Hall addition, which connects two 70s-era buildings – Gallahue Hall and Holcomb Building – without erasing their distinctive international style.

Levinson Family Hall also gathers dispersed departments and programs under one roof, marrying historically significant science programs with modern lab and …

Long-time Indianapolis architect James T. Kienle, FAIA, died at his home in the historic Lockerbie neighborhood on December 7, 2022. He was 80.

Kienle, a member of the American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA) since 1976, was an icon at AIA Indianapolis meetings and events where he was always …

The Franciscan Orthopedic Hospital of Carmel is dedicated to excellence in orthopedic specialty care, sports medicine and high-performance results for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. This unique healthcare campus is located along the U.S. 31 corridor in the southwest corner of Carmel, Indiana.

Designed by MSKTD & Associates, …

In 2022, Indiana’s architecture, engineering, and construction community has remained devoted to producing high-quality projects across the state.

This installment of ‘Improving our Built Environment’ showcases projects which have recently hosted groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

First Internet Bank recently partnered with Browning Day and Browning Construction to design and construct a six-story, 168,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in downtown Fishers on 116th Street.

When developing a vision for the bank’s new headquarters, Lacey Causseaux, Director of Interior Design at Browning Day said her project team quickly …

Indiana University Health is constructing a medical office building (MOB) and parking garage in downtown Indianapolis at the intersection of 16th Street and Capitol Avenue called Capitol View. Together with the new downtown hospital (being built across Capitol Avenue to the west and connected via glass pedestrian bridge), Capitol View …

There was plenty of celebration this summer when Indianapolis Public Library’s West Perry Branch opened on Indianapolis’ southside. The celebration continued this weekend when Indianapolis-based Schmidt Associates …

Exhibit Columbus hit the streets of Columbus, Indiana in October with the 2022 Symposium, Public by Design. The two-day series of events brought people together, encouraged exploration, and sparked joy.

In a format designed to inspire engagement from around the state and far beyond, the 2022 Symposium featured sessions with …

Almost three decades and more than 50 AIA design awards later, Axis Architecture is announcing a refreshed brand and expanded offerings by opening two new offices in Asia – Bangaluru, India, and Bangkok, Thailand.

Drew White, Co-Founder and Partner at STUDIOAXIS said the company’s new name will better reflect …

Each year, the Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards recognize the most significant achievements by individuals and businesses contributing to excellence in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, real estate development, neighborhood revitalization, innovative reuse, and public art throughout the Indianapolis region.

In its third year taking place at the historic …

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In January of 2021, DORIS (Design Oriented Research for Impactful Solutions) knew it was moving offices. Staying true to themselves, DORIS researchers conducted an internal assessment to understand what employees wanted in the new office. Researchers aimed to understand how they could optimize their …

In 2019, the International School of Indiana (ISI) launched the ‘ONE ISI’ campaign to fund the construction of a lower school on its Michigan Road campus. The Chen Family Lower School groundbreaking took place in October 2020, with successful completion in March 2022.

The idea behind ISI dates back to …

This August at Eagle Creek Golf Club, the Construction Family Assistance (CFA) Foundation, Inc. hosted nearly 150 golfers and raised over $30,000 to help construction workers and their families who are in need of financial assistance.

Originally founded as the MICCS Foundation in 2010 as part of its sister organization …

Editor’s Note: Events below were still planned at time of publication. Please check with the organizer to confirm.

• November 9, 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center, 2820 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis
• Join ACEC Indiana for …

Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky (ABC) seek to recognize the outstanding projects built by its members every year with their Excellence in Construction Awards. Such recognition builds greater awareness in local communities of the quality of work produced by Merit Shop contractors and their employees.

Furthermore, the Excellence in …

A $23 million redevelopment project several years in the making is already living up to its aspirations, bringing a palpable new energy and improved quality of life to the citizens of Shelbyville.

Shelbyville Square is a stellar example of the essential connection between economic vitality and investment in public space …

Indiana University Health needed a more advanced, leading-edge facility to replace its century-old hospital in downtown Bloomington. At the same time, Indiana University wanted to offer its students better opportunities for real-life training and collaboration.

IU Health Bloomington Hospital at the Indiana University Regional Academic Health Center creates an innovative …

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently made history when the delegates at the 2022 AIA Annual Meeting elected Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, SEED, LEED AP BD+C as 2023 First Vice President/2024 President-elect. As the 100th AIA President, Dowdell will be the first Black woman and first Millennial President. …

The Indiana State Police (ISP) recently celebrated the opening of a new Post and Regional Laboratory facility in Fort Wayne. Designed by RATIO and MWL Architects, the Fort Wayne facility will act as a model for nearly identical upgrades in Evansville and Lowell.

With cramped lab conditions and limited …

With modern-day technology at everyone’s fingertips, libraries are shifting from their original uses into community beacons for reading, learning, and research.

As libraries transition into central hubs for connection within their own communities, staff at Newburgh Chandler Public Library – a building originally designed for the Town of Chandler by …

INDIANAPOLIS — In the first in a series of podcasts, American Structurepoint experts reveal key safety facts and statistics about roundabouts and how roundabouts designed by American Structurepoint help solve complex transportation issues across the nation.

American Structurepoint Vice President and Partner Mike McBride, a nationally recognized roundabout expert, …

Maintenance might not be your favorite thing to do, but this minor inconvenience can help you avoid major headaches in the future. Good maintenance practices not only keep the machine running at peak performance, but they also minimize downtime from repairs that come from ignoring key maintenance requirements. Here are …

It doesn’t matter how much aggregate is produced in a day if it is contaminated or not sized correctly. Though screen media is a minor cost when compared to larger equipment in a quarry or mine, it is a crucial part of any operation’s profit machine. One unexpected break and …

The global upheaval of the last few years has undoubtedly rocked the construction industry – and stories of labor shortages driven by COVID-19 abound. Add to that an aging workforce further stressed by current conditions, combined with a lack of skilled replacements, and the current struggle makes sense.

But beneath …

While America’s transportation infrastructure continues to be one of the country’s greatest historical accomplishments, as well as the lifeblood of the American economy, the system itself continues to have serious challenges during the last two decades.

This is mainly due to the rise in traffic congestion which has ensnarled hundreds …

Most people in the construction industry will say that on any given work site, there is always an amount of waste that could have been avoided. Whether it be poorly handled materials, re-work, weather damage, or working from out of date documents, there are plenty of ways that humans can …

As one of the largest fire protection companies in the Midwest, Ryan Fireprotection makes it the company’s mission to develop world-class talent to create and maintain fire protection solutions.

Luminaut Rowland and Shiel Sexton are helping Ryan Fireprotection transform a historic downtown Indianapolis structure into a high-tech Training Center for …

The window for getting a robust federal tax rebate on solar panels is set to dwindle. Before 2020 you could get a 30 percent rebate on a new solar panel system. As of March 2022, you can get 26 percent back thanks to an extension of the federal Investment Tax …

As droughts and growing population affect water security around the globe, desalination becomes an increasingly important option. In communities searching for sustainable, long-term solutions, new technology can increase the efficiency of water treatment efforts.

Initially developed in the late 1950s, reverse osmosis (RO) desalination evolved into the leading desalination process. …

Sweetwater, a world leader in music technology and instrument retail, continues to invest millions into their Fort Wayne campus to build state-of-the-art facilities designed to attract employees and sustain the company’s rapid growth.

Built on a 100-plus-acre campus, Sweetwater’s 450,000-square-foot core building houses offices, a music store, recording studios, a …

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 …

Cathedral High School recently constructed a 46,000-square-foot Innovation Center to strengthen the school’s commitment to providing flexible and focused learning environments which emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Learning studios.

Designed by CSO, Cathedral’s Innovation Center de-emphasizes compartmentalized education and stimulates group learning with more open and group-oriented Science …

Crew Carwash recently built a new corporate headquarters and exterior carwash in downtown Fishers that will expand the company’s training and development capabilities and introduce rare opportunities for in-house innovation and collaboration.

After 17 years in its previous location, Crew had outgrown its office space about five miles down the …

An adaptive reuse project led by the Indiana War Memorials Commission, the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA), the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA), krM Architecture, Brandt Construction, and others has modernized the Indiana Veterans Center in downtown Indianapolis to support the building’s future use as a consolidated …

Greg Hess, IFD Firefighter and member of Task Force One who deployed to New York City on 9/11, first initiated the design and construction of a 9/11 Memorial in Indianapolis prior to the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2010.

Without any funding to pay for the memorial and less …

William P. Jungclaus, a sea captain from Germany, and his cousin John Schumacher partnered in 1875 to found Jungclaus & Schumacher, Contractors & Builders. Over the next century, the family-owned major general contractor now known as Jungclaus-Campbell assisted in the creation of some of the most iconic buildings in …

Browning Day and Meyer Najem are collaborating with the City of Fishers to develop a 70-acre waterfront park at Geist Reservoir on property acquired by the city in 2018.

Located south of 113th Street on the east side of Olio Road, Geist Waterfront Park will introduce a public beach, a …

The year 2020 had no shortage of challenges, given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pause in travel and tourism, the hospitality industry was among the sectors hit hardest. Yet today, as many people feel an eagerness to travel and the urge to experience unique places, two recently …

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) has a strong Indiana Chapter that strives to connect interior design to the community. IIDA provides meaningful resources to commercial interior designers and their clients to advance the profession and enhance business value.

Through different events, IIDA’s goal is to create community networking, highlight …

American Structurepoint and the City of Lafayette recently celebrated the dedication and opening of Loeb Stadium, a multi-use facility which replaces the historic Loeb Stadium built in 1940. The municipally owned stadium is home to the Prospect League’s Lafayette Aviators and the Lafayette Jefferson High School baseball teams.

Lafayette’s $20 …

The City of Bloomington purchased IU Health’s former downtown hospital site – bound by Second, Rogers, First, and Fairview Streets – to steer the area’s redevelopment consistent with the values of Bloomington residents. Foremost among those expressed communal values for the site were sustainability and inclusion.

Skidmore Owens & Merrill …

Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) began Phase Two of their $360 million Bankers Life Fieldhouse renovation project in early March after a wrapping up all interior work associated with Phase One. Elements added to the facility in Phase One include two new sideline clubs, a new center-hung scoreboard, retractable club …

Meyer Najem, Curran Architecture, and others spent the past five years researching and planning a world-class animal wellness center unlike any other in the state of Indiana. In March, the Humane Society of Hamilton County will relocate from its outdated 8,000-square-foot facility into a brand new 41,000-square-foot building …

Indiana’s construction and design community remains devoted to producing high-quality projects across the state in 2021. Projects in Planning will highlight some of the most exciting projects coming in 2021 from a few of the state’s most reputable firms.

Owner: City of Bloomington, …

Indianapolis Public Libraries’ Martindale-Brightwood Branch recently relocated from a shopping plaza storefront to a 14,500-square-foot building at 25th and Emerson.

Opening in its original location in 1901, the Brightwood branch was the sixth public library established in Indianapolis and has served its community for more than a century. The branch …

Lancer + Beebe recently won 2020’s AIA Indiana Interior Design Honor award for their work on Walnut Grove Elementary – a 110,000-square-foot flagship school in Bargersville, Indiana, designed to facilitate a progressive, student-centric curriculum. When administrators from Walnut Grove’s school district announced plans to build another elementary school in the …

Built during the 1930’s on Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, the city’s former Coca-Cola bottling plant is undergoing extensive renovations to become a centerpiece for the much-anticipated Bottleworks District. Hendricks Commercial Properties (HCP) purchased the historic site in 2017 and with the help of RATIO, Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), …

After falling into disrepair following decades of abandonment, The Eagles Theatre in Wabash, Indiana, was recently restored with the help krM Architecture and The Honeywell Foundation. The once highly visible feature of downtown,Wabash was purchased by The Honeywell Foundation in 2017 and an adaptive reuse project was initiated soon after. …

Elevatus Architecture is collaborating with MSKTD & Associates, Anderson + Bohlander, LLC, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, Inc., MartinRiley Architects, SCO Engineering, and more members of the Fort Wayne design community to transform the city’s former Electric Works site into an 18-hour live-work-play campus. General …

Indianapolis City officials are working alongside HOK Architecture, HCO, Inc., Synthesis, Schmidt Associates, DLZ, FA Wilhelm, AECOM, and other local design-build team members to construct a three-part, $572 million criminal justice center that includes an adult detention center, an Assessment and Intervention Center …

Design Collaborative and Weigand Construction recently completed work on a project that brought a new football stadium to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). This $15 million facility was part of IWU’s initiative to start a football program. The school has experienced success with most of their athletic teams, so when the …

Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) expected to begin construction of the $96.3 million Red Line – the area’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – in December 2017. Ironically, the system designed to increase frequency, reliability, and convenience of the city’s public transportation ran into significant delays with funding and utility …

CSO Architects is nearing completion on a cutting edge new educational facility called Tri-North Middle School in Bloomington, Indiana. In collaboration with Monroe County Community Schools (MCCS), R.E. Dimond Engineering, and an educational consulting company from Chicago called Brainspaces, CSO is developing a state-of-the-art building that provides flexible and …