News & Happenings from EOP

Not a group to rest on their laurels, Rick Ekhoff and Brent Bruner are now among the growing number of EOP team members that are LEED Accredited Professionals. Both men, who are Principals at EOP, take a proactive approach to professional development and the pursuit of EOP’s mission of Innovative Excellence. Unlike a lot of continuing educational programs, the LEED AP test is not a cake walk. Both Rick and Brent have been recognized for their knowledge of sustainable design practices. Congrats to Brent and Rick!

You never know what’s going to happen when you put Mr. Zoot Suit, Governor Sarah Palin, Earl, Daisy Girl, our own Rock of Love reality star, Mr. Compact Fluorescent Lightbulb, Blue Hair, Desiree, Little Red Riding Hood and Chuck Norris in a room together. We all pretty much agreed that Chuck Norris was the winner. As a tribute, here’s a few Chuck Norris facts for those of you that don’t fully understand the power of Chuck Norris: Chuck Norris Facts

1. Chuck Norris’ tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
2. Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
3. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
4. The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
5. If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can’t see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
6. Chuck Norris can win a game of Monopoly without owning any property.
7. There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live.
8. In fine print on the last page of the Guinness Book of World Records it notes that all world records are held by Chuck Norris, and those listed in the book are simply the closest anyone has ever gotten.
9. In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Chuck Norris could use to kill you, including the room itself.
10. Chuck Norris is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

Happy Halloween.

Congratulations to Jace Burris, AIA for successfully passing the LEED Accredited Professional exam this week. Jace is among the first of many EOP’ers working to demonstrate their knowledge of sustainable design criteria. While there are a few options for quantifying green design, the LEED rating system is widely regarded as the industry standard.

It’s hard to turn on the TV or read the paper without noticing the groundswell of support for green design. That said, very few architects (and firms) have the practical experience necessary to make sustainable design a cost effective choice for developers and owners. EOP has consulted on the design of 11 facilities that are either currently LEED/SpiRit Certified or pursuing certification–plus dozens of projects with green design elements.

Keep up the great work Jace!

On October 10th, EOP Architects was awarded one of nine AIA Kentucky Chapter awards for outstanding design. Main & Rose is a mixed used facility with three floors of residential lofts and commercial space on the ground level including Dunkin Doughnuts, Wachovia Securities and Jimmy John’s Subs. Located at the busy corner of Main Street and Rose Street in downtown Lexington, this development is one of the most successful downtown loft properties. Read more about the AIAKY awards and other award-winning projects at the Courier Journal.

Resident architectural associate, Daniel Ware, worked on the Resonance House during his last semester at the University of Kentucky’s College of Design. Daniel acted as the site supervisor during construction.

Commenting on the effort to conserve materials during construction, Daniel Ware said, “We had a greater sense of what was going into the project, what was being purchased, and what was going out. The fun part was trying to use the materials to the greatest extent possible.” The result was a dramatic reduction in construction waste, a mere three tons compared to the standard 15 to 18 tons for a house of this size.

As the first LEED certified home in Kentucky, Resonance House makes a nice connection to the Commonwealth’s first LEED facility, Lincoln Hall at Berea College, renovated by EOP in 2004.

Read the full story at http://www.kentucky.com/151/story/489836.html

Other articles on Resonance House:

• http://news.uky.edu/news/display_article.php?artid=3788
• http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=2695

(images courtesy of University of Kentucky News site)

EOP architect Andrew Moore was recently selected for Leadership Lexington, an educational opportunity that broadens participants’ perspectives and increases their understanding of community dynamics and public issues.

Hosted by Commerce Lexington, this program is dedicated to helping future leaders:

• Broaden their perspectives and understanding
• Meet local and state leaders
• Develop and expand network of contacts
• Visit local sites and facilities
• Gain exposure to current issues and developments
• Build friendships and working relationships with class members

After closing in 2004, UK recently reopened the Hillary J. Boone Center (previously known as the Hillary J. Boone Faculty Club). Also new is Executive Chef, Will Preston, previously at the Heirloom Restaurant, Dudley’s and The Coach House.

Read Herald Leader article

EOP led the redesign and renovation efforts of over 20,000 sq ft of meeting space including a main dining room that can seat over 300 people.

Congratulations to Phil Holoubek & everyone involved at Main and Rose, LLC for being awarded the 2008 New Construction Award by the Lexington Board of Architectural Review and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Main+Rose, located in Lexington, KY, is a downtown mixed-use urban infill development designed by EOP.

Jace Burris became a licensed/registered architect in the State of Kentucky on 4/1/08 (no joke). He brings over 15 years experience in the construction industry including residential, commercial, historic renovation, and furniture design/build work. Congratulations, Jace!