Friday, June 5, 2020

Starbucks Greenfield Takes Shape

Greenfield, WI.
Who loves coffee? A few weeks ago this was a gas station. The transformation to become a new Starbucks Store has begun. Developing a vision and creatively re-purposing old buildings is a Design Forte at Thrive Architects. We love transformation! #milwaukee #design #starbucks #wisconsin #transformation #remodeling #commercialconstruction #architecture

Before

East Elevation Under Construction

West Elevation Under Construction

South Elevation Under Construction

The Design Concept

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Unique Client Concerns and Our Solutions During Covid Crisis


We wanted to take a few minutes to share some of the diverse real world situations that we are assisting our clients with as they tackle solutions to their building operations during this pandemic and plan for the months ahead.  Client concerns and questions are indicated in bold.   

What is the occupant load of our space? And how do we calculate an occupant reduction?:
We have been assisting clients in providing code analysis and computing numbers on their code allowed occupancy versus a 25% to 50% capacity.

How can we layout our furniture and space to address social distancing?:
We have been offering design guidance on the spacing and adjustments needed to the interior layout of furniture and equipment to improve social distancing.  This has included things such as adding separation features such as plexi-glass panels to encouraging different furnishing/seating/equipment arrangements in public assembly spaces.  

How can we change the building floor plan to improve our need for isolation of our staff and patrons?:
We have been assisting clients in the planning and approvals to add private restrooms.  Opening up lobby areas and moving reception areas.  Designing spaces to encourage one way traffic flow.

How can we begin to have family visitors in our Senior Care setting?:
We have been assisting Senior Care providers in designing family isolation rooms some complete with separate building entrances, sinks for hand washing, plexi-panel walls and in some cases modifying the HVAC system to create air exchange isolation.   

With so much uncertainty it's hard to focus on where our business wants to be next year?  
With both the prognosis for a vaccine and herd immunity we expect this crisis will have passed in roughly 10-18 months from now (5/2020).  Many of our clients are now realizing during this partial or complete shutdown this is actually the ideal time to renovate and plan for a bigger and brighter 2021.  Knowing it takes months and sometimes even years from the day they start a project concept to completion of that project many of our clients have begin planning today for next year.  Our savvy clients are seeing this time as an opportunity to remodel, reposition and build while staff and patrons are limited or not onsite.  The entrepreneurial spirit is alive!

We have seen an increase in our need for local supply chain and manufacturing.  Can you assist us with developing our operations?:
A shift is occurring in the supply chain, global transports have become more challenging, the stability of international trade has become more uncertain, the dependence on international supplies in a pandemic have been challenged.  Thus for the long range stability our clients need manufacturing in many regions.  We have seen an emerging market in suppliers of cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, agriculture, equipment manufacturers and product delivery transport systems for product delivery (such as conveyors).  Providing FAST PACED design with our construction partners has been the secret to assisting many companies looking to react quickly to address the supply chain and changing market demands.

Especially in these times we hold true to our Mission which is to apply passionately our artistic talents with high integrity, loyalty and servitude; ensuring our CLIENTS Thrive. Visit us at https://thrive-architects.com/   

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Westown Veterinary Clinic - Construction

Making progress on location #2 for Westown Veterinary Clinic. What was a former Chinese Restaurant has been transformed by our design team! Coming soon to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. #design #mke #veterinary #animalhealth


Friday, February 14, 2020

Project Update from Jeremy Bartlett - Firm Principal

So excited for the opportunity and thankful to have this project coming out of the ground! To have a client trust us based on our knowledge, experience and track record is so rewarding. Professionally it's taken a very long time to climb the mountain. Twenty Seven years in fact. It often feels like I am alone on this climb and it's impossible. But than I get a moment like this and I see the Summit. For an Architect there's added solace after so many years investing in the craft and honing their skills in a lifelong sacrifice of time and energy. Most Architects are just waiting for that opportunity to show what they are capable of. A landslide or life storm might take away our chance to see the dream fulfilled. Perhaps it's just another unnoticed building you will drive past. But for an Architect that building provides an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. It's reaching the pinnacle achievement. Our completed projects speak to me and say all of that sacrifice was worth it. And to that I say keep climbing that mountain, set your goal and don't let any obstacle get in the way of your dreams! hashtagarchitecture hashtagarchitects hashtagarchitect

Link to the project progress - Evin at Oconomowoc
https://vimeo.com/390913066

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Architectural Project Management Position

JOB DESCRIPTION
--Apply through Indeed.com--

Thrive Architects is seeking to fill an Architectural Project Management position. The ideal candidate would have a Bachelor's and/or Master’s Degree in Architecture.  The candidate should be a Licensed Architect or be completed with AXP and working towards obtaining their Architectural license.  We will also consider unlicensed individuals with 10 or more years of experience in the Architectural Profession.  A good working knowledge of AutoCAD, Sketchup and Photoshop is preferred.  A basic knowledge of Revit is not required but would be preferred. The successful candidate would ideally be a long-term fit with an opportunity to grow with the firm. The candidate should be energetic, passionate about architecture, excited to consistently pursue opportunities, fun and easy to work with. We work in a team setting whereby open conversation, deadlines and tasks are shared with the entire office. The ideal candidate should consider themselves a "people person" that is flexible and like's working in a team setting.    Entry level Project Managers will be accepted.


The following skills and traits are ideal for consideration:

 -Licensed Architect OR completed with AXP and sitting for the licensing exams OR unlicensed with 10+ years in the profession
-Must be able to complete small commercial design projects from start to finish working independently with owner
-Must be able to delegate and review the construction documents of others, red-line their work and offer constructive feedback for appropriate corrections
-AutoCAD (moderate level of knowledge)
-Microsoft Office (basic skill level)
-Sketch up (moderate level of knowledge)
-High Understanding of Architectural Drawing Production
-Good Communication Skills
-Passion for Architecture

Any of the following skills will give preference to a candidate for consideration:
-Specific Design Experience in the following Sectors:  Senior Care / Religious / Medical-Dental / Animal Wellness / Recreational / Education / Civic-Municipal / Healthcare
-Revit
-Minor in Business
-Previous Project Management Experience

EMPLOYER BENEFITS:
-401k with 3% match
-Healthcare to be negotiated (if needed)
-Paid Parking
-Paid Mileage
-Hourly Compensation with Paid Overtime
-Flexible Schedule
-Paid Holidays and Vacation
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $28.00 to $33.00 /hour

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

St Clare Meadows

We had fun with this skilled care remodel at St Clare Meadows in Baraboo. We turned an existing hair salon into an open cafe for residents, families and staff. The idea was to bring in influences from the quartzite rock formations found in the surrounding area of the Baraboo Hills and Devils Lake. #SeniorLiving #Architecture #SkilledCare #Healthcare








Saturday, November 2, 2019

Renaissance Assisted Living of New Berlin

It's not easy to design, build, license and open your first Assisted Living Home!!!! Starting with nothing more than a dream and an empty plot of land; today we are Celebrating with Renaissance Assisted Living of New Berlin and Congratulating Owner/Operator Sheila Balistreri on their Grand Opening! Building from the ground up and lifting our clients up! That's what separates us and what we do with our 20 plus years of Senior Living Design experience. Our goal was to design the perfect space which was homelike, peaceful, secure, private but yet focused on incorporating the ideal staffing arrangement to serve the resident's needs. When the project is completed and the result is a home whereby we would welcome our own parents and grandparents to occupy I believe we have succeeded. We truly are blessed to have clients that trust us with their livelihood and remain a joy to work with even under pressure!!! Thank you Sheila for taking the risk to venture out and make this world a better place!!!! Congratulations Renaissance ASL!!!!