August 3, 2022, REVERB Summer 2022
Happy summer! The SMBW team has been especially busy; this edition of REVERB features some exciting research initiatives, project documentation, and new team members. First time visiting REVERB? Welcome to SMBW’s digital platform that connects you with the projects, passions, and people behind the scenes at SMBW. Thanks for dropping by, and we hope something you read here sparks a new idea or conversation.
Look out world, here we come! On The Road, our newest section of REVERB, is a campaign dedicated to sharing our team’s experiences and research outside of the office. A research firm at its core, SMBW is committed to thought leadership, fostering curiosity and innovation, and sharing our experiences and lessons learned. The first installments of On The Road feature a tour of OFS’s offices in Indiana, Steelcase’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, and USAI’s Lighting Conference in New York City.
As designers of the buildings people live, learn, and work in, we’re able to impact people’s lives in profound ways. Inclusive design is conscious of that impact and centers the stories of the users of a space throughout the design process. More so than ever before, organizations are looking to inclusive design strategies to provide a comfortable and engaging experience for their community. This whitepaper explores inclusive spaces, the history of inclusive design, and how cultural awareness, social inclusion, and physical and emotional wellness are key in making an inclusive space. Click here to read the full whitepaper.
We had the opportunity to interview Charm Bullard, Chris Burton, and Jessica Hawthorne with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities on VCIC’s programming, mission, and lessons learned. They also share their individual visions and strategies for creating inclusive professional, academic, and community spaces. The topics ranged from general information on program offerings to how COVID-19 has impacted the inclusivity and operations of offices and schools. Visit the research section of our website to access these publications!
Huge thanks to Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE) and Storefront for Community Design for having us at the GRACRE Annual Charity Golf Tournament!
“Please join us on May 23, 2022 for the GRACRE Annual Charity Golf Tournament presented by Lingerfelt Commonwealth Partners. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with industry peers and professionals while enjoying Richmond’s premier golf facility. This year’s charity recipient is Storefront for Community Design. To get more information about this organization, please visit http://www.storefrontrichmond.org/.“
What does it mean to design for inclusivity? What does an inclusive space look like? How does inclusion inform our practice?
These are the questions we’re going to be asking and investigating over the next few months, as part of SMBW’s 2022 Shine the Light program centered around the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Over the next six weeks, SMBW, VCIC, Graphix Fab, Steelcase, and Creative will engage in training sessions, research endeavors, interviews, and round-table discussions around what it means to be an inclusive space and how to foster inclusion in the workplace.
Follow along in learning more about what makes a space inclusive and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ programs and mission.
An Liu’s “Helper” sculpture was recognized as one of the VCU community’s top moments from this school year in Virginia Commonwealth University’s The Year in Photos: 2021-22. Congratulations to the Helper project and everyone involved for their dedication to community-driven design. SMBW was honored to sponsor the architectural installation along with DPR Construction. Visit the link to read more about the Helper project and concept.
We’re excited for the upcoming tour of one of our favorite projects! Project Architect and SMBW Principal Fred Hopkins will be speaking on the project and its evolution. The event will be hosted by Modern Richmond on May 26.
“On May 26 we’ll tour the site of what is said to be Virginia’s oldest outdoor market, the 17th Street Market, and Main Street Station’s magnificent Train Shed. Baskervill designed the market’s transformation from underutilized frame structure into a granite-paved multi-purpose outdoor public “living room” and plaza. The goal of the renovated market is to provide a flexible space that supports the community and varied uses like pop-up galleries, roller skating, yoga classes, and outdoor dining for nearby restaurants.”
“Five years later and with seven fewer stories on the drawing board, a long-planned Manchester project is set to get underway.
Developers Sam McDonald and Mark Scordo are preparing to break ground on a five-story mixed-use building at 512 Hull St. The 65-unit building will rise next door to their neighboring 102-unit PortRVA at 500 Hull St….”
March 31, 2022, REVERB Spotlight: What’s Next in Mixed-Use
The inaugural edition of REVERB Spotlight, SMBW’s newest platform for research initiatives.
March 9, 2022, Office Snapshots Feature: Virginia Humanities
“Virginia Humanities’ new office and broadcasting studio helps all Virginians tell their stories. The first generation interior build-out is located in Charlottesville’s Dairy Central Market, a mixed-use development complete with luxury apartments and a diverse culinary food hall.”
March 7, 2022, SMBW Staff Chats: Rick Fischl
We sat down to welcome associate + architect Rick Fischl back to the design team and discuss architecture, his design approach, and his go-to podcasts.
January 21, 2022, Education Snapshots Feature: University of Virginia’s Link Lab
“This 18,000 sf facility houses an engineering hardware lab, graduate and PhD student workspaces, faculty offices, areas for collaborating, and a flexible open arena space for gathering and robotic demonstrations. The design of the interior creates a collaborative environment to share ideas across engineering departments and evokes a sense of openness and energy.”
January 13, 2022, Office Snapshots Feature: Virginia Bar Assocation Offices – Richmond
“SMBW completed the Virginia Bar Association offices with a welcoming feel and embracing the views of the area it serves in Richmond, Virginia. Driven by a desire to attract new members and serve existing members better, the Virginia Bar Association’s member center has been crafted to become a fresh, inclusive home base for lawyers to meet, work, and collaborate.”
January 12, 2022, Education Snapshots Feature: Washington and Lee Center for Global Learning
The Washington and Lee Center for Global Learning integrates global perspectives into the education of every W&L student. This facility for 21st century learning serves as a hub, drawing from across the W&L and Lexington communities. “
January 5, 2022, Office Snapshots Feature: Confidential Corporate Client Offices – Charlottesville
“SMBW used clean lines, bold patterns, and bright colors to complete the office for a confidential corporate client in Charlottesville, Virginia….Working with a project management team out of their New York City headquarters, the SMBW team developed a design utilizing global brand standards while also creating a local vernacular to speak to the staff working in this location. “
September 30 2021, VCU News
“A sense of community Liu found at VCU was crucial to his Branch Museum of Architecture installation, which is meant to perplex, repel, embrace and unite.”
July 26, 2021- Branch Museum of Art + Design
“Helper” is an installation constructed of locally sourced and reused wood located in front of the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design on Monument Avenue. In this webinar, An Liu will discuss the research, design, and construction of a purposely prickly installation to explore the relationship between individuals and their environment. An’s design philosophy is a nod to renowned architect Louis Kahn, who famously imagined a conversation with one material, asking, “What do you want, brick?” Instead, An asked, “What do you want, stick?” The use of sticks recreates an essential experience that draws occupants’ attention upward to both nature and time. Further, the design’s intention forces occupants to address wasted materials by highlighting human’s impact on the natural world. Occupants cannot disregard the sharp ends of the abandoned materials used and, thus, must acknowledge the lifecycle of wood. The sticks point to countless places that resonate with visitors. This webinar dives into equity, sustainability, site studies, scale, and climate change through an inventive iterative process.
July 21, 2021- Virginia Public Media
“An “Sledge” Liu is an architectural designer who uses materials that otherwise would be in a landfill to create stunning and impactful works of art. Liu recently created a statue called the Helper in BMAD’s Design Build Contest. Liu and his sculpture won first prize in the contest. His mission to use sustainable materials is inspired by his admiration for nature and the resources it provides us with. Liu’s goal in creating the sculpture was to get people to appreciate nature for what it is. “
August 2, 2021- Richmond Bizsense
“The latest addition to a row of apartment buildings lining Canal Street in Monroe Ward is taking shape alongside the Downtown Expressway.
Construction has passed the midway point on One Canal, a seven-story, 138-unit building that’s rising at the northeast corner of Canal and South First streets.”
Richmond Times Dispatch- July 15, 2021
“Capital City Partners, a new venture that includes associates of the rejected Navy Hill redevelopment project in downtown Richmond, has finalized its purchase of the city’s Public Safety Building at 500 N. 10th Street.
The conclusion comes four months after the Richmond City Council unanimously agreed to sell the nearly 70-year-old building for $3.5 million.”
SMBW is proud to be a part of this design team!
June 10, 2021- SMBW
This final Shine The Light assembles the 4 creators LIVE for a virtual roundtable, reflecting on the series and ongoing opportunities for black creators in the design community. SMBW also announces the recipients of the Shine The Light student scholarship.
Richmond Bizsense- March 2, 2021
“Nearly a year to the day that a majority of its members voted down the controversial Navy Hill plan, a unanimous Richmond City Council on Monday approved a portion of the project that was decidedly uncontroversial by comparison.
In a specially called meeting, councilmembers adopted three ordinances authorizing the sale of the city’s Public Safety Building property and adopting a development agreement with Capital City Partners, which is planning a 20-story, VCU Health-anchored tower and mixed-use office complex on the bulk of the 3-acre property at 500 N. 10th St.”
SMBW is proud to be a part of this design team!
CapCenter’s business model is catching on beyond the Richmond area.
One of the first if not only company to bundle residential mortgages, realty and closing services under one roof, the Henrico County-based company has opened five offices in the past year or so — one each in McLean; in Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C.; and in Greenville and Charleston, S.C.
Its headquarters will be moved this year from leased space in the Innsbrook Corporate Center into a nearby building that the company bought in 2020 for $5.85 million.
Check out the renderings of the SMBW project cited:
Richmond Bizsense- February 9, 2021
“Months of negotiations have reached a proposed deal for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Richmond’s city-owned Public Safety Building property.
Ordinances and legal documents reflecting the negotiated deal between the city administration and developer Capital City Partners were formally introduced to the City Council at its meeting Monday evening. The deal will be reviewed in committee and brought back to the council for consideration at a future meeting”
SMBW is proud to be a part of this design team!
January 21, 2021
Part 2 of this 3-part Market Report webinar series dives into RVA’s mixed-use market.The Market Report webinar series investigates SMBW’s main work segments, offering real-time peer-to-peer insight on business and the future of space.
MEET OUR PANEL
Jeff Bunch, UrbanCore
Michael Henley, Hourigan
Jon Beckner, High Gate Realty Advisors
Lisa Clark, SMBW
MODERATED BY
Spencer Grice, SMBW
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
Multi-Family Development Overview
RVA Changes Driving Development
COVID-19 Market Impacts
Design Trends
What’s Next?
Richmond Bizsense- December 29, 2020
“Pandemic be damned, the COVID-fueled economic downturn didn’t seem to slow down development interest in the Richmond region in 2020.”
Check out the SMBW projects cited:
Richmond Bizsense- December 28, 2020
“Scott’s Addition may have grabbed more attention in recent years when it came to real estate development, but Manchester stole the show in 2020.
The Southside neighborhood saw more development action and investment this year than just about any other area of the region.”
Check out these SMBW projects cited:
1114 Hull Street
December 7, 2020
Are you a student currently enrolled in an architecture or interior design program? SMBW is hiring for Spring semester interns! Check out Careers page for more info. Hope to hear from you soon!
November 3, 2020
SMBW launches new webinar series, the Market Report, exploring the state of core market segments. TUNE IN to Episode One Tuesday, Nov 11 at 11:00. This discussion-based deep dive allows you to hear directly from our clients, large and small, on business, team + culture, and spatial strategies they are employing to plan for the year(s) ahead.
Watch the recording here:
October 19, 2020 – Richmond Bizsense
“Five months after it was pitched to the city, a $350 million development proposal that would salvage part of the failed Navy Hill plan remains in play.”
Have you been tuning in to SMBW’s Workplace Re-Entry Roundtable webinar series? Whether you’re returning or new, you won’t want to miss the final installment Thursday, 10/22.
We’ve assembled RVA’s design, workplace, and construction thought leaders to speak on workplace re-entry strategies. For the final installment of our 3-part webinar series, we’re looking ahead at what the future of the workplace and how we’re navigating these changes in real-time. Click the link in our bio to register today!
Meet the Panel:
Ginny Johnston, Capital One
Lee Harrelson, CMTA
Chris Durand, DPR Construction
Stephen Jayjock, JLL
Kim Smith, Knoll
Tamara Van Meter, SMBW
SMBW – October 9, 2020
On Friday, October 9, IIDA + ASID held their annual Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEAs) to honor exceptional regional interior design work. SMBW designers Michelle Mikita and Shannon Dankos took home two awards! “Just the right amount of color and crispness, that gives a space balance,” said the jury.
First Place, S&P Global
Category: Corporate over 3,500 sf
Honorable Mention, Pietech 3rd floor expansion
Category: Corporate under 3,500 sf
VIRGINIA HUMANITIES – July 28, 2020
“The new office will dramatically improve our visibility and accessibility, and make it easier to work with our local and statewide partners including the University of Virginia, all of which will substantially deepen our impact to support and amplify the stories of Virginians from across the state,” says Matthew Gibson, Virginia Humanities’ Executive Director.
We’re excited to help Virginia Humanities realize a new space!
Struggling with getting back to work Post-COVID? Join RVA’s design, workplace, and construction thought leaders for Part 2 of our 3-part webinar series for an update. Panelists will revisit strategies and new updates on workplace re-entry.
Panelists
Capital One | Ginny Johnston, Employer Readiness
CMTA | Drew Roberts, Indoor Air Quality
DPR | Chris Durand, Construction
Knoll | Kim Smith, Furniture Solutions
SMBW | Tamara Van Meter, Workplace Strategy
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July 6, 2020 – Richmond Times Dispatch
“For a century, Monument Avenue has showcased some of the Confederacy’s most revered figures. Soon, there will be a blank canvas. Over the past week, the Richmond Times-Dispatch asked demonstrators, residents, artists and community leaders what they’d like to see on the new Monument Avenue.”
Pictured here is SMBW’s 2019 submission, entitled ‘Deconstruction/Reconstruction’ for the design competition ‘General Demotion/General Devotion’, which posed a re-imagining of Richmond’s Monument Avenue. SMBW’s submission proposed an architectural shroud surrounding prominent monuments and transforming the central circles for spaces for community and contemplation.
The exhibit was planned by Storefront for Community design and held at The Valentine Museum.
Richmond Bizsense- June 8, 2020
“The former Lighthouse Diner in Manchester is not long for this world as a new mixed-use development is being eyed to replace it.
Plans have been filed to demolish the 100-year-old, long-dormant building at 1228 Hull St., which until recently had been part of the holdings of embattled local businessman Michael Hild.”
RVA’s design, workplace, and construction thought leaders answer your questions live, following the Workplace Re-Entry Roundtable.
Topics + Panelists
Construction | Chris Durand, DPR
Employer Readiness | Ginny Johnston, Capital One
Solutions | Kim Smith, Knoll
Indoor Air Quality | Lee Harrelson, CMTA
Project Management | Stephen Jayjock, JLL
Workplace Strategy | Tamara Van Meter, SMBW
Moderated by Spencer Grice of SMBW.
May 28, 2020- SMBW
Are you prepared for the post-covid workplace? Join RVA’s design, workplace, and construction thought leaders for return-to-work strategies.
Topics + Panelists
Employer Readiness | Ginny Johnston, Capital One
Indoor Air Quality | Lee Harrelson, CMTA
Construction | Chris Durand, DPR
Furniture Solutions | Kim Smith, Knoll
Project Management | Stephen Jayjock, JLL
Workplace Strategy | Tamara Van Meter, SMBW
Moderated by Spencer Grice of SMBW.
Hosted live via Zoom webinar Thursday, May 28th at 8:30 am.
Click Read More to link to the webinar recording.
May 21, 2020- SMBW
SMBW and our friends at the Virginia Bar Association walk you through a phased approach to reopening your firm for business, as social distancing restrictions begin to lift in the coming months.
Click Read More to link to the webinar recording.
May 6, 2020- BIZSENSE
“Three months after Richmond City Council said “no” to the controversial Navy Hill project, the developers behind it are looking to revive a portion of the proposal with a mixed-use development that now calls for a taller VCU Health-anchored tower.”
RICHMOND BIZSENSE- April 13, 2020
“Another new development with some height is planned along the Pulse Corridor on Broad Street, this time by one of the developers behind the Quirk Hotel.
Bank Street Advisors filed plans this month for Soda Flats, a seven-story building consisting of 73 apartment units and ground-floor retail at 2820 W. Broad St.”
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH- March 06, 2020
Plans are being finalized for a $52 million building project in the Virginia Bio+Tech Park in Richmond that would serve as a temporary
SMBW Architects is the architect for the project. W.M. Jordan Co. is the construction manager, and Project Solutions Group is the project manager.
SMBW- March 3, 2020
Clark’s architectural design experience spans market segments including mixed-use, higher education, and cultural facilities with tangible community impact. Clark has steered diverse commercial projects from conceptual design through construction administration as project designer and worked to collect a broad wealth of knowledge across trades to make her an adept designer and project coordinator. Her experience in in mixed-use arena brings great value to SMBW, as an emerging design leader in the mixed-use market.
SMBW- March 03, 2020
Soudi is a 2019 graduate of Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture and Design. Soudi, from Amman, Jordan, came to the United States for his undergraduate degree and brings a background in construction and previous work experience as an intern for two Jordanian architecture studios.
BIZSENSE- February 27,2020
Nearly two and a half years after construction began, the Virginia War Memorial has largely polished off a multimillion-dollar expansion, marking the occasion with a dedication ceremony Saturday.
SMBW – February 19, 2020
Rowe’s professional experience spans regional corporate and higher education projects, but her real passion is people. As an interior designer, she worked to truly get to know a client and understand their needs, offering research and relationship-based solutions resulting in thoughtful designs. As Market Manager, Erin’s ability to connect with SMBW’s clients and the Richmond community will restructure the firm’s approach to winning new work and making community connections. Erin is an active community member serving as the President of the Junior Board of Historic Richmond, the Vice President of Sponsorship for IIDA (International Interior Design Association), and a lifelong Big Sister volunteer to Richmond teens.
Click here to read the full press release
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH – February 12, 2020
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is consolidating its operations on Ownby Lane in Richmond into one building, which the company is planning to renovate to give a refreshed look to its taproom and patio where visitors gather for beers.
BIZSENSE- February 12, 2020
Excited to be partnering with our friend at Hardywood on a new vision for the brewery’s Richmond HQ location.
