UND Indoor Practice Facility

Notre Dame Opens New Indoor Football Facilities

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Players got the opportunity to test out the new Indoor Practice Facility this week at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame’s indoor facilities were in need of an overhaul for a long time. The University used this off-season to do just that by building a brand new indoor facility for the football team that opened up yesterday with some OTA work by the team.

Notre Dame’s old indoor facilities had been limiting in the past, but that is no longer the case with a full sized field and much higher ceilings. The Irish had previously used the Loftus Sports Center for indoor practice. The 30 year old complex had lower ceilings that impacted special teams practice and featured a track around the football field that caused some safety concerns at times.

The Loftus was also being used for upwards of 18 hours a day during the season which caused logistics nightmares as well. That will no longer be a concern for Brian Kelly and his staff as they design their practice schedules.

Check out the full article here.

Paul Stachowiak Inducted Into Brother Rice Hall of Fame

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IDS’ founding President, and current Chairman, Paul Stachowiak, has been inducted into the Brother Rice High School Hall of Fame.  This recognition honors those who epitomize the “Brother Rice Spirit,” as Paul has shown extraordinary dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm for Brother Rice High School.

Over the past fifteen years, Paul has represented IDS as a partner on many architectural and engineering projects with the School, including current Master Planning work, a Science Wing Addition and Renovation, and Athletic Fields.  In addition to his work with IDS, he has volunteered for the School’s Board, Facilities Committee, and for Career Days and Mentoring Programs.

Paul’s four children, Jim, Julie, Jeff, and Jill all attended Brother Rice and Marian High Schools.   About the honor, Paul says “Although I’m not an alum, my wife and I are so thankful for the foundation that both Brother Rice and Marian High Schools have provided our children.  My service to the school has been a pleasure, and this honor is truly treasured.”

Zac posing with plaque

Zac VanOverbeke completes Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

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We are very proud to announce IDS’ own Zac VanOverbeke has just completed the 2018 – 2019 AIA Detroit Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.  In its second year in Detroit, the CKLDP selects 16 emerging, local AEC industry leaders to foster relationships and engage in productive industry conversations.

Over the course of the nine-month program, the program members work with one another to facilitate and attend monthly day-long workshops where, Zac explains, “even though we have a range of diverse experiences, we were unified and driven to create an educational environment where we could all learn… Not once was an individual judged or discredited, this type of open discourse gave us the opportunity to see unique perspectives into many issues facing the industry.”

The 2018 – 2019 Detroit CKLDP concluded last Friday, May 3 with a presentation focused on productivity and emerging technologies led by Zac and fellow program-member Leland Curtis from Smithgroup’s Detroit chapter.

IDS wants to congratulate the entire 2018 – 2019 AIA Detroit Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program cohort and look forward to seeing the success of these industry leaders.  Thank you to all those who participated.

Integrated Design Solutions Names Charles Lewis President

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As Integrated Design Solutions (IDS) celebrates its 20th Anniversary, the Board of Directors has elected Chuck Lewis to serve as the firm’s president. Chuck was one of the first to be offered ownership, as IDS’ leadership began to transition 15 years ago. He has played an integral part in this transition planning and has been mentoring actively since 2003.

Chuck succeeds Paul Stachowiak, who has served as the firm’s President and Chairman since IDS’ inception in 1999. Paul is passionate about providing the opportunity to transition the firm and will be carrying on as Chairman to support the transition process. Paul Stachowiak, Chairman added, “We are extremely proud of our commitment to supporting the evolution of our firm in both leadership and vision. This transition has been carefully planned over the past two decades and it is rewarding to see the results of our efforts come to life.”  We believe the future cannot be predicted, but it can be designed.

In this exciting milestone year, IDS continues to evolve and the firm remains energetic, enthusiastic and focused on its mission statement. “We believe in uncompromising customer service beginning with quality Integrated Design Solutions for our clients. Our commitment to progressive vision, integrity and leadership is carried through every member of our staff to build on and strengthen our relationships with each other, our clients and our community.” Moving forward, IDS’ emphasis remains on wholly integrated solutions, a mantra that is fully reflected in its name.

Announcing Our Recent Promotions

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Integrated Design Solution has welcomed Valerie Grant into the role of Senior Associate, and Todd Nemecek, Todd Vercruysse, and Randi Paananen into the role of Associate, effective January 1, 2019.

Valerie joined the company in 2001 and has led the development of IDS’s interior design department as Associate since 2011. As Senior Associate, Valerie will continue her work representing the IDS, and begin a new level of leadership within the firm.

Todd Nemecek has spent more than ten years with Integrated Design Solutions. His experience and accomplishments have contributed to the success of many large-scale projects while with IDS. Entering the role of Associate, Todd will continue his work with Integrated Design Solutions, expanding our reach even further.

Since joining Integrated Design Solutions almost two years ago, Randi Paananen has stepped into a leadership role as Senior Electrical Engineer. Randi brings more than twenty years of experience and a keen eye to the role of Associate.

Todd Vercruysse began his tenure as mechanical engineer with Integrated Design Solutions in early 2018. Since, Todd has brought his expertise to support numerous projects, joining teams and leading others. As Associate, Todd will draw on his twenty-plus years in the industry to continue to grow IDS’s influence.

Congratulations Dan Gwozdz on Getting Licensed!

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We are excited to announce that Dan Gwozdz has passed his examinations required to become a licensed Architect. Please join us in congratulating him on this major accomplishment. We truly have an amazing team.

Way to go, Dan!

2018 ESD Construction and Design Award

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Winning Project

A. Alfred Taubman Wing
University of Michigan

Additions to our Team

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IDS recently embarked on a mission to seek out passionate architects, engineers, and interior designers to help expand our Grand Rapids and Troy teams. Since the start of 2018, we’ve successfully employed 14 individuals from various disciplines to help meet the increasing demands of our industry. Six members joined our Troy team (pictured above right) and eight join IDS in our Grand Rapids office (pictured above left) which now staffs a full service team for our West Michigan clients. We’ve expanded from 103 employees in the beginning of 2017 to 126 current employees between both offices with plans to continue our development through the remainder of the year. Cheers to our recent additions!

Pictured In Image Left, Left to Right: Greg Koenig, AIA, NCARB – Architecture, Rachael McCorkle AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Architecture, Dawn Holtrop, NCARB, LEED AP ID+C – Architecture, Nancy Hooker – Electrical Engineering, Kevin Aalderink, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Architecture, Jim Hooker, PE – Electrical Engineering, Kyle Mouw – Architecture Bob Partak, PE – Mechanical Engineering.

Pictured In Image Right, Left to Right: Tracey Treiber Johnston, IIDA, LEED AP –  Interior Design Laura Upton – Marketing, Matt Brown, AIA, NCARB – Architecture, Mark Koehler – Mechanical Engineering, Todd Vercruysse, PE – Mechanical Engineering, Caitlyn Koeth, NCIDQ – Interior Design

Congratulations Nick Kothari

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A big congratulations goes out to our newest registered Architect, Nicholas Kothari. Nick has been with IDS almost a year and a half, and has worked diligently since his arrival to obtain his architecture registration. Great job Nick!

Another Round of Promotions at IDS

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IDS is pleased to announce (from left to right) the promotion of Tracie Withrow, Adrian LaTona, and Justin Kiriazis effective, January 1, 2018. We recognize and appreciate the wealth of initiative they present in their perspective roles, and the contributions each of these individuals have to the progression of Integrated Design Solutions as a firm. Congratulations! Promotions include :

Tracie Withrow, Architect, to Associate

Tracie began working at Integrated Design Solutions August 2012, and has since become a pivotal member of the Architecture department. Her interest in architecture and construction started when she was young while visiting construction project sites with her father, a construction foreman and later a site inspector. These field experiences combined with the planning and scheduling skill sets inherited from her mother quickly led her to realize that the architecture and construction environment was a natural fit for her.

Adrian LaTona, Architect, to Senior Associate

Since arriving at IDS in October 2010, Adrian has been a part of a number of projects of varying scale. Working closely with Michigan State University coaches Izzo and Dantonio, he was a member of the team that delivered the Spartan Stadium North End Zone Addition, Duffy Daugherty Renovations and Berkowitz Office Refresh. He has also lent his talents to such University of Michigan projects as the Munger Graduate Residences, East Quad Renovation and the Taubman addition to the University of Michigan Art and Architecture building. He looks forward to growing as an architect as he continues to explore.

Justin Kiriazis, Electrical Engineer, to Associate

Justin has been with Integrated Design Solutions since June 2016, and has since been involved in projects with substantial clients including Ford Motor Company and Horizon Global. Justin is committed to upholding the positive reputation of IDS as he strives to generate creative design solutions that fit within the client’s needs and budget.   Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife Renee, biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.  They are avid fans of Michigan football and Detroit sports and try to attend as many games as possible.