Posts

David Giroux

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Who can say they took part in open try-outs for the Detroit Tigers? David Giroux can. Reflecting on the experience he recalls it was the unofficial start of his architectural career. His interest in architecture blossomed earlier, in 7th grade, when he helped design and build a 180’ long and 18’ high bridge made of recycled telephone poles and cross pieces. His teacher taught an architectural drafting course and he was hooked! David decided to be an architect, taking as many drafting classes as they offered through high school, before enrolling at Lawrence Technological University. After graduation, David moved to Chicago to begin his career and the experience was invaluable.

If you have collaborated with David, you know he is a very dedicated person. David devotes his whole self to the task at hand, whether an early morning workout, fundraising for charities, or supporting the Building & Grounds Committee at church. His devotion to Integrated Design Solution’s healthcare team is exhibited in his greatest professional achievement to date, the Caro Center New Psychiatric Hospital. When asked about this accomplishment, David said, “Opportunities to replace existing hospitals with new ground-up facilities do not come along often, especially in your backyard.” He is humbled to be the steward of this project for the State of Michigan.

David is motivated by continuous improvements, never content to plateau, always seeking efficiency. The significance of the responsibility to help IDS evolve from the firm the founding Principals established to meet the ever-changing industry expectations and prepare the next generation for success is not lost on David; this is his greatest goal. David has a passion for architecture, but his favorite place to be is at his family’s cottage. On most days off you will find him relaxing outdoors during the day watching a good movie at night.

“Well, anything worth doing is worth doing right”

– Jimmy Dugan,  A League of Their Own 

Rachel McCorkle

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Rachel McCorkle is an architect; this is something that you can tell just by looking at her title. But what you may not know is that she was on a Division 1 Rowing team for the University of Buffalo and won two conference championships. To this day Rachel says, “Thinking about it today still makes me breathless!” She helped win her first championship by the last five strokes her and her teammates made, hearing her talking about it you can tell this is one of her greatest personal achievements. These things are all things she can tell you about. But what she may not tell you about is her greatest strength, the ability to have a great memory.  You will for sure want her on your team if there is ever a trivia competition. On top of having a great memory Rachel enjoys having dinner parties, making treats for the office (keep your eyes out for those) and being active outdoors.

Specializing in healthcare architecture, Rachel is a part of our health care team. Her interest in health care architecture stems from her mother being sick most of her life. She visited several hospitals and medical facilities with her over the years. Sadly, many of the facilities architecture or engineering did not positively impact the visits. Sometimes there were unpleasant smells that permeated the room, or the room was so noisy you could not think straight, let alone rest, and recover. She is interested in healthcare architecture because she believes that the built environment can positively impact the users.

Rachel is motivated by knowledge and synthesizing that knowledge into ideas, solutions, and plans. Probably why her professional goal is to be involved in projects that have a positive impact on individuals that use the building. But her daydream is being involved in something like the Maggie’s Center. The Maggie’s Center is a UK based organization that provides cancer care outside of the hospital setting. These centers are special places and have one of the kind architecture. Each center is unique in response to its site and population. They are researched and at the cutting edge of healthcare design.

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
for when dreams fade
Life is a baren field
Frozen with snow.”

– Langston Hughs 

Frederick Wesolowski

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Circumspect and an exceptionally clear thinker, Fred understands the needs of complex healthcare organizations. He knows how to balance the demands of the varied constituents to building alignment and consensus. Fred has a passion for the health care industry and it has led to opportunities as far away as the Central, Western, and the South Pacific including the Republic of Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia, and American Samoa. 

Fred grew up in Midland admiring Alden B. Dow designed buildings and worked in his architectural practice, which led him to become an Architect in conjunction with enjoying planning, designing, drawing, and building. 

With expertise and focus in Project Formation, Planning, and Risk Management, his work includes engaging complex administrative teams, helping them align and define their project vision and requirements, organizing their requirements within their unique context, and exploring options ultimately arriving hand-in-hand at the best-integrated solution for them. 

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” – Walt Disney

David DiCiuccio Transitions to Principal Engineer

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Please join us in congratulating David DiCiuccio as he transitions from his long-time role as Director of Mechanical Engineering into the position of Principal Engineer.

As Principal Engineer, Dave will oversee our technical staff working on complex engineering projects. Dave’s vast experience and superior problem-solving skills will continue to be an asset to our projects and clients.

In this role, Dave will ensure the lessons learned on any given component of work will be translated to all other future efforts and aid in always improving cost benefits for our clients. As a single touchpoint for contact, Dave will be able to provide insight to our clients and partners from the highest level.

Dave will be succeeded as Director of Mechanical Engineering by Joseph Schwartz who has served as Assistant Director of the Department for four years. During this time, Joe worked closely with Dave to facilitate this transition and we are confident in Joe’s abilities to lead the Mechanical Engineering department going forward.

David DiCiuccio may be reached at ddiciuccio@ids-michigan.com and Joe Schwartz may be reached at jschwartz@ids-michigan.com.

Spring Brings Growth to IDS

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IDS has promoted ten team members into new roles within the company. David Giroux, Mark Reaves, Nicholas LaForest, Katy Litwin, David DiCiuccio, Joseph Schwartz, Scott Batzold, Greg Koenig, Josephine Horner, and Kate Dankovich all are stepping into new positions.

David Giroux, AIA, CDT is transitioning from his role as an Assistant Director of the Architecture Department. David has been and will continue to serve as Vice President and will devote his time to the growth of our Healthcare market.

Mark Reaves, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB will be stepping from his role as an Assistant Director of the Architecture Department into his new position as Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports.

Nicholas LaForest, AIA, NCARB moves to the role of Assistant Director of Architecture and will serve as a consistent resource for everyone to aide in planning our documents.

Katy Litwin, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB also is stepping into the role of Assistant Director of Architecture and her role will include supporting all teams to help with coordination of design.

David M. DiCiuccio, PE will be transitioning from his long-standing role as Director of the Mechanical Engineering Department to Principal Engineer. He will remain an Executive Vice president with IDS.

Joseph L. Schwartz, PE, CGD, LEED® AP BD+C is transitioning from Assistant Director of  Mechanical Engineering to Director of Mechanical Engineering Department.

Scott Batzold, PE will join the management team of the Electrical Engineering Department as Assistant Director.

Greg Koenig, AIA, NCARB will be entering a new role as Manager of our Grand Rapids office to promote connection and coordination between our Troy Headquarters and West Michigan office.

Josephine Horner’s will now serve as Project Coordinator for the entire firm in which she will act as a resource to all project managers.

Kate Dankovich, CPA has stepped into the role of Business Manager, leading the accounting team as well as office management and human resources for both offices.

Announcing Our Newest Senior Associates and Associates

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Integrated Design Solution is proud to announce promotions effective January 1, 2020. Into the role of Senior Associate, IDS welcomes Scott Batzold, Matt Beck, and Nick LaForest. Integrated Design Solutions also is proud to welcome six new associates; Chris Allick, Andrea Everett, Brian Ingham, Greg Koenig, Aubree Robichaud, and Greg Sell.

Scott Batzold has been with Integrated Design Solutions for just under seven years, and has brought his electrical engineering expertise to such projects as the Quicken Loans Data Center and recently-opened Domino’s Innovation Garage.

Matt Beck has been a member of the IDS architecture department for sixteen years, and has gained an expertise working particularly in the education market segments, including projects such as the new Romeo Community Schools RETC high school and the University of Michigan Bioengineering Lab.

Nick LaForest is a registered architect and has been with Integrated Design Solutions for nearly thirteen years. Working within all market segments, with a focus on the higher education sector, Nick has brought his expertise to such projects as the University of Michigan’s Munger Graduate Residences, and is currently leading the completion of the school’s Michigan Union renovation.

Chris Allick is a registered architect and joined IDS in 2015, recently working on projects such as the Domino’s Innovation Garage, United Shore Headquarters, and Oakland University’s Oakland Center.

Andrea Everett first joined IDS in 2013, and after briefly departing the firm, returned for her current tenure in 2017. She works in the architecture department and has led projects such as the Michigan Union and Michigan Alumni Center Renovations.

Brian Ingham has been with Integrated Design Solutions for sixteen years, and as a registered architect, has worked in all market segments. Brian is currently working on the renovation and transformation of Harrison High School into the new Farmington Hills Community Center.

Greg Koenig joined IDS in 2018, bringing a specialty in health care design and project management to the Integrated Design Solutions Grand Rapids office. Greg has worked on such projects as the recently completed Ferris State University College of Pharmacy renovation and supports all the work we do in partnership with McLaren Health System.

Aubree Robichaud is a registered architect and has been with Integrated Design Solutions for over seven years. Aubree has brought her expertise to projects of all kinds, including the University of Michigan’s Michigan Union, and currently the Schoolcraft College Manufacturing and Engineering Center Renovation.

Greg Sell is a professional engineer with the IDS electrical engineering department. Joining IDS in 2013, Greg has worked on such notable projects as the University of Michigan Munger Graduate Residences, the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit, and the Detroit Free Press Building.

Emily Trevarrow

Emily Trevarrow has earned LEED Green Certification

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We are proud to announce Emily Trevarrow, who joined the IDS interiors department in the summer of 2019, has earned a LEED Green Certification.  Sustainable design is at the forefront of our work, and we are excited to see how Emily continues to integrate these valuable skills into projects going forward.  Congratulations, Emily!

In Memoriam – Dean Harris

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It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dean Harris. Surrounded by his family on November 7, 2019, Dean passed away in his home peacefully. He had been a valued member of our team for the past nine years and will be deeply missed. We regret the loss to his family as well.

IDS is collecting donations to assist the Harris family through this difficult time. If you would like to contribute, we are accepting donations via Venmo payment or check.

To ensure all donations are properly allocated, please note the following:

Venmo
Subject: Harris Family
To submit you donation, please visit
 
Check
Checks with the memo “Harris Family” may be mailed to:
Integrated Design Solutions
Attn: Lauren Teetor
1441 W. Long Lake Rd.
Ste 200
Troy, MI 48098