RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE
RKA LIBRARY
CITY ARCHITECT TASKED WITH Calgary Herald, March 2011
WAR EXHIBIT
CAVE AND BASIN INTERNMENT EXHIBIT MOVES AHEAD
Rocky Mountain Outlook, Feb 2011
DREAM HOMES BECOME VIRTUAL REALITY
Calgary Herald, July 2010
CA Executive Journal, July 2010
NEW CANADIANS TO TAKE OATH, IN STYLE
Calgary Herald, March 2010
Calgary Office: CFB West, Building A1 - 2530 Hochwald Ave. SW - Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 7H5 - phone: 403.266.2100 | fax: 403.266.2170 | info@riddell.ca | www.riddell.ca
Edmonton Office: #112, 10355 - 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E8 - phone: 780.757.6600 | fax: 780.757.6609
RK VISUALIZATION HELPS COMMUNITY IN DIALOGUE WITH CITY PLANNERS
May 16, 2012
Richard White, Managing Director of RK Visualization, has been working with the Shawnee-Evergreen Community Association and its residents to propose a greener alternative to the Shawnee Slopes redevelopment. The association also enlisted RK Visualization to create renderings of what they have envisioned for development. With the help of RK as well as prominent civic file figures, the association hopes to convince the Calgary Planning Commission of the benefits of an urban parkland in South Calgary.
Click here to view a PDF of the full May 16, 2012 article from the Calgary Herald.
ZOO ENRICHES LIFE WITHIN INNER CITY
May 5, 2012
In his latest article, Managing Director of RK Visualization, Richard White, outlines how lucky Calgarians have it, with a world-class zoo on the doorstep of downtown.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
TIME TO TAKE A STRIP OFF VEGAS PLANNERS
April 28, 2012
In his second article of a two-part series, Managing Director of RK Visualization, Richard White, continues to discuss what aspects Calgary shares with the "Entertainment Capital of the World", and outlines some areas that could have used more planning.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
GLITTER GULCH AND COWTOWN?
April 21, 2012
After a week in Las Vegas, Managing Director of RK Visualization, Richard White, began to see commonalities between Sin City and Cowtown. In his first article of a two-part series, Richard begins to discuss what aspects Calgary shares with the "Entertainment Capital of the World".
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
NEWS & VIEWS FROM RIDDELL KURCZABA – REVEILLE, APRIL 2012
April 12, 2012
It’s been a busy past few months in the world of RK! We appointed some new Associates (Peter Schulz, Natalie Allen, Paul Ketchabaw), promoted a key team member (Natalia Pakin), and added senior staff members (Ryan Jorgensen, Kimberly Karn) to enhance our service capabilities. In addition, some of our senior architects and designers had a chance to share some time and insights with the University of Calgary’s Comprehensive Design Studio, and our Managing Director of Code, Fire & Life Safety, Sandy Mackenzie, embarked on an exciting business trip to China. We also received news on how our recent holiday donation to Little Warriors was used in prevention education initiatives directed at child sexual abuse.
Click here to catch the details in our latest newsletter.
HOTELS ARE HEART OF VITAL DOWNTOWN
March 3, 2012
After a recent trip to San Francisco, Managing Director of RKA3D Richard White couldn’t help but compare the vast hotel variety of the California city to that of his hometown. In his latest article, Richard discusses whether Calgary has what it takes to brand itself as an urban playground destination and attract more urban tourists.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
SUBURB BASHING IGNORES THE FACTS
February 18, 2012
Suburban life may not be the current trend in the public eye, but in his latest article Managing Director of RKA3D Richard White explains why that just isn’t the case in Calgary, where more than 80% of its residents call suburban communities home.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
INNER CITY BLESSED WITH PARKS
February 4, 2012
Calgary is blessed with several terrific parks that patrons utilize to their full potential, and thanks to the foresight of early planners, inner city communities have a healthy collection of this important amenity. In his latest article featured in the Calgary Herald, Managing Director of RKA3D Richard White discusses the hidden gems of Calgary’s 6th/5th Avenue parkway.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
Follow Richard White on Twitter.
PROJECT BLUEPRINT: ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES TENANT FIT-UP (QUARRY PARK PROFESSIONAL CENTRE)
December 5, 2011
After considering a number of locations throughout Calgary, Alberta Health Services (AHS) selected Remington Development Corporation’s Quarry Park site for the consolidation of + 750 IT personnel within Quarry Park Professional Centre. This division, with extensive data, security and AV requirements, occupies 50,000 sq. ft. on two floors. The implementation of the fit-up of the space brought together a number of parties working in collaboration using the Alternative Work Strategy (AWS) findings compiled by Steelcase Applied Research & Consulting on behalf of AHS. Within a mere 12 weeks from the initiation of the project to commencement of construction, Remington, RKA, AHS, Steelcase and RGO Office Products worked together to define the use of space as a pilot project that responds to a number of desired outcomes:
• Better real estate efficiency
• Real estate utilization focused on work process
• Workforce flexibility
• Promotion of social and cultural health of the organization
In addition to designing the base building for Remington, RKA provided interior design services to fit up AHS in its new corporate office; this full slate included space planning, code review, finishes selection, design development report, construction drawings and permit application. Throughout each stage of the project, presentations were made to the various stakeholders as a part of on-going change management services.
PROJECT BLUEPRINT: ORANJ SUSHI BAR
November 3, 2011
Oranj Sushi Bar in West Edmonton Mall’s Bourbon Street district provides patrons with bold yet intimate surroundings for a modern culinary experience. RKA’s design for the space is a contemporary concept featuring a high-contrast palette and Japanese elements such as linear wood panels and wooden slats. The U-shaped sushi bar is located in the middle of the space, allowing the focus from the entry and within the room to be directed at the entertaining sushi chefs and their skilled preparation of the cuisine. The restaurant’s name – a play on “orange,” which carries strong symbolic value in Japanese culture (the colour represents happiness and love, while the fruit embodies aspirations for good fortune) – is reflected in punctuations of tasteful orange accents throughout the establishment.
EDMONTON OFFICE’S INAUGURAL OPEN HOUSE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
October 3, 2011
RKA extends a big thank you to all the guests who attended our “Festive Fall” Open House in September. We had a wonderful time mixing with our numerous clients, consultants and friends in the industry, and sharing some of Edmonton’s finest local food and brew courtesy of Yellowhead Brewery and Oranj Sushi Bar. In addition, we congratulate the following lucky folks whose names were drawn for door prizes at the event:
iPod Touch
• Colin Clish (Remington Development Corporation)
Gift Cards for Oranj Sushi Bar
• Darren Poirier (Dominion Medical Centres)
• Izabela Kotula (Canadian Western Bank)
• Dan Eggert (Melcor Developments)
• Tim Coghlan (Yardstick Technologies)
Thanks to everyone who entered the draws. We look forward to getting together again next year at our 2012 Edmonton Open House!
 |  |
2011 Edmonton Open House | RKA’s Al Amer with iPod Touch draw winner, |
NEWS & VIEWS FROM RIDDELL KURCZABA – REVEILLE, AUGUST 2011
August 15, 2011
Things have really been heating up at RKA this summer! Read about our latest projects with a spotlight on our 3D Visualization department’s growing residential portfolio and an in-depth look at the Federal Government office tenant improvements in Tsuu T’ina Nation’s Chief Joseph Big Plume Building. We also extend a warm thank you to everyone who came out to our “IslandStyle” Open House and contributed to making it a huge success.
Click here to catch the details in our latest newsletter.
NEW ARTICLES FROM RICHARD WHITE FARMERS' MARKETS NEED FRESH IDEAS A common lament from many Calgarians is the city's lack of a permanent, inner-city farmers' market such as those that exist in other large urban centres. While these city supported markets thrive in other cities, Calgary may require a more innovative model. RKA's Director of Strategic Initiatives Richard White discusses a unique approach to Calgary farmers' markets in his article featured in the Calgary Herald on June 4.
PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS HITS LIBRARY After nearly ten years of discussion surrounding the relocation of Calgary’s central library, the development is still at a standstill. In his May 21 Calgary Herald feature, Richard White shares his thoughts on each of the four potential sites, naming the East Village as his top choice for the library's new location.
'BIKES FIRST' NOT EASY PATH FOR CALGARY In his book Cities for People, Danish architect Jan Gehl looks at how architectural design affects a city’s livability, advocating the reorientation of city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist. During a recent lecture at the Central Library, he cited the similarities between Calgary and Copenhagen as reasons why a comparable cycling model would be effective here. Richard White examines Gehl’s proposal and its application to Calgary in his May 14 feature in the Calgary Herald.
THE LATEST & GREATEST FROM RKA3D As usual, RKA’s 3D Visualization team has been hard at work over the past few months to deliver some animations for a variety of exciting projects. Two of these videos are for Watermark at Bearspaw and Seton Urban District. You can check them out at www.rka3d.com. PROJECT BLUEPRINT: SRB/ LCB TENANT FIT-UP Alberta Infrastructure engaged RKA’s Interior Design team to fit up two adjudicative agencies – Surface Rights Board and Land Compensation Board – within Summerside Business Centre in Edmonton.The design of the 13,605 sq. ft. space considered factors that addressed a continual increase in the volume of applications and hearings before the Boards and corresponding requirements for staff, hearing rooms and records storage. While the space is equipped to facilitate a fair mediation process for all parties, it also provides for a safe and secure workplace for employees of SRB and LCB.Occupant buy-in was a major measure of project success and integral to managing change within the workplace. This project featured many unique, and at times challenging, requirements to aid in the design of an innovative, functional yet creative and collaborative space.
June 4, 2011
Click here to download the article (PDF).
May 21, 2011
Click here to download the article (PDF).
May 14, 2011
Click here to download the article (PDF).
May 9, 2011
April 14, 2011
RECOGNIZING STAFF LOYALTY & DEDICATION
April 13, 2011
The ongoing success of RKA could not be celebrated without the commitment and hard work of our amazingly talented staff. We recently recognized the following personnel for their service milestones:
• Wanda Murch, Chief Financial Officer - 10 years
• Niha Kroliczek, Managing Director – Business Development - 10 years
• Al-Arqam Amer, Managing Director – Edmonton Office - 5 years
• Kerry Harwood, 3D Visualization Manager - 5 years
• Cynthia Nemeth, Interior Designer - 5 years
SENSE OF PLACE VITAL TO LIVABLE CITIES
March 22, 2011
Place-making is influenced by everything from culture to technology, as examined in McGill University architecture professor/ author Avi Friedman’s A Place in Mind: The Search for Authenticity. RKA Director of Strategic Initiatives Richard White delves into the book in his latest article featured in the Calgary Herald on Saturday, March 12.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
CITY ARCHITECT TASKED WITH WAR EXHIBIT
March 22, 2011
The First World War internments in Canada marked a very grievous time in our nation’s history – an event that merits remembrance and discussion by current and future generations. An exhibit building planned for Banff National Park is part of a Parks Canada initiative to fulfill this objective. In its March 1st issue, the Calgary Herald featured an article by David Parker examining this facility, a building designed by Riddell Kurczaba Architecture.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
CONTRIBUTING TO A NATIONAL LEGACY
March 2, 2011
RKA’s Architectural Studio has been collaborating with Parks Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to design and implement a number of projects within Canada’s national parks system. These endeavors include:
• Rogers Pass Discovery Centre Renovations – Glacier National Park
• Accommodation Building for Palisades Stewardship Education Centre
• Jasper National Park - First World War Internment Exhibit Building – Banff National Park
A summary account of each project is available in RKA’s March 2011 newsletter – click here to download a pdf copy.
We are grateful to Parks Canada and PWGSC for the opportunities to assist on these important undertakings, and are excited to have had a role in the continuing legacy of our National Parks!
MAKING AN IMPACT AT BUILDEX EDMONTON
March 2, 2011
RKA’s Managing Director of Fire & Life Safety, Sandy Mackenzie, is presenting a seminar at the 2011 BUILDEX Edmonton conference on March 23rd. Titled “The Building and Fire Codes and How They Impact Your Building,” this educational opportunity is intended to demystify the codes and provide information to help building owners, managers, and operators with proper fire safety management of their buildings. For seminar and registration information, visit www.buildexedmonton.com.
SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR STUDENTS
March 2, 2011
Students in a University of Calgary senior architectural studio program step up to the challenge and seek answers to the question: “What would Calgary’s downtown skyline look like if a really tall building of 100+ floors were constructed?” RKA Director of Strategic Initiatives Richard White takes a gander at three hypothetical design solutions in his latest article featured in the Calgary Herald on Saturday, February 19.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
RKA3D ASSISTS IN BID FOR MAJOR EDMONTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
February 17, 2011
RKA’S 3D Visualization division recently worked with the Sweco International AB team to develop a video in support of their proposal submission to redevelop the Edmonton City Centre Airport lands. Sweco’s team is one of five consortiums from North America and Europe whose conceptual designs and videos are being considered by the City of Edmonton’s Selection Committee. The submissions have been posted on the City’s website; Sweco’s submission can be seen here.
Click here to view Sweco’s video.
MOVING FORWARD WITH HISTORIC PARKS PROJECT
February 3, 2011
RKA’s plans for the First World War Internment Exhibit Building in Banff National Park has received approval from the Parks Canada Advisory Development Board which allows the project to proceed to the next phase. Click here to read Rocky Mountain Outlook’s coverage of the story.
'HIDDEN' DENSITY SEEN AS GOOD IDEA
January 29, 2011
One of the ways to create a diverse, viable and sustainable spectrum of housing within an urban context is to encourage infill development. RKA Director of Strategic Initiatives Richard White explores the opportunities, benefits and challenges associated with “hidden, gentle and invisible density” in his latest article featured in the Calgary Herald on Saturday, January 29.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
U OF C'S HOTEL ALMA A 'HIDDEN GEM' January 20, 2011
The University of Calgary's International House has three floors of rooms available for use by the general public. Referred to as Hotel Alma, these spaces represent the first full-service hotel property in Canada owned and operated by a university on its campus. The Calgary Herald recently featured an article by David Parker pertaining to this facility, a project that Riddell Kurczaba Architecture helped to design.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
PROJECT BLUEPRINT: KIA WEST EDMONTON SHOWROOM & REPAIR SHOP
December 22, 2010
Kia West Edmonton is Western Canada’s first – and most successful – Kia Motors dealership. The company approached RKA to lead the re-design and implementation of their new showroom building and repair shop expansion. Our team worked closely with client representatives to synthesize the latest Kia design standards into modern facilities for staff and customers alike. Key facility features include a mezzanine level to accommodate office functions and maximize space usage; an added “drive-thru” service bay to enhance the customer service experience; and an extended glass curtain wall to bathe the showroom and offices in natural daylight. Our phased approach to the project – from the demolition of the existing showroom structure to the erection of its replacement and expansion of the repair shop – enabled Kia West Edmonton to remain fully operational during construction of the new facilities.
STANDING TALL
December 22, 2010
In November RKA hosted, in cooperation with Dr. Brian R. Sinclair FRAIC (Studio Instructor), the University of Calgary’s Senior Research Architecture Studio focusing on Tall Buildings (Master of Architecture design course in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Environmental Design). The session was held to review and critique the studio’s work regarding Super-Tall Mixed-Use Buildings situated in Calgary’s urban core. A number of RKA’s senior architects and designers (Brook Melchin, Claudia Nuwenhof, Peter Schulz and Caterina McNiven) interacted with three teams of students and provided thoughtful feedback on their tall building projects – works that were bold, imaginative and forward-thinking. RKA is privileged to be involved in the encouragement and development of the next generation of architects and their exciting ideas!
BENCH STRENGTH
December 22, 2010
In its efforts to restore the historical Bow Valley Ranche (in Fish Creek Provincial Park) to its original, turn-of-the-century grandeur, The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society is employing benches as a fund-raising tool. These artistic benches – to be prominently featured within the site – will recognize donors on integrated placards. RKA supported this initiative by hosting a design charrette involving our staff (architects, interior designers, technologists) and Qsine (a local precision fabricating company), and donated the creative concept to the Society for use in this endeavor. For more information on the site, the Society, and sponsorship opportunities, visit
www.bowvalleyranche.com.
FT SERVICES OFFICE RENOVATION ACHIEVES LEED CANADA-CI CERTIFICATION!
November 25, 2010
FT Services is an operations and maintenance solutions service provider to the oil and gas industry. RKA’s team was engaged to develop 19,000 sq. ft. of downtown office space, with a scope of work that included space planning, design detailing, furniture selection, and a signage program. In an effort to embrace sustainability, several “green” initiatives were undertaken including modular walls, non-obstructive furniture, high efficiency lamps, and recycling of 90% of demolished materials. As of November 17, 2010, the Canada Green Building Council has awarded a rating of the project as LEED Certified Canada-CI (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors).
Congratulations to FT Services, the project team (consultants, contractors, suppliers) and RKA’s Interior Design team members for this outstanding accomplishment!
FORMER FIREFIGHTER KEEPS STAFF IN STEP Nov 15, 2010
Construction safety,
code and fire-related
matters are huge
concerns to the industry
and building owners. Riddell
Kurczaba Architecture
(RKA) has taken a unique
step to provide its staff and
clients assistance in code
and fire-related matters
with the launch of a new
code-related group within
its practice.
The Calgary Herald recently featured an article by David Parker highlighting this exciting new opportunity led by former Fire Marshal Mr. Sandy Mackenzie.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
ONE SIZE DEFINITELY DOES NOT FIT ALL
October 23, 2010
Every city in North America
wants more mixed-use
developments — “but nobody is sure exactly what it means and everyone is struggling to figure out how to make them work.” RKA Director of Strategic Initiatives Richard White explores this topic further in his latest article featured in the Calgary Herald on Saturday, October 23.
Click here to download the article (PDF).
INTRODUCING RKA'S NEW FIRE & CODE SPECIALIST! Oct 15, 2010
RKA is pleased to announce that Mr. Sandy Mackenzie
has joined our Architectural practice as of September 2010. Sandy is a senior code specialist in Life Safety and Fire Protection, holding formal certifications as an Alberta Safety Code Officer (Fire), a Construction Safety Officer, and a Canadian Fire Investigator. His 36+ years of industry experience gives our clients the added assurance that their projects will readily meet regulatory requirements and reflect best practices as they pertain to Fire and Safety Codes.
Sandy is extremely knowledgeable and proficient with respect to Fire Prevention, Safety, Investigations, and Management. He is a retired Fire Marshal formerly with the City of Calgary Fire Department who, through his coordination of inter-departmental activities, has developed notable connections with the City’s Fire Department and Building Department and the Provincial Regulatory Authorities. His first-hand understanding of the theoretical application and practical implications of Fire and Safety Codes gives our clients the benefit of a proactive, experienced reviewer to identify and resolve potential design flaws and code contraventions before they are constructed.
RKA is excited to employ Sandy’s unique expertise and services for ample benefit to our projects, and we look forward to introducing our clients to the newest member of our team.
DREAM HOMES BECOME VIRTUAL REALITY August 12, 2010
In a feature article from the July 31st edition of the Calgary Herald, RKA3D Visualization manager Kerry Harwood outlined the benefits of using 3D technology to help people better understand and visualize urban development projects. The article also includes testimonials from various Calgarians (now satisfied RKA3D customers!), as well as a detailed profile on Kerry’s background in the 3D arena.
Click here to download (PDF).
COUPLE AT EASE IN PEACEFUL ROOM July 20, 2010
RKA Interior Designer & Project Manager Alexsandor Pozsonyi was recently featured in the Calgary Herald for the extensive renovations he made to his 1960’s bungalow in Fairview. A collaborative effort with partner Susan Gallagher, they accomplished an entire basement to roof renovation which includes custom millwork, a new fireplace (with functional storage!) and new smart systems (data, cable, phone, audio & network). Congratulations to Alex and Susan on their accomplishment!
Click here to download (PDF).
2010 OPEN HOUSE APPLE iPAD WINNER
ANNOUNCED July 20, 2010
Congratulations to the winner of our 2010 Open House draw for an Apple iPad - Larry Tennis of Stuart Olson Construction. A big thanks to all of our guests who entered the draw, and we look forward to seeing you next year at our 2011 Open House event.
DESIGN BOOST! June 10, 2010
RKA is pleased to announce that Ms. Caterina McNiven has joined our Architectural practice. She will be supporting all projects in the capacity of Designer. Caterina has led and managed a lengthy list of architectural assignments, including master planning, bylaw studies, and design for multi-family residential, mixed-use commercial, and low-rise retail projects. Having worked and been educated as an Architect in South America prior to transplanting roots in Calgary nearly a decade ago, she enhances the cultural and professional fabric of RKA with her unique blend of local and international experience. We look forward to introducing our clients to the newest member of the RKA team!
