April 1, 2008

We are proud to announce that Dave Schukai, Vice President, has been named one of Ingram's 40 Under Forty Class of 2008. As one of Kansas City's most distinguished recognitions, the honor is given to Kansas City's top proven leaders. They are innovative individuals at the top of their fields. These individuals balance work ethic with family, friends, and the community.

Dave came to work at BRR immediately after graduating from the University of Kansas' School of Architecture. At the time, BRR employed just 6 people. Today, we are a company with over 170 people in five states. Dave has been an integral part of our growth and success. We are proud of his achievements, dedication, and commitment to BRR.

From all of us at BRR, congratulations Dave!

January, 2008

In January of 2008, the Kansas City Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA/KC) designated BRR Architecture as an Intern Friendly Firm. BRR Architecture received this designation because we have established a formal in-house Intern Development Program (IDP) that focuses on helping our architectural interns begin and follow through on their path to architectural licensure. Our program provides all of our architectural interns a nurturing environment for training and opportunities to development their skills and prepare for the challenges of the practice of architecture in the future.

As an Intern Friendly Firm, we help each of our architectural interns obtain the experience and supplemental education they need to prepare for the ARE. In addition, we help them develop a broad range of competency, versatility and productivity that yield a strong, quiet confidence when exposed to the complexities of professional practice.

BRR Architecture believes that we have a responsibility to provide the training, experience and practice-based knowledge to the next generation of Architects. This belief makes us an AIA/KC Intern Friendly Firm.

The BRR Canstruction Team (L to R): Sarah Vandiver, Amy Pyle, Emily Drake, Dennis Gard, Kathy Kem, Joan Redhair, Eric Paul, Bailey Wilson, Michael Zeigler, Eddie Kempf, Tom Strahan, Kyle Martin, Michael Scherman, Roger Gumerman, Brandie McKay.

February 14, 2008

In 2008, competing against 17 other teams, BRR received “Structural Ingenuity” for our Shining Light on Hunger Canstruction entry.

Canstruction is a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry. Competing teams, led by architects and engineers, showcase their talents by designing giant sculptures made entirely out of canned foods. Local judges give awards in five categories: Honorable Mention, Best Use of Labels; Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, and Juror’s Favorite. At the close of the exhibitions all of the food used in the structures is donated to stock the shelves of Harvesters, a local food bank.

"Shining a Light on Hunger" was designed to resemble a compact fluorescent lightbulb.

Designing the structure is no easy task. It starts with various ideas/themes/concepts. It is then decided which of these ideas will be CANstructible, original, and be recognizable. After the design has been chosen, many hours are then spent in various grocery stores looking for products with the right colors, size, and shape to become the building blocks of the design. Next is the long task of designing the structure with the help of CAD, 3-D software and some pre-building. From the first day at the grocery stores to the last day of design, 60-80 hours are spent on the project. On the day of the build, each team, which consists of 5 team members, will have 12 hours to build their structure.

Our 2008 structure, based on a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb, contains approximately $5,000.00 worth of food products. The screw base of the bulb is constructed using peas. The bulb base uses cans of chicken broth to provide a solid base for the helical bulb. The helical bulb utilizes cans of mushrooms while the void inside the bulb is filled with cans of tuna to support the helical bulb. All of the food in this structure translates into approximately 2,145 meals.

We are very excited to head to the National Competition to compete with other Structural Ingenuity winners from across the nation.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

• Overland Park #3 Hy-Vee
• Wal-Mart #2855
• Holmes Murphy
• Dal Tile
• Johnston Burkholder Associates
• Kysor Panel Systems
• Western Blue
• DeMars Pension Consulting

BRR Employees display awards at the KCCC banquet. (Clockwise from left) Myrna Smith, Marilyn Anderson, John Schweiger, Holly Pozdell, Becky Craddock

July 30, 2007

2007 marked BRR’s fifth year competing in the Kansas City Corporate Challenge games. This year BRR moved to a larger division to compete against slightly larger companies. Team BRR took this challenge on head first and could not be deterred from winning the divisional championship. As in the years past, Team BRR thrived on strong teamwork, conviction, and commitment to each other and to the games. From when the KCCC games began in early May until they ended in late June, the buzz of excitement and enthusiasm was heard throughout the office.

The awards banquet for this year’s 28th annual Kansas City Corporate Challenge games was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park on July 20th. Here BRR proudly accepted the 1st place trophy as Division F champions as well as the Spirit Award for great camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the games. This is the second straight year that BRR has won first place in the games.

The Kansas City Corporate Challenge games continue to be a great opportunity for BRR employees to build long-lasting relationships with each other as well as an opportunity to build new relationships with other competing companies. Congratulations to all participants, fans, and supporters for another great year of sporting fun.

Mike Blinn accepts KCB Top Mentor Award

July 3, 2007

On Thursday, June 21st BRR’s very own Mike Blinn was recognized in the June edition of KCB Magazine as a Top Mentor in Kansas City at a reception held at Nara downtown. The nomination came just months after Mike was promoted to Associate in the firm. KCB Magazine approached BRR after news broke of becoming the 2006 AIA Kansas City IDP Firm of the Year. Another member of our firm, Holly Pozdell, nominated Mike for the prestigious award. “Regardless of the working situation he is always well prepared, calm and has an amazing ability to address sensitive issues with ease and certainty,” says Holly.

From all of us here at BRR, congratulations Mike!

The BRR IIDA Team (Front, L to R): Zack Raithel, Michelle Wiley, Niki Monte, Michelle Caputa (Rear, L to R) Ryan Rosche, Emily Drake, Becky Craddock, Jami Meek

Michelle Wiley

May 10, 2007

The Second Annual IIDA Color + Couture Fashion Show was held Thursday, May 10, 2007 at the Madrid Theater in Kansas City, MO. This event pushed the envelope of both Interior and Fashion Design. Essentially, a team of designers designed, created, and modeled an outfit made of materials donated by their team's sponsor, a local product representative. The six finish categories were wall coverings, flooring and solid surfaces, carpet, fabric, furniture/other and lighting. In conjunction with the provided materials, the design was also based on colors from Antron's 2007 Color Forecast. At the event, the team models strutted down the runway in front of the design community as if they were in Milan or Paris. The panel of judges, made up of experienced fashion & interior design experts, selected the teams that stood out from the rest of the competition and awarded cash prizes in five categories. The categories were Best Haute Couture, Best Integration of Finish and Fashion, Best Pret-a-porter (ready to wear), Best Craftsmanship and Honorable Mention.

Becky Craddock

BRR made a debut appearance entering two teams into this high-powered haute couture competition. One team was randomly paired with carpet and the other team with fabric. Becky’s strapless carpet dress with overlapping layers and wrapping textures gave her dress a style of its own. Paired with a matching fashionable handbag, this ensemble screamed fashion for today. Michelle was equally impressive in her flowing, billowy belly dancer inspired fashion. Hand tied gold coins and an authentic anklet rounded out this Arabian vision. Both teams worked hard to make their creation over the top. The time that everyone was waiting for finally came and both models gave it all they had on the runway, working the judges and working the crowd. In the end, of the twenty-one total teams that entered and five top prizes at stake, BRR’s very own Arabian belly dancer with tribal elements in Mediterranean and tapestry gold walked away with the Best Integration of Finish and Fashion prize.

Many thanks to both teams for their time, dedication and support of Interior Design in Kansas City. And additional thanks to everyone who came to the event to support the brave souls that put themselves in the spotlight for one magnificent evening.

The BRR Canstruction Team (L to R): Traci Higbee, John Smith, Karen Bond, Eddie Kempf, Amy Pyle, Kevin Peak, Tom Strahan, Michael Zeigler, Jill Lyons, Michael Scherman, Zack Marquardt, John Frank

March 7, 2007

Canstruction is a national design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry. However, designing the structure is no easy task. It starts with various ideas/themes/concepts. It is then decided which of these ideas will be CANstructible, original, and recognizable. After the design has been chosen, many hours are then spent in various grocery stores looking for products with the right colors, size, and shape to become the building blocks of the design. Next is the long task of designing the structure with the help of CAD and 3-D software. From the first day at the grocery stores to the last day of design, 60-80 hours are spent on the project. On the day of the build, each team will have 12 hours to build their structure.

Follow the yellow brick road!

Our 2006 structure, based on The Wizard of Oz, contains approximately $5,000 worth of food products. The Emerald City is created by Mountain Valley Spring translucent green water bottles and is lighted by approximately 600 miniature LED lights. The yellow brick road is paved using the yellow lids from Peter Pan peanut butter jars. Using colored rope lights underneath Fiji water bottles creates the rainbow reflection. Various cans of green beans and spinach built up the poppy fields. To complete the design, a pair of ruby red slippers made entirely out of tomato paste cans sits at the beginning of the yellow brick road. All of the food in this structure translates into approximately 3,700 meals!!!

In 2006, competing against 11 other teams, BRR received the “Juror’s Favorite” and “People’s Choice” for our We’re Off to Feed the Wizard entry. Now we’re off to National Competition!

A special thanks to our sponsors who helped make this effort possible:

• Van Gilder Agency Company
• Mountain Valley Spring Water Company
• Clear Mountain Natural Spring Water of Kansas City
• Hen House
• Harvesters
• Kross office Outfitters
• American Family Insurance - Chris Woody Agent
• Kysor Panel Systems
• Johnston Burkholder Associates
• Grandma’s Office Catering
• Zimmer Real Estate Services
• 9th tee
• Jolene Phelps

December 15, 2006

Architectural firm BRR Architecture, Inc. was recently awarded the prestigious 2006 AIA Kansas City IDP (Intern Development Program) Firm of the Year Award. This award is given to firms that exhibit an exceptional commitment to the professional development of their Interns. What makes BRR’s program unique is the implementation of the BRR Academy of Professional Development (BRR | apd) which operates both the firm’s Intern Development Program (IDP) and their AIA/CES Registered Provider Program. Such a streamlined process has allowed this exceptional program to provide Interns with a clear path for success as they embark on becoming Registered Architects.

Ed Jarboe, IDP Coordinator (left) and Chris Rhea, President of BRR Architecture proudly display the '2006 AIA KC IDP Firm of the Year' award.

BRR’s formal commitment to its 72 Interns started just over a year ago as the Principals of the firm began writing the company’s strategic plan focusing on opportunities for staff to learn and grow professionally. The first step in the development of BRR | apd was to appoint an in-house IDP Coordinator who developed and now manages the program and acts as an additional resource, supplemental to the Interns’ Mentors and Supervisors. BRR recognizes and embraces the importance of encouraging, tracking progress and supporting Interns as they prepare for licensure. “As leaders, we must do more than simply encourage our Interns; we must show a strong and continual commitment in helping them succeed in their professional goals,” Boyd Rau, AIA, firm Principal.

For the past five decades, BRR has provided superior retail architectural design and planning services with complementary core competencies such as renovation, prototype developments, nationwide site adapts, and entitlement. Since 1963, BRR has been driven to develop and maintain long-term relationships with its clients and employees. These relationships are based on the exceptional architectural services and commitment to professional development that BRR provides. The firm is headquartered in Merriam, Kansas with offices throughout the United States.

December 6, 2006

At one of BRR’s fall Management Team meetings, our President, Chris Rhea discussed unique ways to thank employees for a very successful 2006. The Management Team really wanted something that would reward all employees, something that would have an impact. Was it possible to positively affect and thank family members somehow, too?

President of BRR Architecture Chris Rhea makes a special announcement.

One of the newest additions to our BRR family was our Human Resource Manager. It was she who suggested giving employees gift cards and an hour of company time to shop til’ they dropped. It all came together beautifully. Once Chris presented the idea to BRR’s Partners – they too got pumped up about sharing the excitement that would surely be generated by such a unique event. Every detail seemed to fall easily in place. Invitations were sent to each employee – show up at certain time, on a specific date, at a specified address - all adding to the suspense and building up employee excitement for the event as well.

Of course, the ‘buzz’ around the office began to center on the invitation and what might be in store. Questions like announcements of a new principal? New client? New office location? Yes, even a shopping spree was suggested. What fun it was to hear the office ‘buzz.’

Kevin Peak rocks out!

As the details were worked out with Best Buy, their staff members became almost as excited about what BRR was about to share with each of their employees as our organizers were. The morning of the Best Buy Event was perfect! Details came together and employees started arriving with inquisitive expressions on their faces. First things first - everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Then, as Chris jumped up on one of Best Buy’s checkout counters and started thanking everyone for coming, the energy in the room just exploded! Chris spoke of a great year, great employee efforts and that consequently, today, each of our over 180 employee would receive a $250 gift certificate to enjoy spending along with an hour of exclusive shopping for BRR employees!

Today, as BRR employees watch their new TV, talk on their new cell phone, listen to that new CD, or put to use whatever they selected at this event, we are motivated by remembering an appreciative Management/Partner Team as well as all of the fun and excitement we shared. It truly was the Best Team – Best Buy – Best Event for BRR!

September 6, 2006

Architectural Interns Are BRR's Future
BRR Architecture attracts, retains and rewards exceptional people. We encourage and promote the licensure of our Architectural Interns. To assist them in achieving their goals, BRR maintains a formal in-house Intern Development Program (IDP). Our IDP facilitates the experience of our Architectural Interns in all aspects of the firm's practice. We believe that we have a responsibility to ensure that our Interns are exposed to the widest range of expertise and opportunities. Our goal is to inspire, encourage and support our Interns, as they become Registered Architects.

The Program
BRR's Intern Development Program (IDP) is based on the Intern Development Program of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). The IDP also incorporates recommendations from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). BRR's program is designed, therefore, to help each Intern establish appropriate milestones and architectural registration goals. First, an IDP Coordinator (program manager), identifies and coordinates educational programs, maintains the IDP Record database, and coordinates information and resources. Then, an IDP Supervisor is identified for each Intern. Next, each Intern selects an IDP Mentor. Architectural Interns are enrolled in our program within the first few weeks of employment.

IDP Coordinator
BRR's in-house IDP Coordinator is the firm's liaison with regional IDP Educator Coordinators and IDP State Coordinators. Our IDP Coordinator works with these individuals as well as AIA National Component staff on our program development. Our IDP Coordinator maintains contact with our Interns determining what educational programs are beneficial for experience credits and supplemental education credits. The Coordinator supervises the development of specific educational programs and oversees in-house record keeping. Additionally, the IDP Coordinator serves as a resource -- clarifying the requirements for registration in each state.

Architectural Interns
At BRR, Architectural Interns are defined as anyone who has a "pre-professional" degree or an accredited professional degree and who desires to become a Registered Architect. In addition, because some states allow alternative experience candidates for registration, BRR encourages employees who meet those requirements to be a part of our in-house IDP. Architectural Interns are responsible for completing individual applications and records for the NCARB IDP. They are also personally responsible for any other transmittals and communications with state registration boards.

IDP Supervisors
IDP Supervisors are the individuals within BRR who supervise our Interns on a daily basis, regularly assessing the quality of each Intern's work. IDP Supervisors are Registered Architects. They are responsible for providing opportunities for our Interns to gain adequate experience in each IDP training area. They regularly meet with each Intern to review their progress and to verify their training report. The IDP Supervisor may also confer with the Intern's IDP Mentor to identify and assess ways in which individual support can be maximized.

IDP Mentors
IDP Mentors are volunteer Registered Architects, usually within the firm, who are personally selected by the Architectural Interns. The Mentors meet on a regular basis with their Interns to provide encouragement, answer questions, discuss expectations and assist with training activities. Our Mentors focus on fostering an environment of professional growth. Although the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) recommends that mentors be Registered Architects from outside the firm, BRR believes that our Mentors bring a certain level of objectivity to the Intern-Mentor relationship. We also believe the convenience of having the Mentor in the same office encourages better communication as well as more effective and timely mentoring activities.

Reviews and Assessments
At least three times per calendar year, BRR reviews and assesses each Intern's progress towards satisfying the core competencies required for the IDP. The Interns meet with their IDP Supervisors to review their training records. Together they determine a plan for the next four-month period. They also meet with their IDP Mentors to evaluate their progress and to determine if the quality of their training is in line with their individualized goals.

Educational Programs
In order to provide our Architectural Interns with supplementary experience and education in the core competency areas of the IDP, BRR regularly hosts in-house educational programs. These events include speakers and field trips, as well as opportunities to observe presentations, business meetings and various project aspects. The IDP Coordinator also updates the Interns on a regular basis. Such updates include educational opportunities outside the office that focus on IDP core competency areas.

Architectural Registration Examination
The goal of BRR's Intern Development Program is the Intern's successful completion of the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) resulting in actual registration as an Architect. We provide administrative and technical support for this effort by maintaining a library of ARE resources. These resources include technical materials, study guides for the exams, as well as practice exams. BRR's IDP Coordinator keeps each Intern current on testing locations and procedures.

Financial Support
BRR recognizes that most Architectural Interns are just beginning what we all hope will be a long and rewarding career in architecture. To further promote their professional growth, BRR provides paid leave for Interns to take each section of the ARE exam. We also provide 100% reimbursement upon successful completion of each section. Once our Architectural Interns pass the ARE exam sections and have obtained registration as an Architect, BRR rewards them with an automatic salary increase.

August 24, 2006

BRR Architecture is a Registered Provider for the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Program (AIA/CES). As a Registered Provider, BRR develops and presents programs that our registered architects can use to satisfy not only AIA Continuing Education requirements, but state mandatory continuing education requirements as well. This program also helps our Architectural Interns gain experience and credits toward fulfilling their National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP) requirements.

The Program
As a Registered Provider, BRR is committed to providing extremely high quality continuing education programs that exceed the quality standards of the AIA/CES. Members of our staff of registered architects and support personnel develop and present all of the programs we offer for AIA/CES credit in-house. The programs are usually presented as luncheon presentations with lunch provided by BRR. The AIA/CES Program Coordinator works directly with our in-house Professional Development Committee and the presenter to organize and produce the presentation.

Needs Assessments
Before the AIA/CES program was established, and at regular intervals since establishment, the Program Coordinator conducts assessments of what our Architects and Architectural Interns need to improve their professional growth. These assessments are conducted as written surveys and individual conversations. An individual staff member will many times recommend a topic.

The Presentation
Once a topic is identified, a specialist in the topic creates the program using resources from his/her experiences and background as well as from throughout the industry. The program is assigned to a Professional Development Committee member who coordinates all aspects of the program with the presenter. At the conclusion of each program, using the AIA/CES "CES Program Evaluation" form, we ask the attendees to offer their written opinions concerning the quality of the presentation. These evaluation forms are used to improve future presentations of that program as well as provide valuable insight into the development of future programs.

Reporting of Attendance
At the conclusion of each program, attendees are also asked to sign the attendance roster. The roster is used to report AIA Members' and AIA Associate Members' attendance for credit. It is also used to provide Program Attendance Certificates for any attendee who wishes to have one. The certificates can usually be used for verification purposes with state registration boards and Intern Development Programs.

August 18, 2006

BRR is fully committed to the implementation of sustainable design principles in every project we design. As part of a team that creates the built environment, BRR continually strives to balance environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, occupant comfort/ well-being, and community sensitivity. Our goal is to provide the most appropriate sustainable design strategies for each project design so our clients can make informed decisions about their buildings.

BRR Architecture is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This membership provides us with almost unlimited resources for sustainable design strategies. With a growing number of Leed^® Accredited Professionals on our staff, we can provide the knowledge and leadership required to assist our clients if they choose to seek Leed^® Certification for their projects.

BRR is involved with one of our major clients in a research and development program to identify sustainable design strategies for future design and construction efforts. This program evaluates strategies that are included in the areas of building siting and orientation, building materials, daylighting, the building shell, and mechanical and electrical systems.

BRR is also committed to improving resource efficiencies within our own offices. We are in the process of replacing outdated computer systems with new computers that use approximately 50% less energy than the old units. We are beginning to retrofit spaces, which are not always in use, with occupancy sensor light switches. And, we have several recycling programs in place. The paper recycled at BRR equates to saving 76.5 trees and 535,500 gallons of clean water each week.