The exhibit features unique cylindrical tanks, LED lighting and mirrors to highlight the beauty of this exotic collection of jellyfish. KOMA coordinated the construction and life safety portion of the project, which was designed by U.K.-based Merlin Studios / Kay Elliott Architects and built by Construction Results.

“The aquarium took space allocated for classrooms and turned it into exhibit space two years ago for an exhibit,” says KOMA architect Steve Iaria. KOMA conducted a code analysis at that time, when the aquarium was building a seahorse exhibit that preceded the jellyfish exhibit. That design extended the length of travel for visitors, which resulted in the need for modified emergency exiting.  “Aquariums are unique because oftentimes the tanks themselves form the pathway through the building. When large masses of people are accounted for in the exiting strategy, more restrictive requirements for egress widths and travel distances need to be followed which then have to be related back to the layout of the tanks and their theming components,” explains Iaria. “Our job was to make sure that was implemented correctly during design and construction of the exhibit.”

“Since we had done all of the code review for the seahorse exhibit we were familiar with the space and the requirements,” says Iaria. “However, the jellyfish exhibit presented some challenges for exiting.  The ‘jagged’ geometry of the space in combination with the floor-to-ceiling mirrors and low light levels created the illusion of an endless room of jellyfish tanks. Although the design intent was to alter the senses a bit when experiencing the jellies, we still had to make sure that the guests were not confused if an emergency situation arose.” Strategic locations for exit signs needed to be located so that they were not detracting from the visitor experience but still visible in the case of an emergency.

KOMA also worked with the design team to assist in locating the underslab process piping that had to be routed from the life support system (LSS) rooms to the underside of the tanks. “It’s amazing how much ‘stuff’ was found running underneath the slab in the lowest level of MOA!” says Iaria.

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

I’m feeling especially nostalgic this year because, as many of you know, we here at Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates are in the midst of our 25th year as a company. It was back in January of 1985 that my partners Jim Krech and Dan O’Brien – along with their friend Brian Wass – founded the company. Two years later, I was fortunate enough to come on board.

25 years. It’s hard to believe.

Over the course of the next few months, we’ll be celebrating our 25 years as a company. Here, in the InterKOM, Jim and Dan – the guys who were present at the beginning – will share their thoughts on “turning 25.” And we’ll be sending out a special “25 years”-themed KOMAink e-newsletter.

As a company, we have been extraordinarily blessed to work with some of the finest, most talented people out there. Within our four walls, the people that have worked for us over the years have been an absolute delight. Our myriad outside partners have challenged and supported us, and have significantly impacted our growth as a company. Many of these partners have become much more than business associates … we now consider the great majority of them to be close friends, as well.

For me, a milestone like this one is both a chance to look back … and a chance to look forward.

We’re having a great year here at KOMA. We’re busy. And the work is interesting, and challenging, and rewarding. As we look ahead, we can see the next generation of leadership here at the firm gaining experience and perspective, growing in their knowledge of the business and the industry. In short, KOMA is in good hands, both now and down the road.

Thanks to all who have impacted the success of our company … to our employees, our partners, our clients, our family members, and all others who help to make it possible for us to do what we love to do.

We hope you’re enjoying your summer as much as we are. Thanks for taking the time to read and reflect with us. Here’s to the next 25 years.

Steak ’n Shake, a dine-in and drive-thru restaurant chain with over 500 locations in 22 states, contracted with Cincinnati-based architects FRCH Design Worldwide to develop a new prototype design for their most recent locations. KOMA provided structural engineering expertise and made location-related design adjustments for each of four new buildings in Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas.

Most of the company’s restaurants are in the Midwest, South and Eastern regions of the United States. “Each area is a little different,” says structural engineer Matt Van Hoof, “there might be more wind along the coast, higher snow loads farther north, or even seismic design, so some changes have to be made each time we build a new restaurant.” The designs also evoke the era of Steak ’n Shake’s beginnings as a 1930s diner in Illinois.

KOMA has also partnered with FRCH to design and build over two dozen LongHorn Steakhouses in 18 states since 2008, with three more scheduled to open later this year. KOMA and FRCH adapted an earlier building design when they developed the current prototype, which follows the restaurant chain’s theme of Western architecture and décor.

KOMA is slated to continue its structural engineering role with both Steak ’n Shake and LongHorn Steakhouses for future construction projects. “These are usually projects with tight timelines,” explains Van Hoof, “which we’re able to accommodate. And we really like working on the building designs in different areas of the country.”

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

Working with The Audubon Society of Minnesota and the school district, Kraus-Anderson has developed a “pseudo tower that looks like a chimney,” said project manager Terry Thompson. Each tower will be able to accommodate up to 30 swifts.

KOMA architect Marc DuBois, AIA, said, “The chimney swift tower development is a great example of why we place such high value on our relationship with Kraus-Anderson. Their approach and philosophy match up perfectly with ours here at KOMA. Again and again they’ve committed to the school district their interest in making sure the projects are considered from a number of angles and that the improvements happen responsibly.”

Read a full article about the chimney swifts and the tower development written by Brian Johnson of Finance & Commerce.

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

In St. Louis Park, the prototype system KOMA developed has been met with rave reviews. Currently working on the seventh shelter in the past seven years, KOMA’s efforts have resulted in a consistent, cohesive aesthetic that is distinctly part of the City of St. Louis Park. Beginning with Oak Hill Park in 2003, and continuing with Nelson Park, Browndale Park, Aquilla Park, Fern Hill Park, Westwood Nature Center and now Birchwood Park, KOMA developed a palette of materials, colors and patterns which have helped create an overall identity for the city parks and community structures.

Stephen Iaria, AIA, project architect, said, “The St. Louis Park shelters have been enjoyable because the prototype approach has brought such consistency to the look and feel of the shelters while still allowing for flexibility due to specific neighborhood needs. For example, some of the shelters allow for neighborhood groups to have dedicated storage spaces for gardening equipment, which supports the city’s goal of encouraging community involvement with the parks.”

Iaria continued, “Most of these shelters serve several purposes. In many cases they serve as warming houses for winter skating, and community gathering places during the warmer months. Some have specific needs for concessions or offices. But even within all the various requirements implementing the prototype has worked remarkably well.”

Birchwood Park is currently in the pricing stage and should be completed by late autumn. Iaria commented that, “We did a walk-through of some of the other shelters we’d done, taking a close look at exactly how everything was working as well as what the actual costs were. In the case of Birchwood, we decided that we could save some money by making some relatively minor tweaks to the project. For example, we reworked the fireplace in a way that won’t significantly impact the overall aesthetic but that will still reduce construction costs.”

In the case of MB Johnson Park, the City of Moorhead wanted more usable outdoor space in combination with a flexible community room. The result is a structure that combines the benefits of a large, contained space with an attached shelter area ideal for picnics and gatherings.

Iaria said, “We looked at exactly what their needs were and made sure the structure would give them the flexibility and durability they needed while still setting them up with a ‘template’ for other park shelters in the city.”

Construction on the MB Johnson Park shelter is currently in process and is expected to be completed soon.

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

I grew up right here in Inver Grove Heights … right in this neighborhood. In fact, where our offices are today was our family raspberry patch. My family operated a truck farm, and we would grow produce to sell in grocery stores and at farmers markets. It was hard work, but it was fun work. I sometimes miss it, to be honest.

Fortunately, I’ve had the chance to stay involved in ag-related work here at Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates. Over the years, I’ve worked on hog barns, fertilizer storage buildings, feed mills and grain handling systems across the upper Midwest. We’re currently helping with a fertilizer bagging facility for a coop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and recently completed an assessment of equipment and buildings for the fertilizer division of a multi-national company with plants across the United States and Canada.

Hog barns and fertilizer facilities have stringent requirements that create unique engineering challenges. A 30,000-gallon liquid fertilizer tank requires a concrete containment dike that prevents any seepage into the groundwater. Similarly, the foundation of a hog-feeding barn must be able to hold waste without leaking. Factor in the stress of Minnesota’s seasonal climate changes, and the task becomes more difficult.

Ag-related work is interesting but it can sometimes be fast-paced because of strict timelines. For instance, we know that construction on a fertilizer containment dike can’t begin until after the spring application, but needs to be completed in time for fall work … a pretty quick turnaround. And we can sketch out what we believe is a workable schedule, but Mother Nature has the ultimate control. If she says, “spring will be late and summer will be wet,” there’s nothing we can do but try to squeeze the work in somehow.

It gives you a whole lot of respect for what our farming friends go through. They have a lot of money at risk, invest in expensive equipment and put in long hours. They’re bright multi-talented people, and I really enjoy talking with them.

I hope you enjoy our wonderful Minnesota spring. As you drive around the countryside, enjoy the beauty and give thanks to the farmers who work so hard to produce the food we need.

April 2010 – Inver Grove Heights, MN – While area students are counting the days until summer vacation, such is not the case for Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates. KOMA continues to play a major role in the renovations of local schools, in many cases bringing to bear all three of their service areas – structural engineering, architecture and interior design. 

An update on KOMA’s involvement:

At Park High School, Cottage Grove: For the past two years, KOMA has been part of the team designing and observing the construction of major renovations to the existing Park High School. Their work involves a complete remodel of the science rooms, a new exterior, installation of high-efficiency windows throughout, a new wrestling room, student commons, and administrative office additions, and the overhaul of the mechanical systems (with lead engineering firm, Martin Pevzner Engineering). This summer, KOMA will be part of the school’s next major piece of interior remodeling: renovation of all existing student bathrooms, new student lockers, repainting of all hallways, and replacement of all casework in all classrooms and several common areas.

At Hillside Elementary School, Cottage Grove: For the fourth consecutive summer, KOMA is part of the design and construction observation team on a “prototype” elementary school renovation. Similar to Pullman, Pine Hill and Crestview Elementary Schools, Hillside will receive new high-efficiency HVAC equipment and ductwork fed and screened from the roof, as well as new ceilings, casework and student restrooms.

At Newport Elementary School, Newport: The Newport Elementary School is the oldest school in the South Washington County School District (ISD 833) and has been added to, renovated and reconfigured several times over its more than 60-year history.  This summer, the school will receive an upgrade similar to that of Hillside Elementary, only in a slightly different configuration because of the unique characteristics of the building.

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

KOMA Structural Engineer Michael Lisowski, PE, said, “We applaud our client for having the forethought to initiate a preventative maintenance program like this. At facilities like this one, the structures are subject to a wide variety of stresses, and periodic assessment can help to identify and correct small issues before they become more major. This helps keep the facility safe for personnel and can keep repair costs down, as well.”

As part of the assessment, Lisowski and KOMA Structural Engineer and Principal Jim Krech, PE, spent multiple days on-site, reviewing various structures and the equipment that interacts with them. Lisowski said, “Basically we’re doing a broad review of the facility, looking at the structural stability of equipment and the associated supports. Our goal is to identify points of weakness or deterioration so that we can strengthen or repair those points before they become larger concerns.”

Lisowski continued, “This is an older facility with several older buildings, and – while the site and facility have been very well maintained – equipment and the stresses they put on the supporting structures have changed significantly since many of the buildings were first put up. This can sometimes translate to more rapid deterioration or weakening of the supports, which is why the facility managers wanted our involvement in this maintenance program. They really are focused on the long-term … making sure that this facility is safe and functional long into the future.”

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Serving clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.

The situation outlined above really happened, and my colleagues and I at Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates were called in afterwards to review the event. During our post-fire forensics inspection, we found that the fire had been confined to the basement but since the exit stairwells were not separated from the building interior, there was no way for the occupants to know that their exit route was safe. If the building had been designed with a better understanding of the building code, this story could have had a happy ending.

Here at KOMA, we don’t plan for our buildings to go up in smoke – but we help our clients design and build them to comply with state code regulations because it’s the law, and because we know the benefits to the building occupants. Code regulations like handicapped accessibility requirements and rules about hazardous materials might not seem sexy or romantic, but they make everyday life a lot safer and more convenient for all of us. And that’s why we love them.

Lots of people see codes as a barrier to what they want to do. Actually, the codes represent the minimum standards for life safety, and we can utilize our extensive code experience to construct a building that is both safe and matches the client’s budget and design.

A complaint I hear frequently is that building to code is more expensive. It’s true that certain aspects of the code, like handicapped-accessible bathrooms, take up more space than traditional bathrooms, and sometimes that translates into a higher building cost. But if you have a good knowledge of the regulations and a thoughtful plan, building to code does not have to be more expensive. In fact, not considering the code from the beginning can be very expensive to fix.

My experience with building codes has resulted in a competitive advantage for our clients and saved them money and headaches. One example is a project we worked on at the Mall of America, an 18-hole indoor miniature golf course called Moose Mountain Adventure Golf. The conceptual design for Moose Mountain was created by Canadian artist Dan Sawatzky. We were hired to make the design code compliant. Space was tight, so in our modified design the playing course shared the same space as the emergency exit path. This saved space, and also resulted in one of the only fully accessible entertainment venues of its type, because the exitways also had to comply with the accessibility code.

The Moose Mountain project was certainly a challenge, but it was a great fit for our firm’s experience and project approach. In my 20 years of studying code requirements, I have seen the best and the worst examples of how codes can impact building designs. And unlike firms where architects might only work on a few big projects per year, I have a half-dozen projects that cross my desk every week for code consultations. I’m able to put my detailed knowledge to use on a regular basis, which really benefits our clients.

Our unique expertise in hazardous materials regulations allows us to advise clients in an additional way. At the Agrliance Storage Warehouse in Winona, Minn., we reduced building costs and increased employee safety by encouraging the owner to order the product Phosfume from the manufacturer and have it shipped directly to the customer.  When contacted by moisture in the air or water, Phosfume forms phosphine gas, which is highly toxic. Explosions can occur under these conditions and cause serious personal injury. Not storing Phosfume in their new warehouse saved Agriliance tens of thousands of dollars, made the building easier to insure, and resulted in a safer work environment for their employees. Agriliance stores plenty of other hazardous chemicals and we created a safe environment by providing adequately sized explosion relief vents and sealed recessed floors that will contain any accidental spills.

We also make it a point to get to know the local building code officials and fire marshals, and build good relationships with them just like we do with contractors and clients. Not everyone chooses to involve code officials and other experts from the beginning of a project, but we have found that clients have more success when there are no surprises regarding code regulations once a project arrives at the permitting phase.

I know that code regulations aren’t the most interesting thing for everyone. Consulting on issues like accessibility, forensics and hazardous materials is work that many architects don’t like to do – but we love doing that kind of work. Good code analysis helps to define the details necessary for building beautiful buildings, and we apply the details of the building code with a keen understanding of the nuances of government regulations. We enjoy – and we know the value of – being thorough, detailed, careful and complete.

Having this expertise in-house gives us one more way to build relationships with our clients. And we enjoy building relationships more than we enjoy building anything else.

AEC is a unique affiliation of east-metro veterinarians who came together to create a regional medical organization that provides critical care services not otherwise available. The clinic had outgrown its current facility and moved to a nearby site that now accommodates the 8,800 square foot structure.  The next phase of a planned expansion is already being discussed.

The new facility features soundproof spaces to control noise, specially designed plumbing and HVAC systems, cabinetry specifically designed for emergency procedures, a workflow-friendly layout, an emergency generator for 24/7 continuous operation, and an overall aesthetic created to enhance the quality of medical care.

Said Dan O’Brien, lead architect and KOMA principal: “We’ve been thrilled to be involved with AEC. Medical Director Dr. Karen Reynhout, the board and the entire hospital administration have again and again shown their commitment to bringing sophisticated emergency veterinary services and specialized surgery options to the centralized facility in Oakdale. This new facility gives them the ‘home base’ they need to realize their goals.”

He continued, “The reviews we’re hearing from the staff have been nothing but positive. From technicians, surgeons and others we’re finding out that the space we designed is truly accomplishing our goal… to create a place where the care of animals is enhanced by the surroundings. This building is truly filled with innovation. Each and every space is absolutely intentional, and appears to be exceeding our expectations. ”

Working with Linda Spengler, Practice Manager, and J.L. Sullivan, General Contractor, the project was finished on time and on budget. For more information about AEC, please visit www.aec-tc.com.

Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., is a full-service architectural, structural engineering and interior design firm located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Featuring clients in a wide variety of industries, the firm delivers innovative ideas, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution with an emphasis on balance and sustainable thinking. Founded in 1985, the firm is built upon the idea that open and honest communication with clients and genuine collaboration yield aesthetically pleasing, functional, inspiring, healthy places for people to live, work, play and worship. For more information about Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, visit www.komainc.com, call 651-451-4605 or e-mail komainc@komainc.com.