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akrech

2024 Merry Christmas from KOMA

December 6, 2024

Joy brighter than 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights…

This year, we’re celebrating the holidays the Griswold way:
with big plans, even bigger laughs, and a reminder that sometimes, the best memories are built from a little madness. 

“Russ, we checked every bulb, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, Dad, I’m sure of it.”

Leanne Freed (Ellen)
Brian Riley (Clark)
Vince DiGiorno (Clark Sr.)
Steve Iaria (Russ)
Mindy Clifton (Audrey)

“The little lights aren’t twinkling, Clark.”

Marc DuBois
Cindy Douthett Nagel
Chris Fix
Alisha Simones

“The house lights don’t work because you made a bad connection, you know why? Because you’re using too many plugs.”

Mike Lisowski
Sean McFarland
Jim Pluth
Kong Xiong

“If one goes out, they all go out.”

Luke Smith
Trask Angell
Dan Jaeger
Freddy Fernandez (off camera ;))

“Clark, you outta be proud. This is a beaut! It’s a real beaut!”

Kevin Dümmer (Cousin Eddie)
Samantha Smith (Catherine)

“Is your house on fire, Clark?”

Jon LeNoble
Michelle Leach
Meghan Strunk
Matt Van Hoof
Laura Bauer

Where do you think you’re going?

Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas…

Test Your Christmas Vacation Knowledge!

1 / 10

What is Clark Griswold's ultimate goal for the Christmas season?

2 / 10

What brand of beer does Cousin Eddie drink during the film?

3 / 10

What does Clark use to grease the bottom of his sled for extra speed?

4 / 10

What does Aunt Bethany bring as a "gift" for the Griswold family?

5 / 10

What does Clark forget to bring when they go to cut down the family Christmas tree?

6 / 10

What is Cousin Eddie's dog's name?

7 / 10

What does Clark hope to use his Christmas bonus for?

8 / 10

What does Cousin Eddie wear while standing outside in the cold emptying his RV's septic tank?

9 / 10

What does Clark receive instead of his Christmas bonus?

10 / 10

What animal causes chaos in the Griswold household during Christmas dinner?

Your score is

The average score is 65%

0%

Filed Under: KOMAink

Revitalized Retreat: Transforming Minnesota Valley Country Club’s Clubhouse

July 29, 2024

Founded in 1926 and rich with tradition, the Minnesota Valley Country Club is a distinguished golf course with an active membership. To stay competitive in the evolving industry, the club recognized the need to modernize its gathering spaces to better serve the members.

Local builder, Elder Jones, partnered with KOMA designers on the project. Instead of recommending a complete overhaul, KOMA recognized the opportunity to maintain the general structure but retool the layout and focus on interior design changes. This allowed for a phased construction approach which helped to minimize downtime.


Phase 1: Pro Shop & Lobby

BEFORE:

Phase one of the renovation project included relocating the existing pro shop from the lower level to the upper level. This change, along with the renovation of the underused lobby, significantly enhanced the flow of the main entrance, making it more appealing and functional.

The existing pro shop featured oak paneling and dark accents, but KOMA designers envisioned a much brighter space. By blending natural light with painted wood and modern flooring, the golf shop became more inviting. Custom fixtures now showcase the merchandise in a way that feels vibrant and uncluttered, and has led to increased sales since the renovation.

KOMA designers extended the white paneling to create an impressive wainscoted entry hall, which energized the space and eliminated the need for hanging artwork. The lobby is further enhanced by an updated Fireside Room which can be used for relaxation or quiet conversation.

The revamped main level creates a striking first impression for both golfers and banquet guests.


Phase 2: The Pub

The previous pro shop space on the lower level was transformed into a traditional pub. With a casual and lively atmosphere, it offers a contrast to the dinner grill on the main level.

Tufted leather, plaid textiles, and wood accents blend seamlessly with the brick texture and dark paint colors. The well-stocked bar creates a focal point and inviting backdrop. A bank of floor-to-ceiling windows can fully open for an indoor-outdoor experience.

The pub has become the perfect spot for golfers to relax and enjoy food and beverages after their round.


Phase 3: Seth Raynor Grill

BEFORE:

Relocating the pub to the lower level allowed the Seth Raynor Grill to become a quieter area for dining on the main level. The existing oak paneling and earth tones were replaced with painted wood, cooler colors, plaid accents, and modern textures. The space is warmed by the fireplace feature and natural light from the windows that overlook the course.

These updates not only enhance the ambiance but also create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for members to enjoy their dining experience.


“Many Minnesota Valley members consider ‘The Valley’ to be their home away from home. It was a pleasure to help them enhance their experience!”

– Cindy Douthett Nagel, KOMA Interior Designer
VIEW THE FULL PROJECT DETAILS

Filed Under: KOMAink

Architecture Meets Psychedelic Art + Illusions

April 18, 2024

Through creative ingenuity and architectural expertise, the KOMA team was able to help transform two unique business concepts into reality.


Wink World

KOMA partnered with renowned creator, Chris Wink, to make his immersive entertainment fun-house “Wink World” come to life at the Mall of America (MOA).

Wink, who is best known as one of the founders of the Blue Man Group, is a true artistic visionary. He had designed a similar concept in Las Vegas, but needed to retool the experience to fit within the parameters of the storefront space.

At Wink World, guests advance through a sequence of infinity mirror chambers, each adorned with a captivating fusion of light, color, sound, and motion. KOMA’s architects and engineers needed to support the artistic vision while making sure the experience was functional, accessible, and safe.

“We definitely became part of their creative team – working collaboratively on countless iterations and ideations with artists from across the country.”

– Kevin Dümmer, KOMA Architect

The remote collaboration required KOMA to use their standard design tools in an advanced way­. Intricate 3D modeling technology allowed KOMA and the Wink World team to experiment with the layers of cascading contraptions to get them ready for the National Technology Associates team to make them perfectly timed with motion, light, and sound. The client could even use a VR headset to do a virtual walk through of the space.

It was also invaluable to be able to tap into the KOMA team’s knowledge of MOA’s codes and regulations in order to successfully execute the project plan. Extensive site visits by KOMA’s architects were necessary during the buildout to make sure that each aspect was carefully considered.

The custom storefront header is hand-painted by blacklight artist Alex Aliume, and amazing art pieces by Max Steiner and Brendan Burke are showcased throughout. Glowing “Winksters” have colorful personas and invite guests in to the wonderful world.

The end result is truly something special that you have to see to believe!

VIEW THE FULL PROJECT DETAILS

Museum of Illusions

KOMA joined forces with Museum of Illusions to bring their “edutainment” endeavor to the Mall of America.

At the Museum of Illusions, guests are immersed in an experience designed to captivate the senses, challenge perceptions, and unveil the science behind optical illusions. There are over 60 exhibits within the space, and KOMA helped execute the design intent.

Illumination Photography

Illumination Photography

Illumination Photography

The client is based in Croatia and had previously opened similar exhibits in 25 different countries around the world. Growth in the U.S. market was on the horizon, and they needed an architectural group that could help them navigate the specialized design criteria and code requirements of MOA, as well as implement construction detailing that aligned with the local market.

“Because we have worked with numerous tenants at the Mall of America, we have a unique understanding of the rigorous code requirements. This is especially helpful to our clients who are not locally headquartered.”

– Samantha Smith, KOMA Architectural Designer

The experience working with KOMA helped Museum of Illusions improve their design process and has supported a more efficient growth into other U.S. cities.

VIEW THE FULL PROJECT

Filed Under: KOMAink

2023: Our Elves on the Shelves

December 19, 2023

Can you GUESS what object RHYMES with each of the elf names below?

Rollover or tap (on mobile) to reveal the answer:

and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
with a Dandelion
Soaking in Swiss Miss
Floating in Mint Tea
Driving a Van
and His Best Friend Teddy

How are you doing so far??

Out on a Limb
Floating in Heaven
Sings a Christmas Song
Traveling to Bora Bora
Sailing Her Catamaran
and His Dog Marmaduke

…some of these are tricky!

Riding a Shark
Popping Out of a Hat
Riding in a Wagon
with a Glass of Zinfandel
Riding a Bike
Admiring Her Grammy

…you’re almost to the finish line!

Playing the Pawn
in a Sleeve
Hiding Behind a Mask
Sitting Next to a Prince?

How about YOU?

Sandy eating candy? Pete on the street?
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Have a wonderful holiday season!

Filed Under: KOMAink

Designing a Complex Veterinary Hospital

September 1, 2023

The KOMA team worked with Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) to design the largest privately-owned specialty center in the Midwest.

Expanding in stages

KOMA has a long-standing relationship with AERC and has helped them expand their practice multiple times to support their rapid growth.

2010 – The Blue Building
The original clinic resided in a relatively small strip-mall space and included only one type of specialty service. Demand for veterinary care grew and the space was eventually outgrown. As a result, a new 11,000 square foot facility was built, now referred to as the “Blue Building.”

2017 – The Blue Building Expansion
KOMA worked with AERC to design a 2-story expansion to the original building, resulting in 25,550 square feet and accommodating 10 specialty departments. Even with the larger facility, the AERC clientele continued to request more and more services and space quickly became an issue again. It became apparent AERC would need to build a brand new specialty center.

2020-2023 – The Red Building
In 2019, AERC began planning for a second Oakdale facility to support their business growth. After evaluating several nearby locations, they chose one right across the street, allowing for the convenience of having both facilities within walking distance. The design of AERC’s newest building includes 46,500 square feet dedicated to emergency veterinary care and a wide range of specialty medical services. To clearly differentiate the new facility from the existing blue clinic (urgent care), KOMA utilized red signage and color tones on the exterior to signify that this location functions as an emergency hospital.

Designing for a variety of specialty services

Design for the new AERC emergency and specialty center needed to address the flow and function of eleven specialty care departments. Each department needed to operate as its own self-contained unit, but also integrate with one another as needed.

The AERC Hospital design included:

The integrative building layout required:

  • A well-designed flow that could accommodate staff, pets, and their owners
  • Strategic planning to put services that often collaborate near one another
  • Physical space for unique diagnostic tools and therapeutic procedures, including advanced imaging

A focus on comfortable care

Having a sick or injured pet is stressful. Throughout the project, the AERC and KOMA team made thoughtful architectural and design choices to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for animals and humans alike.

Using AERC’s “trauma informed care” values, the design team paid special attention to:

  • Creating a clean, professional clinic aesthetic
  • Using calming colors, warm wood tones, and subtle large format floor tile for visual flow and to reduce distraction
  • Acoustical treatments and spatial separation for sound comfort
  • Comfort rooms for clients who may be dealing with the loss of a pet
  • Staff wellness rooms and in-house mental health support

The AERC staff members are able to deliver emergency services in a fast-paced environment, but also find areas of solace where they can recharge. Pet owners appreciate the quiet comfort rooms and spacious waiting areas. Blending health care and support results in optimal outcomes.

Leading the way in veterinary care

After more than 10 years of partnership, AERC and KOMA have succeeded in developing an advanced medical facility that is at the forefront of veterinary emergency and specialty medicine.

View the full AERC Project Gallery

Other KOMA Veterinary Clinic Projects:

Rivertown Animal Hospital
AERC Red Building
AERC-STP-2223
Oak Knoll Animal Hospital
AERC - Blue Building
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Minneapolis Animal Care Center

Filed Under: Industry Insights, KOMAink

Education + Architecture

May 8, 2023

HOPE Community Academy Expansion Project

The KOMA team has broad experience in education-related architecture and has led various remodeling and development projects at schools across the Twin Cities.

When designing a learning environment, the KOMA team has identified two critical factors: (1) creating spaces that support current education models and (2) maximizing safety and security.

1. Creating spaces that support current education models

New methods of teaching and learning have changed the way school buildings are designed. Traditional “classrooms” have evolved into “learning spaces” that promote engagement, creativity, and collaboration. As a result, it is critical to design flexible environments that can support varied learning styles.

KOMA considerations:

When working on a school building project, KOMA architects focus on creating multi-purpose, equitable environments that can be used interchangeably across school subject matters.

Foldable walls, flexible seating, and indoor-outdoor spaces give teachers and students the ability to move around and reconfigure their environments for maximized learning. A focus on student wellness also means incorporating natural light, creating comfortable spaces, and designing with the unique needs of the school community in mind.

Planning for a robust technology infrastructure is also an essential component of school building design in order to support operational and instructional work. Learning environments must be designed to undergird current technology but also be able to adapt to new technology that is constantly emerging.

Hand-in-Hand Christian Montessori: Overhead glass doors create a visual and physical connection between classroom and circulation spaces and allow for varied uses during instructional times
Park High School Media Center: Multi-purpose spaces with flexible seating and natural light promote collaboration
HOPE Community Academy: Cultural details are integrated into the design to expand learning beyond the classroom

2. Maximizing safety and security

Protecting the safety and welfare of students and teachers is top-of-mind for everyone involved in an education-related architectural project.

KOMA considerations:

One major component that KOMA architects analyze when working to make school buildings safer is to design a secure, single-point-of-entry for visitors. This may include the combination of a vestibule, main office space, technology, and emergency response systems. Conversely, multiple points of egress are incorporated for safe exit from the building.

Nested throughout the school building layout are layers of additional security. These perimeters help to shape the space so it is secure but also inviting.

Increased weather-related events have brought about a new code requirement for storm shelters to be included in school buildings in Minnesota. These safe spaces need to be designed to structurally withstand a tornado for up to two hours, as well as provide restroom facilities, emergency power, and maintain air quality.

Lino Lakes Elementary: A welcoming entrance greets guests securely
HOPE Community Academy: The multi-purpose gym space is also storm shelter compliant

Storm Shelter Requirements for Minnesota K-12 Schools

Understand the current building codes and the requirements needed to provide safety and comfort during emergencies.

DOWNLOAD OUR WHITE PAPER »

Striking the right balance

The biggest challenge? Dynamic learning environments that are collaborative and flexible are often in contrast to traditional design methods of safety and security. KOMA architects are constantly innovating to try to achieve both and help students and teachers thrive.


KOMA Education Portfolio:

One School Global
Lino Lakes Elementary
Banaadir Academy
Yeshiva of Minneapolis
Bailey Elementary
HOPE Academy
Columbus Elementary
Hand in Hand Christian Montessori School
Forest Lake High School Stadium
Liberty Ridge Elementary
Forest Lake Elementary
Linwood Elementary
Park High School
Lake Middle School
Woodbury High School

Filed Under: Industry Insights, KOMAink

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