KOMA

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A note from Brady Mueller

Brady Mueller at the original KOMA office, 1989.

Friends, I have news to share:

I am planning to retire from KOMA as of September 2, 2021.

After more than 44 years in the architectural design field and 34 years as part of the Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates (KOMA) family, I have decided that it is time to put down my drafting pens and magic markers, hang up my drafting board and T-square, and move my colored pencils to the side. It’s the right time, and I’m ready. And while I will truly miss being an architect, I am excited beyond words to spend more time with my family, especially with my two granddaughters, Riley (4 years) and Ella (2 ½ years). They are the sparkle in “Bumpa’s” eyes, keeping my mind and body in shape with their boundless energy, curiosity, and excitement.

I’m not exactly sure what the future holds for me, but please know that I will always be available for a round of golf, a chat over breakfast or lunch, or an occasional happy hour with friends and my favorite martini. Rest assured that the very bright, talented, and professional staff here will continue to handle your needs with great care and enthusiasm. 

What will I miss the most? Without a doubt it is the many friends I have made over the years. I’ve been blessed with some of the best relationships a person could ask for. Some of my most cherished memories are conversations not about work, but phone calls just to say “hi,” discussions that originate from distant airport waiting rooms, texts and calls at 6 a.m., and “quick check-ins” to inquire about our families. I hope all of this will continue to be part of my life, even in retirement.

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful opportunities I have had to be a part of your business and your life.

I have been blessed to have had a professional life that I have loved, and a wonderful family that loves me and has allowed me to pursue my dreams. I am proud to be leaving behind a very strong, stable, and successful company – a company built on the principles of family, integrity, and dedication. All of you have had a hand in our success and for that, you have my sincere thanks. Now on to retirement!!!

Brady Mueller
bradymueller90@gmail.com | 612-619-1123

KOMAink Earth Day Edition: Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center

KOMA architects, engineers, and designers take every opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly choices in our projects. With an increasing number of sustainable materials and products to choose from, we work with clients to develop green building initiatives that will endure for generations to come.

Sustainable Project Spotlight:

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center

The Client

The Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center (R&E Center) processes over 450,000 tons of trash per year to maximize the recovery of recyclable resources and divert as much as possible from landfills.  The counties work jointly in their commitment to meet the state’s 75% recycling goal and have invested in major improvements to further manage waste streams.    

The R&E Center is the only facility of its kind in the state and it diverts over 90% of waste in the two counties from landfills every year.

R&E Center environmental highlights from 2019:

  • Fuel produced at the R&E Center produced enough electricity to power 40,000 homes for a year
  • Over 14,000 tons of metal were recovered from the trash for recycling
  • 108,132 fewer tons of carbon dioxide were produced than if the trash had been landfilled – equivalent to taking over 23,361 cars off the road 

KOMA’s Assignment

The R&E Center has partnered with KOMA over the past several years on projects to add efficiencies and prepare their facility for future technological improvements. Despite the challenges with the facility’s age and unique structure, these projects created an opportunity to extend its useful life and implement sustainable design strategies that align with the client’s goals.

The first project consisted of a two-story addition to provide enclosed space for load-out functions and expanded office and educational spaces. The design followed the State of Minnesota B3 Guidelines which is used to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials and waste.

The second project consisted of a full renovation to the existing office and locker room areas.  Improvements include doubling the thermal performance of the exterior building envelope, HVAC replacement with high-efficiency equipment, new LED lighting, and environmentally responsible interior finishes.

The third project consisted of a 26,000sf addition to expand the R&E Center’s ability to sort and collect food scraps (organics) waste. New processing equipment was integrated into the design and uses optical sorting and robotics to “pull” DCB’s (durable compostable bags) from the waste stream.  Also within the facility’s existing processing areas, an additional processing line was designed to increase the collection of metals, plastics, and paper.  Other general improvements include enhanced odor and litter control with use of new mechanical systems and a load-out addition.   

KOMA’s contribution will help R&E Center continue to innovate and improve the environmental health of our communities.

Sustainable Selections

Below are a few of the eco-friendly products that were included in the R&E Center projects:

PAINT

Sherwin Williams Zero VOC complies with LEED v4 Emissions Testing and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified.

FLOORING

Interface carpet tiles are carbon neutral and made from recycled materials. 

COUNTERTOPS

Vetrazzo countertops are made from pre- and post-consumer recycled glass from local curbside recycling programs.

HVAC

Replaced a non-functioning VVT system with a new VAV system which is more energy efficient and provides individual heating/cooling control to zones.

PANELING

Paperstone is made from FSC® certified Recycled and FSC® certified Mix post-consumer recycled paper.

ACCENT LIGHTING

LightArt 3form Coil Pendants are made from 65% recycled resin and use LED lamps.

WE’VE MOVED!

We have officially moved into our new office space!  
2051 Killebrew Drive, Suite 680
Bloomington, MN 55425

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2020

Construction of our new office is well underway.

The KOMA team put a lot of consideration into the layout and design of our new office space and all staff members were encouraged to participate in the process. It has been very satisfying to see it come together and we can’t wait for the finished product!

KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW SPACE:

FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS

Stay tuned for our third edition: The Finished Product!

NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2020

After more than 30 years in our current office space, KOMA is moving to a new location in Bloomington! Our growing team simply needs more room for collaboration and partnership. As architects, designers, and engineers, we love the challenge of being able to create a work environment that cultivates innovation and reflects our vibrant culture.

In March, we helped kick-off our project with a group visit to the demolition site. Design has been finalized and construction is underway.

We’re excited for the future of KOMA and continue to look forward with positive energy and enthusiasm!

FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS!

Stay tuned for our second edition: Construction!