JL Architects

building renovation

How Will Demountable Walls Benefit Your Office?

by Leave a Comment

As most people know, big changes are happening in the office space due to the pandemic. What does that mean for corporate interior projects? As more people include working from home in their weekly schedule, offices are not holding as many people at one time as they previously were. This can lead to empty desks and underutilized space. With demountable partition walls, an office can easily adapt to the changing needs of the company that occupies it.

JL Architects has enjoyed learning from COFCO and Allsteel about how they can accommodate the everchanging needs of our clients. Their demountable partition walls run along a track attached to the floor and/or ceiling. Solid, glass, and acoustical panels are placed within the tracks and can be removed and replaced easily. The versatility and flexibility of demountable walls allows companies to change their interior layout from individual offices into a conference room or a break room into a flex space, all over one weekend or even over one night! Panel options include material type, color, mullion and track profile, door frame profile, and door type. This creates opportunities for companies to easily upgrade their appearance and provide attractive functional space that will help draw staff back to the office.

Customizing your office space has never been easier than with demountable walls. The freedom to change interior layouts to fit the needs of companies and their employees will be an advantage for the corporate world, now and into the future.

-Sydney Hitchens, Architectural Designer

AEC Firms Need Agile Office Environments For A Multigenerational Workforce

by Leave a Comment

The AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry is witnessing the multigenerational workforce expanding with the Z Generation preparing to move into the workplace and the Millennials increasing their presence to become the largest segment of the total workforce in the United States. Competition for new talent and retention of existing talent keeps increasing and AEC business leaders recognize they must focus on providing a workplace that will attract and appeal to the new majority of workers in a multigenerational workforce without negative effects on the more established Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Conversations abound about generation gaps, generational differences and maximizing business development, marketing strategies and talent acquisition across the generations. A strategic analysis is essential to comprehend and plan for the differences between the generations and the impacts these differences will have in various aspects of people’s personal and professional lives.

Look at the composition of the multigenerational workforce and some general characteristics of each generation.

Traditionalists (born before 1945). They are still represented in today’s workforce for a variety of reasons. They tended to stay at a job for life, had a slow and steady career path and looked at work as an obligation. The numbers of traditionalists in the workforce represent 2% of the workforce,

Baby Boomers (born between 1946-65). They are hard workers often characterized by a sense of stability, formality and responsibility. They expected to work and valued a sense of loyalty to their employer with an upward mobility career path. They now represent 25% of the US workforce, as compared to 50% in 1994.

Gen X or Next Gen (born between 1966-77). They view work as a difficult challenge. They want work – life balance, understand what options they have for their career path and when to change jobs for more compensation. They now represent 33% of the US workforce.

Gen Y or Millennials (born between 1978-95). This group views work as a means to an end. They frequently change jobs and are career multi-taskers. They want to be connected with more senior coworkers that are leaders and mentors. They are “technology natives” having grown up with the Internet. They now represent 35% of the US workforce.

Gen Z or Generation 2020 (born after 1995). Millennials are comfortable with technology, while Gen Z is totally integrated with technology. Major concerns are expressed about this generation’s lack of interpersonal skills. A high rate of home schooling and one stay-at-home-parent has led to a strong work ethic, as well as the desire for structure, order and predictability.  They currently represent 5% of the workforce, as they are just beginning to enter the workforce as workers or work/study program participants and their impact is still to be determined.

In 2022, four or five generations could be working in the same AEC office. Planners, designers and developers must design and provide office space to accommodate a multigenerational workforce rather than limiting the office design parameters to Millennial preferences, which are constantly evolving and often based on stereotypes.

Facilitating meaningful connections and collaborations between employees in AEC firms helps bridge the information gap between more seasoned employees and new talent. Spaces that are designed to encourage informal connections bring people together and enhance the type of social learning that builds culture and transfers knowledge from one generation to another.

Baby Boomers may be comfortable with traditional and transitional office layouts. Gen X needs a clear separation or balance between work life and personal life. Millennials are often more comfortable with blurred boundaries and being able to flow freely between work and personal activities. Therefore, workplaces need to have flexible multi-use spaces to accommodate these differences.

Indications are that Generation Z will find more success in the workplace when the intended use of space is obvious. Clarity about the intent of spaces and how to use the tools and amenities will help to set a common understanding across all generations. This will ease anxiety and lessen conflict that could arise from differing expectations.

Different working styles of the evolving multigenerational workforce must also be considered.  Innovative and agile work spaces need to be created for the AEC workplace that support different working styles that allow employees to work the way they want to work.

Agility is a key strategic word relative to the future of AEC workspaces. Office environments must be space-efficient and productive with dynamic, activity-based layouts that appeal to people of different generations and with different job functions.

Today’s agile AEC office environments must offer a combination of open space, conference rooms and private secluded spaces. This environment allows employees to collaborate and work alongside their co-workers while offering a more focused environment for workers that require phone calls or a quiet atmosphere to complete tasks. AEC employees also need access to the space for private meetings or conversations.

“I think we will continue to see an increase in alternative spaces and environments, along with more immersive technology. Technology which is connected to more analog methods of communicating will become even more important as the tools and methods of creating become more varied and personal. There is becoming less and less of a reason for the majority of workers to go to a traditional workplace, so places that offer variety and flexibility will become more important to not only workers and employers but also to cities and neighborhoods.”  Nicolai Czumaj-Bront, Haworth Design Lead – Europe

 –Glenn Ebersole, Director of Business Development

What Lies Ahead for Architects in 2022?

by Leave a Comment

What lies ahead for architects in 2022 in our constantly changing and transitioning world? Architecture has shaped history and defined societies since the dawn of humanity. Architects were and still are, looked upon as those who design and plan the world where we live, work and play. Civilizations have risen and fallen but they do not entirely fade or disappear from existence because their architecture lives to tell their story.

Architecture serves as the expression, the visual proof, of mankind’s progress and the advancement of technology through centuries. It represents the thoughts, emotions and values defined throughout history.

Architecture bridges the line between science and art, and between the practical and the unconventional. There are always challenges that architects have to deal with in a complex and ever-changing world.

Some of the major challenges that architects will face in 2022 and beyond include:

Digital age transition

Increasing numbers of people in the Z- Generation and the Millennial Generation are entering the world of architecture and there sometimes appears to be a growing rift between them and the previous Baby Boomer and the X-Generation of architects. This difference of opinion appears to be a result of the seeming unwillingness and resentment on either side to acknowledge, communicate and work with the other. On one hand, it’s the reluctance of the older generation to readily part with or share their years of experience with the younger generations. On the other, the digital generation is unaware of the value that they can gain from the experience and relationships fostered by those who were here before them.

Architects of all ages need to find common ground: the Baby Boomers and Gen-X’ers carry a wealth of knowledge and experience that can only be augmented and supplemented by skills that Millennials and Gen-Z contribute.

Hardware & software evolution

Technology has advanced at an exponential pace, accelerated by the pandemic. Architectural firms have to do their best to stay on top of everything or risk losing market share. And new hardware and design tools require extensive training and periods of transitions and adjustment before they can be used effectively both in the office and at the construction sites.

The advent of the mobile age has brought an influx of architecture apps for drawing, project management and design. Firms, particularly older ones, will have to come to grips with these to be able to withstand competition.

Procurement processes for professional services

Major changes such as land shortage, regulatory restrictions and increased competition can limit an architect’s influence. And at times local architects may find themselves losing their clients to other third-party firms. The limits placed by time and budgetary concerns lead to procurement processes that can be risky since no time or not enough time is spent on carefully researching and evaluating options before arriving at a final solution.

Steps need to be taken to ensure that local architectural firms understand the changing needs of clients, and are able to convey their value to their clients effectively and strive to gain an advantage over other procured firms.

Consolidation of architectural firms

Most major design firms have been formed as a result of a consolidation of multiple services and markets. This has enabled those firms to capture and control new markets and domains because the acquisition has met their need for diverse skillsets and expertise. This in turn has led to the formation of in-house teams for those skillsets. Development firms may also develop their own in-house architectural design teams.

Therefore, standalone architectural companies in these markets run the risk of losing out to these larger firms. Local architectural firms need to be more agile and strategic by honing and increasing the quality and effectiveness of their own services and expertise. This also could lead to acquisitions by bigger firms in the future.

Contractors as teammates early in process 

Architects assume the lead design role in any project with the responsibility of ensuring that their client’s program of work is fulfilled and that the quality of the design is maintained throughout the project. Architects generate the initial design of the building with virtual building modeling and then progressively integrate sub-contractor designs and ideas.

Today it is becoming more common to have contractors and subcontractors involved in the process far earlier than in the past, especially with procurement package methods that include Integrated Project Delivery and Design/Build models. Therefore, there is a growing need for architects to strongly and effectively establish their role and influence in the project from the outset.

Additionally, the earlier involvement of contractors in a design project through procurement processes requires that the client’s program of work is articulate and that the client is actively involved throughout the building process. Therefore, architects need to work diligently with their clients to produce a program of work that is flexible and robust, before beginning any work.

Challenges turned into opportunities

The challenges present in today’s world of architecture are not insurmountable. Solutions and policies need to be put in place to ensure the smooth transition from the old to the new without alienating any parties, and to ensure that architects have a well thought out and developed strategy and plan to promote and expand their own services. Changes that will benefit the architects, clients and contractors need to be developed and implemented to respond to existing risky procurement processes.

Architects will deal with these challenges as well as others that will arise. The one constant challenge for architects throughout the ages is to keep up with trends in such a way that they can offer something new before it has passed them by.

I leave you with this thought:

“The present is the ever-moving shadow that divides yesterday from tomorrow. In that lies hope.” Frank Lloyd Wright.

-Glenn Ebersole is a registered professional engineer and the Director of Business Development at JL Architects,  a nationally licensed commercial architecture firm based in West Chester, PA. He can be contacted at gebersole@jlarchs.com or 717-575-8572.

Sustainable Construction – What Is It and What Are Its Benefits?

by Leave a Comment

What Is Sustainable Construction?

We are hearing the term “sustainability” more often during the pandemic. Sustainability is a misunderstood term because of many different interpretations and a tendency for people to only casually address and refer to it using words like “eco,” “green,” or “smart.” People working in the public and private sectors are taking this issue seriously and believe and advocate that sustainability embraces the environment and that its long-term endurance is a matter of vital importance for all humanity.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines sustainable construction as “the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, …

Sustainable construction means much more than ensuring that resources are being used in an efficient way in construction projects. It also means considering the environmental impacts created by the way materials are sourced and the processes used to complete building projects.

The construction industry requires an enormous amount of material and energy resources to produce and maintain the built environment and has the potential to make a significant contribution to meet sustainability challenges. The total amount of emissions and waste generated throughout the entire life cycle of physical structures is another area where the construction sector can make a big difference. Today, more than ever, it is imperative that whatever is built must perform sustainably environmentally, economically, and socially.

How Do We Build A Sustainable Future?

Sustainable construction requires committing to meet the current needs for housing, working environments, and infrastructure without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs for shelter, work spaces, and life-sustaining services. Furthermore, these needs must be met now and in the future in a socially supportive manner by reducing the overall carbon footprint and being innovative in responding to the ever-increasing demand for the built environment.

Positive environmental impacts of sustainable construction will result from the design and management of built structures, the performance of materials across all sizes of structures and throughout their life cycles, and the use of renewable energy resources integrated with the innovative technologies in building, operation, and maintenance to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Economic rewards will result from the transition from a linear to a circular economy of renewable energy generation that involves material and waste recycling, water harvesting and preservation, transferable technologies, the adaptive reuse of structures and innovative financing models built on an economy that achieves more with less.

Sustainable construction will produce positive social impacts due to adherence to the highest ethical standards in business and industry practices throughout all project phases and the promotion of manageable living and healthy working environments for work forces and building occupants.

What Are The Benefits of Sustainable Construction?

Some of the major benefits of sustainable construction include.

Protecting the environment: Recycled materials used during the construction process significantly contribute to the reduction of waste and the protection of the environment. Sustainable construction incorporates the benefits of installation of well-insulated windows, ceilings and walls to ensure less wasted energy. The use of solar heaters, insulated air-conditioning pipes and photovoltaic panels also make buildings more energy efficient and less harmful to the environment.

Improving health & quality of life: We spend 90% of our life indoors, so “well” buildings are beneficial to the health of building occupants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor air is two to five times less polluted than indoor air. Air quality also is improved by using sustainable materials and paints, cleaning products and carpets that are not dangerous for human health.

Increasing productivity: Studies have indicated that the better the environment of the building space, the easier it is to concentrate and work effectively to complete tasks.

Using materials more efficiently: Sustainable buildings manage water more effectively in an environmentally friendly manner, including equipping the buildings with systems that recycle water, such as collecting rainwater. Sustainable buildings collect and preserve natural energy, such as solar or wind energy, store it and reuse it.

Minimizing waste: The U.S. construction industry generates between 230 million to 530 million tons of construction and demolition waste annually.  Green buildings minimize waste with lower environmental impact and use of renewable sources and materials. Products such as demolition debris, sand and other materials can be used with excellent environmental and aesthetic results.

Reducing costs: Construction is a $10 trillion industry and has financial challenges that cannot be dismissed.  Wasteful rework rates of up to 30 percent require smart and functional alternatives to increase efficiency and quality. Overall, a “sustainable” building costs less than a normal building because fewer resources (e.g. water and energy) are required to complete the project. Sustainable buildings also have great ROI and significantly increased value.

Innovating: The sustainable building concept has helped the market evolve and unlock new possibilities. Sustainable construction continues to develop daily and opportunities are unfolding for the construction industry. Creative research and development efforts are resulting in new materials and more innovative techniques being discovered, developed and implemented.

“The earth will not continue to offer its harvests, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” Pope John Paul II

 -Glenn Ebersole, Director of Business Development

Is it a Rendering or a Photo??

by Leave a Comment

JL Architects provides high quality renderings for projects we work on, sometimes they are even mistaken for a photograph!  While theses renderings should look like the completed project, there are always some differences:

  1. Color:

We use paint pallets and samples supplied by manufacturers to create accuracy using our rendering software. Color looks different on every computer screen and in almost every photo due to differences in lighting.  Recently we looked at a material and compared (reference above picture) the day light version to the shadowed version to the brochure of the manufacturer.  Each of these images gave us a slightly different color to render the same material.

  1. Foliage and environment:

While rendering we add various site elements to the project to give the space more life.  This is depicted with images such as foliage, cars, birds, bikes, and people. In comparison to a photo, location, and the quality of the image in a rendering is controlled.

  1. Backgrounds:

In renderings it is difficult to match the accurate environmental lighting of a site, and this effects color and overall composition of the rendering.  A photo will have the true lighting throughout (as best captured by a camera).

While renderings are an important tool for our clients to visualize their project, photography remains an important tool of comparison, and always used to capture the completed project in its entirety. Want to learn more about how we can help you envision your next project? Contact us at info@jlarchs.com

-Alex Schleicher, Architectural Designer

Architectural Design Trends of 2022

by Leave a Comment

After navigating through almost two years of a global pandemic, and as we begin a new year, it seems sustainability and wellness are on the forefront of everyone’s mind.  Never more than now, people are placing their well-being and the environment above all else.  Therefore, these important design aspects are predicted to be among the top trends of 2022:

Using sustainable materials is a very important aspect in design

  • The construction industry accounts for almost 40% of total global energy-related CO2 emissions
  • The use of sustainable materials leads to far less waste than other types of materials such as plastics, meaning less landfill waste, less energy consumption, and less impact on the environment as a whole
  • Using building materials such as real wood has many benefits – it is sustainable, renewable, and has a low carbon footprint
  • Using sustainable materials for interior aspects also has benefits. Energy can be conserved by using materials that are more efficient, such as low-flow toilets, green insulating materials that result in a better insulated home, eco-friendly heating systems, on-demand water heaters, and programmable thermostats.
  • Using sustainable materials means you save money AND help to save the world’s resources

As people are making their wellness a priority, we are seeing a rise in biophilic design

  • Biophilic design is a design concept using natural materials and living plants to better connect people with the outdoors
  • The biophilic design concept was first introduced in the 1980s by American scientist Edward O. Wilson, but more recently has gained traction as a significant design approach
  • Studies have proven that integrating biophilic design principles in places that we live and work can improve our well-being, especially as we spend more time inside, often more connected to the virtual world rather than the natural world.
  • Humans have a strong connection to nature and bringing nature into your immediate surroundings makes you feel calmer and more content while helping decrease stress and anxiety

In response to the sustainable and wellness needs of our current times, architects are designing more with natural materials and colors.

  • When it comes to building sustainable living environments, the choice of material matters a lot. Wood, for example, is a natural, renewable, and sustainable material, with a lighter carbon footprint than steel or concrete
  • Using natural and earthy colors can bring a calmness to the environment and promote the inhabitants’ well-being.
  • Installing living walls and maximizing natural light is a great way to bring the outdoors inside.

Architects are adapting their designs to meet the sustainable and wellness needs of the world we currently live in.  By using natural materials and sustainable design, architects can create spaces that are environmentally friendly, and promote the wellness and health of its occupants.