The AECI project was able to achieve LEED Gold. This is one the first office buildings of this scale to achieve LEED gold in this area. The following are the sustainable items that were part of the building’s design.

One of the most significant decisions made during the design of the new AECI building was the decision to design an HVAC system that utilizes geothermal energy from the ground. For this project, it is projected that operations of the building could achieve as much as 42% cost savings over a typical non geo-thermal forced air system.

• Since a considerable amount of the energy consumed within a building is contributed to the lighting of the building, high efficient light fixtures were specified. Lighting controls and occupancy sensors will turn lights on and off as needed. Appliances were also specified with the ENERGY STAR label.

• Cool roofing material was also specified to avoid the “heat up” of the building and eliminate the need to upsize and run the cooling equipment longer.

• The building envelope was designed for a R-37 for the walls and a R-26 for the roof.

• 95% of trash that was generated during construction away from the local landfills to alternative locations where segregated materials such as cardboard, wood, plastic, and glass could be recycled into other useful products for consumers

• 20% of all materials was procured regionally or within 500 miles.

• Special care was taken to ensure that the Indoor Air Quality was maintained during construction, this was done by ensuring that the ductwork was not contaminated during construction and that all materials had Low VOC’s.

• The project achieved a 26% in water use reduction through the use of low flow toilets, low flow shower heads and infrared sensors on the faucets.

• Site water usage was kept at a minimum by using native plants that do not require a large amount of water.

Sapp Design Associates Architects, 3750 S. Fremont, Springfield Missouri 

Going Green Projects (Click Here)

The Clever R-V School District celebrated the opening of their new Performing Arts Center with messages from local representatives, music performances, and theater presentations.  The new Performing Arts Center is an addition to the existing high school, which was constructed in 2008.  The Performing Arts Center was part of the long range master plan for the site, and accommodations were made for the Center in the original design of the high school.  The new Performing Arts Center seats up to 551 patrons, and includes 510 fixed seats, with space for (2) additional rows of movable seating.  Also included in the addition was a new lobby area, ticket booth, and drama classroom. Currently, Clever’s band and vocal music departments share a single teaching space in the existing high school facility.  However, construction is ongoing for a new band room on the southeast side of the Performing Arts Center.  The band room addition will double as a FEMA 361 Tornado Safe Room, and will provide a safe and secure location for the high school students, faculty and staff, as well as the surrounding community, during high wind storms.

Sapp Design Associates Architects, 3750 S. Fremont, Springfield Missouri 

For more information on Clever High Schools (Click Here)

This year at the 2011 Springfield Missouri Contractors Association Dinner, NAWAC (The National Association of Women in Construction ) Southwest Missouri Chapter presented Sapp Design Associates's Pam Haldiman with this years VESTA Award.  VESTA is Greek and stands for one who rules with devotion and help.  To be eligible for this award you have to have more than 10 years in construction and Pam has over 30 years Experience.  Also many letters of recommendation must be submitted as well and reviewed by a group that is not associated with the construction industry. Here is just  a few snips  of what people had to say about Pam.

After the tornado in Joplin, Missouri that destroyed the Franklin Technology Center,  The School district hired SDA Architects and Pam developed a close relationship with our staff and contractor. It was very apparent that she was respected throughout  this project. Her previous experience in working with other Technology Centers enabled her to move fast and understand the complexities of a building such at the FTC. It is with very high regard, that I recommend Pam Haldiman.

  Dave Rockers - Director Franklin Technology Center 

Pam Halidiman is the best listener I have ever known and she then causes that listening to become buildings; building that are beautiful, functional, on budget, on time and that the children of this district love.

Richard L. Henson, Ed.D. - Superintendent of  Clever R-V Schools 

 It is without hesitation that I recommend  Mrs. Pam Haldiman, She has worked tirelessly to serve out district and out patrons. Each of the four construction projects Pam has assisted with in our district have turnd out to be incredible assets to our school system with students in mind as she worked in partnership with our board, administration, and staff to create a learning environment that was appropriate for each group.

John E. Jungmann - Superintendent of Monett R-1 Schools

As a Project Superintendent for RE Smith Construction Co for the past twenty years I have worked with many Architects on construction project of various sizes and scope. As an architect I have found Pam to be a step above the rest, professional in every way. Her honesty and integrity are without question. Pam has a great vision for a project along with an ability to understand and work through problems that always arise in construction. Her leadership has helped me to complete many successful projects. In a word Pam has "Class", something you don't see a lot these days. 

John Carr - Project Supt. RE Smith Construction

Congratulations to John McNabb who has been appointed to serve as a director on the Springfield AIA board.  His term will run through 2014.  John McNabb joined Sapp Design Associates in 2004 and received his architecture license in 2009.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) conducted a design charrette for the City of Joplin on Oct. 13-14.  The SDA team was excited for the opportunity to get involved and work with the AIA and CART for some hands-on design work to help develop project ideas for Joplin's recovery. This was a significant event where design professionals from allover the region came together to work out ideas and develop the vision and goals set forth by the Citizens AdvisorySteve Telscher Recovery Team (CART).  This two-day event included members of the CART, the City of Joplin, Chamber of Commerce, FEMA, State resources, architects, engineers, planners, and many other volunteers. The event concluded with a "presentation of ideas" to the public in an Open House format on Friday, Oct. 14th. CART is preparing for the Nov. 7 Council Meeting and the AIA will be using the information to put together a booklet to document the process and outcome.

Everyones Awesome Work