All posts by

Master Plans

2014 to 2018
Aptus

One of the joys of working at generalist architecture firm is the variety of projects, and Aptus was particularly blessed with a diverse batch of challenges.

Master plans included studies as prosaic as a phasing diagram and cost analysis for incremental renovations to a local fire station, to programing and schematic design for a large equipment manufacturer. We also worked on a new distillery entertainment complex, a stadium for the UNLV track team, and a new RV park resort.

None of these projects have entered into construction (yet), but each of them were opportunities to research, stretch, and dream.

Emergency Arts Building

2017
Aptus

This was a conversion of the first floor into a couple restaurants and a street entry lobby for the upper floors. The original building had been constructed as a department store and had undergone haphazard renovations over the decades.

This project included extensive structural repairs, a new utility services, the installation of a grease trap and mechanical shaft to support the new restaurants, and coordination with the tenant design team.

In one of those architectural twists of fate, my previous firm had been located on this floor in this building, so I experienced an odd moment of recognition seeing my old office in the midst of the demolition.

UNLV Flamingo Auxiliary Building

2017
Aptus

This off-campus building had been recently acquired by UNLV. A portion of the vacant space was renovated to house a robotics lab for the development of unmanned drones and humanoids.

This tenant improvement was fairly straightforward with a break room, workshops, office, conference space, and exterior facade.

However, the building needed to be brought up to modern code requirements. We worked with the Building Official to remedy non-compliant renovation work and infill the building with fire partitions to accommodate the current occupancy types.

Kalifano at the Grand Canal Shoppes

2016
Aptus

The tenant improvement was a complete redesign of the U-shaped space. Along with selecting finishes, we negotiated mall design standards and coordinating the increased structural and electrical loads.

The project involved a collection of different millwork installations including a heavy object feature wall, deep adjustable shelves, luxury belt display, POS counter, backlit column surround highlighting small object, and locked glass cabinets.

The storefront was redesigned to accommodate a sliding glass wall, metal panel fabrication, and a turquoise logo feature.

Aptus

2014 to 2018

I was a staff architect and project manager working on a wide range of commercial projects.

Tenant improvement projects included a recording studio, climbing gym, high end retail shop in a casino mall, and office renovation for the City of Las Vegas.

Core and shell projects included mixed use office renovation, adaptive reuse of an office tower podium, retail to restaurant conversion, code upgrades in a strip mall, and pool deck courtyards for two apartment complexes.

Master plans included a RV park, new production and retail campus for a distillery, university track facility, and corporate headquarters with large equipment manufacturing facility.

I worked on all phases of the design process, and assisted the principals in writing proposals and reviewing team processes.

I also worked with an talented and diligent team of interns. My tenure with Aptus was marked by an entry into a middle management role and I am particularly grateful for their patience as I journeyed through this transition.

UNLV Flamingo Auxiliary Building
City of Las Vegas Planning Department
Emergency Arts Building
Kalifano at the Grand Canal Shoppes
Master Plans


aptusgroup.com

Bunkhouse Saloon

2014

The new ownership team requested a simple redecoration of the old dive bar / music venue, but it became a complete gut renovation after the original building was deemed structurally unsafe during demolition.

The structure was completely rebuilt to recall the original layout, while expanding the square footage and updating the functionality of the stage, kitchen, and restrooms.

The project scope also included masterplanning the remainder of the block, turning it into destination music venue with a new outdoor stage, amenities to attract national touring acts, monumental pedestrian entry, and renovated studio apartments.

John E Carson

2013

Located in the heart of the redeveloping Fremont East District, this project was a complete renovation of the dilapidated SRO motel, converting it into a mixed use office, retail, and dining complex surrounding a new landscaped courtyard. The project included interior design for a tech startup office, two restaurants, flower shop, juice bar, and the firm’s new studio.

BUNNYFiSH Studio

2013 to 2014

I was a staff architect in this small architecture studio, primarily focused on two renovation projects. The John E Carson building was the conversion of a two story mid-century motel into a mixed use complex, including interiors for several restaurants and offices within the development. The Bunkhouse Saloon was an expansion and complete reconstruction of the venue, including master planning for adjacent properties.


Bunkhouse Saloon
John E Carson

studiobunnyfish.com

GID Sovereign

2012
Ziegler Cooper Architects

The first building of a large redevelopment project, this high-rise apartment was intended to be a flagship project in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood.

The project consisted of mid-rise apartments wrapped around a parking garage, with a generous 8th floor amenity area and a high-rise tower with views toward Downtown Houston.

I assisted in construction detailing and coordination when there was availability from my main project responsibilities.