If there was an “App” for architecture, would you buy it? Some days, we feel that we did. But, it is priced a little higher than $2.99.

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, allows us to see and study buildings in 3-Dimensions throughout the design process. Traditionally, we would draw countless sheets of paper, until we determined it was sufficient to define what the building would be. Using a computer design program called Revit, we now can construct the building model inside the computer, then decide how best to display it to the constructors. And it doesn’t have to end there. We can use the data in the BIM model to coordinate and share information with our consultants, the contractor and the client. This process improves our productivity, while allowing us to better explore all aspects of the design through the development phases. Do THAT on your iPhone…

We ♥ architecture because the latest in computer technology allows us to design better buildings and spaces for our deserving clients.

We are BFFs with many of our clients. In fact 85% of our clients come back and want to work with us again instead of bidding out each job each time. We value the relationships we have developed with them. We have clients that we have on occasion swapped family stories with or gone out to a social dinner. We take the time to get to know them and make sure they are happy with results of their project because we care about them. We want them to be able to enjoy and effectively use the space that we have created. They call us back because they know that we will get them the end result they want in a timely manner, within a reasonable budget, and we will have a good time getting there.

We ♥ architecture because we get to work with our BFFs; our clients.

It's been on television, and in the papers... it's the super-efficient electric car that gets the equivilent of 300 mpg, oh and it's built by high school students here in Kansas City. The car was a class project at the Automotive Design Studio at the DeLaSalle Education Center, an alternative high school in mid-town KC. You can read the Wired Magazine story here.

In addition to it being a really cool car, we noticed the name of the teacher leading the student project, Steve Rees. Hey, we think we know that guy. Steve was a founding principal of the firm back in 1981. Congratulations to Steve and his studens for doing such great work. Below is a picture of Steve with Kirk and Wade from a couple of years ago.

How do you know when you’ve won? There are a lot of different ways, but in most walks of life there is a statistic, measurement or specific goal. With architecture, one way we measure progress by applying the goals of the 2030 Challenge, a movement to use less energy that emits greenhouse gasses.

Solar and wind power gets a lot of attention, but there’s a lot more to sustainability than that. Our understanding of how energy is used in buildings can make a real difference. We read the data, review the implications of the design – and make creative and informative decisions to help you be a better steward and more profitable. We use techniques such as insulation, better controls, designing tighter and more efficient spaces, and alternative energy such as solar and wind when the situation is right.

We ♥ architecture because we can make a measurable difference in the use of resources and how that impacts our environment. While we’ve implemented interesting and compelling examples of good energy stewardship, we know we can do more… all while saving money!

Did our project meet its energy goals? If so, that’s when you know you’ve won!

Today we sent out our latest email newsletter, INSIGHTS. In this issue we profile our "Why we ♥ architecture" project, look at the Plaza Customer Service Center and talk about KC's biggest construction projects.

If you didn't get it, you can read it by clicking here. We send it out every other month. If you want to get it automatically, you can subscribe to our newletter by clicking here. Below is a preview of what was sent out.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stated that architecture was “frozen music”, that the tone of mind produced by architecture approached the effect of music. Like musicians, we use the same instruments as centuries ago and constantly evolve. We struggle to create within boundaries but our measures and notes are building codes and technology. Our style is often dependent upon our clients and the context we work within. While we may conduct the orchestra, our work cannot be produced without the symphony of engineers, subcontractors, contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers. Most of all, our work is meant for an audience, bringing their own views and expectations. Each member of the audience responds to our results. We are constantly critiqued and energized by everyone that experiences what we design.

We ♥ architecture because it strikes a resonating chord within us. The lines of the building, the use of materials and flow of spaces make us feel like musicians. At Gastinger Walker Harden Architects, we are looking forward to all the stirring pieces that we have yet to write.

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects is featured in two articles in the most recent Commercial Journal. On the cover is our own Wade Walker with Greg Sikora of The Weitz Company. We are being profiled for converting the BMA Building into high-end condominiums. Now known as One Park Place, the development features 106 units, ranging in size from 1,500 sf to 4,000 sf.

Also in the issue is a story about our historic renovation of the Union-Carbide and Larue Buildings in downtown Kansas City. This is a mixed use development featuring both office space and condominiums.

You can read the articles by clicking here.

To many people, using the words “government” and “efficiency” in the same sentence would illicit snickers or a sardonic smile. At first glance, these words may require a double-take to make sure one hasn’t accidentally stumbled onto a word jumble puzzle. We’ve all read accounts in various media outlets about the out-of-control spending habits or our taxpayer money purchasing of a pair of pliers for the discounted rate of $200. However we’ve had the opportunity to witness that private entrepreneurial savvy can exist within our governmental agencies. Many hard-working staffers work diligently and efficiently within newly renovated buildings. In addition, they apply lessons learned from state-of-the-art processes and procedures to new assignments to assure their agencies perform in a productive manner. Governmental client representatives challenge us to design timely, elegant, beautiful and sustainable environments, while respecting the budget, schedule and maintenance obligations.

We ♥ architecture because when we design new facilities or carryout Construction Management, we are the stewards of our own tax money. We represent millions of taxpayers with every decision and action taken to properly and efficiently spend tax payer money. We love the fact that the General Services Administration - Public Building Services instigates and promotes a Design Excellence program to promote superior architecture as the face of our nation’s Government.

Back in June we wrote about the Muñoz family. They were in the process of receiving their new home from Children International. Well we just received the finished photos. If you go back and look at the before photos you will see how great the improvement is. Here's what Jim Cook, the President of Children International wrote about the project.

"Thanks to your generosity, combined with that of Pearce Construction, the Muñoz family has already moved into their new home, and they couldn't be more proud and grateful!... Because of some negotiating and better pricing for materials, our staff was able to build another room on the house (shown on the far right side) which is now being used for a kitchen. Most Honduran families are forced to cook outside on an open fire, but this additional room will make it possible for them to prepare meals indoors!"

We also received a note from one of the daughters. Here's the translation of what Jenifer Paola Romero Muñoz wrote about her new home. "My family and I are very thankful because you built our house and I thank you and God for having provided us with this blessing. My whole family and I thank you so much for your generosity. I never thought about having a house like this before, thanks to God and you, this has come true."

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects is thankful we can partner with great organizations like Children International in helping children and families around the world have better lives and living conditions. We have been working with CI on renovating their headquarters here in Kansas City. They plan on moving into their larger and improved offices next spring. You can learn more about Children International and their mission here at their website.

First there’s kindergarten, then elementary school, middle school, high school and college. For some that’s not enough, so we go to graduate school. We’ve spent our fair share of years in the classroom. We’ve listened to teaches and been amazed; we’ve also stared out the windows pining for the bell to ring. We’ve been in classrooms that are as personable as a constipated IRS auditor. But we’ve also been in rooms that are comfy, engaging and spark the imagination; that engage the mind and encourage interaction. Places where teachers have the tools they need and barriers to learning are removed.

We ♥ architecture because we know what it’s like to be a student stuck in a classroom that takes the fun out of learning. We ♥ architecture because with the help of great clients, we can make sure future generations learn in environments that meet their ever changing needs. Gastinger Walker Harden Architects has learned a lot about learning environments and are proud to have helped some great schools make growing up a little less painful. Now about those school lunches…

A healthy city is not static. It is a place that grows, matures, reinvents itself and heals itself. New buildings are designed and built, renovation keeps others in good shape. But there are times when a building gets ingored and forgotten; falls into disrepair. Sometimes it's best to tear it down and reinvent the land with a new space that will serve the community for decades to come. Many times though, the building can be rehabilitated, brought back to life and be a reminder of the generations before that originally built the city. Historic buildings are more than stone, brick steel and glass. They have stories waiting to be told to new generations. Buildings like the New York Life Building, Kansas City's first skyscraper. Or the Commerce Trust Building, where Harry Truman once worked. Or the amazing President Hotel that hosted greats like Benny Goodmam, Harry Houdini, Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra.

We ♥ architecture because we get to advocate for historic buildings, giving them a another chance to tell their stories. Gastinger Walker Harden Architects is honored to have worked with some great developers and building owners who have allowed us to help them make restoration a reality.

Next February (on the 2nd for those of you counting), Gastinger Walker Harden Architects will be turning 30 years old. For some of us that's a lifetime, literally. For others, it's a little bit less than a lifetime. But to get ready for our big birthday, we are creating a project to celebrate a generation of design with insight. We're calling it GWHA30 : why we ♥ architecture.

Over the next 30 weeks, we will be blogging and tweeting about why we love architecture and design. We'll be sharing thoughts on being a part of some great projects. We'll also look at what our goals are for the next 30 years, and what we plan on doing to get there. This isn't just about us, it's about how architecture has influenced these past decades, how it has shaped our world and how it has impacted our daily lives.

A lot can happen in 30 years. In February 1981, there was no CNN or MTV, no Pac Man, the space shuttle hadn't launched, we were still listening to our music on tape cassettes, ET hadn't phoned home, and Indiana Jones hadn't battled the Nazis. The tallest building in the world was the Sears Tower, and it was still called that. There was no USGBC, no Architecture 2030, no Energy Star program and no LEED certification.

We look forward to sharing what we love and why we love in the next 30 weeks.

The Munoz family (who live in Honduras) has been living in their current, deteriorating wood house for 11 years but will soon be getting a new home. Through the coordination of Children International, Hector, Olga and their four children are receiving a new, concrete block house that will be safer, stronger and more sanitary. Construction began in April and should be finishing very soon, depending on the weather. We will post the finished photos when we get them.

Thanks to our staff and Pearce Construction for providing the gift that is allowing the Munoz family to have a new home.

As a nonprofit humanitarian organization, Children International focuses on easing the burdens placed on impoverished children. Their caring sponsors and donors give poor children from around the world an opportunity at a better life. They currently serve over 300,000 children in 11 countries with a goal of increasing their sponsorships to 400,000 by 2011. To learn more about Children International, you can visit their website by clicking here.

The Heartland Region of the U.S. General Services Administration has signed the final lease agreement with CenterPoint Zimmer, LLC, for a new campus to house the National Nuclear Security Administration’s manufacturing operations. The campus will be located at the northeast corner of Missouri Highway 150 and Botts Road, eight miles south of the NNSA’s current location. A phased move is scheduled to begin in late 2012. The campus of buildings will house about 2,500 workers in 1,509,950-rentable-square-feet of space

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects will be providing the Construction Manager as Agent services for the new facility and will support the GSA Region 6 staff. Our team will feature five staff members, including Wade Walker and Craig Childers, our VP of Construction Services.

GSA partnered with the National Nuclear Security Administration in 2006 to assist with the real estate needs associated with the transformation of the Kansas City Plant. The plant produces and assembles non-nuclear components for the nation's nuclear weapons. Relocation of the plant is projected to save the government about $100 million annually.

The new campus will consist of manufacturing, laboratory, office and warehouse space. It is expected to receive a gold-level rating in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program.

Congratulation to Keith Molzer and Balance Innovations for being one of the winners of Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year awards for the Central Midwest region. Keith was one of eleven winners in the Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska region. The award honors outstanding entrepreneurs. Gastinger Walker Harden Architects is proud to have designed their new offices in Lenexa in 2007. Below is a photo of the work we performed for them.