LOCATION: BREMEN, GA (2012)
TYPE: DESIGN/BID/BUILD
BUDGET: $1.7 MILLION
SIZE: 12,500 SF (BUILDING SIZE)
CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL

Originally built in 1973 and expanded in 1986, the Warren P. Sewell Memorial Library aimed to reimagine its cramped and outdated facility to better serve the surrounding community. Office of Design developed a program to add 5,000 SF to the library footprint and fully renovate the existing space. Designed with a focus on open light-filled spaces, the modern facility houses book collections, reading and study areas, computer labs and meeting space. A newly designed roof structure allows northern light to enter the space for reading, while a perforated steel screen shields the book collection from harsh southern light while creating an open and welcome façade to the community. Custom steel light fixtures and movable wooden bookshelves mounted atop casters in the library’s airy interior are a tribute to the surrounding industrial core of the once bustling railroad town.

LOCATION: DECATUR, GA (2015)
TYPE: 3-PHASE PROJECT
BUDGET: $18.25 MILLION
SIZE: 88,200 SF (TOTAL SIZE)
CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL

Threatened by rapid growth, flood plain proximity, and unconditioned space, the police department and municipal court needed a long term plan to address the needs of each city department. After conducting thorough documentation of the existing building, Office of Design interviewed user groups within the police department and the courts to establish a comprehensive program that included future growth options. The resulting design produced a 33,000 sf new facility complete with 200 person court room, prisoner holding cells, 9-1-1 emergency call center, and administrative spaces for the Police Department. To address the on-site flooding issue, two large storm water detention tanks were designed to capture water for the entire Center’s landscape irrigation, helping to track the project towards LEED Gold. The new modern facility also provides the Police Department with a much improved civic identity to citizens of Decatur.

2019 AIA Georgia People’s Choice Award Winner

This new ground up Library branch is part of the West Georgia Regional Library system.  The new 16,000 square foot facility is organized around reading ‘terraces’ that work with the existing site topography to help minimize site development costs.  Patrons are welcomed by an open layout featuring natural light and a variety of reading spaces.  A partnership with the adjacent Tanner Medical campus supports a medical research room providing patrons with health concerns a space to seek information.

The City of Riverdale contracted Office of Design for the renovation of Fire Station #2 on Taylor Road.  The existing facility from 1990 lacks adequate space for day to day activities and proper emergency response.  The resulting design is  a modern facility that preserves and renovates the current vehicle bays while adding a 2 story addition with offices, equipment and storage and level 1, with living area and dorms on level 2. The majority of the exterior features insulated metal panels allowing for a clean modern look, energy efficiency and ease of construction.  The new roof structure is also clad with insulated standing seam panels on long span light gauge metal framing saving time and money over a conventional structural system.

LOCATION: DECATUR, GA (2015)
TYPE: 3-PHASE PROJECT
BUDGET: $18.25 MILLION (PART OF BEACON MUNICIPAL CENTER)
SIZE: 88,200 SF (TOTAL SIZE)
CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL

After assessing the condition of the existing 1950’s high school and extensive programming efforts, the facility was stripped to its concrete frame and designed to perfectly fit the needs of City Schools staff. The 25,000 sf office includes a training room, school board meeting spaces and an open volume created between first and second floor for greater communication between staff. Natural light is used as much as possible, with metal perforated screens on the southern exposure to protect the interior of the building.

2019 AIA Georgia People’s Choice Award Winner

LOCATION: DECATUR, GA (2015)
TYPE: 3-PHASE PROJECT
BUDGET: $18.25 MILLION (PART OF BEACON MUNICIPAL CENTER)
SIZE: 88,200 SF (TOTAL SIZE)
CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL

A small historic gymnasium and library building occupied the corner of the site. Both preservation and functionality guided the design for the recreation center. Office of Design was able to preserve the original building facades on the neighborhood corner while creating a new gymnasium on street level with lower level offices and gathering spaces for after school and weekend programs. Lower level functions can spill out into the courtyard, offering kids a sheltered and private place to gather after school. A clerestory roof provides natural daylight into the upper level basketball court, while windows provide views into the outdoor courtyard space. Visitors using the historic Ebster gym front entrance discover an exhibit on the history of the site, surrounding neighborhood, and the equalization school.

2019 AIA Georgia People’s Choice Award Winner

LOCATION: DECATUR, GA (2009)
TYPE: DESIGN/BID/BUILD
BUDGET: $600,000
SIZE: 16,000 SF (BUILDING SIZE)
CATEGORY: CIVIC

This urban congregation had out grown their existing space and had an increasing demand for a 400 plus person sanctuary. By repurposing the existing industrial building using and reinterpreting elements found in traditional Christian churches the design team maintained a loft like feel complete with a living room style narthex that leads through large custom pivoting doors into the main sanctuary with custom diffused light elements. New child care areas and Sunday School classrooms were created from reclaimed space located at the periphery of the sanctuary. Additional support spaces include multiple restrooms and a full kitchen to facilitate catered events.