Natura Architectural Consulting

Today is a huge milestone for NAC. March 1st, 2014 was the official opening of Natura. The company started as Tammy and I working off of the couch for a few months and then we moved into the office on Wealthy Street. Kelly, Ben, and Casey were hired shortly thereafter. The rest, as they say, is history. Tammy and I couldn't have made it without the help of our wonderful employees and our fantastic clients. Many of which are still with us today. So cheers to the last 10 years....and cheers to the next 10. I can't wait to see where we go from here. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.

NAC is pleased to welcome Beth Zimmer to our Admin team. Welcome Beth! We're happy to have you join the team!

In Puerto Rico this week checking progress on a couple of affordable housing projects here. Both sites have wisting lists of over 400 names that need housing. There will never not be a need for more affordable housing options!

In the labyrinth of pipes that weave through multifamily buildings, the choice of plumbing materials plays a critical role in the longevity and functionality of the plumbing system. One material that has been a historical stalwart, yet poses challenges over time, is galvanized plumbing. In our latest blog post, we'll delve into the issues associated with having galvanized plumbing in multifamily buildings and explore potential solutions for a plumbing system that stands the test of time. Check out our Instagram page for more photos of galvanized piping: NaturaArchConsulting

Rusting Dilemma: The Challenges of Galvanized Plumbing in Multifamily Buildings - Natura Architectural Consulting Galvanized plumbing in multifamily buildings can be a long term maintenance issue. Let NAC show you what to look for.

In the early 2000's, in search of cheaper building materials, a large quantity of drywall was imported to the United States from China. Some of this drywall is highly problematic and can emit sulfurous gasses that are a human health concern as it can also corrode metal, causing premature equipment failure. Take a look at NAC's latest blog post on problem drywall and how it may affect your real estate investment. You can also see more photos of this drywall on our Instagram page.

Hidden Threats: Navigating Problem Drywall in Multifamily Buildings - Natura Architectural Consulting Problem drywall became an issue in the early 2000's, imported drywall can cause health issues in multifamily buildings. Let NAC show you why.

Embarking on a real estate project is an exciting venture, but the journey is not without its challenges. Construction delays can be a major roadblock, impacting timelines, budgets, and overall project success. At Natura Architectural Consulting, we understand the importance of staying on track. In this post, we’ll share valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities and ensure your real estate project progresses smoothly. Please check out our latest blog post with some ideas on how to combat expensive delays on your upcoming construction project.

Unlocking Success: Avoiding Construction Delays in Real Estate Projects - Natura Architectural Consulting Construction delays are costly considering current interest rates, any delay can be detrimental. Our latest blog discusses avoiding delays.

Boy, we here at NAC sure do love these historic building conversions into affordable housing. This is the former St. Paul Casket Company building located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This project will provide an additional 55 much-needed affordable housing units to the MSP area. Check out the gorgeous daylight in these units! Stunning building.

NAC's lastest blog is inspired by something we discovered at a recent property inspection in South Carolina. Cadet wall heaters (Sometimes branded as Encore) have been used in multifamily buildings from the 1970s until the early 2000s when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled them. The heaters were blamed for a fire that killed a young child in 2002. Check out our blog post discussing the dangers of these heaters and maintenance procedures that should be followed if discovered. More photos of Cadet Wall Heaters are posted on our Instagram page.

Unveiling Risks: The Dangers of Cadet Wall Heaters in Apartments - Natura Architectural Consulting Certain Cadet Wall Heaters can be a fire hazard. NAC's team of experts can help identify hazards in your real estate investment.

Another historic building is about to get its next life as affordable housing. These buildings are located on the campus of the former Shimer College campus in Mt. Carroll, IL. Can't wait for the before & after photos!

Embarking on a construction project is an intricate dance of planning, ex*****on, and adaptation. However, there's a lurking challenge that can disrupt this delicate balance—scope creep. In NAC's latest blog post, we'll explore the concept of scope creep, its potential impact on construction projects, and effective strategies to prevent it.

Navigating Smoothly: Preventing Scope Creep in Construction - Natura Architectural Consulting Scope creep in construction is one of the leading causes of change orders and cost overruns. Read ideas on keeping scope creep to a minimum.

From all of us here at Natura to all our clients, friends, and family.....we are thankful for YOU! We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and loved ones.

One of the biggest hazards we see in apartment buildings is unsafe electrical panels. Check out the latest blog on our website about the biggest offender that we find, Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels and learn why these are a hazard to your apartment or home.

Unmasking Danger: Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Electrical Panels - Natura Architectural Consulting Let NAC's experts help you understand why Federal Pacific Stab-Lok electrical panels are harmful to your investment.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us Natura to you and yours!

Nice article this month in Architectural Record on a local project here in Grand Rapids. If you've never seen Frederick Meijer Gardens you could come visit!

Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Bring Cohesion to a Michigan Sculpture Garden A new building expands and ties together the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

Groundbreaking on one of our new affordable housing projects right here in Grand Rapids was yesterday. Looking forward to getting started on this one with the development team. :)

Affordable housing apartment building breaks ground in Grand Rapids The building will be restricted to individuals and families earning 30 to 80% or less of Kent County's median income.

One of our affordable Housing projects right here in Grand Rapids will be breaking ground next week. We can't wait to see it get started!

Union Suites on Coit to break ground next week - Grand Rapids Business Journal A new affordable housing complex in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Lookout Neighborhood will break ground next week.

What an incredibly sad story. The Make it Right Foundation started out with such great energy and to be a positive force for change in the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans post-Katrina. I visited the Lower 9th in 2012, 7 years after Katrina, when the MIR homes were a shining beacon of redevelopment when other rotten and dilapidated homes still displayed the search and rescue spray paint marks on the exterior. The same as they looked the days after the hurricane so many years before. Now the projects sit unfinished, the MIR foundation is gone, and the unfortunate residents are dealing with construction and design issues. It's very unfortunate.

Lessons from Brad Pitt’s Failed Architectural Experiment in New Orleans Despite drawing world-famous architects, Pitt’s Make it Right housing initiative has been plagued by shoddy construction and safety hazards.

We here at NAC salute a giant in our industry that passed away this week. Gyo Obata was an immensely talented Architect who put his touch on many of the iconic buildings we know today including the National Air and Space Museum in DC and Priory Chapel at Saint Louis Abbey in Creve Coeur, MO. He had several ties to Michigan including studying under Eliel Saarinen at Cranbrook and working with Minoru Yamasaki, the Architect of the World Trade Center. Godspeed Gyo! Here's to a life well-lived!

Tribute: Gyo Obata (1923-2022) A co-founder of HOK and noted expressionist designer, Obata died Tuesday at 99.

One of our projects that we worked on in Alaska was featured in Affordable Housing Finance magazine. The construction of the project was overseen by our own Tammy Gillette. The project brought 56 new affordable housing units for seniors to the metro Anchorage area. What a great looking building!

Cook Inlet Housing Authority Builds Community in Eagle River, Alaska The second phase of the Coronado Park development provides additional housing for seniors and families.

Natura's holiday party. A couple people missing, but a good party none the less. Thankful for this crew.

Check out Nate's latest article for Retrofit magazine on 2021 Metamorphosis Award Winning project, the Grand Palmer Lodge rehabilitation in the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago.

A Neighborhood Icon Retains Its Place in the Urban Fabric with a New Purpose - retrofit In 2018, a trio of real-estate developers—Ranquist Development, Campbell Coyle Real Estate and New Era Chicago—got together with the architecture firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners to reimagine the building and its place in the neighborhood by creating the Grand Palmer Lodge, a multifamily residen...

Another one in the books. The Peris Hill Apartments here in Minneapolis are just a few days away from Substantial Completion bringing 45 new apartments for low-income residents in service. The building and the units are gorgeous.

We did a roof inspection on one of the old Packard Buildings in Detroit yesterday with the drone. So I grabbed a few extra snapshots of the complex while I was flying. The old girl is getting tired and hopes for redevelopment are getting fainter by the day. Current talk is leveling the site to attract something like an Amazon warehouse. If I squint I can picture what it looked like when my g-grandfather worked here.

Here at NAC and we especially love Mid-Century Modern buildings. If you've never been to Columbus, Indiana you should go sometime to see the wonderful collection of modernist architecture in town. This is a great article about one of those buildngs repurposed as a coffee shop. The interior is stunning!

A Harry Weese-designed bank in Columbus, Indiana, begins second life as coffee shop A gray-glazed brick 1961 building designed by Chicago-based modernist architect Harry Weese has been converted into a new Lucabe Coffee Co. outpost

We're getting closer to getting the drawings done on our new office building. Check out the latest renderings. Ryan has been working hard on the design and details of putting it together. Can't wait to get moving on the construction.

A celebration. Plainfield Township approved the site plan for Natura's new office building. Now, on to the building permit! Ever closer.

Happy well deserved retirement to one of our favorite modernist Architects, Richard Meier. If you're not familiar with his work you should Google it. The Douglas House in northern Michigan is one of my favorites. Stunning!

Richard Meier Retires As Firm Re-Organizes Richard Meier & Partners will now be called Meier Partners, and its 86-year-old founder is officially stepping down.

Our hearts break for the vicitms and families of the condominium collapse in Miami this morning. Building failures are no joke and we work hard every day to help make sure things like this don't happen. We hope many more people are rescued.

At least 1 dead after partial building collapse in Surfside; search and rescue underway SURFSIDE, FLA. (WSVN) - Officials believe there may be multiple fatalities after a partial building collapsed in Surfside.The collapse happened at the Champlain Towers South...

Could there be a prettier place to put a housing development?!? Sign me up to live here.

Sad news in the world of Architecture. Helmut designed some of the most iconic buildings in Chicago. RIP Helmut.

Famed architect Helmut Jahn struck by two vehicles, killed while riding bicycle near St. Charles Helmut Jahn, famed architect behind the Thompson Center, dies in bicycle collision, authorities confirm.