IKM Architecture

We’re thrilled to welcome Nino Samardzic, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, as a Senior Project Manager to our Columbus, OH team. With 16 years of architectural expertise in healthcare design, Nino specializes in medical office buildings, cancer centers, and behavioral health and children’s hospitals. We’re excited to have him as a part of our growing organization!

Learn more about Nino on our People Page linked below.
https://ikminc.com/people/

We are proud to share that our Carnegie Mellon University Forbes Beeler Apartments project has received the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mid-Atlantic 2024 Best Project Award in the Higher Education/Research Category.

This project reimagined what a college residence hall could be by using feedback from the students and surrounding community to create a cutting-edge design. The building consists of 266 beds in apartment-style units with large open common spaces, game rooms, and calming study areas that embody student values of collaboration, equity, and community.

We share this recognition with our project partners, Goody Clancy: Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and Mosites Construction and Development, who helped us to achieve a successful design.

Learn more about this project at the link below.
https://ow.ly/bISf50T4atQ

Each summer, IKM participates in the Pittsburgh Architects Softball League and plays against local companies in 12 regular season games. This season, our team knocked it out of the park! They made it to the playoffs and finished strong with a record of 9-3!

IKM Architecture is excited to welcome Nancy Gutierrez-Palochik to our Pittsburgh office as the Director of Human Resources! She joins IKM with a background in HR and interior design and is a great addition to our growing team across Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cleveland! Her passion is in helping others unlock their potential while feeling valued and supported. Nancy’s goal at IKM is to “Create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their best work, knowing they are supported by clear policies and a collaborative atmosphere. Ultimately, I’m dedicated to helping IKM achieve its objectives by ensuring our people are positioned for success."

Discover more about Nancy and the rest of our talented team at the link below.
https://ikminc.com/people/

As students head back to school, we’re reflecting on the wonderful time we had with our 2024 summer , Allison Schwartz and Tim Wagner! These talented and hard-working students made a big impact on us by bringing a fresh perspective and positive energy to our teams. To celebrate their contributions, our Pittsburgh office hosted an ice cream social during their last week at IKM. We wish them the best as they return for their fall semesters!

In honor of Team USA’s Olympic victories, this palette celebrates vibrant and energetic hues of red, white, and blue!

This flat-lay palette was made using the following interior finishes:
Acoustic Tile: Turf Design in 23 Red
Porcelain Tiles: MiR Mosaic Collections's Ridge in Navy and Imperial Onyx in Blue both distributed by The Thomas Brick Company, Emser Tile's Euphoria Linear in Pearl, and Daltile's Geometric Fusion in Pearl.
Textiles: Knoll Textiles Puff in Cloud, Knoll Hopsack in Red, Dolly in Twilight, Puff in Water, and Circle Point in Scarlet

At IKM Architecture, we believe in the extraordinary potential of our people and foster their growth through a culture of curiosity, communication, education, and equality, enabling them to reach their full potential. This development empowers our staff to tackle our clients' most complex challenges with unique solutions.

In recognition of these efforts, IKM Architecture is thrilled to announce three new associates:
Brian Karcher, LEED GA, Associate, Project Architect
Marissa Kohler, Associate, Project Architect
Adam Yaracs, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Associate, Project Manager

We are proud to acknowledge their leadership, dedication, and contributions to advancing the firm! Learn more about Brian, Marissa, and Adam at the link below.
https://ow.ly/7FfP50SWcm4

We’re excited to welcome back Kayleen O’Brien, NCARB to the IKM Architecture team as a Project Architect! Not only is she rejoining us, but she also just became a licensed architect after passing all her Architecture Registration Exams (ARE’s). Join us in celebrating this significant achievement in her career!

Our University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Engineering and Science Building Renovation project recently achieved a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Completed in 2017, this $17.6M, 65,400 SF facility was part of the university’s initiative to add a four-year professional engineering degree to its curriculum. Focusing on the Schools of Engineering and Chemistry, IKM expanded chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry labs, along with related support office spaces. The project also defined programming for new engineering instructional spaces, including design-build labs, maker spaces, fluids, motion capture, and material testing labs.

Visit the link below to learn more about this innovative project.
https://ow.ly/a80750SV06I

The new Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare facility in Pittsburgh, PA, is nearing completion! This 64,900 SF, 108-bed facility will provide inpatient treatment for children and adolescents of all genders who are struggling with behavioral health disorders.

The project team recently gave a construction tour to our emerging professional group and the AIA Pittsburgh Healthcare Committee. The tour focused on balancing safety, durability, design, and cost through unique interior details, door hardware applications, and furniture considerations.

Our team is excited to see this building come to life and to be a part of this important resource for the area.

Warfel Construction, Nichiha USA, Inc.

August marks a monumental work anniversary for IKM Architecture’s former president, John Schrott, who celebrates 42 years with the firm. It also marks the next chapter of John’s career as he transitions to a Senior Healthcare Planning Consultant for IKM.

Join us in congratulating John on an incredible 42 years of dedication to the architecture community!

Congratulations to our team members celebrating August work anniversaries!

Learn more about our team by visiting the link below.
https://ikminc.com/people/

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from our photoshoot at Carnegie Mellon University's Forbes Beeler Apartments! IKM's interior designer on the project, Whitney Livsey, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, IIDA, collaborated with photographer Ed Massery during the photo shoot to ensure key design features from the project were captured.

Learn more about this project and our other higher education projects at the link below.
https://ow.ly/Tnsa50Su1gl

IKM Architecture kicked off July with our annual co****le tournament! Our team had a great time getting outside, engaging in some friendly competition, and enjoying a delicious cookout. Each year, teams battle it out for the coveted Co****le Tournament trophy, and this year did not disappoint. Jonathan Lusin, a Principal from our Cleveland office, and Crawford Rogers, a Project Designer from our Pittsburgh office, defeated the two-time champs for the win!

Thanks to all who came out and joined in on the summer fun!
****le ****letournament

It is with profound sadness that we share that our friend and colleague, Mike McDonnell, has left this earth. He knew for certain that his next and final home would be in glory, free of pain and burden. We take solace in that unwavering truth. His 10-year battle with cancer ended early Monday morning.

Mike possessed many incredible qualities, skills, and attributes. He was a gifted designer, and his imprint is on many of IKM's works over his 26-year tenure, including major projects at Lancaster General Hospital, Reading Hospital, UPMC Children’s, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Lockhaven University, and St. Francis University. He held many roles at IKM, including Project Manager, Director of Design, and Chief Operating Officer. He was instrumental in expanding the skill sets of those in the office and growing the organization to establish offices in Cleveland and Columbus.

He challenged us to always be curious and to think bigger and out of the box, pushing us all to be the best we could be. He built many lasting relationships with clients and contractors who became friends. We are all better for having known and worked with him. He was passionate about good design that reflected beauty, utility, and strength. Additionally, he savored a good meal, a nice bourbon, a challenging golf course, and a fast car. He has left a lasting legacy for all who know him as a father, a husband, an architect, and a man.

Arrangements can be found at the link below.
https://ow.ly/CKPT50SJ6CE

Comforting upholstery and a balance of subtle jewel tones combine to build this soothing earth-toned palette. Natural material elements such as concrete and wood provide a grounded backdrop for a mix of glossy ceramic tiles with organically shaped edges.

This palette was made using the following interior finishes:
Carpet: FLOR Scenic Route in Bone / Pearl
Paint: Sherwin-Williams Rookwood Terra Cotta
Solid Surface: Dynamic Stone Terrazzo Bora Bora
Textiles: Architex Innovations Excursion in Gibraltar, Maharam Metaphor in Microbrew, and Knoll Textiles Chiseled in Bronze
Tile: Genrose Stone and Tile Ceramic Tile in Ibiza Sand and Cyprus Cotto
Wall Texture: Concrete LCDA LCDA Panbeton Collection
Wood Wall: stikwood Design Engineered Wood Plank in Walnut

We’re excited to share that two of IKM Architecture’s projects won first place at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA Pennsylvania / New Jersey / Delaware Chapter) Design Awards! Our Carnegie Mellon University Forbes Beeler Apartments won in the Living category, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Passavant Centers of Excellence won in the Healthcare category. These awards recognize the design creativity that our team members champion in all of our projects. Congratulations to the IKM Architecture teams who contributed to these projects and crafted the award submissions!

If you've admired the vibrant flower beds throughout Allegheny County, you've seen the results of hard work done by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Community Garden Program. This year, IKM Architecture Architecture volunteers got their hands dirty planting flowers in the West End across from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch. We had a blast with the passionate community members in beautifying their neighborhood. A huge thank you to the IKMers who made a sunny Saturday morning even brighter!

IKM Architecture conducted a programming study for Vitalant, resulting in the consolidation of their Reference and Hemophilia Laboratories into a newly renovated space at Parkway Center in Green Tree, PA. The state-of-the-art laboratories enhance efficiency and workflow across multiple Vitalant service lines, advancing research and treatment of blood disorders. The new outpatient clinic offers therapeutic apheresis treatment and serves as a base for Vitalant’s visiting nurses. The IKM design team included Brian Roth, AIA, LEED AP, as Project Manager and Lab Planner; Kate Whitmore as Lab Architect; and Whitney Livsey as Interior Designer. JLL represented Vitalant throughout the design and construction phases.

Photo 1: Manual and Automated Technology Lab
Photo 2: Patient Check-In and Waiting
Photo 3: RN Workroom
Photo 4: Coagulation Lab
Photo 5: Walk-In Cold Room

Learn more about this project and our science and technology experience at the link below:
https://ow.ly/rw8f50SyYOY

Recently, one of our Interior Designers, Whitney Livesey, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, IIDA, had the pleasure of attending NeoCon Shows in Chicago! Whitney described this year’s show as vibrant and inspiring, adding, “It’s always exciting to be amongst a group of like-minded people who buzz with creativity while learning about the freshest and most innovative products in the design industry!”

Swipe through the photos below to check out some of the exciting products featured at this year’s show!

Happy 4th of July from IKM Architecture!
We hope you have a fun and safe holiday filled with all-American favorites: hot dogs, cold ones, and co****le.

Pictured is the stunning view from our Pittsburgh office of the city’s fireworks show.

The renovation and addition at Butler Senior High School was strategically developed to bring the most benefit to the community. IKM Architecture worked with the Butler Area School District as their architect and design team to maximize their facilities to accommodate the growing population, improve student safety, and accommodate consolidation plans.

This initiative added a grade level to the senior high school, and modernized the campus with new student-centered spaces, additional classrooms, and a new auxiliary gym. First, a new auxiliary gym was constructed, serving as additional classroom space and a venue for athletic events. IKM designed this addition using a pre-engineered metal building structure and metal panel exterior. This modern facility provides a prominent entrance that reflects the school’s branding, and connects to updated fitness centers, locker rooms, and athletic offices.

To address increased classroom capacity and the addition of a dedicated STEM lab, IKM identified an optimal location that integrated these spaces into a new connecting corridor, enhancing safety and accessibility for students. Throughout the design process, IKM emphasized transparency, flexibility, and efficient wayfinding by using exposed materials and structural elements to maximize natural daylight and create adaptable learning environments. Additionally, IKM’s in-house graphic designer created a 90-foot wall graphic displaying a century’s worth of Butler High School’s history.

These renovations not only met immediate educational needs, but also support the district’s commitment to providing modern and effective learning environments for their students.

Photo 1: New Entry and Drop-Off Area
Photo 2: Flexible Classrooms and Open Okay Corridor
Photo 3: Auxiliary Gym Court
Photo 4: History Wall in new Classroom Corridor
Photo 5: STEM Shop Space
Photo 6: STEM Hallway Display

Learn more about this project at the link below:
https://ow.ly/B4Zz50Suakl


Butler Area School District Senior High School, Butler, PA

Join us in celebrating our incredible team members marking July work anniversaries!

Visit our People Page below to learn more about our awesome team!
https://ikminc.com/people/

Introducing our 2024 summer interns, Allison Schwartz and Tim Wagner! We’re thrilled to welcome them to IKM Architecture's Pittsburgh and Cleveland offices and can’t wait to see their accomplishments as they begin their architectural careers.

Learn more about our summer interns on our website linked below.
https://ikminc.com/welcome-to-our-2024-summer-interns/

Happy First Day of Summer!
We’re kicking off the season with an extra colorful material palette centered around color theory exploration. Color theory is a design pillar that informs the interior environment, defining the desired tone and personality of a space. By incorporating complimentary colors, and layering elements of texture, sheen, and scale, we find opportunities to create balance in playful interior environments.

This palette was made using the following interior finishes:
Carpet: FLOR's Dappled Daylight in Marigold
Paint: Pantone's 135-C, 292-C, 2034-C, 2727-C, 8002-C, 2735-U, 7737-U, and 9284-U
Recycled Glass Stone: Gilasi Surfaces in Sapphire
Tile: Livden Designs Honeysuckle in Maui Blue
Textiles: Anzea Textiles' Pacific-O in Island Magenta, Architex Fabrics Natura in Kiwi and Hero in Bone
Wallcovering: Knoll Textiles' Forest in Feather

Today, IKM Architecture celebrates Juneteenth, Freedom Day.
We recognize and honor the significance of this day in commemorating emancipation and reflect on our firm’s values to create enduring value through innovative and inclusive design solutions. We remain committed to crafting spaces that reflect and foster equity for the communities they serve.

Our Cleveland office recently welcomed five little helpers for Bring Your Child to Work Day! Interior Designer Katie Gumina led an engaging activity using foam core structures and various transparent interior finishes to demonstrate playful lighting within a space. After lunch, each kid tested the acoustic limits of our “sound-proof” flexible workstation. We ended the day with our 4th annual Girl Scout cookie tasting and ranking event, a kid favorite! It was a jam-packed day of learning, sugar, and fun!

IKM Architecture is proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community this month and every month.

As architects, we believe that the best solutions come when diverse voices contribute to the design conversations. Equity is a vital factor in our efforts to be inclusive and allow for opportunities to contribute to our success as a firm.

In the era of remote and hybrid work, users in educational and office environments crave flexible workspaces. In the May/June issue of Master Builders' Association of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.’s Breaking Ground Magazine, IKM Architecture principal Jonathan Lusin, AIA, LEED AP, and CBRE’s Samara Wheaton discuss how these environments benefit owners, facility managers, and users. They use IKM’s recent University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information (Pitt SCI) renovation as a case study, highlighting the innovative solutions developed. The project balanced collaborative spaces with diverse seating options and private work rooms, all featuring smart technology for mobile and virtual collaboration.

Visit the link below to read the full article on page 53 and learn more about our higher education and workplace expertise.
https://ow.ly/COvj50SiPNY

IKM Architecture has been named a finalist in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) 2024 Marketing Communication Awards for our Behavioral Health Look Book in the Digital Brochure category. This submission demonstrates a visually engaging look book design by combining IKM’s behavioral health expertise and marketing strategies. Our team is grateful to be recognized at the national level alongside our peers. Stay tuned for the People’s Choice Award voting!

Check out the full Behavioral Health Look Book link to see how we use trends and statistics to inform our healthcare design solutions. https://ow.ly/l0MK50SeFl9