Celebrating 30 Years!

Last week we had the privilege of celebrating our 30 years in business with all of the people that have afforded us the opportunity to be of service to them.  We shared the moment atop the Hotel Monaco with all of our great clients, friends and consultants. What started as a small one man operation back in 1984 with Jerry Roller at the helm, has transformed into a architectural force to be reckoned with, boasting 36 employees today. The projects have gotten better and better, the people sharper and sharper, and overall, it's just a great place to work! See more great images here from Aux Collective.

Educational Video about a Career in Architecture Starring JKR Architects!

Izzo Here: A few months ago, Tiffany (formerly of JKR, but still a close ally to the office) and I embarked on some uncharted territory.  We were approached by an awesome organization called GreenTreks to star in short film about careers in STEM or science, technology, engineering and Mathematics. This was the result.  Hopefully this will inspire you or someone you know to become an architect! Grab some popcorn!

Sam Kim Becomes our Latest Registered Architect!

Sam Kim is our latest team member to pass her final architecture exam and become a registered architect. It's no easy feat.  In addition to playing a major role in every aspect of our office culture, she has been quietly knocking down each test with regularity.  Usually you hear of everyone complaining about how hard the tests are, or how unfair they are, or how much they have been studying for them and consuming their lives, but Sam always kept her head and plugged away at them with her positive attitude.  We now have an impressive THIRTEEN registered architects in our talented office! Way to go Sam!

8 on Race project coming along.

before

currently

future

A few months ago our 8 on Race project began and what was once a derelict old building is rapidly becoming a fancy new residential development. There will naturally be, wait for it..... 8 private residences! Here is a picture of what it was, what it is currently, and what it will be in the near future.

Jerry Makes a Cameo on 6ABC

Jerry Roller made the news last night on 6ABC speaking to the viability of turning old abandoned Philadelphia Schools into new exciting residential developments.

Interface Mill tour - 2014 edition

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Interface carpet mill and showroom in Atlanta.  For those who aren't aware, Interface is a carpet company that specializes in carpet tile.  Their claim to fame is that they are pioneers of the modular carpet industry, since the company's founding in the early 1970's.  They really invest a lot of time in researching how to create a system that can be easily installed over just about an surface.  They also pride themselves on their sustainable business practices.

Anywho, the whole trip was sponsored by Interface and included wining and dining, touring, and exploring. I was accompanied by a few other lovely ladies from different firms and our local sales reps.  We were taken on private tours of the facilities where the collected yarns and spun into fabric, where the fabric is backed and the tiles shipped, and finally where the tile is returned to the company and recycled.  We even toured their design center and saw how they create their cool and unique patterns.  It was really exciting and educational trip that I would highly recommend - for any carpet lovers or anyone who really loves "How It's Made".

Hundreds of spools of  dyed yarn

This woman is monitoring a machine used to weave the yarn fibers into the fabric

Fibers woven into the fabric.  The carpet tile before it gets the rubber backing

Melted recycled rubber bits that become the backing for the carpet tile.

Boxing up the tiles to ship them out!

Some new patterns and sizes from their spring 2014 collections

An inspirational mock-up from their design center

ACE Mentoring

Our ACE students hard at work

As is our company policy, we give back whenever we can; and we're continuing that trend with this year's ACE team.  Dave, Nichole, and Lauren represented JKR this year helping to nurture the next generation of architects, contractors and engineers. Today was the scholarship breakfast where all the major companies who participate in the program can get together and meet each other and help raise money for scholarships for the student participants.  This year our team was fortunate enough to have  TWO students win top scholarship prizes of 10,000 dollars!