Discussion with Presenters and Discussants

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• published: 25 Apr 2011
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Howard F. Sims Partner, SDG Associates www.simsdesigngroup.com BS, University of Michigan M.Arch, University of Michigan Howard Sims is the founder and chairman of SDG Associates, LLC, an architectural and planning firm founded in 1964. Since 1964, Mr. Sims has directed the efforts of the firm and individual project teams within the firm on scores of cultural, institutional, transportation, residential, and planning projects. Many projects under his direct project planning have been cited by professional and technical societies for outstanding building design. His architectural firm is noted for many distinguished and award winning buildings including The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and The Cobo Hall Convention and Exhibition Center. Clients of the firm are numerous and include The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Wayne County Community College, General Motors Corporation, The City of Detroit and The City of Atlanta. Recent projects under his direction include the new Museum of African American History, the School of Social Work for the University of Michigan, the redevelopment and expansion of the campus of the University of Michigan - Dearborn, and the historic Stroh River Place development, Terminal Facilities - Detroit Metropolitan Airport. A member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a current Emeritus Member, Howard was elevated in 1977 to the College of Fellows. In 1988 he was awarded the AIA Gold Medal of The Detroit Chapter. SDG Associates SDG, formerly Sims-Varner & Associates, is a comprehensive and diversified architectural, engineering and planning firm with over four decades of leadership experience. Since its inception in 1964, SDG has experienced phenomenal growth in revenue as well as project volume. With cumulative construction costs in excess of $2.5 billion, SDG has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to sustain client confidence with cutting edge design, economical construction and efficient administration. SDG takes a leadership role in the concept design and development phases of the planning process. SDG's team of experienced architects will review and analyze with the client the site and building program to assure there is a common understanding of the intent of the program. Once a thorough analysis is completed, SDG works with the construction document staff and engineers to assure the approved design intent is carried out on time and within budget. The design philosophy for all its projects is structured around a belief that each project's design solution is developed from the problems to be solved, the character and aspirations of the client and the context of the building. The result of applying this philosophy is guaranteed client satisfaction and design excellence, endorsed by numerous local and national organizations. Those project awards include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Public Works Associations, the Engineering Society of Detroit, the Masonry Institute of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Precast Concrete Institute. Select Projects 2009-2011 McMichael Middle School, Detroit, MI Dow Engineering Library & Media Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Angell Hall Student Computing Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Michigan State University Indoor Football Facility, East Lansing, MI University of Michigan, School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, MI Wayne County Community College, Detroit, MI Inkster Elementary School, Inkster, MI Catherine Seavitt Nordenson Principal, Catherine Seavitt Studio www.seavitt.com M.Arch, Princeton University B.Arch, Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of the Cooper Union B.S. University of Michigan Catherine Seavitt was born in Detroit, Michigan. She received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Architecture from the Cooper Union, and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University. She also holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the City College of New York. She is a registered architect in New York State and a LEED accredited professional. Seavitt received the Rome Prize in Architecture from the American Academy in Rome, 1997-98, and was a Fulbright Fellow in Brazil, 2001-02. She currently teaches architectural design at Princeton University and landscape architecture design at the City College of New York. Seavitt established her own practice, an interdisciplinary studio premised on the collaborative integration of architecture, landscape, and public infrastructure, in January 2003. Current research includes collaboration with Guy Nordenson and Adam Yarinsky on the book On the Water: Palisade Bay (Hatje Cantz, 2010), presenting the findings of the 2007 FAIA Latrobe Prize research grant, an infrastructural and ecological study and master plan proposal for the Upper Bay of New York and New Jersey given the effects of sea level rise. This work served as the inspiration for the