Michael DelPup

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Michael is a first-generation Italian who keeps his family traditions alive, making salami, sausage, and prosciutto with his sons.  As a teen, he worked as a laborer and bricklayer for his father’s construction company.  He would find himself looking at the buildings and wondering how they were put together, leading him to pursue a career in architecture.  Keeping a calm, unruffled demeanor while working through stressful situations is his greatest strength. 

You can tell that Michael’s proudest personal achievement is raising his three sons and seeing them turn into healthy, hard-working individuals.  He hopes that they continue to believe in the importance of family.  When Michael is out of the office, he enjoys golfing, tailgates and getting together with family and friends.   

At work, Michael is motivated by the satisfaction he gets from his clients’ approval after a project is completed.  Although he has worked on many projects throughout his career, Michael’s most outstanding achievement was being the Construction Administrator for the Michigan State University Spartan Stadium North End Zone Addition.  At this stage in his career, Michael’s goal is continued successful project management and to be a resource and mentor. 

 

“Watch your words; they become your actions.  Watch your actions; they become your habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.”   – Vince Lombardi 

Todd Nemecek

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Todd held the high jump record of 6’ 6 1/4” at his High School for 34 years, but that is not his most outstanding personal achievement. Being an amazing dad to his daughters is his most outstanding personal achievement. Holding the high jump record could tell you his greatest strength is reaching the top shelf in most kitchens, so if you need something on the top shelf, ask Todd.  

But his real strength is being able to communicate and work with anyone. He says that he always finds a way to have a good working relationship with everyone. Having these good relationships relate to all the great projects he has worked on for the University Of Michigan, like UMMA, Law School South Hall, Law School Commons, School of Architecture, U of M Union, and North Campus Recreation. All these fantastic projects Todd has worked on motivates him to continue to work on the next project. Todd wants to leave the world a little better than it was when he came into it. He is continually working towards his goal to be good at what he does and share what he has learned over the years. 

When Todd is not at work, he enjoys cooking just about anything. On top of cooking, he just finished a home renovation project. But he enjoys doing just about anything with his fiancé.  

 

“I’m growing older, not up”  – Jimmy Buffett 

Tracie Withrow

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Tracie is a woman of many talents and hobbies.  At one time, she was enrolled in a culinary arts program before transferring to Las Vegas to work on Las Vegas City Center Project as a Construction Administrator. Over her years as a Construction Administrator, she developed and has refined her most significant strengths of handling multiple tasks at a time and knowing where to find answers/resources for often unique Project challenges as they arise.  Tracie has worked on several projects at Michigan State University, Notre Dame, and has provided professional services for various other clients over the past 15-20 years, with her primary role as the lead Construction Administrator. When she first started in the industry, she initially found architecture intriguing and later discovered that construction administration suits her since it brings something different regularly, like Mass Timber Construction. She looks forward to this ever-changing industry, never ceasing to amaze her.

Tracie’s most outstanding professional achievement in her career at IDS is the positive relationships with her team members. She appreciates and values the positive relationships she has created working as a project construction administrator. Tracie built these relationships by vital communication with her project-specific teams and working with team members to accomplish tasks during critical (And non-critical) times of a Project. Working on multiple projects has shown Tracie that one of her favorite periods of a project is when she meets with the Project Designer, Architect, Engineer, etc., at the start of construction administration.  She finds it necessary and beneficial for a CA to be aware of the Designers Intent, necessary project technical or performance criteria, the reasonings behind Design decisions, materials selections, etc., as construction progresses. Tracie’s goal is to practice and demonstrate ways to close the communication gap between AE professionals and the construction community. She believes that there is so much that can be learned if team members communicate and work together.

Tracie’s work relationships are not her only achievement, just her professional achievement. She served as an active board member and volunteered for a local Dog Rescue group outside of work. One day soon, she hopes to do this again and get together with her group of seven girlfriends that she has known since Elementary School. When she is not spending time with her friends, she thinks of ways to make her friends laugh or new foods or drinks to make for them to try.

 

“I work hard so my dogs can have a better life” – Unknown

Apply Now for 2021 MAF Scholarships!

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Ten scholarships, with a total of $25,000 in awards, are available for students enrolled in college or university architecture programs in the state of Michigan. All applicants must be residents of the state of Michigan. In 2020 Alexander Sulek received two of the MAF scholarships: the Paul Stachowiak/Integrated Design Solutions (IDS) Scholarship and the Kenneth Neumann Scholarship.

The deadline for The Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship is February 7, 2021 and the remaining scholarships deadlines are April 1, 2021.

For more information on all of the scholarships, click here.

2021 Brings New Promotions

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2021 has brought a multitude of new promotions. David Giroux, Brandon Sundberg, Tom Carron, Mark Reaves, Joseph Schwartz, Justin Kiriazis, Charlie Haas, Jim Hooker, Colin Murphy, and Brynolf Peterson will all be transitioning into new roles here at IDS. Congratulations team, we cannot wait to see what amazing things you do in your new roles.

David Giroux, AIA, CDT is transitioning from Vice President to Senior Vice President and will continue to help grow our Healthcare market. With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, David’s passion for healthcare design and construction was born during his two years living and working in Chicago.  He brought that passion and experience to IDS when he returned to his hometown of Royal Oak. David lives by the creed, “anything worth doing is worth doing right” and demonstrates this in all aspects of his life. David is currently Principal-in-Charge of the McLaren Lapeer Region Ambulatory Care Center and the State of Michigan, Caro Center.  

Brandon Sundberg, AIA, LEED® AP, Director of Architecture, has transitioned from Vice President to Senior Vice President. Brandon greatly appreciates the architectural process, and the various roles people play within that process. His love of architecture and observation began at an early age from the natural environment of his surroundings as his mother helped him realize a sense of place and the importance its affects have on people and memory. Today, he strives to bridge people with the practice of architecture and engineering by being mindful of the environment and cultivating meaningful relationships. Brandon is currently working with Birmingham Community Schools and other education-based Clients.  

 

Tom Carron, PE, has been with IDS since Spring 2006. Tom will be transitioning into his new role as Vice President and will continue as the Director of Electrical Engineering and Technology Services as well. He is energized by collaborating with staff to provide design solutions that have a lasting and positive impact on clients. A zest for science led Tom to a career in engineering. As the beneficiary of years of mentoring under skilled professionals, he has a passion for providing guidance to those around him who will benefit from his experience. He has served as lead electrical engineer on numerous projects in a wide assortment of market segments since joining IDS. As director, Tom leads a staff of 33 highly qualified electrical and technology design professionals.  

Mark Reaves, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB, will be stepping into his new position as Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreational Sports. After being with IDS for almost 10 years, Mark is driven by a client’s needs and the desire to find unique solutions for complex problems. Keenly focused on process, he looks beyond the norm to make significant and meaningful change.  His passion for supporting environmentally sensitive design extends beyond architecture to his personal life as an early adopter of electric car technology.  

 Joseph Schwartz, PE, CGD, LEED® AP BD+C, Director of Mechanical Engineering, has been with IDS for 9 years. He will continue his career at IDS as the Vice President, Director of Mechanical Engineering. As a mechanical engineer at IDS, Joe’s goal with every project is to provide energy efficient mechanical systems that seamlessly blend into the building architecture. Taking the name of Integrated Design Solutions to heart, Joe works diligently with the architects and other project disciplines to provide coordinated mechanical designs that work with the building design without sacrificing system performance. The ultimate goal is to provide a comfortable environment for all building occupants. Joe feels that if he does his job right, people won’t even realize that he did his job at all.  

 

Justin Kiriazis, PE, LC, will be continuing to grow with IDS as a Senior Associate. Justin has been with IDS for almost 5 years and has been in the industry for 12 years. He followed this interest of engineering at the University of Michigan where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. Justin is committed to upholding the positive reputation of IDS. Some of Justin’s project highlights are Ford EDC Data Centers, Detroit Energy, Oakland Community College, and University of Michigan Beyster

 

Charlie Haas, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB, is an Architect at IDS for nearly 8 years and has been promoted to Associate. Charlie is well rounded in his project experience working in higher education, K12, Healthcare, Athletics. Charlie has had the opportunity to work on projects across multiple market segments, allowing him to continue his growth as an architect. Currently, Charlie is the Project Architect for the Clio Area School District Bond and the Project Manager on South Lyon Community Schools Bond. 

James Hooker, PE, LEED® AP BT+C, is a Senior Electrical Engineer at IDS for almost 3 years, starting in 2018 and will be starting his new role as an associate. He brings 20 years of versatile experience with diverse understanding ranging from airports and government to schools and hospitals. Jim is currently working as the lead Electrical Engineer for the State of Michigan, Caro Center. 

Colin Murphy, PE, CEM, joined IDS in June 2019 after working in the industry for roughly 18 years. Colin is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with an expertise in building automation systems. He is a lead mechanical system controls design engineer and will continue is growth at IDS as an Associate. Colin is currently working on the Mott Community College, Memorial Building Mechanical System Upgrades, Wayne RESA BAS Integration and Great Lakes Water Authority Springwells Piping Support.  

Brynolf Peterson, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, is a Lead Specification Writer at IDS and has been promoted to an Associate. Brynolf worked at IDS for 10 years before leaving and returning in early 2020. Brynolf works in various markets, ranging from K-12 to Healthcare and he is engaged in all project specifications for the firm.  As the Lead Specification Manager his knowledge of building technologies has a positive impact on the success of all of our Client’s projects.  We look forward to the innovation that Brynolf’s passion will bring to IDS for years to come.    

Great Loss For IDS Family

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It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Dan Christensen on January 14th. Dan’s children Derek and Coleen were at his side when he passed.

Dan earned an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology from Ferris State University in 1962. He began his career working at Jickling Lyman Architects while earning his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Institute of Technological (LTU today) in 1968. He joined Frank Straub in 1965, and in 1969 he went to work for Minoru Yamasaki. A short time later he left to start his own practice Jason Christensen Associates Architects. In 1985, Dan joined Hoyem Basso Associates as a Principal where he began as Director of Construction Administration. He continued as a Principal through the transition of the firm into Giffels Hoyem Basso (GHB) until leaving with his friends to form Integrated Design Solutions (IDS) that continues to thrive today because of his talent and dedication.

Dan was nearing the end of his career in 1999 when his partners decided to leave Giffels Hoyem Basso to form Integrated Design Solutions. Dan had an opportunity to stay on at Giffels Hoyem Basso as a Senior Principal, the safe path, or leave with his partners to take on a new and exciting challenge, but certainly the riskier path. There was never hesitation on Dan’s part. Taking on the challenge of starting a new firm with utmost confidence in and loyalty to his partners was Dan at his core. Eight years later when Dan retired, he thanked his partners for some of the most fulfilling years of his career.

Throughout his career, Dan led the development of many outstanding works of architecture at prestigious institutions including Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, and for many years at Macomb Community College with his life-long friend, Rich Kolcz. Dan retired in 2007 from IDS and moved to Manistique in his beloved UP. He built his dream home in the woods nicknamed “Bug Bite Manor” and enjoyed his retirement in his hometown. He always said it should win a design award.

Throughout his life Dan touched many of us both professionally and personally. Our world is better because he was part of our journey. We shared challenges and triumphs together and will fondly remember his infectious laugh. Dan was more than a business partner. He was our friend, mentor, and a big part of our family. We will miss him and the joy he brought to our lives.

Dan is survived by his two children, Coleen and Derek. They were a close family, talking nearly every day. He was their mentor and friend too. His daughter Coleen said, “We are grateful he is at peace, but we will always miss our Dad”.

We encourage you to share a favorite story, a memory that brings a smile to your face, or how Dan impacted your life. He was a great man with a unique way of making you remember what is important in life.

Please take a moment to think about him and his family.

Rachel McCorkle

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Rachel McCorkle is an architect; this is something that you can tell just by looking at her title. But what you may not know is that she was on a Division 1 Rowing team for the University of Buffalo and won two conference championships. To this day Rachel says, “Thinking about it today still makes me breathless!” She helped win her first championship by the last five strokes her and her teammates made, hearing her talking about it you can tell this is one of her greatest personal achievements. These things are all things she can tell you about. But what she may not tell you about is her greatest strength, the ability to have a great memory.  You will for sure want her on your team if there is ever a trivia competition. On top of having a great memory Rachel enjoys having dinner parties, making treats for the office (keep your eyes out for those) and being active outdoors.

Specializing in healthcare architecture, Rachel is a part of our health care team. Her interest in health care architecture stems from her mother being sick most of her life. She visited several hospitals and medical facilities with her over the years. Sadly, many of the facilities architecture or engineering did not positively impact the visits. Sometimes there were unpleasant smells that permeated the room, or the room was so noisy you could not think straight, let alone rest, and recover. She is interested in healthcare architecture because she believes that the built environment can positively impact the users.

Rachel is motivated by knowledge and synthesizing that knowledge into ideas, solutions, and plans. Probably why her professional goal is to be involved in projects that have a positive impact on individuals that use the building. But her daydream is being involved in something like the Maggie’s Center. The Maggie’s Center is a UK based organization that provides cancer care outside of the hospital setting. These centers are special places and have one of the kind architecture. Each center is unique in response to its site and population. They are researched and at the cutting edge of healthcare design.

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
for when dreams fade
Life is a baren field
Frozen with snow.”

– Langston Hughs 

Frederick Wesolowski

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Circumspect and an exceptionally clear thinker, Fred understands the needs of complex healthcare organizations. He knows how to balance the demands of the varied constituents to building alignment and consensus. Fred has a passion for the health care industry and it has led to opportunities as far away as the Central, Western, and the South Pacific including the Republic of Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia, and American Samoa. 

Fred grew up in Midland admiring Alden B. Dow designed buildings and worked in his architectural practice, which led him to become an Architect in conjunction with enjoying planning, designing, drawing, and building. 

With expertise and focus in Project Formation, Planning, and Risk Management, his work includes engaging complex administrative teams, helping them align and define their project vision and requirements, organizing their requirements within their unique context, and exploring options ultimately arriving hand-in-hand at the best-integrated solution for them. 

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible” – Walt Disney

Oakland Community College Science and Technology Beam Signing

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On Friday October 23rd, 2020 the IDS team joined representatives from OCC, the OCC Board of Trustees and Barton Malow in signing a 43 foot long structural beam. This beam is the largest piece of steel on the project, weighing more than 9,000 pounds. The beam will be the connection between the new Science and Technology Building, and Building C. The new 85,000 square-foot building scheduled to be completed by fall of 2021. To read more about the project click here

Double Feature In October CAM Issue

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WOW, a double feature in the October Special Issue of the CAM Magazine! IDS is honored to be featured in this months magazine for our involvement in the Michigan Union Renovation and the Domino’s Innovation Garage. To read the full article click here.

 

The Innovation Garage was completed in June of 2019 with the main design focus being to encourage highly collaborative and team-based work environments. There is space for large team conferences, retail research mock-ups and even a high-tech showcase garage. To read more about the Innovation Garage click on the image to the left.

The Michigan Union finished its restoration of the many historical significant features in January of 2020. These restorations and transformations were designed to better server the needs of today’s students. One main goal that the students of the University of Michigan said they would like was to create more vibrancy and visibility to the Union. To read more on the transformation of the historic building click on the image to the right.