Sparkflight Studios

It's a pleasure to intersect with the arts for a Dance Classroom addition to Winchester Cultural Center.  Anne Johnson, AIA will provide full architectural and interior design services.  In keeping with their tradition, space will be provided for future public art.  This project is funded by HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

M ake a positive impact with Earth Day Network's A Billion Acts of Green campaign, by committing to action lasting well beyond Earth Day. Our pledge? To cost-effectively integrate green into our work for you, and review sustainable practices in our own office. At the same time attention is focused globally, take a look at our own amazing back yard...enjoy a hike in the Valley of Fire, check out a local CSA like Meadow Valley , or simply enjoy the weather at an Earth Day Festival. Local Events: GreenFest Mixer (Apr 14) & Festival (Apr 16) LV Green Chamber of Commerce (April 21) Project Green - Pittman Wash Trail Building (April 23) International A Billion Acts of Green: Share your green action.

Accessibility covers a broad range of needs, including the elderly, persons in wheelchairs, the blind, and persons with other disabilities. Unfortunately, non-accessible properties can expose property owners and managers to litgation.  Have you ever heard of someone falling because of a lack of railings on a property or broken concrete sidewalks?       Property owners and managers often find themselves in need of cost-effective non-accessibility mitigation to address these hazardous and illegal situations. Together with civil engineer Ken Erlanger of KJE Consulting Engineers, we are using our expertise to provide solutions.   Homeowner's Associations (HOA), Residential Property Management groups, and Commercial Property Development groups, among others, can all benefit from a consultation.  Call us for assistance with your or your clients' needs. Anne Johnson, AIA design services include ADA, building code and feasib...

Over the remainder of 2011, we're reviewing sustainable practices in our office.  Although accustomed to many "green" habits, we've never evaluated our office's process and progress.    Many of you have also adopted some of these first steps of greening:  turning off equipment and lights not in use, recycling, printing on both sides of paper, and using teleconferencing whenever possible.  What are areas for improvement? Using Harvard’s green office program as a basis, we’re using checklists in nine impact categories to discover how we can grow greener.   You’re invited to join us in this year of discovery.   Please post and share your experience too!

We’ve been busy in the office with a few government projects, as well as some additional design opportunities.  Two of our projects are focused on energy production in the form of photovoltaic covered parking.  B oth are funded through the Department of Energy, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).   We're optimistic that President Obama's new Better Buildings Initiative for energy efficiency will bring new opportunities in the commercial sector.  Energy efficiency combined with energy production is an ideal mix for retrofits.   Clark County Development Services' Russell Road Campus is home to a newly constructed steel parking canopy made up of photovoltaic panels covering 17 employee parking spaces.  An interactive, public kiosk is provided in the main lobby to demonstrate the renewable energy production process.    Starting construction this spring, Clark County Gover...

Green Drinks Las Vegas is hosting a viewing party for TEDxManhattan's “Changing the Way We Eat” on Saturday, February 12. Sustainable agriculture goes hand in hand with sustainable design as it also embraces the triad concepts of environmental, social and economic viability.  Just like design requires careful choices, understanding where our food comes from, and the impact of its production, allows us to make food choices that support the health of the planet and its inhabitants.  Supermarkets and farmer's markets aren't our only options in the Las Vegas valley.  Perhaps you'll be inspired to give urban farming a try in your own backyard. From the Green Drinks website: This is a one-day event in NYC highlighting the sustainable food movement and the work being done to shift our food system from industrially-based agriculture to one in which healthy, nutritious food is accessible to all. Attendees are invited to bring healthy recipes and local produce to sh...

Pepsi's Refresh Project - Good Idea grant could have a local recipient in Greener Vegas .  Your vote can make the difference. Incorporated in 2007 by Zachary Delbex-Smith, the company works to enable business and educate community about the possibilities of repurposing reusable materials.  After years of working in the convention industry, Greener Vegas' founder became convinced that there was a way to keep much of the post-show debris out of the landfill. His vision has evolved into a business that diverts these resources into the hands of businesses, nonprofits, schools, theater groups, community programs, artists, and manufacturers. Over 50% of the $250,000 grant would go to staffing.  That's jobs for Las Vegans!   Here are the goals of " What’s Waste in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!" : Reduce the carbon foot-print of the convention industry. Divert reusable items into community, creating a closed loop system. Create sustainable “green” jobs for vets ...