We are honored to announce that our client’s project, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters (MRCC) New Union Hall and Apprentice Training Center has received The American Institute of Architects Southwest Michigan 2019 New Construction Honor Award! Together with our client, Byce & Associates, Inc. along with Schweitzer, Inc. as the Construction Manager, were able to create a regional Apprentice Training Center, Community Engagement Center, and Union Hall, connecting the Union Trades to the larger community through interactive programs within functionally beautiful spaces, as well as active participation with High School Career Development and Career Skills Training Programs.

This facility also provides office space for the MRCC Union Local, and the Michigan Statewide Carpenter and Millwright Training Fund. Although these two organizations are closely related, they must maintain very clear delineation and autonomy due to federal regulation and oversight. The timber framed Gallery greets visitors at the entry drop-off and extends toward the highway to display the craftsmanship of the skilled tradesmen through the use of rough timber framing and finished carpentry. The Gallery functions as the main circulation element providing the required separation of the organizations while creating a place of community for the users and public.

A notable feature that was highlighted by the award panel, “Appropriate incorporation of Carpentry and Millwright trade craft into the architecture. Skillful use of diagonal circulation spine, successful executed separation of scales and celebration of the entry.”

To read more about the project, click here.

Shelby Blodgett joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Administrative Project Coordinator. Shelby currently attends Western Michigan University where she will be obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Business Marketing.

Adam Waynick joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as a Senior Architect/Project Manager. Adam holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky. He has over 15 years of experience in multiple disciplines, programs, and scale, including healthcare, commercial, and educational.

Rosiley Marinho joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Architectural Associate. Rosiley holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Andrews University. She has experience working on new construction, institutional, and residential designs.

Nick Spearritt joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Electrical Engineer Intern. Nick currently attends Western Michigan University where he will be obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also holds an Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering from Lake Michigan Community College.

Lauren DeHaan joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Interior Designer. Lauren is a recent graduate from Western Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in General Business.

Riley Manier joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Architectural Associate. Riley is a recent graduate from Ferris State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture and Sustainability.

Sam Braithwaite joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Administrative Project Coordinator. Sam received her Associates Degree at Kellogg Community College and will be attending Western Michigan University next fall where she will obtain a Bachelors in General Business.

We are excited to announce that the final photography for Chemical Bank at the Exchange is here!

Byce & Associates, Inc. was pleased to provide all Architectural, Interior Design, and Engineering Services for a new Branch Services and Corporate Office Facility for Chemical Bank in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. Chemical Bank is leasing 11,000 square feet of tenant fit-out space within the new Exchange Building, which includes 4,200 square feet of their Branch Retail Banking Services on the main floor, as well as 6,800 square feet of Corporate Level Offices on the second floor.

The draw for Chemical Bank to this location was the full height perimeter windows, creating the visibility desired at a busy downtown location, as well as the unique cast-in place Architectural elements and tall ceilings that would create a new design aesthetic for this facility. To create a more open and daylight filled work environment for Chemical Bank’s Corporate Office Staff on the 2nd floor, frameless glass wall systems were incorporated into the design. All offices have glass partitions with glass pivot hinge doors aligning all internal corridors. The Executive Board Room is strategically located at the South-West corner to impressively capture spectacular views of Bronson Park and the energetic downtown bustle of Rose Street.

Check out the Final Photography of the facility below!

We are excited to announce that the Allegan Airport Terminal Addition Final Photography is here!

Byce & Associates, Inc. provided Architectural and Engineering Services for the new 1,670 square foot Allegan Airport Terminal Addition in Allegan, Michigan. The Terminal Addition, located on the North-East corner of the existing hanger/office facility, includes Men’s and Women’s ADA Accessible Restrooms, Pilot Lounge, Pilot Briefing, General Lobby space, and Interior Connection from the existing to new addition to separate public and private entry points.

The Allegan Airport Terminal Addition was designed to comply with all FAA requirements, meet the needs of the local client, while also complying with FAA regulations of eligible costs for funding. All spaces were designed with flexibility in mind to allow for dedicated use by the airport and the public as needed. The building was oriented to provide the facility with an identifiable entry point, a velar view of the runway from the pilot lounge, and to maintain views from the existing office areas to the frequently used fuel pumps adjacent to the airfield.

Check out the Final Photography of the facility below!

We are excited to announce that the MRCC Union Hall and Apprentice Training Center Exterior Final Photography is here!

Byce & Associates, Inc. provided Architectural, Interior Design, and Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering Services for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters (MRCC) Union Hall and Apprentice Training Center in Wayland, Michigan. The project team also included Schweitzer Construction, as the Construction Manager.

The Union Hall Wing is an approximately 80′ x 130′ x 15′ conventionally steel framed building clad with architectural composite metal panels. Exterior wall infill and interior walls are light gage metal framing, and the interior incorporates standard corporate office level finishes.

The Training Center Wing is a 148′ x 270′ x 40′ conventionally steel framed building with insulated metal panel façade and membrane roof over insulation and steel deck. It also features a 4,200 square foot welding lab, 30′ wide bridge crane (12 ton), and a 12,000 square foot mezzanine with classrooms beneath.

The Entry Gallery is a timber framed, glass clad structure approximately 25′ in height and feature polished concrete floors in the corridors, and specialty lighting. The large meeting hall has a folding partition wall with a high NRC rating, and is equipped for multi-media presentations and business fair events.

Check out the Exterior Final Photography of the facility below!

We are excited to announce that the MRCC Union Hall and Apprentice Training Center is now complete and Interior Final Photography is here!

Byce & Associates, Inc. provided Architectural, Interior Design, and Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering Services for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters (MRCC) Union Hall and Apprentice Training Center in Wayland, Michigan. The project team also included Schweitzer Construction, as the Construction Manager.

The Union Hall Wing is an approximately 80′ x 130′ x 15′ conventionally steel framed building clad with architectural composite metal panels. Exterior wall infill and interior walls are light gage metal framing, and the interior incorporates standard corporate office level finishes.

The Training Center Wing is a 148′ x 270′ x 40′ conventionally steel framed building with insulated metal panel façade and membrane roof over insulation and steel deck. It also features a 4,200 square foot welding lab, 30′ wide bridge crane (12 ton), and a 12,000 square foot mezzanine with classrooms beneath.

The Entry Gallery is a timber framed, glass clad structure approximately 25′ in height and feature polished concrete floors in the corridors, and specialty lighting. The large meeting hall has a folding partition wall with a high NRC rating, and is equipped for multi-media presentations and business fair events.

Check out the Interior Final Photography of the facility below!

Byce & Associates, Inc. is excited to be providing Architectural and Engineering Services including Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Interior Design for the New Corporate Headquarters Facility for Viking Group, Inc. in Caledonia, Michigan.

The intent of this new 2-story, 173,500 square foot building is to provide an iconic yet cost effective facility for research and design, training, manufacturing, and production processes. The space will include space for Human Resources, Marketing, and Finance departments, meeting rooms, collaboration areas, production areas, conference rooms, and significant room for additional growth. Another important aspect to this building is an expanded, state-of-the-art, Research and Development Center, complete with operable ceiling systems, Foam Room, dedicated testing areas, and a customized tool room for prototyping of ideas and concepts. A high-tech training facility is also featured to support the organizations goal of becoming the recognized leader in fire protection training.

A key feature of the facility, setting the tone of the corporate culture and brand is the employee cafe. This dynamic double height space brings in natural daylight through a curtainwall system, while also connecting the two levels together, enhancing the open and collaborative culture.

We are proud to be working with First Companies of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Construction Manager on the project, from conceptual design on to completion.

To keep up with the progress of this project be sure to follow us on social media or click here!

Brenna Cooper joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as a Marketing Coordinator. Brenna attended Western Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor of Business degree in Advertising and Promotion with a double minor in Psychology and General Business.

Jacob Killman joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Electrical Engineer. Jacob, who is a recent graduate, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Psychology with a double minor in Mathematics and Physics from Western Michigan University.

Stanley Skopek, RA joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as a Senior Architect / Project Manager. Stan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. He has over 30 years of experience working on all aspects of the architectural profession and has an array of experience such as educational, industrial, historical and governmental projects.

Vincent Rigg, AIA, LEED AP joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as a Senior Architect / Project Manager. Vincent holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Andrews University. He has over 25 years of experience in multiple disciplines, programs, and scale including healthcare, residential, and governmental projects.

Gabe Allen joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Electrical Intern. Gabe is attending Western Michigan University and Lee Honors College to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Gabe plans to graduate in 2019.

Nadine Rios-Rivas, Assoc. AIA, NOMA joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Architectural Associate. She holds a Master of Architecture Degree from Andrews University School of Architecture. Her experience includes working on high schools, sports complexes, and assisting a Design Architect on the renovation of a 18th century church in Ann Arbor.

Chris Cole Fairful joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Archive Coordinator. Chris graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. While archiving historical drawings and documents, she enjoys observing the work of architects and engineers over the past fifty-five years at Byce & Associates, Inc.

Janie Shipman joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as an Administrative Project Coordinator. She is currently attending Western Michigan University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Services. She plans to graduate in May of 2019.

Hady Makhmalbaf, Ph.D., P.E. joins Byce & Associates, Inc. as a Senior Mechanical Engineer. He has 9 years of Mechanical Engineering experience. After attending Western Michigan University to receive his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering he was a Teacher/Graduate Assistant for the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He taught an applied HVAC course and conducted several fluids mechanic / heat transfer research projects.