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Ethan Coverstone
Welcome, Ozzy & Andie!
We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to the RKA team - Ozzy Sandoval, Architectural Associate and Andie Moore, Office Manager. Ozzy joined us in October 2018 and Andie a few weeks ago.
Both hailing from the midwest, Ozzy and Andie are not RKA’s next comedy duo, as their names infer. Instead, they’re talented individuals with a passionate belief that the future of architecture is rooted in sustainability. And, both see the richness, and influence, of life experiences!
Keep reading to learn more and join us in welcoming them! We’re so happy they’re here and invite you to keep tabs as they grow with us. These are two to watch!
Name: Oswaldo Sandoval (Ozzy)
RKA Title: Architectural Associate
Degree(s) & From Where: Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology
Professional Affiliations: AIA, U.S. Green Building Council
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
I try to find inspiration in everyday situations and believe that most of our life experiences can be directly applied to how we approach design. Remembering how we felt in a space as we occupied it or as we approached it and how that influenced us can then help us convey that same feeling to others later on.
Where do you see the future of architecture going?
Sustainability and adaptability are key aspects of design as we move forward. The future of architecture should strive for innovation, environmentally-friendly design solutions, and creating spaces that build a healthy relationship between people and the spaces they occupy.
Favorite Architect:
My favorite current architect is Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang Architects. Being able to see a young, midwestern architect that is pushing the boundary on bold, innovative and sustainable design is very inspiring. It's been exciting to follow along as she starts to make her mark in Chicago and the rest of the world.
What's your favorite building in L.A.?
I’m new to L.A. so can’t choose a favorite just yet. But, I do find the built environment quite intriguing. As the city faces climate and population issues, I’m looking forward to being involved with this directly and to offer innovative solutions that will allow the city to continue to thrive.
What do you love most about working at RKA?
I love the high energy and passion for design that everyone here seems to exude. I'm also excited to build strong relationships and learn as much as I can from the team.
Name: Andrea Moore (Andie)
RKA Title: Office Manager
Degree(s) & From Where: Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Stout
What keeps you inspired?
Service leadership is part of what makes me tick. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, my instinct is to always help. Whether that means helping set up someone for success on the job, doing volunteer work or trying to go as green as possible in my daily life, it is fulfilling to know that I am always striving to keep moving forward in a direction that leaves the people and the world around me in a better place. I think big changes come from a lot of little actions that happen over time. It's important to acknowledge that we all have the power to influence. This could mean either in our personal or professional lives, or both. But it's up to us to determine what inspires us and how we want to use that to be an agent of change in our own authentic way.
Where do you see the future of architecture going?: In this eco-conscious era, I really see the future of architecture standardizing green initiatives by leveraging technology and increased use of sustainable materials.
Tell us a passion of yours.
I love to travel and I want to see as much of the world as I can! I love to meet new people and try to immerse myself in other cultures. Seeing the world through different perspectives always is an inspiration and a reminder of how humbled I feel to live in a part of the world rich with resources and opportunity. It helps keep things in perspective and makes me grateful for what is really important in life: friends & family. Traveling also satisfies my love for food and trying new native dishes. My rule is to always try anything once, but to always have a chaser in case it doesn't go over so well!
Favorite Architect:
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of my favorite architects. Being from the midwest myself, I grew up seeing his work and was always inspired by how his designs strived for harmony in the environment yet still remain modern and beautiful. I remember seeing his work at a young age and always thinking how he, in many ways, was way ahead of his time. I really started to appreciate his work when I was older and got to see more of the world.
What do you love most about working at RKA?
If I had to describe my ideal work experience and team culture, I could sum it up by working at RKA. Not only is this team dedicated, hard working, and talented, but they also know how to have fun. I love working for a company that embeds high standards of workmanship and professionalism with a positive team culture. It is enjoyable to be at work everyday and there is a joy that comes from knowing you are spending your time to support an exceptional company. I feel lucky to have found RKA!
We’re excited to announce that RKA has been awarded the Sustainable Innovation Award in the Sustainable Site category by the Los Angeles Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC-LA) for its creative architectural solutions and restoration work in the adaptive reuse of the historic Ford Factory in downtown Los Angeles, which was completed in March 2017 and achieved LEED® Gold certification. Each year, the USGBC-LA recognizes project teams who exemplify having a commitment to a sustainable built environment, and who reflect the Chapter’s focus on energy and water savings, air quality, good design, community engagement and equity.
“We’re honored to receive this award for our work on the rebirth of the old Ford Factory,” said Christopher Kempel, AIA, Rockefeller Kempel Architects Partner. “Adaptive reuse of historic buildings like this one are incredibly fun and rewarding. Not only do they pose design challenges and push our thinking, but we have the privilege of using our expertise to preserve or restore history while dreaming up modern solutions for a sustainable site.”
Adaptive Reuse of a Designated Historical Structure
The original concrete and brick building was one of six factories designed by Parkinson & Bergstrom and built by the Ford Motor Company to assemble Model A and Model T automobiles from 1913 to 1929. The site consists of a five-story factory (Tower) built in 1913, a two-story factory (Assembly Plant) built in 1923, a single-story storage facility (Annex) built in 1984, and a cold storage facility built in 1996 (and then demolished in 2015 to make room for the Paseo and parking structure).
Rockefeller Kempel Architects was careful to protect the history of the structures and restore character to the decaying buildings while modernizing the site for future use.
· The beautiful façade was restored to its former glory by revealing the historic brick and displaying the original expanse of glass.
· The original mushroom column capitals in the Tower building, which can be seen today in a restored fashion, support the extremely thick floor plates that once held the machinery used to build the original Ford automobiles.
· The clerestories in the Assembly Plant and Tower building were given new life while still meeting strict LEED and Title 24 standards. These gigantic linear skylights bring abundant natural light into the workplace, not only cutting down on the need for artificial lighting, but adding to the healthy atmosphere that natural light provides.
· 83% of the existing structure and envelope elements like the steel window frames and skylights were used in the redevelopment.
· A 15,000 square foot linear park or Paseo was added as a communal space between the office and the new parking structure. It provides shade, landscaped views, and an escape from the urban surroundings while welcoming visitors to the site and serving as a delineation between the structures.