BPA Wins Top Awards at AIA Alabama Design Awards 2022

BPA has been hard at work this past year, continually pushing the boundaries of design possibilities, setting and upholding the highest design integrity standards, and putting clients first. Our hard work has culminated in being awarded two top awards at this year’s AIA Alabama Design Awards!

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We’re proud to announce UA’s Peter Bryce Stabilization project has been selected for the AIA Alabama 2022 Honor Award, and the Central Steel project has been selected for the AIA Alabama 2022 Merit Award.

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UA Peter Bryce Stabilization - 2022 AIA AL Honor Award Winner

Central Steel - 2022 AIA AL Merit Award Winner

more about 2022’s Honor award winner:

University of alabama Peter Bryce Historic Stabilization

The project consisted of selective demolition and abatement, master planning, and programming of the historic psychiatric hospital for future adaptive reuse as a university welcome center and academic building.

The monumental facility went into rapid decline during its final years as a mental health facility due to under-utilization, which was only accelerated by its abrupt vacancy prior to the University’s acquisition. The University envisioned a renovated Bryce Main becoming a hub of campus activity and serving as an integral part of the northern gateway in their campus footprint.

We were tasked with leading the comprehensive renovation and restoration design efforts—inclusive of extensive field studies, historically accurate detailing, and providing programming services—as to guide the University in weaving this antebellum-era artifact into its campus fabric, while amplifying the historic architectural character of this landmark. The design team identified which portions of the building were salvageable and developed strategies for selective demolition, abatement, and structural stabilization—with the purpose of preparing Bryce Main for its new role as a university building.

Design Team Members: Alan Crotwell, Principle in Charge; Micah Martin, AIA; Charlie Abram, Assoc. AIA

more about 2022’s merit award winner:

central steel

Central Steel’s original building office was destroyed by a fire, and the business was setup in temporary facilities. The site was difficult due to the operational warehouse building to the north, limited parking reduced to the east by the temporary office, and existing city street and utilities (overhead power and telephone lines) extending beyond the site to the west. BPA was tasked with designing a two-story replacement building to allow for future growth and foster a better work environment with the addition of a patio, bath house, and locker.

The building façade was constructed using Central Steel’s own self-weathering cold-rolled steel panels manufactured from 22-gauge ASTM A606-4 self-weathering steel. The client’s intent was to use their own manufactured steel on the exterior and throughout the building to promote the diverse uses of their steel products. Central Steel continues to use their office building to build their personal brand and create promotional material.

The exterior has been weathered naturally over time and the patina serves as a barrier to the environment and future corrosion. The utilization of Central Steel’s own products wrapping the façade, allowed for the design to highlight the work within the structure.

Design Team Members: Chuck Penuel, Principle in Charge; Melissa Porter, Interior Designer; Roy Roebuck, Project Coordinator

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What our jurors had to say about Bryce:

“Artfully presented and designed from start to completion. The full extent of the stabilization was clearly and thoughtfully communicated throughout what appears to be a very complex design commission. The juxtaposition of active users in the space demonstrated the transformation from psychiatric hospital to a future myriad of potential users. The range of scale included from site plan down to small details demonstrates the profound execution and intervention throughout. The documentation should be used [as] a model for future design awards. This was a truly beautiful submission. ”

— AIA Alabama Design Award Juror

“Really lovely project. Very well done. Incredibly complex but considerate in it’s execution. The range of scale is important to point out here from the site plan to multiple details of restoration and new interventions. ”

— AIA Alabama Design Award Juror

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What our jurors had to say about central steel:

“There is a charming simplicity to this project. As architects we are typically drawn to the idea of authenticity, but rarely is it as true as the Central Steel offices. The reductive massing allows the weathering steel facade to be the true star of the show - uniquely appropriate given that the nature of this business is the manufacturing of steel components such as the weathering steel used to clad this simple box. The well-edited detailing avoids the fussiness typically associated with this material approach... [and we] appreciated that the story continued with the steel stair fabricated on-site by the owner. The limited budget and industrial typology makes this especially impressive and worthy of recognition for design excellence.”

— AIA Alabama Design Award Juror

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Congratulations to both project teams for such outstanding work!

If you’re looking for even more information about these two projects, we’ve shared BPA’s Design Award Submissions below! Enjoy!

2022 AIA AL Design Award Submission - UA Peter Bryce Historic Stabilization

2022 AIA AL Design Award Submission - Central Steel

Micah Martin, AIA, Associate Architect

Micah Martin, AIA

Associate, Registered Architect

We're proud to announce Micah Martin as a registered architect, and his promotion to Associate here at BPA! Micah has been at BPA for 6 years, and among many things, is valued for his incredible design talent, responsiveness to clients, dedication to continual learning, and attention to detail. He's currently serving as project architect on some of BPA's most exciting new projects.

Micah received his Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University in 2016. Shortly after, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama to begin his professional career at Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC, less than a mile away from his childhood home.

Learn more about projects Micah’s been involved in here at BPA:

UA Bryce Stabilization

UAB Boshell Renovation

University of Alabama Clark Hall Renovation

UAB School of Optometry

When he isn’t designing at the office, Micah enjoys playing soccer, making furniture, grilling, reading, and attending as much live music as his schedule will allow.

Help us congratulate BPA's newest registered architect and Associate, Micah Martin!

AIA Birmingham's 2022 People's Choice Award

The BPA crew had a great night celebrating the talented architectural community we have here in Birmingham at the AIA Design Awards! We had the honor of winning Birmingham's 2022 People's Choice Award! Thanks to everyone who voted for our UAB Optometry project and a special congrats to the design team.

See below for more about your 2022 People's Choice Award Winner.

The winning project was the UAB School of Optometry Phase I & II Renovations. The Optical Shop shown above was completed during phase II of the renovations.

Cassandra, Wallace, & Melissa accepting the People’s Choice Award.

Renovations to the UAB School of Optometry span over five floors of the building. On the second and third floors, BPA provided a rejuvenated learning and research environment – matching the School’s commitment to enhance student experiences and provide necessary infrastructural updates. Third floor updates were completed first and feature a combination of instruction and student support spaces.

On the ground floor, the new Optical Shop was designed to streamline the process of selecting and fitting the correct optics for the patient. From the “Triage” pods in the check-in area to the final fitting of the perfect prescription, the new Optical Shop showcases an extremely popular and needed aspect of the school, not only important for the thousands of patients, but also a wonderful real-life experience for the students.

“BPA provided a rejuvenated learning and research environment... not only important for the thousands of patients, but also a wonderful real-life experience for the students.”

A design goal was to open views into adjacent spaces wherever possible to encourage interaction and enhance the student experience. Also, providing the appropriate lighting reinforced the functional use of the new spaces.

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The winning project team included: Bernhard Engineering, Muya Engineering, Wyatt General Contractor (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5h floors), UAB Project Manager Erin Patterson, P&M Mechanical (Optical Shop), & David Acton Building Corp (Specialty Exam Clinic).

Featured materials by Interface, Inerior Elements, Cambria, and the Mohawk Group.

Photos by Katherine Horton, Mason Fischer, Olivia B. Photography, and Steve Wood.

Chuck Penuel Featured in BBJ's "Who's Who in Building for 2022"

CONGRATULATIONS CHUCK PENUEL ON BEING NAMED WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING!

Chuck is credited with helping build a legacy of excellence and innovation within our design community. We are grateful for his leadership of our firm and unwavering service to our longstanding clients and team members!

Check out the article in the link below to read how Chuck is transforming the Birmingham area during some of the most challenging years the building industry has faced.

Way to go Chuck!

Welcome Dia Baldwin!

Mississippi State Interior Design Grad, Dia, Joins our team!

Dia Baldwin is a recent Mississippi State Interior Design graduate & the newest designer at BPA! Dia is a Birmingham native and we’re thrilled to have her back in the magic city! She has already shown a willingness to learn and get involved by jumping feet first into some exciting new projects! Learn a little more about Dia below.

What do you like to do in your spare time/what hobbies do you have?

“Some of my hobbies include reading, mainly fiction books, and photography! I’m always looking for unique angles to photograph life either with my camera or my phone depending on where I am!”

What sort of music do you listen to?

“I mostly listen to Pop and R&B! My favorite artists are Ariana Grande and Adele!”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Anywhere with a nice beach!”

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday?

“Definitely thrifting and/or antique shopping! I love finding places in my home for second-hand things!”

Favorite TV show?

“My favorite TV show is NCIS: Los Angeles! I’m always watching crime shows or funny sitcoms.”

What made you want to study design?

“I’ve always been creative and good at problem solving. As I got older, I became fascinated with buildings and the why behind their design. Studying design in college showed me the human impact of design and the importance of being intentional and thoughtful.”

Education: Mississippi State University, Bachelor of Science in Interior Design 2022

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

BPA is Hiring!

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Birchfield Penuel & Associates is one of the largest and longest established architecture firms in Birmingham, Alabama. 

At Birchfield Penuel & Associates, we believe that decades of experience and innovative design are more impactful paired together than on their own.  Our unique union of expertise and creativity continues to best serve the vision and needs of our clients.  We endeavor to develop long-term relationships with select higher-ed, institutional, healthcare, and wellness clients within our region.  With over 34 years of exemplary design experience, our portfolio boasts a composite of new, ground-up projects, renovations, historic restoration, client operational and maintenance upgrades, and master planning for a number of public and private clients. 

WE BELIEVE THAT GOOD DESIGN IS FOR EVERYBODY

Design should have an impact. It should improve the lives of the owner, the user, and the passerby. At BPA, we believe good design should be available for every project type and every project budget. From highly visible hospitals to inner-city outreach centers, we work hard to ensure that our projects have a lasting effect on everyone that encounters it.

AND GOOD DESIGN NEEDS EVERYBODY

For design to positively impact our clients and the people that encounter the spaces we create, we need a team that sees the world through different viewpoints and experiences. We believe strong and diverse voices fuel a collaborative and creative culture resulting in better design for our clients and their communities.

• Architect

  Birchfield Penuel & Associates is looking for an experienced architect licensed in the state of Alabama. Candidate is expected to lead the functional and conceptual design process. They will manage the project and design to ensure that all team members are working effectively to maintain the project schedule and that client needs are being met. Candidate will manage production teams and consultants from design to construction, and produce and review production drawings and specifications. They will coordinate all aspects of project documentation and technical information within the project team and externally with clients, vendors, and other design professionals. The new team member will interact with clients and user groups during meetings and design presentations and be responsible for the accuracy and quality of all technical work on the project.

• Graduate Architect

  Birchfield Penuel & Associates is looking for a graduate architect who is recently licensed or currently pursuing licensure. Candidate shall be able to work both autonomously and in a team setting to contribute to the functional planning and aesthetic of design concepts. A general understanding of construction codes and detailing is expected. They must possess the ability to carry out assignments in a timely manner and produce design and construction documents for a variety of project types. Candidate is expected to manage multiple activities on varying projects at any given time and follow through to meet project schedules and timelines set up by the client and project managers.

• Interior Designer

  Birchfield Penuel & Associates is looking for an experienced Commercial Interior Designer registered in the State of Alabama, or qualified for and willing to pursue registration. Candidate should be detail-oriented, organized and prepared to work independently as well as collaboratively with interiors, architectural and administrative staff. While CAD and Revit are our mainstays, proficiency in other platforms such as InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite is valuable.

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We create many types of spaces including:

Healthcare

Hospitality

Corporate

Education

Government

Historic Renovations

Community Spaces

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We have a fun, creative work environment and are always looking for ways to improve our team with more design focused creatives! We’d love for you to join our fun-loving, hard-working team of architects and designers.

Email us at team@bpa.net for more information, or apply now online!

Follow us on social media and stay up to date with everything happening at BPA!

2021 AXP Friendly and Exemplary Firm

The team-building philosophy and strategy at BPA focuses on partnering talented and empowered professional staff with the specific needs of our clients. Our approach to the long-term success of that strategy is to invest in the development of young professionals with meaningful exposure to all aspects of the design and construction process, while supporting the path to professional licensing. This investment includes involving the graduate and young professionals in all aspects of professional services including business development, client programming & review, design input, construction document development and construction observation. The long term benefit is a capable and confident professional creating a rewarding outcome for the individual as well as BPA.

Meet Emily Hiester

Auburn Architecture Grad, Emily, Joins our team!

Emily Hiester is a recent Auburn Architecture graduate & the newest addition to our team! Emily is coming to us by way of Auburn University’s Urban Studio - we’re thrilled to have her, and she has already rolled up her sleeves and jumped into projects! Get to know Emily a little bit below!

What made you want to study architecture?

“In 7th grade, my whole school had to take a ‘Tech Ed’ class, and one of our projects was to design and create a house in SketchUp. I think I was the only student who kept the program installed and would play around every night and all summer. The passion just continued to grow from there.”

What do you like to do in your spare time/what hobbies do you have?

“Most of my free time is spent with my dog and exploring and finding new dog parks around the city, reading, catching up with family over facetime, or watching my favorite teams.”

What sort of music do you listen to?

“I listen to a little of everything. Hitting shuffle on any playlist is an adventure going from Elton John to Disturbed, The Animals to Post Malone.”

What is your favorite vacation spot?

“Anywhere that is warm and with a beach puts me into instant relaxation.”

 What sort of music do you listen to?

“Maroon 5 circa 2002 or apparently a lot of ‘stomp and holler’ (as reported to me by Spotify).”

Favorite TV show?

“Currently I am bouncing back a forth between a couple of shows. Some of my all-time favorites would have to be; Dexter, Lost, and Survivor.”

Education:

Bachelor of Architecture, Auburn University, 2021

Hometown:

Fort Wayne, IN

Saint Vincent's One Nineteen Sleep Lab

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Sleep & Wellness Center provides comprehensive treatment for the full range of sleep disorders.  The center features six private Sleep Rooms, two of which are handicapped accessible, providing comfortable accommodations in spa-like surroundings. Adjacent to the sleep study area are two consultation rooms and a dedicated CPAP fitting room, for patient convenience and ease of access for staff.  Staff work areas are centralized for efficiency and are acoustically isolated to mitigate sound transference into patient sleep areas.  Every opportunity was taken to incorporate daylighting and views into both patient spaces and staff support areas.  Interior finish materials were selected for richness and subtlety to convey a peaceful ambiance throughout the suite.

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St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Sleep & Wellness Center provides comprehensive treatment for the full range of sleep disorders.

Welcome Janea Spillers

Janea Spillers has joined our team!

Janea has joined us by way of Augusta, Georgia and has already proven to be a valued member of our BPA fam! We hope you get a chance to meet Janea up close & personally, but in the meantime, here’s a little bit about our newest project designer!

What’s one of your favorite things about Birmingham?

“You get to enjoy the perks of a big city while being ten minutes from a good camping spot or hiking trail.”

Have you ever had any other career in mind?

“I’ve actually had another career! I started my professional life as a mechanical engineer working on healthcare and higher education building design. I loved the challenge but craved a career that nurtured my creative side.”

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday?

“Definitely clipped into a bike at a spin studio downtown, or spending way too much money at the local farmer’s market.”

 What sort of music do you listen to?

“Maroon 5 circa 2002 or apparently a lot of ‘stomp and holler’ (as reported to me by Spotify).”

What do you like to do in your free time/ what hobbies do you have?

“My side hustle is watercolor and oil painting. I love to plein air paint in urban environments and capture the essence of a building onto my canvas.”

Education:

Bachelor and Master of Science in Engineering, Mercer University, 2018

Hometown:

Perry, GA

Piedmont Skilled Nursing Facility

So much of what we do as a profession is more than looks. Architects ensure the health, safety & welfare of the public through the built environment. This plays out in countless ways throughout a project, but a main driver is safety during the event of a fire. 

For instance, in the healthcare work that we do, the safety of patients & staff during a possible fire is a near-constant undercurrent throughout the design process. Healthcare is interesting because it is one of the few exceptions to the fire-safety rule "Get Out!" that you learn about in kindergarten. In healthcare –specifically hospitals and nursing homes– many of the patients are not ambulatory and would not be able to safely evacuate themselves in the event of a fire. For this reason, hospitals & nursing homes are designed so that patients & residents can shelter in place until the fire department arrives. These buildings are equipped with many types of fire-protection systems and strategies; one of which is smoke compartments and fire-rated walls and openings. Fire-rated construction and smoke compartment design ensures that residents & patients can be kept safely on a wing or area of a building away from fire. They also prevent the fire and smoke from spreading and ensure it remains contained to one part of a building. 

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This specially designed fire-rated wall system we’re designing for Piedmont Skilled Nursing Facility will ensure the safety of residents and workers in the case of a fire.

“In the healthcare work that we do, the safety of patients & staff during a possible fire is a near-constant undercurrent throughout the design process.”

In a current project that is under construction, we have an interesting solution and unique wall assembly to accomplish this goal of fire-separation. Piedmont Skilled Nursing Facility is an existing wood-framed nursing home for which we've designed a new wing. For the addition, we used an unconventional wall construction to separate the new wing from the existing building. This specially designed fire-rated wall system is made up of layers of fire-rated gypsum board as well as aluminum clips. The goal of the design is to create a double wall so that, in the event that one side of the building were to catch fire, the impacted side of the wall's clips would intentionally melt. That side of the wall would fall away, leaving the other side still safe and sound and protecting residents inside! Pretty neat.  

There's always so much more that goes into a design and detail of a building than what meets the eye!

Take a look at the photos below to see how the project is progressing! 

New & Familiar Faces!

We want to introduce a couple new & familiar faces!

Emily just graduated from Auburn with a Bachelors of Architecture and has joined us full time as a Graduate Architect.

Monique is wrapping up her Interior Design degree from Auburn and has returned to us as an Interior Design Intern.

We are so thrilled to have both Emily & Monique here – they have both brought a great energy & willingness to learn!

Get to Know Emily and Monique!

Emily Shirah

Hometown :  Mobile, AL

Education:  Auburn Architecture Spring 2020

What do you love about design/why did you want to study Architecture?   I love that design has the potential to create safe, warm and welcoming environments. I wanted to study architecture so that I can develop skills allowing me to bring vitality, hope, and beauty to otherwise desolate or neglected spaces of all scales. I like to see beauty and the potential for goodness in all circumstances- and I think design is a great vessel for practicing this.

What have you learned so far this summer?    Since working at BPA, I have picked up a lot of revit skills, and I have learned a lot about the “business side” of architecture.

Hobbies:  Hiking, fishing, meaningful late-night conversations around a campfire, volleyball, painting or creating artsy projects occasionally.

Monique Burton

Hometown :  Birmingham, AL

Education:  Auburn Interior Design Fall 2020

What do you love about design/why did you want to study Interior Design?   What I love about design is how it intertwines art and aesthetic with technicality and business. I always loved art growing up and wanted to be a business woman managing things. Interior design is the perfect blend of that!

What have you learned so far this summer?    So far I have learned a lot in Revit. We learned a little of Revit at Auburn, but being able to actually apply what I learned in school to my internship has helped me understand it better. Also, everyone at BPA is so helpful in teaching me how to use Revit

Hobbies:  My favorite hobby is painting! I have recently taken up sewing, especially while I was social distancing at home. I also love to buy and resell things online and in my community.

Tales of a summer internship

We’ve enjoyed having our Summer Architectural Intern with us from Kennesaw State University. 

Rafael is a rising Sophomore from Dalton,GA and he’s learned a lot during his first experience working in an architecture firm! We asked him to share some of the things he’s gleaned from his summer at BPA & share some fun facts about himself as well!

What made you want to study Architecture?

The humble lego.. along with my want to create & my drive to make the world a better place through the built environment.

What’s one of your favorite things about Birmingham?

I love the extensive natural parks system & the Botanical Gardens.

What’s something you’ve learned during your summer at BPA?

Everyone is useful & team coordination is everything.

What do you like to do in your free time/ what hobbies do you have?

I love to read, meditate, travel, explore new cities & places and museums of history & the arts. I also love watching Broadway, enjoying the symphony & orchestra, and playing brass instruments & music.

Who is your favorite Architect through history?

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

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Goodluck to Rafael as he continues in his studies at KSU !

Meet our Summer Intern!

Get to Know Katherine! 

We're excited to have our Summer Interior Design Intern with us from Auburn University. 

Katherine is a Senior at Auburn & will be working in our Interior Design Studio this summer!

What’s one of your favorite things about Birmingham?

Birmingham is home. I have been born and raised here, and it is nice to come back to my roots. I love that my siblings work here, and that I am able to grab lunch with them or tour around parts of Birmingham that I never got to experience growing up.

What do you like to do in your free time/ what hobbies do you have?

In my free time I enjoy photography either with a client or just a friend that enjoys the same things I do. I finally graduated to a full frame camera this winter. I love crafting with my dad, antique shopping, hiking, reading, playing guitar, traveling, chasing sunsets (or sunrises), and spending quality time with friends and family.

What led you to pursue a career in design?

My dad is a huge reason why I decided to pursue design. Although he is medically-inclined I would always catch him sketching and drawing floor plans. When I asked why he would do that after working long hours at the hospital he would simply reply that it was therapeutic for him to create “beauty out of ashes.” It brought him joy to create and design spaces that he and others could enjoy. As I pursued this career, I’ve learned that it is about so much more than putting pillows on couches. It is about bringing life to things.

Fun Facts: I am the 4th out of 5 kids. I am quite the “adventure bug,” but I also find enjoyment in the small things. I have been bungee jumping and sky diving in New Zealand. I have lived in Italy for 3 months. I play guitar, and bonfires at sunset have to be one of my “love languages.”

Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center

BPA has strong ties to Auburn—several members of the BPA family graduated from Auburn University, support its various athletic teams, and consider the Loveliest Village on the Plains to be a second home. For our team, it is a great privilege to work on a project at our old stomping grounds for our alma matter.

The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is a notable landmark for anyone traveling along South College Street through the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Last year, The Hotel debuted interior upgrades for its world-class conference center. Strategic construction phasing was necessary to facilitate the extensive renovations while allowing the hotel and conference center to maintain operations.

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Check out the project page to read and see more of the 21,000 SF renovation: www.bpa.net/auburn-university-hotel-dixon-conference-center

Mentone Cultural Arts Center

BPA has been working on something close to our hearts - a cultural arts center for Mentone, Alabama. As designers, we are honored to help develop this design that will support and encourage the arts and art education in our state!

Click here or read below to hear about the vision behind this project from the Mentone Arts Cultural Center (MACC) Board. 

"Art and music are woven into the very fabric of Mentone and the Lookout Mountain region."

"The mission of the Mentone Arts and Cultural Center is to provide education about this rich history in order to promote, propagate and protect it for current and future generations. Creation of the Center has been a long-time dream of many in this mountain hamlet. Plans are beginning to materialize that will ensure the reality of this dream.   

The facility will be designed and constructed for the general public of Mentone. Mentone itself is home to approximately 450 residents, but swells in size on weekends and throughout Spring, Summer and Fall as part-time residents and tourists come to the mountain. There are over 15 boys and girls camps that bring families from all over the country during the summer months. In addition, over 250 artists - known regionally, nationally and internationally - reside in the area and significantly contribute to the cultural fabric of the community.

Due to the high rate of tourism and a significant artists' presence, there is strong support for the arts from the Mentone town council and various local organizations. The town and local businesses open up its parks and green space and the local organizations sponsor a variety of cultural events and art festivals. Hundreds of artists from the region and elsewhere participate and draw thousands of people to the community to partake in these festivities throughout the year. Due to the positive economic and social impact of the arts and festivals on the town of Mentone, it is natural that various disciplines of the arts have become woven into the fabric of the town and surrounding area." - http://www.mentoneartscenter.org

The project will be built in phases and the design includes:

• a state-of-the-art multipurpose center which will include a stage suitable for theater, dance, and other performing arts

• a wing that will house a commercial kitchen and restrooms

• a sculpture garden which will feature native plantings, seating areas, and a life-size sculpture of Sequoyah which is being crafted by bronze sculptor Carl McCleskey and his wife Betsy Scott.

• educational classrooms

• a museum which will double as a storm shelter for the community’s use

• a 450-person amphitheatre for outside performances and large gatherings

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Meet the Team - Alan Crotwell

This month we thought it would be great to feature one of our favorite architects and Associate Principals, Alan Crotwell. Most would describe Alan as hardworking, fun, sincere, and the "go-to-guy" in the office.  One can usually find Alan at his desk feverishly working on a Revit model, talking on the phone with his clients, discussing soccer or beer, or helping someone in the office with a problem. He's currently leading one of the largest projects in the firm's history, and he's the perfect project architect to do so. He's detail oriented and doesn't hesitate to jump in to solve a problem. In addition to being a wonderful project manager, architect, and part owner of the firm, he's a husband, father to two boys, and helps out with Boy Scout groups and soccer teams. We're excited that Alan took a moment out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. 

We were surprised to learn a few new things about him as well.

What made you choose architecture? "I was always fond of building as a kid. We spent our summers building tree forts and hideouts from scrap wood. I never designed anything that we built, but I always had the idea in my head from the start. In middle school and high school I really enjoyed art classes and took as many as the school offered. To be honest though, until my junior year, I really never put the pieces together until my guidance counselor mentioned that it might be a good fit for me. I applied to the program at Mississippi State and was accepted as an incoming freshman. I was apprehensive after I realized the time involvement but I stuck with it and I was glad I did." 

Have you ever had any other career in mind? "Of course. I thought about Engineering, or being a contractor, but neither of those careers would have fed my creative side."

What sort of music do you listen to? "I like a lot of different music. Alternative, Rock, Southern Rock, older country music and a little Rap also." 

What was your first job? What did you learn from it? "My first job was cutting grass and raking leaves for several of my neighbors as a kid, but I don’t count that. The first real job I had was a stock boy and cashier at Big “B” drugs at age 16 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It allowed me some independence and instilled a healthy work ethic in me. It was a good way for a kid to branch out and learn how to interact with customers."  

What’s the simplest thing you ever learned to do? "Develop an effective or efficient use of my time."

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday? "Either playing with my kids, watching them play sports,  playing a little golf or watching some college football. I often find myself in the middle of an overwhelming project around the house also."  

What is your favorite vacation spot? "Because I don’t get to go any more than every few years, I have to say the mountains. I love to snowboard so any mountain with snow works."  

What traits do you most value in your friends? "Loyalty, honesty, generosity and humor."

What scares you? "I am not a fan of tight spaces."

Who is your role model and why? "I have many roles models. My father is a big influence in my life. He has all of the qualities that I mentioned previously. I have learned though that most people in my life hold a special trait that I admire. I try to learn from those people and use it to better myself." 

UAB School of Optometry

Greetings loyal BPA blog audience! We express our sincerest apologies for keeping our faithful readers in the dark about our exciting projects.

One of those is the renovation to UAB’s School of Optometry building. A significant portion of the work has already been completed, with the remaining renovations scheduled to be finished by the end of the year.

We’re proud to continue our relationship with UAB in designing spaces that empower our clients to bring innovation to the communities around us. The School of Optometry continues to distinguish itself as a top-tier program by providing state-of-the-art clinical practice and partaking in groundbreaking discoveries in vision science.

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Peruse the project page to read and see more about the 18,600 SF renovation: www.bpa.net/uab-school-of-optometry. And learn more about UAB's School of Optometry at their website: https://www.uab.edu/optometry/home/.

BPA Young Faces - Alicia & Charlie

Alicia Pughsley and Charlie Abram are two of Birchfield Penuel's prized emerging leaders--both of whom joined the BPA family upon completing their respective internships with us through Auburn University's Urban Studio. Both Alicia and Charlie lead by example with grace and a strength that does not command respect but receives very much of it nonetheless.

Alicia PughSley, AIA LEED AP

• This is Alicia's 10th year at BPA! Alicia was welcomed to BPA in 2008 and has, over the course of the last decade, grown from being the youngest ever licensed female architect in our office to being an completely invaluable Senior Associate!

• Alicia has also served AIA Birmingham's Executive Committee (EXCOM) for 8 years in several capacities: Councilor, First Year Director, Second Year Director, and currently as the Secretary.

• In the office, in addition to being a stellar project manager, Alicia serves as a member of BPA's Future Business Advisory Group - helping to usher in vision and strategy for our BPA family for years to come! Additionally, Alicia is the mama bear-captain-extraordinaire of our in-house Digital Marketing team. She has used her passion for design in all areas and skill to form our team and continues to lead our crew through always-developing and growing ideas and techniques!

• Alicia is the proud wife of Kevin, a middle school science teacher and coach, and also the super mom to two adorable boys: Maddox, 5 y.o. and Ian, 2 y.o

• In the free time she has, Alicia is involved in her church, has a stationary company-side hustle, loves practicing her water coloring skills, and enjoys taking all three of her boys on adventures around the city, to the Birmingham zoo, or neighborhood park.

"I love problem solving. Something about trying to figure out a problem or floor plan for a client is like a puzzle for me….and I love puzzles."

"I decided to join the BPA team full time after my co-op with them during my time at Urban Studio. I loved the people. I instantly felt part of a team and a family. I also loved that I was included in project conversations and design from the start instead of being pigeon holed doing stair details."

"I love going to various spots around town with my husband and two boys – whether it’s the zoo, the park, or various festivals and events. Birmingham always has something fun going on. I also love to take drawing and painting classes here in town when time allows."

Charlie Abram, Assoc. AIA

• Charlie graduated from Auburn University's Urban Studio in 2015 and over his last 3-4 years at BPA has been a steady treasure - offering both dependable and inventive ideas and contributions on project teams and the variety of committees and groups he serves on.

• To play along with the 2016 election year, Charlie was elected as BPA's "Chief Intern." And while the title might be slightly in jest, his role is certainly not. Charlie keeps all of our BPA Emerging Professionals tethered to their goals of passing their respective ARE tests and meeting milestones for licensure while also encouraging their participation in the profession as a whole.

• Charlie serves in this capacity not only inside our office, but also within AIA Birmingham as Emerging Professionals (EP) Director. As the EP Director, his responsibilities include facilitating the development of the EPs and serving as an ambassador and liaison between the young professionals of the AIA and the broader organization.

• Don't let his exemplification of men's professional style confuse you, Charlie is an outdoor junkie. He loves to hike Ruffner and Red Mountain or go on an evening jog around Railroad park. Charlie is also very involved in his church community and can therefore be found around the city proselytizing about one of his three loves: Jesus, Birmingham, or Beyonce.

“I love SO MANY things about BPA, but the thing I appreciate most is the opportunity and encouragement to cultivate the career I truly desire. It is very important for me to have balance between professional development and civic involvement. I’m able to pursue interests outside of the office [and the profession], without being expected to compromise my growth as an architect or the project teams I’m able to work on."

"Since my first day at BPA, I have been encouraged to immerse myself into every project I have an opportunity to work on—whether it was going to last for 3 days or for 3 months. It became immediately apparent that new ideas were enthusiastically welcomed and were not considered a hindrance. Listing all of the things I learned during my Urban Studio co-op would take an extremely long time. But, the lasting impression that made me eager to return is just as true as it was three years ago: BPA believes that people are its greatest asset."

"My absolute favorite thing about Birmingham is the prevalence of great outdoor spaces within quick access of downtown. My ideal Saturday includes a few hours with a great book, under a shady tree in Railroad Park."

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At BPA we believe our greatest asset is the people on our team. We pride ourselves on honing our design talents and empowering team members to grow as leaders during every phase of their respective careers. We’re extremely proud of Alicia and Charlie and grateful for the way they represent BPA so well!