Meet our newest team member

Amy Spruill has just joined MHAworks as an Interior Designer for the Greenville office. Welcome aboard Amy!

MHAworks to Volunteer at We Care Event

MHAworks will be volunteering at a craft booth for the 15th annual We Care Event hosted by Herman Miller to support the children of the Boys and Girls Clubs.

"The event is called We Care. For over 15 years Herman Miller has partnered with
local Architecture and Design firms to help children from the Boys and Girls Club of America to make a holiday gift for their loved ones. Each firm will create a craft idea for the boys and girls to build so that they have something special to give during the holidays. "

We are happy to support the children during this 2011 Holiday, if you would like to get involved please let us know! info@mhaworks.com

George Hining is appointed to the Workforce Development Board

George Hining, Director of Marketing for MHAworks, has just been sworn in by the City of Durham to become the next City Council Appointee for the Durham Workforce Development Board until June 2013.  His duties will focus on aligning the current and future demands of local employers with the training and education that our local schools provide.  This will help both local companies fill their needs for skilled labor as well as reduce our overall unemployment in the Durham/Raleigh community.  Congratulations George and good luck!

Just Completed

We just recently completed this beautiful space for the Chapel Hill headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.  You can see more on this project by clicking here.

MHAworks' Inaugural 2011 C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive}

After four months of planning and anticipation, MHAworks held its inaugural 2011 C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive}! 

Here are the results from the Food Bank:

CFD raised 9,600 pounds of food!
This equals 8,169 meals to people in the community

And the winners of the CFD competition are:

Most Difficult: LeChase Construction
Most Creative: The Republik
Most Food Raised: LeChase Construction
Best Overall: Semprius
People's Choice: Brasco Design and Marketing

We would like to thank all of our teams, our judges, our sponsors, Frank Stasio, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at Durham, our volunteers, our bands and vendors as well as anyone else who was involved in making this event a success. We hope to expand upon this success next year in a second annual C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive}.

 You can find more pictures on the CFD website or on Richard Barlow Photography!

MHAworks receives the 2011 "Best of Durham" award.

New York, NY, September 23, 2011 -- MHAworks has been selected for the 2011 Best of Durham Award in the Architectural Services category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.  Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business categories.  These are local companies that enhances the positive image of small business though services to their customers and community.

MHAworks awards $10,000 to Putting Contest Winner

Ian Charlton won the MHAworks putt-off competition for $10,000 at the Durham Chamber Golf Classic last Monday 9/26. Watch this video to see the winning 50' putt! Congratulations Ian!

The next phase for Ronald McDonald House

MHAworks was recently hired to plan and design a 27,000 square foot expansion to the existing 20,000 square foot Ronald McDonald Residential Support Facility. This project is designed to achieve LEED silver certification. We are employing simple, straightforward, and durable construction techniques in the design of this building. Large overhangs, appropriately scaled fenestration, and general detailing all contribute to a comfortable, homelike environment for the guests. The expansion creates a large, secure courtyard, free from traffic noise of adjacent highways, with age-appropriate amenities for all generations of guests. Our design approach separates what would otherwise be a massive 27,000 square foot building into five smaller residentially scaled structures composed of one and two bedroom suites with shared common gathering areas. These additional 24 bedrooms for extended stay purposes with specific room uses mandate a number of in room kitchens. Other rooms will be served by a free standing community building with kitchens, dining, a play room, game room and lounge areas. This separate facility will help decompress the current House’s dining and living areas.  MHAworks’ history with the Ronald McDonald house is deeply rooted starting back in the early 80’s when Michael Hining worked on the original building. In 2005 MHAworks design the renovation of the facility as well as an addition. We also completed the Ronald McDonald Resource Room at UNC Hospitals in 2011.

C.F.D {Creative Food Drive} at the Durham Farmers' Market

Come visit C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive} at the Durham Farmers' Market this Saturday from 8am-12pm where we will be recruiting teams and getting the word out to the public about our event October 15th. MHAworks will be giving out free bottled water for Facebook "Likes" so come on down and check us out!

MHAworks Announces the First Inaugural C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive}

 MHAworks is proud to announce the first inaugural C.F.D. {Creative Food Drive}. This charitable competition was created to bring the Durham community together to enjoy a local festival while supporting a good cause.

Teams comprised of local businesses, students and the like will join together, Saturday October 15th at the Durham Farmers' Market from 2-6pm, to construct a pre-planned sculpture/design/structure of their choice. Each entry will be judged by the following criteria: most creative, most difficult, most food raised, best overall and people's choice. All the while the community will observe the competition while enjoying live music, local food and drink vendors as well as interactive games. All food items are then donated to The Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC at Durham located on 708 Gilbert St.


 
MHAworks would like to introduce the first round of teams: 
Alfred Williams & Company
McDonald York
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Clarity Technology Group
Measurement Inc.
Whole Foods Market-Durham

Durham Magazine helps get the word out! Check out DM's Blog post on C.F.D.
http://www.durhammag.com/blogs​/durham-magazine-blog/sign-you​r-company-up-for-the-creative-​food-drive




ReverbNation has come on board as a music sponsor, and will provide C.F.D. with musical guests. Check out Brett Harris, the first artist signed on for the event!


For more updates on vendors, bands, teams or information on how to sign up a team, visit C.F.D.'s website.  Also, "Like" C.F.D. on Facebook

Just Completed

UNC Children’s Hospital is ranked as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” by US News and World Report, making it the only Top 10 children's hospital in North Carolina. With this in mind, MHAworks was pleased to have the opportunity to design and renovate the south wing of the 4^th floor newborn critical care unit. MHAworks converted an existing administration space into a 10 Bassinet Level 4 Newborn Critical Care Pod.

The center admits 800 infants each year. The addition of the new wing will increase the number of beds in the Center to 58, nearly a third of the Children’s Hospital's current facility.

 “The new unit shines as an example of the expanded access to this type of care for infants struggling with the most complicated illnesses.”  - Alan Stiles, Physician-in-Chief for the Children’s Hospital

“This was a team effort and it could not be completed without the help of the users and directors of the newborn critical center, project managers at UNC Hospitals, the engineers at dewberry and our general contractor Lechase construction services.” -MHAworks

President Obama Visits Our Project

Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lighting.  Recently they announced a $250 Million dollar expansion project making them one of the few businesses in the Triangle area that are still growing despite the current economy.  President Obama came to discuss new employment strategies with local business leaders to help provide jobs to the many who are unemployed.  MHAworks has enjoyed a long relationship with Cree and we look forward to continuing to provide support for this dynamic company in the future.

Read more on Obama's visit by Clicking Here.

A Past Intern Becomes a Full-Time Employee

Brittany started interning with us in January and left to finish her degree. Now graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she rejoins us this summer as a new full-time team member in our Durham office, working as a Marketing Coordinator. We are excited to have her back!

Voted Best of the Triangle

MHAworks was just listed on Indy Weeks "Best of the Triangle"!  We would like to thank everyone who voted for us.  We will continually strive to provide the quality service that you have come to know and expect so that we can be recognized again in 2012.

Poor Richard….

You would think that he would ask for a raise for what we put him through.  You would think that he would complain that he has to do “all the dirty work”, but NO, not Richard.  When he has to put on protective gear to take pictures, all we get is two thumbs up and a smile, I think.  He’s either a team player or he really likes Grey’s Anatomy. 

Mamie Jenkins Grand Re-Opening.

This week MHAworks celebrated with East Carolina University in the grand reopening of the historic Mamie E. Jenkins Building.  One of the six original buildings on campus, this brick structure with sweeping arches and red tile roof exhibits the Spanish mission style of architecture which was prevalent on ECU’s early campus. The building served as an infirmary until 1929, and later housed offices of several University departments.  When MHAworks came onboard, the building had been unoccupied for a number of years.  There were significant water damage and structural problems. MHAworks meticulously designed a full renovation of the interior while preserving as many of the building’s historical details as possible.  A new masonry ramp was also added to the rear entrance to meet today’s accessibility codes.  The result unites the University’s rich history with modern technologies to serve the University’s ever changing needs and goals.  Today the Mamie E. Jenkins building is the proud new home of the East Carolina University Honors College.

MHAworks rated #1 architect in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Thumbtack.com just rated MHAworks as the #1 Architect in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Architects, Raleigh

Meet the Newest Member of Our Team

 As the newest member to the MHAworks team Fallon Kelly Thompson has the experience and personality to succeed in an environment committed to excellence. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004. She has over eight years of experience as an Administrator, four of which are in the architectural field. Although born and raised a true Carolina Blue Tar Heel in Williamston, NC she has made the Triangle her home for the past ten years. Her passion in life is singing and enjoying fine wines.

Running for a Cure

The MHAworks team showing their support!

Carolina Dreams partnered with Simon Ibell's iBellieve Foundation, a foundation aimed to find a cure for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) II Hunter Syndrome, to hold the very first iBellieve in Love 5K Sunday, February 13th at UNC Ranson-Hamrick Cross Country Course. MHAworks employees rose to the challenge as they ran for the cause.

Taking first for the MHAworks crew, Jeff Schmidt, crossing the finish with a time of 18:25.79.

           

Michael J. Hining, company owner, crossed the finish with a time of... well, let's just say he didn't come in first.

Edward Walker Collaborates with MHAworks' Interior Designers

Edward Walker, a designer known nation-wide for his work on Trading Spaces, is in collaboration with MHAworks' Interiors Department to choose new finishes for Raleigh, North Carolina's Hilltop Home, a nonprofit residential center for young children who have developmental disabilities.

MHAworks Makes National Television

MHAworks' recently completed design of the Duke University's Athletic Facility was featured on "The Doctors", a nation wide television show locally viewed on WRAL. The project features multiple soaking tubs, an underwater treadmill pool as well as a physical therapy room.

Watch a scene from the show below!




Also check out Duke University's Athletic Facility on YouTube, in a Day in Rehab with Kyrie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3vnFgzvJzo

CJRC's Open House

On Monday January 24th,Durham County held an open house for MHAworks newly renovated Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC). This extensive building renovation is another first in Durham County's expanding commitment to sustainable efforts. It will be the first Durham County project to achieve LEED-Gold certification through the "LEED for Commercial Interiors" rating system. As a former Jail this 3 story, 40,600 sq ft building has undergone dramatic renovations on the exterior as well as the interior. It has been transformed into a modern industrial office space and center for released inmates. Staff members of CJRC guided guests on in-depth tours of the buildings 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. "Before" images were placed throughout the tour showing visitors the drastic changes throughout the design. Figures such as the Durham County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Page, Vice Chairman Ellen Reckhow, Chief District Court Judge Marcia Morey and Tim Moose, Director of the State Department of Correction, Division of Community Corrections were speakers at the event.

See press highlights and articles from local news organizations:
Herald Sun Durham NC
WRAL NEWS

The Dedication of 4-H

January 6th, 2011, North Carolina State University, in conjunction with the NC Cooperative Extension and 4-H held the official ribbon cutting and dedication of the Eastern 4-H Center’s “Conference and Recreation Hall” designed by MHAworks, PA. The high-profile event hosted a large crowd with special guests including NCSU Board of Trustees Chair, Lawrence Davenport, NCSU Chancellor Randy Woodson, and the Dean of the NCSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Dr. Johnny Wynne. Other special guests included representatives from local, state, and national elected officials.
The day’s events started with an open tour of the facility with the large dining hall providing hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Various 4-H, agriculture, and environmental organizations and agencies were present with booths promoting environmental education and awareness. MHAworks, along with the building’s general contractor, Centurion Construction Company was on hand and featured a display showcasing the “green” features of the building and explained more about the building’s construction to guests.
This facility was created to serve, as its name suggests, as a Conference and Recreation Hall for this region of the state. In addition to being used for 4-H related functions at the Environmental Education Center, it will serve as a large conference center for organizations from churches to local governments.
Pending final certification from USGBC, this facility will be North Carolina State University’s FIRST LEED-Silver building. This is appropriate given the main purpose of this Conference Center is to promote environmental education.

Introducing Henry Dagit, AIA, LEED AP

Henry grew up in a family of Philadelphia architects and first attended architecture school at Ohio State University but the lure of surf and sea called him to the Outer Banks where he continued to design and learned to build. He eventually transferred to North Carolina State University where he received his architectural degrees and expanded his project experience to include sophisticated pharmaceutical research and manufacturing environments. While these technology projects were a natural part of Research Triangle Park they provided a wonderful opportunity to expand and also serve large corporations regionally and even abroad. This has led to work on projects in three countries and nine states gaining licensure in four of those states. The cultural interchanges are cherished and have helped him realize that great buildings come from great teams and it is managing the relationships on those teams that drive the creation of successful buildings. Henry resides in Raleigh with his wife Vickie, two daughters, and a mean gray cat named Buckeye. He enjoys time with his family wrapped around sports and the outdoors with a special disposition towards surfing, sailing, basketball, and even mixed doubles tennis although he won’t admit to that.

Meet the New Intern

Originally from upstate New York, Brittany has spent the last 5 yrs in Savannah, GA studying interior design and illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Along with a love for experiential design, sustainability,and interior branding, Brittany has a thriving passion for package design and illustration. As our new interior design intern, Brittany will also be helping out in our office and marketing department. Brittany aspires to be a LEED interior designer in a wide variety of practice areas. Outside the office, she enjoys watching movies, trips to the beach and spending time with her boyfriend and their two cats. Being new to the area, she is currently taking in all that Durham has to offer.