News

Theresa Moroukian, Associate

(East Greenbush, NY – November 11, 2011) Mosaic Associates Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of Theresa Moroukian to Associate. Theresa has been with Mosaic for 19 years and serves as the Financial and Human Resources Manager for the firm.  Theresa is the first professional administrator to be promoted to Associate.  In addition, she is Mosaic’s inaugural employee as a participant in the Rensselaer Chamber Leadership Institute for 2011/2012, a skills based professional development program.

“Theresa has been a true leader in transforming Mosaic’s culture and performance since we entered the twenty first century. Her hard work and dedication have improved the firm’s human resource practices, financial management protocols and organizational development. She earned her well deserved promotion to Associate by demonstrating a collaborative leadership style, through her ability and commitment to contribute beyond her designated assignments, and by serving as a positive and influential role model to her colleagues,” said Partner, Mike Fanning.

Having grown up in Latham, Theresa still resides there with her husband Bob and two children Christopher, a 2010 Hofstra University Graduate in Film and Television and Megan, a Senior at Shaker High School. Theresa is dedicated to her community and previously coached for the Latham Lassies softball league for eight years.

(East Greenbush, NY – October 26, 2011) Partners and staff from Mosaic Associates joined stakeholders from Hudson Valley Community College and the region yesterday in a ceremonial groundbreaking celebration of the construction of its new technologically-advanced science center.

Construction of the $35 million, 100,000-square-foot center began this summer and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2013. Plans also were outlined for renovations and upgrades to Amstuz Hall and Fitzgibbons Health Technologies Center, other science-related areas, for which another $19 million in funding was secured by the college in conjunction with this new project.

Twenty-five fully equipped state-of-the-art laboratories in the new science center will provide for the study of biology, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, earth science and forensics. The center also will house eleven classrooms, faculty and staff offices, conference spaces, a science study center and a greenhouse. The building will offer students the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and master the use of cutting-edge equipment in preparation for continuing their education at leading colleges and universities throughout the country or entering the workforce in various scientific capacities.

“Hudson Valley has always embraced progress, and continues to move forward in specialized scientific arenas with this new Science Center. Recognizing that innovation in science is key to the 21st century, we will be offering students the tools they need for a critical science education,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Andrew J. Matonak.

As the Capital Region continues to grow as a biotechnology/bio-manufacturing hub, there will be increasing demands for qualified scientists and technicians. Hudson Valley’s science programs, including Biotechnology, Biological Science, Physical Science and Environmental Science, are an integral link between the companies seeking skilled employees and those seeking training and employment.

In an era that demands attention to environmental responsibility, the center is planned to achieve LEED Silver-certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The center will feature stringent air quality control, day lighting, energy and water conservation systems and reduced carbon emissions in its operation.

Mosaic Associates of East Greenbush, a firm that has designed educational facilities since 1865 collaborated with Payette, a leading architectural design firm specializing in complex buildings for academic teaching, medical and scientific research, and healthcare.  Other consultants include RG Vanderweil and Capital Region-based Ryan-Biggs and The LA Group.

“Our strategic partnership with Payette, coupled with the expertise and synergy of our entire team created a strong foundation for the project’s success during design. As we transition into construction, we look forward to seeing this flagship facility come to fruition, marking a major achievement in Mosaic’s history, for Hudson Valley Community College and the region,” said Hana Panek, partner, Mosaic Associates.

“Hudson Valley has distinguished itself as a true model for the region’s initiatives in science and technology. We are proud to support this mission of educational advancement and economic development through our own work in this community.”

Angry Birds

Last evening around 9:30 p.m. at the NYS Museum, Mosaic’s “MosaiCAN” team finished stacking the last cans made to look like tassels of hair on their Angry Birds themed canstructure for the Capital Region’s first annual CANstruction charity and event.  CANstruction is a non-profit organization which has hosted food drive and design/build competitions around the world since 1992.

The Capital Region event that took place yesterday was comprised of 140 people from nine teams who all fundraised to purchase over 36,000 cans from Price Chopper to build the canstructures which will be on display at the Museum beginning April 13-April 28.  Following the exhibition, each canstructure is de-constructed and cans of food will then be sent to the Food Pantries for the Capital District to help families in our region.

An awards ceremony will be held this evening, April 13 to honor the teams and their structures for best meal, best use of labels, structural ingenuity, jurors favorite and honorable mention.

There will also be a Community Choice award in which any member of the public can vote during the display.  Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods to the Museum and vote for their favorite structure by placing their donations into food bins located near each canstructure.

The MosaiCAN team would like to thank all those who donated to this wonderful charity!  Your contributions are greatly valued and will serve the families in the Capital District.

Mosaic Associates is one of nine teams in the Capital Region participating in the first annual canstruction competition.  Canstruction is an international charity committed to ending hunger based on the concept that one can of food may change someone’s life and one single person can make a difference.

Mosaic and eight other teams in the region including many from the design and construction industry, will  compete in a design/build competition that gathers canned food donations for The Food Pantries for the Capital District.  The inaugural canstruction event will be held on April 12, 2011 at the New York State Museum in Albany beginning at 3:15 pm.  Once the competition is finished, the “canstructures” will be on display to the public at the Museum beginning April 13^th – April 28^th.

The Food Pantries for the Capital District is a coalition of 52 member food pantries throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Southern Saratoga Counties.  In 2009, the organization served 2.3 million meals to local families. The goal of canstruction is to ensure that number increases, along with public awareness of the worldwide fight against hunger.

As a team, Mosaic is looking to raise between $3,000 and $5,000 to help purchase canned food for the design competition.  During these economic times, it can be daunting to make contributions, but let’s take a moment to be thankful for what we have and give a little to those families that are struggling.  Any donation will help support this cause.  If you would like to donate, please go to http://www.firstgiving.com/canstruction-2011-1951ac.

For more information about canstruction or canstruction Capital Region, please visit www.canstruction.org or www.aiaeny.org/canstruction.

This week Mosaic Associates was elated to hear the news that their long-time client Oswego County BOCES (OCB) gained community support to pass a $35.4 million renovation project at their main campus in Mexico, NY.

The project includes a $20 million critical needs plan to address aging infrastructure systems. The remaining $15.4 million will be dedicated to improving student program spaces and lab areas through the design of flexible learning space adaptable to future needs.  Approximately 34,000 s.f. of additional space will aid in connecting separate educational buildings.  Added security measures including a single point of entry and atrium space for visitors and students and improved pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns will also be incorporated.

Oswego County BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Camerino was delighted with the public’s support.  “I am pleased that the voters have turned out to show their support for this project and the students of Oswego County. I would like to thank the community, members of the leadership committee, including the superintendents and board presidents of our nine component districts, our BOCES Board of Education, and our BOCES staff members for their dedication and efforts with regards to this proposition.”

For several years, Nick Waer, AIA, LEED AP, Partner with Mosaic and Architectural Designer, Mariusz Piechowicz worked with the leadership committee to explore how OCB should address its facilities masterplan and identify the most crucial concerns for students, faculty, staff and the community.

“Since working with Oswego BOCES we have been very impressed with the caliber of leadership their administration and Board members bring to improving their aging facilities for all their component district’s students.” Said Nick Waer.

“As a result of harsh economic conditions, our BOCES clients have only been able to modestly budget for capital improvements that address critical health and safety concerns.  OCB asked their community of voters to not only consider their critical needs plan but to look at how they can enhance 21^st Century teaching and learning opportunities.”

The project is tentatively scheduled to be completed in September 2013 and will have an opportunity to include green and sustainable technologies using High Performance Schools Guidelines (NY-CHPS) and LEED design initiatives.

Mosaic Associates and Integrated Building Systems recently collaborated on the design and implementation of a solar array for the Arlington Central School District located in Poughkeepsie, NY.  Two fields of solar panels consisting of 52 panels each were installed on the roof of the Arlington High School.  The solar panels are expected to produce more than 127,000 kilowatt hours saving the school district more than $150,000 over the next 25 years.

The solar array was initiated in 2008 by Arlington High School’s Club ACTION.  As part of the club’s mission to bring awareness about pressing local and global political issues, they declared “Going Green” as a priority focus.

Mr. Jacob Lawrence, instructor for the Going Green class emphasizes the importance of this project: “Not only will this save valuable tax dollars, it will also help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere.  Since the power companies produce most of their electricity by burning fossil fuels, this solar array will hopefully be a symbol that Arlington cares about its impact on the environment.  I think it also speaks well for our school district – that a few motivated students can accomplish incredible goals.”

Members of the club met with Congressman Hall to ask for help with funding the solar energy project for which he secured a grant from the Dyson Foundation.  Scott Swenson, a principal with Integrated Building Systems prepared the grant from the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA).  The project was fully funded through both of these grant opportunities.

Two public display meters – one in the District Science Room and one in the main lobby will allow student and community members to see how much electricity is being solar-generated.  The Arlington Going Green class will analyze the performance of the solar panels under different conditions including changes that occur during daily weather patterns and throughout the seasons.

Last Spring, Mosaic and Integrated Building Systems collaborated with Shenendehowa Central School District to secure a NYSERDA grant to implement a photovoltaic system at High School East.  The 50 kilowatt solar array consisting of 280 panels was mounted on the roof of the auditorium at High School East and is expected to produce up to 60,000 kilowatt hours per year saving the district $9,000 annually.  The District plans to use the solar photovoltaic array as an education tool as well.

“This is the first significant step towards alternate energy sources, as a way to maximize emerging technologies and contain utility costs, while at the same time being environmentally friendly,” said Superintendent L. Oliver Robinson.

(East Greenbush, NY – January 11, 2011) Mosaic Associates is working with the Mechanicville District Public Library to design proposed renovations and a 3,000 s.f. expansion to their facility on Main Street.  Due to a steady increase in visitors during 2008, 2009 and a 30% increase in visitors during 2010, a community taskforce made up of residents suggested that the library expand to meet the community’s growing needs.

Floor Plan and Elevation of Mechanicville District Public Library Addition

The project will create defined areas for adults, young adults and children.  The current adult and children sections of the library will be separated and the computer area will be expanded doubling the amount of available computers.  A community room with a separate entrance will be designed for the various community organizations that meet on a weekly basis.

The library has more than $200,000 in available funding for the project and will bond approximately $1.4 million.  A public vote is scheduled for February 15, 2011 at the Mechanicville High School.  Assuming a positive outcome, the project team consisting of Nick Waer, John Onderdonk and Claudia St. John will collaborate with library representatives and the community to proceed to the design development phase and prepare construction documents for bidding.  Project completion is anticipated for December 2012.

Site Plan and 3-D Rendering of Mechanicville District Public Library Addition

Mosaic partners Michael Fanning, Hana Panek, Marty Weber and Nick Waer join Marketing Manager Kelly Klopfer in receiving the 2010 NYCRAMA Mark Of Excellence Award

On October 6, 2010 Mosaic Associates was announced as one of four winners to receive the New York Capital Region Chapter of the American Marketing Association’s (NYCRAMA) Mark of Excellence Award.  The 16^th annual awards recognized results-driven marketing campaigns in the Capital Region.  The winners were chosen by a distinct panel of nationally recognized marketers from across the country.

In 2008, Mosaic worked with Shannon-Rose Design to execute a new name change and re-branding effort.  The campaign encompassed the creation of a new website, identity package including logo and tag line, marketing materials and the execution of a three-month public relations campaign.

“Our name change and re-branding effort was a year-long process that was poignantly demanding at times, yet truly a triumph of teamwork among our staff.  We launched our new identity in September 2008 and this award validates our firm’s efforts in making this transition happen and it also reenergizes the enthusiasm and success we felt then.  It’s a real sense of accomplishment to be recognized in the Capital Region.” said Kelly Klopfer, Marketing Manager for Mosaic.

Glens Falls High School Auditorium - View from Balcony

Mosaic Associates announces that the Glens Falls High School Auditorium has been selected for publication in the American School and University (AS&U) Magazine’s 2010 Educational Interiors Showcase.  It is featured in the August 2010 edition of the magazine, and also at www.SchoolDesigns.com.  As an annual competition honoring educational interior design excellence, the Educational Interiors Showcase spotlights projects representing some of the most effective learning environments in America.

In 2008, the Glens Falls School District carried out a major renovation of its cherished auditorium.  The renovated space had to meet the District’s intent – schools meetings, plays, musical/dance performances, and flexible areas for student study – and also serve as a professional venue for the area’s community groups.

One of these organizations is the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra (GFSO), a vital presence in the community.  Their role on the steering committee, along with District representatives, the Lake George Opera Company, and other arts groups, ensured that the space would reveal an acoustical quality that was professional and innovative, and transcend the audience’s visual experience.

Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra In Concert At Glens Falls HS

Robert Rosoff, Executive Director of the GFSO said “The renovated Glens Falls High School Auditorium is exceptional.  The need for a professional acoustical evaluation was paramount and resulted in a vast improvement in the sound of the hall including its suitability for commercial recording.  The reconfiguration of the seating as well as the new color scheme has greatly enhanced the audience’s visual experience.  Congratulations on a job well done!”

Superintendent, Thomas McGowan commented, “The Glens Falls Auditorium renovations are outstanding. There was a need to renovate the auditorium to accommodate the many groups who used the space.  The school district and community are proud of the newly renovated auditorium and it will enhance the opportunities available to our students for years to come.”

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and educational administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools and universities across the country.  Ninety-five projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, a magazine devoted exclusively to education facilities/business administration.  Each project was judged based on the following considerations: high performance/value, safety/security, innovation, atmosphere, functionality/quality and contextual relationship.  This is the 20^th year the competition has been held.

Mosaic Associates is proud to announce the promotions of John Jojo, AIA and John Onderdonk, AIA, LEED AP to Associate Partners, and Kersten Lorcher, AIA and Stephen Van Hoose, AIA, NCARB to Associates in the firm.  Partner Nick Waer commented, “All four of these exceptional team members bring unique attributes to our firm and our clients.  Their loyalty to Mosaic, dedication to the service of architecture and sustainability, and their drive to pursue leadership capabilities at the personal and professional level makes each of these four individuals’ remarkable mentors and leaders for the firm’s future succession.”

Associate Partners John JoJo (l) and John Onderdonk (r)

John Jojo, AIA is a graduate of Roger Williams University and the State University of New York at Delhi.  His career has focused on educational architecture for the last 25 years.  A New York State registered architect, John has been the Associate-in-Charge of over $100M in construction for Shenendehowa Central School District since 1996.  A talented designer, John has designed signature facilities in the Capital Region including Shatekon Elementary School at Shenendehowa.  He is currently leading the Sanford Hall renovation project at SUNY Delhi that will architecturally define the vision for the future of the campus.  John lives with his wife Deborah in Melrose and has a daughter, Malana who attends The College of Saint Rose.

John Onderdonk, AIA, LEED AP has a Master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and is also a graduate of Skidmore College.  A registered architect since 1998 and a LEED Accredited Professional, John leads the firm’s sustainable design movement and serves as an advisor office-wide.  For the last 15 years John has specialized in educational facilities at both the K-12 and Higher Education levels.  He is currently the Project Manager for the new Science Center at Hudson Valley Community College. A resident of Saratoga Springs, John served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.  John resides with his wife Marne and is an avid endurance sports competitor.

Associates Kersten Lorcher (l) and Steve VanHoose (r)

Kersten Lorcher, AIA is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and also studied at Eitgenössische Technische Hochshule in Zurich Switzerland.  A New York State registered architect since 1992, Kersten’s 24-year career has included a variety of project types for K-12 facilities and Colleges and Universities throughout the State.  Currently, he is serving as the Project Manager for the Doyle Middle School renovation project at Troy Public Schools.  Kersten’s qualities in project management are a fine example to which younger architects should aspire.  He has exemplary team building skills and a keen sense of detail.  Kersten lives in Troy with his wife Sylvie and has two children, Conrad and Isabella.

Stephen Van Hoose, AIA, NCARB is a 1999 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  In 2004 he became registered as a New York State architect and also received his NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certification.  For the last eight years, Stephen has led the firm’s architectural design work totaling over $80M at the Greater Amsterdam City School District.  Steve’s strength as an architect and project manager is his capacity to recognize the technical challenges of a building project and translate them into a solution that reflects practicality, innovation and aesthetics.  Together, with his wife Nicole and two sons Owen and Eric, they live in Nelliston.

Congratulations to each on these well-deserved promotions!