Title: Project Coordinator
Department: Brand Architecture
What is your role at Larson Design Group?: I'm responsible for the overall coordination of Brand Architectural projects from start to finish. I work closely with our clients to truly understand their needs, how they operate and project goals in order to create designs that are both interesting and practical. I then take this vision to the design team where we work together to develop the concept further, analyzing and refining it, resulting in quality construction drawings for our client's use. I wear many hats as I'm often involved with project management, design, technical drafting and construction administration. Being part of every project phase allows me to maintain oversight and quality control, ensuring that the client's vision becomes a reality.
What is your background?: I grew up in New Jersey and moved to the Williamsport area to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Architecture. Since then I've worked at several central Pennsylvania architectural firms before joining LDG in 2007. Over the past 10+ years I've had the privilege to work on a broad range of commercial and residential projects, gaining experience and expanding my knowledge in numerous areas including project management, architectural design, Green/LEED® building design, code analysis, construction detailing, presentations & visualization. I'm also into technology, researching the latest and greatest equipment, building components and computer hardware/software. 3D Design, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) have my particular interest, as I'm constantly researching and testing out new practical ways to use these powerful tools that are completely transforming the A/E and Construction industries.
What do you enjoy in your free time?: I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 young boys, having fun together and planning the next family getaway. As many parents experience, I'm constantly trying to maintain that work/life balance which, at times, is quite a challenge. Beyond that I enjoy the outdoors, shooting, fishing, hiking and sports including baseball & volleyball. I'm also interested in military history, computers and technology in general. But building has always been my core passion, for as long as I can remember. I enjoy the thrill of creating something from scratch, sketching out a rough idea of what "it" could be, drafting it up in 3D, figuring out how it will actually work, making good use of the available materials, adjusting the design on the fly, and finally putting it all together.
Posted in Architecture | Building Systems | Communities | Site Design & Land Development | Transportation by David I. Balzer, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP+ (Project Coordinator - Brand Architecture) on February 1, 2012
Existing Piollet Mansion – 2011
Located at the intersection of Route 6 & 187 in Wysox, PA, the building sits at a key juncture that is heavily used by both local and natural gas truck traffic, making it a prime location. Sure it may be easier and less costly to simply tear it down and start from scratch, but that has never been a realistic option. The building’s history combined with the strong local support to restore it only reinforced Randy’s decision – to save as much as possible without hindering the proposed new store. The challenge then became to balance the restoration with the need to expand and modernize the building, then tie it all together without costing a fortune. Quite a challenge indeed.
But before we got too far, I proposed conducting an Architectural feasibility study which would document the existing conditions and determine what truly could or could not be saved. Randy agreed and a team was sent to perform a detailed building survey, documenting every wall, door, window, structural beam, truss, etc. Many of the original features are intact, but have fallen into disrepair and require considerable restoration. However, the building “shell”, which consists of the masonry bearing walls, foundation, roof & floor systems, is in pretty good shape and can be reused with some structural improvements.
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Posted in Architecture | Communities | Project Management | Site Design & Land Development | Structural Engineering by David I. Balzer, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP+ (Project Coordinator - Brand Architecture) on January 18, 2012
Piollet Mansion, 1950′s
A few months ago Randy Williams, the head of Dandy Mini-marts, came to me and said “I have a really great project for you Dave.” He began to explain how he recently acquired the old Piollet House, a historic Mansion and landmark in Bradford County, PA, and wanted to convert it into a new Dandy store. Dandy is one of our Brand Architecture clients and we’ve worked closely with them on many stores in the past, but none like this. I was pleased that we were given the opportunity, but I also knew the challenges associated with such a big undertaking. However, I shared Randy’s enthusiasm and appreciation towards this historic building and was eager to begin work.
Here’s a little history on the building… > Read the rest of this article
Posted in Architecture | Communities | Current Events | Innovative Solutions | Project Management | Site Design & Land Development | Structural Engineering by David I. Balzer, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP+ (Project Coordinator - Brand Architecture) on December 22, 2011
Recently, we’ve been involved in a unique restoration project in Wysox, PA for Dandy Mini Marts. The project involves the restoration of a local landmark; the old Piollet House. I’ll be devoting a series of upcoming posts that will provide further insight into this exciting project. The following video segment features WVIA’s Bill Kelly interviewing Dandy Mini Marts’ Randy Williams and provides some excellent background on the project. Stay tuned…
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