RJA featured in Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight

Home Addition and Remodeling completed in Palos Park, IL

This month we are highlighting a single-family home addition and remodeling project that just completed construction in Palos Park. Because of the housing market, we are having more clients come to us to remodel or add on to their existing house rather than attempt to sell and move. Special thanks to Brent Ludwig of our office for heading this project.

Sincerely,
Bob Juris
Robert Juris & Associates

 
 
 
 
 

Before

After

After

As you can see from the photos, this house got quite an updated look with new siding, a re-designed front entry, and entirely new roof that allows for vaulted ceilings. The addition to the rear of the house is approximately 1200 square feet, which includes a new great room, covered patio, breakfast room, mud room, powder room and remodeled kitchen.

Historic Wind Mill Renovation

This month we are highlighting a project that was a lot of fun for us to work on. The Henry A. Rathje Wind Mill in Peotone was built in 1872 and is constructed entirely of rough sawn wood. We were hired to document the existing building so the historical society can use the drawings for promotional purposes. We also designed new stairs from the second to fourth floors so the mill can be available for public viewing. The methods and craftsmanship that went into building this mill are truly amazing! Special thanks to Nicole Corbett of our firm for her help in climbing around inside the mill for field measuring.


Sincerely,
Bob Juris
 
 
 
 

RJA Documentation of the Existing Peotone Mill

 

Inside the Existing Mill

Exterior View of the Mill. The propellers have broken off since they are not in active use.

The Peotone Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Will County Register of Historic Places. For more information, you can contact The Historical Society of Greater Peotone at 427 W. Corning Ave P.O. Box 87 Peotone, IL 60468.

RJA on Facebook!

Do you Facebook? Now so do we! Follow this link to become our fan:


http://www.facebook.com/rjaarchitects

Golf Outing

Bob Juris has partnered with Denny Deckinga of VR Builders to co-chair this year's Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing. The event will be held on Friday, July 16, 2010 at Green Garden Country Club in Frankfort, IL. Mark your calendars for this great event!

Medical Offices

This month we are highlighting an area of work that you may not know we have experience in - medical architecture and design. Often times this area of design gets a bad rap because medical offices can be thought of as being drab, sterile spaces. In these projects, however, we worked with the clients to create warm and inviting spaces which can help ease patients' anxiety and lead to a more positive experience. Hope you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Bob Juris







We recently completed two medical office build-outs here in Frankfort. An oral surgery center in the Brookside Commons Office Park and Dr. Dubravec's periodontic/ dental office in Abbey Woods. As you see from the photos, extra attention was given to the design and material selection to create warm and inviting spaces.

Oral Surgery Center - Waiting and Reception Area

Oral Surgery Center - Entry and Waiting Area

Dr. Dubravec's Office - Reception Area

How Can 3-D Help You?

The practice of architecture has changed a lot over the years. Gone are the days of Mike Brady at his drafting table with a T-square and pencil. Instead, we use cutting edge technology for to save time and better communicate with our clients. For the past few years, we have been using 3-D modeling software as a design tool and the result has been phenomenal. The software has become so easy to use that even I can do it (although I usually leave that to my expert staff!) This allows for these renderings to be created quickly and cost effectively. Please see below some examples of this software at work.
Sincerely,
Robert Juris
Robert Juris & Associates, Ltd.



We have used 3-D modeling software in a variety of ways, which helps us better communicate with the client what the finished product will look like. Whether the project is residential or commercial, new construction or a remodeling, almost all of our clients can benefit from this service. Below are some examples of how using color 3-D models helped the design process. Can you think of a way that seeing a 3-D model would benefit you?



Corporate Interior
For this project, the 3-D model helped the client see what their new interior build-out would look like. The rendering of the new reception area was particularly helpful in demonstrating the human scale.

New Residence - Color & Material Selection

For this project, once the layout of the house was determined, these 3-D renderings helped the owners select colors and materials for their new home.

Residential Addition
For this project, the 3-D model helped the client to see almost exactly what their new second story addition would look like.

Apartment Building Marketing Materials
OK, so this one is not in 3-D, but it was created using the same software. The apartment managers use these plans in brochures and on their website to display the various floor plan layouts they offer.

RJA Continuing Education

Bob and Brent recently attended a presentation on specifying gypsum board for fire-resistant ceilings & wall assemblies, and noise proofing products.
Fast Fact: Did you know that gypsum board makes an effective barrier to fire because of its inherent water content that becomes steam during a fire?

Office Build-Out Complete

Robert Juris & Associates recently designed an interior office build-out at the President's Row Office Park in Frankfort, IL. Initially the suite was completely empty and just a shell. In the build-out we added a reception area, two private offices, open office area, an additional toilet room and kitchenette.

Parks Conference a Success!

Robert Juris & Associates exhibited a the annual IPRA/ IAPD Illinois Parks Conference last month. It was great to have so many people stopping by our by our booth - both previous clients and potential new ones. This is a photo of Bob with Larry Piekarz, Executive Director of the Park District of Forest Park. RJ&A worked with the Park District of Forest Park to add on to their Administration Building (shown in the picture directly behind them). You can tell by the smiles on their faces that they are happy with the results!




To see more photos from the conference, please visit our Facebook Page

Direct link to gallery:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=185943&id=297704436583

Message from Bob Juris

We got a really great response from our first company newsletter last month. In addition to starting this email newsletter, we have also created a Facebook Page. There you can find the most current photos of what we have been up to. Does your company have a Facebook page? If so, please let us know so we can add your page to our favorites! Also, please feel free to send us any other comments, questions or feedback, we would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading.

Brent Ludwig, LEED AP

We are proud to announce that Brent has become a LEED Accredited Professional. A self proclaimed 'tree-hugger', Brent drives a hybrid car and strives to save energy (and the earth) whenever possible. Contact him today to discuss your sustainable design needs!

RJA at Historic Preservation Seminar

Nicole Corbett recently had the priviledge to attend a seminar on one of her favorite subjects - Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Preservation Systems. Big thanks to LONCO Engineering for hosting a great event!

Restoration Architects

Did you know that Robert Juris & Associates is a pre-qualified vendor with State Farm insurance? We have completed restoration projects throughout the Chicago-land area. The photo here shows the before and after of a house damaged by fire, and in this case the owner decided to add a second story addition as part of the re-construction.
Our Restoration Services Include:

Fire Restorations
Structural Renovations & Repairs
Masonry Restorations
Code Updates
Existing Conditions Reports & Recommendations
Permit Drawings

Residential Not Dead!

While residential construction has definitely slowed down this year, we are staying alive! The house pictured on top is a new home currently under construction in Mokena, IL. The bottom picture shows an addition under construction in Frankfort, IL. Both homes should be finished in the spring. Because of the slowed economy, home owners are getting more competitive prices from contractors and saving BIG! This is a great time to build, call today to discuss your residential design needs!

Entry Addition Complete

Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's Marie Irwin Center received a face-lift this winter. The old covered entry roof was not properly displacing water from the roof, which made the entry area wet, slick and dangerous. The new gable roof sheds water away from the walkways and creates a more prominent entry. Thanks to everyone involved for a smooth and successful project!

Message from Bob Juris

This is my first attempt at a company blog, and I hope in doing so I can keep in better contact with you. We have several exciting projects on the tables here that I hope you will take the chance to read more about. We are fortunate to perform a wide variety of work and you might be surprised to find out what we have been up to! Thanks for reading and I hope that you will think of us for your next project.


Sincerely,

Robert Juris
Robert Juris & Associates, Ltd.