Blog – Page 3

Mixed Use Building Begins Construction

November 15, 2016 by David Goode

Exciting times in Lone Tree as the footings and foundations are going in for one of our latest projects. This is the start of a two-story, 20,000 square foot mixed use building at Lincoln Commons which will have restaurants and retail on the first floor and office on the second floor.

This building will set on conventional footings, which required over-excavation of roughly seven feet with import of structural fill soils. You can see in the photo that the footings are done, and the stem walls are being poured – all the forms should be off in the next few days and backfilling will begin.

More photos as work progresses!

Stein Mart opens in Thornton

November 1, 2016 by David Goode

Stein Mart is the newest store to open at The Grove Shopping Center in Thornton, Colorado. David P Goode Architecture provided full scope services for both the building shell and tenant finish, delivering a 32,000 square foot turn-key deal for the owner. DPGA worked closely with Stein Mart and Waner Construction to provide a problem-free project execution, on time and on budget.

Architects Need Common Sense Too

June 30, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

Architects are capable of creating some nice looking buildings. But, when it comes to the nuts and bolts or construction… well, common sense and construction acumen may not be found. I have spent many years on construction sites and working with contractors, and I’m proud to hear a tradesman remark, “wow, you’re not like most architects I’ve talked to.”

We’ve got to build stuff….yes, it needs to look nice….but, we’re building stuff. And, we need to apply some common sense to our plans and details. I see things out there that missed the common sense bus, and when I do, they’re worth sharing. We think about common sense and constructability, I would venture to guess many architects don’t to the level they should.

I was recently on the roof of a shopping center taking inventory of the HVAC units serving the spaces below. On older buildings, there’s often no record of what each unit is and how much capacity it has, so we go up there to grab the make and model off the manufacturer’s name plate.

Here’s the issue….see the big ON/OFF switch? That’s the power disconnect for the unit. The problem? The electrician installed the disconnect directly over the manufacturer’s name plate with all the information about the unit. To see the information on the name plate, including the model and serial number, you have to call an electrician to remove the disconnect, or a HVAC technician to open up the unit in hopes of finding it inside. At least on this one, someone wrote the model on the side of the unit.

This is not the first time I’ve seen this, and it makes me wonder what the installer was thinking… or wasn’t thinking. Of all the places to install the disconnect, why here?

How We Find Opportunities

June 17, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

As an architect, a professional services provider, a continual flow of new work is a must. Sure, ups and downs come and go, but there needs to be a steady stream of projects. Marketing and networking cannot take a backseat simply because the project backlog is jammed full. I am fortunate to have a great reputation and most of my work comes from repeat clients and direct referrals. I have probably made five cold calls in the last five years…and public RFPs…no way, I don’t bother. So, where does David P Goode Architecture find new opportunities?

Networking. Easy answer, right? Talk to people, let them know you’re out there, make your pitch, make friends. What about seeing where the market is headed? What about trends in the larger picture? If those things can be spotted, what kind of leverage does that provide when I am networking?

I was reading a recent publication from DTZ, a major player in the real estate world, about the U.S. economy macro forecast. Very insightful and helpful to say the least. Running through the retail section, a particular paragraph caught my eye…

DTZ Macro Forecast - June 2015 — DTZ Macro Forecast – June 2015

Did you catch that? There’s an opportunity right there….and these are the things that I look for when trying to gauge what’s taking place with my clients. Where are they looking for opportunity? What will they be reacting to?

“…75% of vacant space is in Class B and C segments.” “…demand for new space is soaring…” Sounds to me like potential clients need to update some older shopping centers, or they’ll be left with vacancies.

Strike up that conversation while networking and see what happens. This is where opportunities are found, and projects follow.

The Occidental

June 6, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

The Occidental shows up on “most anticipated openings” lists for Denver bars and restaurants, and for good reason. The minds and personalities behind the honored Williams & Graham are creating the new concept at 1950 West 32nd Avenue. David P Goode Architecture is once again thrilled to work with Sean Kenyon and Todd Colehour on this latest drinking establishment.

Crews are hard at work renovating the 100-year old building for the new bar. The space will be small, but will pack a punch in experience. We’re also adding a deck out the back of the building to take advantage of downtown views. The Occidental is a 180-degree departure from the Williams & Graham atmosphere.

For such a small, and seemingly harmless space, we had several unique challenges to overcome on this urban renewal project. The space is connected to Williams & Graham next door, but the two establishments are two platted properties with separate landlords. DPGA worked with the City and owners to gain an administrative approval for a connecting door over the property line, while maintaining two distinct fire areas as defined by the building code. The building’s age had taken a serious toll on the exterior masonry. The 12″ thick solid clay brick walls were delaminating and, in some areas, ready to come completely apart. Careful tuck-pointing work by the masons have stabilized the walls, allowing us to beef up the floor and roof joists, which were significantly undersized. We also lowered the basement floor to allow for additional equipment space, such as the beer cooler.

Look for updates as the work progresses over the next month or so.

ICSC Recon 2015

May 19, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

This year’s trip to Las Vegas for the ICSC Recon conference is my sixth straight. I have to admit, each year I stop and evaluate the value I get for attending (which is healthy to do) and ultimately decide to go again. I’m never disappointed…

The good news for this year is that attendance is up, “booths” are expanding, and meetings are frenzied. Attendance has been estimated at around 38,000, a few thousand more than last year. I say “booths” in quotes because a booth can be as much as 5,000 square feet with meeting rooms and offices…the bigger the booth, the more deals are happening. One developer team reported nearly 400 meetings scheduled over a 2-1/2 day period.

Recon 2015 Central Hall

The great news is that the forecast looks good for the industry. Retail sales are up and strong across the board, with a few key sectors performing beyond previous highs. Development looks to remain solid over the next couple of years, but we’re not overbuilding. Is there another downturn out there? The laws of economics say yes, but the consensus is that it’s a couple of years out (barring some global change).

ICSC conferences continue to be a great source of connection with current clients, as well as a place to expand my network. I will say this year was another successful trip.

DPGA is an ICSC Member

April 26, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

David P Goode Architecture has been a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers for many years. Why? Because ICSC is the authority organization when it comes to retail development and retailing.

Owner and principal David Goode has specialized in retail architecture and planning since 2002. Project experience has ranged from small in-line tenant spaces, to neighborhood strip centers such as Gateway Point Plaza, to major regional power centers such as Prairie Center. We can confidently say we’ve come across and worked on just about every type of retail project, all over Colorado.

This experience is vital when planning a new development. We understand what a tenant, especially the national guys, needs for their footprint; we get parking and circulation; we know that certain building arrangements do not work for leasing. One of the most important aspects of development that we understand is that these buildings exist to generate revenue…to make money. ICSC provides a wealth of research and trend information, which proves useful in keeping up with the latest in the retailing world.

For networking with the industry, ICSC hosts many conferences all over the world each year. REcon, held in Las Vegas every May, is the signature event and David P Goode Architecture will be there.

What Makes You Special?

March 16, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

Seth Godin has some good thoughts on the Intangibles that set you apart from your competition and create a perceived value. Perceived value takes away from the ‘lowest bid’ mentality many architects and designers face when pursing new projects. There is so much truth in the adage, “you get what you pay for”.

While I agree with creating “perceived value”, I believe we have actual value beyond our competition that really sets us apart. Whether its the 27 years of experience, a deep understanding of construction, quality plans and specifications, or just better client care – we have a long list of happy clients that keep calling us when they have a new project.

Are we the cheapest firm in town, probably not. Are we the most expensive…definitely not! There’s a sweet spot in there that combines great service and skill with a fair fee amount, and that’s where value lies.

Why We Specialize in Restaurants

January 27, 2015 by David Goode Leave a Comment

In the last six years, DPGA has had many great opportunities to work on restaurant and bar projects throughout Colorado. As a restaurant architect, the work is very rewarding and I really enjoy working with the owners. As a project type, restaurants and bars allow for more creativity, but they also feed the technical side of my brain.

I met an architect recently who, up until 2008, used to do custom home work…he left the industry in the Great Recession to pursue other business interests. He misses working with clients to realize their dreams – and this drove his love for architecture. I have found that restaurant owners are very much like home owners in that their businesses stem from their dreams.

Many owners and chefs have spent a great deal of time day dreaming about how it will be when they have their own restaurant. The menu, the staff, the design, the name…its all there. And for many, its been a dream for a long time, much like a couple who are finally realizing their dream of a custom home. These are creative types who have a passion for their craft and it needs to be “just so.” I get it.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping clients visualize and realize their dreams. I love to see the client’s sense of pride, passion, and excitement build as they describe the look and feel of their new business. When the connection is made between architect and client that says, “yes, I get it and we can make that happen…”, I know we’re off to great things together. This process is exhilarating, and I think I get as excited as my client.

It is this feeling that has led me to specialize in restaurant work…I also love to eat!

DPGA joins the Colorado Restaurant Association

November 19, 2014 by David Goode Leave a Comment

Denver restaurant architect David P Goode Architecture is a proud member of the Colorado Restaurant Association! With our extensive experience in restaurant and bar projects, we felt we could bring value to other members of the CRA. Also, the CRA fits nicely with our membership to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) due to the interaction between tenants and developers.

We look forward to meeting other members of the Colorado food service community…