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Hayley Sumner

Jul 15
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Summit recently began the build-out of Taverna Toscana

By Florida, News

Upscale Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant Coming to Bradenton, FL

Summit Design + Build recently began the build-out of Taverna Toscana, a luxury Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant located in Bradenton, Florida.

Set to be located just minutes away from the river, Taverna Toscana will be situated on the plaza level of the current SUNZ Insurance building. The 10,000 sf restaurant build-out is expected to be completed in the beginning of 2024, and will feature:

  • custom furnishings
  • bar/lounge area
  • open dining area
  • restrooms
  • outdoor patio
  • and a full-service kitchen

Top Chef Fabio Viviani has partnered with BABB Hospitality, as well as entrepreneur Steve Herrig to create this vision.

Barker Nestor Inc. is serving as the project architect.

 

Jul 01
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Summit Completes Interior Alterations for Kvadrat, Inc.

By News

Summit Design + Build Completes Interior Alterations for Kvadrat, Inc.

Mixed-Use showroom and office space for luxury Danish textile manufacturer

Summit Design + Build has completed the full interior alterations for Kvadrat, Inc., a luxury Danish textile manufacturer that specializes in high-quality fabrics and design products. This space is situated on the ground floor of 1042 W Fulton Market, in the heart of the West Loop’s Fulton Market District.

Kvadrat, Inc.’s new showroom comprises nearly 2000 sf, displaying artistic installations of luxury home décor, as well as providing professional design services. Also included are meeting and office spaces, creating inspiration for those both visiting and working. 

Marquette Companies served as the developer, and BE Architects as the architect for the project.

Jun 13
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Design-Build for Commercial Construction

By Industry Insights

Summit Design + Build: Building Spaces Where People Thrive

The Benefits of Design-Build for Commercial Construction

If you’ve been tuned into the news at any point over the past few years, you’ve undoubtedly seen how construction costs continue to rise. Expensive materials, labor shortages, severe weather, and a host of other issues have caused large-scale projects to miss deadlines and break budgets with regularity.

If any of these challenges have you holding your breath prior to an upcoming commercial construction project, there is a viable solution at hand: partnering with a design-build firm. In this article, we will explore the benefits of design-build and how it can potentially help keep project costs under control.

What Is the Design-Build Concept?

 

Design-build is the idea that a single entity will be in charge of all aspects of the construction process, from early design planning to completion. Many construction projects piece out responsibilities in a design-bid-build, or hardbid, construction process. This results in inefficiencies in terms of cost and completion times. Choosing to partner with a design-build firm removes many of the moving parts common to a construction process.

Advantages of Using Design-Build in Commercial Construction

Design-build streamlines many of the most challenging aspects of a construction project, such as communication between stakeholders and scheduling the myriad contractors.

With the design-build method, the contractor assumes most of the risk for staying on budget and meeting deadlines. This gives owners incredible peace of mind.

  • A few more specific advantages of design-build include:
    Integrated budgeting, scheduling, and building from the early stages of planning, guaranteeing that all stakeholders and contractors are on the same page.
  • Due to everything being done in-house with a unified vision, certain projects can be green-lighted and started ahead of time, resulting in significant time savings.
  • With an extensive pool of trusted contractors and subcontractors, the design-build firm guarantees that the project is always expertly staffed by the highest quality professionals in the industry.

At the end of the day, while the streamlined communication and collaboration lead to a better process that results in time and cost savings, it also adds up to the greatest benefit of all: better buildings.

How Design-Build Can Lead to Cost Savings

 

When looking at cost savings, it is beneficial to compare design-build over the more traditional design-bid-build, or hardbid, method of construction. The design-build concept offers several potential cost savings over hardbird, which requires stakeholders to enter into contracts with separate entities for both the design and construction processes.

Design-build is usually more economical than hardbid because you’re only hiring one company. In hardbid, you hire an architect and a contractor separately, which means you’ll have to pay not only for their time and services, but any associated fees and administrative costs that are standard for each company, resulting in cost inefficiencies. In design-build, the same company will handle all aspects of your project. This makes it easier to keep track of costs and budgets.

Design-build can also save money by eliminating some steps in the process. In hardbid, the architect and contractor must communicate back and forth with each other throughout the project. This can take up valuable time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

Finally, design-build can also save money by eliminating some of the risks associated with construction projects. With hardbid, there are more chances for errors or miscommunication between different parties involved in the project. In design-build, there is only one party involved in all aspects of the project, which streamlines processes and increases efficiency in communication, which has the potential to lead to cost savings.

Trends to Execute in a Design-Build Project

 

Some people may erroneously think that choosing an inclusive, all-in-one design build firm will in some way limit the kind of building concepts they can employ.

This is not the case at all.

Design-build firms are well-equipped to handle some of the most innovative, cutting-edge trends in commercial construction and the materials that make them possible.  Some of the trendy concepts that design-build can effectively execute include:

  • Open interiors that increase natural light flow and use acoustic wall panels to stylishly limit sound transfer
  • The highest standard in safety with ADA accommodations, modern glass stair railing around all elevated areas, innovative fire suppression systems, and an infrastructure of safety doors and credentialed access
  • Functional exterior spaces that use roof deck tiles to create rooftop hangouts, permeable pavers to promote drainage, and attractive stone facades for outdoor break areas

All in all, pairing with a modern design-build firm allows stakeholders to execute a wide variety of trends and associated materials to create any type of structure they envision.

The Benefits of Design-Build for Commercial Construction

 

The streamlined communication and collaboration made possible with the design-build concept can result in major time and money savings for project owners. If you are still in the planning process for a commercial construction project and want to further explore the ways that design-build can help you out, contact Summit Design + Build today for a consultation!

Natalie Akins is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on interior decorating and remodeling. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Natalie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.

Apr 21
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Healthcare Facility Construction

By Industry Insights

Summit Design + Build: Building Spaces Where People Thrive

Healthcare Facility Construction

Summit is built on one key proposition: “building spaces where people & business thrive.” Our company has always been dedicated to this principle, and we have built a reputation for creating spaces that meet this standard. However, there is more to our story than the buildings we have erected. We want to take the time to thoroughly understand the impact our buildings have on the people who use them.

This is the start of a series of blogs that will delve into how our spaces are positively impacting the lives of those who occupy them. We will be exploring the tangible benefits our clients are experiencing as a result of the spaces we have built. Join us as we explore how Summit is helping people thrive.

One area where Summit Design + Build excels in is medical facility construction. At Summit, we understand that the highest standards of quality and precision are vital to any medical facility construction project. Whether building a primary care or plastic surgery facility, the innovation and value engineering Summit provides are essential to ensure the final product includes leading technology and flexibility for future growth and industry advancements.

This is evident in the various medical facility projects that Summit has completed, including the interior refresh of Orthopedic Specialists. This project included new flooring, paint, and minor electrical and plumbing upgrades. Another notable example is the office build-out for Primary Care Healthcare Associates, which consisted of a reception area, exam rooms, as well as private offices.

Summit also recently completed the new construction of the Tree House Humane Society, a 2-story cat adoption center for a non-profit humane organization that features veterinary clinics, open-air cat patios, a cat café, an outdoor terrace, and offices and meeting rooms. Proving Summit creates places where even felines can thrive!

The Human Society’s new facility not only offers a range of amenities such as a newly constructed shelter, vet clinic, meeting rooms, and offices, but also enhances the overall working environment, making it more pleasant and conducive for employees and visitors alike. The new open-air environment was constructed with tall ceilings and plenty of windows, that provide natural light. These improvements have turned the Tree House Humane Society into a cutting-edge animal shelter that provides an inviting environment that one can feel as soon as they walk through the door. The transition from an old storefront to this new facility has made a significant positive impact on everyone involved, empowering the organization to fulfill their mission and protect cats in need.

The best spaces are ones that accommodate users and improve daily lives. The medical spaces that Summit builds do just that. The results are tangible, whether that’s better access to healthcare because your doctor is just around the corner, or a more relaxing smooth doctor’s appointment because the office is built in a calming and organized fashion. The way a space is built alters the experience of the patient. From the moment a patient enters one of our medical spaces, they can feel the attention to detail and care that went into its construction. The spaces we build are designed to make the patient experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. At Summit, we approach construction with the goal of enhancing the lives of those who use the spaces we create, and we take pride in the tangible results that come from our efforts.

Our focus on medical facility construction is just one example of how we are able to achieve our one key proposition. Our dedication to this principle extends beyond just medical spaces. We also specialize in recreational facility construction, creating spaces that provide opportunities for physical activity, a sense of community, and much more. We are proud of the impact our spaces have on the lives of those who use them and we look forward to exploring this further in our upcoming series of blogs.

Author – Sylvia Miller

Apr 11
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Completion of Adaptive Reuse Hotel

By News

Completion of Adaptive Reuse Hotel

Five-story boutique, extended-stay hotel completed in Chicago’s West Loop

Summit Design + Build has completed the gut demolition and renovation of a five-story industrial building into a boutique extended-stay hotel at 1436 Randolph in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.

The five-story extended-stay boutique hotel is located on Randolph Street, directly across from Union Park. This project contains 49 apartment-style rooms, consisting of both studios and one-bedrooms. All rooms are fully equipped with kitchens and in-suite laundry, and the building contains a state-of-the-art fitness center for guests to utilize. The ground floor contains both retail and restaurant space.

Marquette Companies served as the developer, and Brininstool + Lynch as the Architect for the project.

Mar 17
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Spotlight on North Carolina Construction

By Industry Insights, North Carolina

Spotlight on North Carolina Construction

Ranked as the nation’s top state for business in 2022 by both CNBC and Forbes, North Carolina is a growing hot spot for manufacturing, technology, finance and more.

With one of the highest net migration rates in the country, folks have been consistently re-locating to the Tar Hell State for the past decade.

The state’s noted growth and pro-business climate is fueled by a few factors including access to professionals graduating from Research Triangle institutions, access to capital with four of the country’s top five branch banks headquartered in the state and quality of life.

Further, noted government investment incentives recently attracted Apple to build an east coast hub, Toyota to manufacture a battery plant, Boom Supersonic to construct an airline manufacturing facility VinFast to build an electric vehicle plant and Wolfspeed to design a microchip manufacturing plant.

It’s no wonder that Zillow ranked Raleigh and Charlotte in the top five hottest housing markets in 2022.

Summit in Charlotte

Originally invited by a multifamily client to build a couple projects in North Carolina, expanding to this booming real estate market was a natural move for Summit Design + Build.

Summit is actively working on Vida 2 – a 7-story building with first-level retail and 6 levels of 97 residential units in Kannapolis. And Stadium Lofts, also currently under construction, is two stories of retail and five stories of residential overlooking the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers stadium, a Chicago White Sox minor league baseball team. Expected to wrap this summer, the building will feature a lobby, fitness center, club room and a parking garage, and the apartments will offer balconies, and high-end appliances and finishes. In addition, the new building will house the Towel City Tavern with drinks brewed by the local Cabarrus Brewing Company and a top-shelf bourbon bar with seating overlooking Atrium Health Ballpark.

Drawn In

Just two miles west to the Appalachian Mountains and an hour and a half east to the outer banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the State offers whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, two national parks, bird watching, and great restaurants and wineries.

With a strong job and housing market and lower cost of living, as compared to other states and cities, people are drawn to North Carolina.

A commuter rail from Raleigh to Sanford is currently under construction, and is anticipated to bring more development to the area.

“We see North Carolina as being a very successful market,” relates Summit Design + Build’s project team. “The growth potential is astronomical.”

About the Author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers..

Mar 16
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Austin Mixed-use Construction Project Started

By News, Texas

Construction Kicks-off For New Austin Mixed-use Project

Summit Design + Build breaks ground at 2323 S. Lamar

Summit Design + Build has announced the start of a five-story, 179-unit mixed-use project known as 2323 located at 2323 South Lamar Blvd in Austin, TX. The project officially kicked-off with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday, March 2nd. The groundbreaking was attended by Austin’s Mayor Kirk Watson, Adam Miller (President, Summit Design + Build, General Contractor), Doug Hayes (Project Executive, Summit Design + Build, General Contractor), Shamir Trangle (Senior Project Manager, Summit Design + Build, General Contractor), Pearlstone Partners (Developer), and STG Design Group (Architect).

2323 will feature a total of 179 multifamily units, including 2 levels of underground parking which will consist of 288 parking spaces. The ground floor will contain commercial shell space and restaurant shell space, as well as live work units. Amenities will include a central courtyard with an elevated pool, a fitness center, co-working spaces and rooftop lounge.

Located in Austin’s South Lamar neighborhood, just 5 minutes from downtown, residents of 2323 will have access to local shops, restaurants, and hiking/biking trails. Project completion is expected in Spring 2025.

Feb 17
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4 Hospitality Construction Trends

By Industry Insights

4 Hospitality Construction Trends

Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.

Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.

The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.

The Evolving Lobby

Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.

Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.

The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.

Creating Instagram-able Spots

Creating buzz and free publicity, hotels stand to benefit from designing memorable spots worthy of Instagram photos. This includes a cool building façade, unique sign, waterfall or a richly decorated and curated lobby for snapping interesting photos.

Creating themes or embracing local design trends and history are another way to draw Instagram interest and highlight the uniqueness and authenticity of the location.

For indoor settings, good lighting is important. This includes uniform lighting, daylighting and trendy fixtures. Patrons—and their cameras—are also drawn to design features like stone decor, wood paneling, gardens and greenery.

Catering to Remote Workers

Along with the business travelers frequenting hotels, more and more remote workers are embracing hotels as an attractive third place.

In addition to the standard outlets, USB ports and WiFi in hotel lobbies, both out-of-town business folks and local residents are looking for access to conference rooms, business centers and co-working spaces.

Seeking an environment that’s a combination of an Airbnb and WeWork center, mobile workers are drawn to upscale and comfortable interiors, interesting decor and a view where they can sit down with their laptops and enjoy a nicely furnished space.

Easy access to good coffee and a variety of snacks and dining options is important as well.

Eco-Friendly Design

With businesses and tourists returning to travel, sustainability is top of mind. An American Express Travel Global Trends Report found 68% of consumers showing interest in sustainability-friendly travel brands. In another study, recently released by the corporate travel and payment technology platform HRS and the GBTA business travel association, 65% of travelers say they would prioritize hotels with a validated sustainability certification.

Hospitality venues are selecting low-flow, water conserving fixtures, LED lighting fixtures and controls, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. By following green building guidelines and certifications like LEED BD+C: Hospitality, the Green Seal Standard for Lodging Properties or the Energy Star for Hospitality, facilities save energy and provide healthy interior environments to attract eco-minded consumers.

Hotels are also incorporating more sustainable products, materials and systems for their facilities. This includes natural materials, VOC finishes, recyclable, reclaimed and locally sourced materials.

Pre-fabricated, modular construction is another popular sustainable strategy which is a great fit for repetitive and uniform hotel room designs. Through the off-site fabrication of these modules, buildings can be constructed faster, with better quality control, fewer materials and cost savings.

Embracing the principles of biophilic design, hotels are showcasing stone and wood through mass timber, ceilings, walls, flooring and furniture. Vegetation and plantings are thoughtful placed throughout the space, and some brands also incorporate water features.

Hotel Renovations

Applying these trends to recent projects, the renovated Swissôtel Chicago features new water-efficient bathrooms, high-performance, energy-efficient windows and front entry doors, and the build-out of a new fitness center, ballroom, conference and meeting rooms.

Using the existing structural foundation of a two-story parking garage and retail center in Chicago’s Chinatown., Summit Design+Build built the new four-story, 148-room SpringHill Suites hotel. Taking cues from the ethnic neighborhood, some zen-inspired designs include wood surfaces and geometric shapes in the lobby, and reception area, a gym, breakfast and meeting room.

And for the rebranding of the boutique Claridge House Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast, Summit renovated 165 guest rooms, the lobby, corridors, bar, restaurant, and common and amenity spaces with custom millwork and high-end finishes.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Jan 30
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Office TI Trends

By Industry Insights

Optimizing Tenant Improvement Projects

As office vacancies continue to increase, developers are challenged to keep their existing tenants happy and to recruit new ones. If building owners aren’t offering well designed offices with a mix of workspaces and amenities, and/or a tenant improvement (TI) package, potential renters will look elsewhere.

To better understand the trends driving office worker preferences in this unique post-pandemic time, Gensler’s latest Workplace Survey research reveals some interesting insights.

“The data illustrates that employees are looking for offices that are both effective in supporting their ability to focus on their work and offer a more desirable mix of experiences,” stated Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director Workplace Research, Principal, Gensler.

This means workplaces should consider strategies such as quiet zones, focus rooms and rest spaces for individual quiet work combined with strategies like innovation hubs, dedicated team rooms and casual gathering areas for creative group work. In addition, a variety of amenities are key. This includes strategies like café-like break rooms, pool tables, fitness equipment and outdoor gardens and pergolas.

To bring office buildings up to par, tenant improvement (TI) renovations are an important strategy. TI projects should be aimed at making a space better suited to meet tenants’ customized business needs.

Case in Point

Take Luxor Workspaces’ recent 24,789 square foot TI project in a northern Chicago suburb, for example. Formerly a warehouse with a small office space, Summit helped transform the office furnishing and equipment manufacturer’s headquarters into a space with a hip industrial-style vibe and a mix of open, collaborative areas, workstations and amenities.

Showcasing a selection of the company’s office and furniture solutions, the design features a custom platform with wooden bleachers, glass-fronted offices, collaborative zones and a coffee nook with comfortable bar seating.

Turning things up a notch, Summit helped Golub & Company create a new Front Room tenant amenity lounge inside its 36-floor tower office building on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago.

A great tenant recruiting tool, the hospitality-like lounge features a beverage bar, comfy couches, gaming tables and a conference center. Essentially serving as another place for tenants to work, socialize or just take a break. The ceiling design helps distinguish the room’s multiple zones and incorporates a variety of trendy luminaires.

In another recent project, Summit worked directly with the lessee to build out a space for a corporate headquarters and customer experience center.

Building a presence in the U.S., the Australian-based digital merchandising/immersive brand solutions provider Coates sought to create a hospitality-like environment for its visiting customers and a creative, comfortable space for its employees.

The building entrance features a living green wall with Coates’ logo, leading customers into an open area where digital branding technology is on display. An open staircase with a wood screen leads employees to workspaces with exposed timber beams and ceilings, custom millwork, creative whiteboards, conference rooms, open workstations, a full kitchen and even private showers.

Choosing the Right Partner

While owners often fund these projects as a tenant improvement allowance for current and incoming renters, sometimes tenants bear a certain level of responsibility for the cost and execution of the project.

In either case, it’s essential to choose the right partners for optimized results. Your contractor should be experienced and have the resources to fast-track projects, which is often a requirement for TI ventures. The GC should have expertise in office renovations and build outs and be able to tap its network of connections to source the materials, systems and products required. This is particularly important at the present time as all industries struggle with supply chain challenges.

Your GC can also leverage their experience in navigating any regulatory issues to keep the project moving forward. As the project proceeds, the contractor should regularly communicate with the client and project team, particularly if any issues arise with the delivery of materials, coordination and the construction timeline.

Ultimately, the custom renovated office space will be worth the expense and effort as tenants enjoy the employee satisfaction and enhanced productivity of their up-to-date, modern corporate office.

About the author

Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.

Dec 28
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Florida Construction

By Florida, Industry Insights

Spotlight on Florida Construction

Out of the 15 fastest growing U.S. cities by U.S. News & World Report rankings, Florida dominates with ten spots on that coveted list.

People want to live, work
and play in Florida

As the country’s highest growing state in the last decade with a 14,6% population increase, the fourth highest gross domestic product, pro-business policies, and a streamlined regulatory environment, Florida is a hot-spot of corporate and residential growth.

“I think Florida is going to be the one place where things are not going to slow down,” predicts Victoria Auger, Director of Business Development, Southeast, Summit Design + Build, Tampa.

With no state income tax and all non-Union subcontractors, the process if building in Florida is easier and profitable.

FSU Student Housing – Tallahassee, FL

Summit is proud to
Build in Florida

Supporting growth in the Sunshine State, Summit has honed in on Tampa and surrounding west coast cities, building apartment complexes, restaurants, gyms, industrial facilities, and rehabilitating Hurricane-damaged properties such as Ocean Point Suites in the Florida Keys.

Summit’s “reputation as complex construction experts and their depth of experience means they offer their clients a fresh approach and out-of-the-box solutions,” wrote Mark Buckshon in a Florida Construction News article.