By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Brian Winkelmann designed Verne Barry Place for Grand Rapids-based Dwelling Place,
and now his architecture firm occupies a spacious storefront location
on the building’s main floor. The structure, a classic mixed-use
building with residential, commercial and live/work spaces, received LEED Gold certification February 5.
“Verne Barry Place is the first LEED-certified mixed-use building in Grand Rapids,” Winkelmann says.
The company, DTS+Winkelmann Architects,
owned by Winkelmann and David Sobota, moved from its long-time office
on 62 Commerce Avenue to 64 S. Division, just one block away.
‘Even though it’s just a block
difference, it’s a different world; more cars, more activity, the
eclectic Avenue of the Arts thing,” Winkelmann says.
The new energy outside fits what’s
going on inside: the creation of a new, edgy work space designed for
artists who create new, edgy living and work spaces for others. And
because members of the firm designed the building and the office’s
interior, it’s also a showcase for the company’s work.
The 2,100 square feet includes a spiral
staircase leading to loft offices, an open office concept below, a
conference room and a kitchen. A balcony overlooking Division will soon
sport a container herb garden for staff use.
Interior designer Lauren Bradley
designed the interior, used the company’s colors of cardinal red,
eggplant purple and lime green in painted stripes and diamonds. In
keeping with the building’s sustainability focus, Bradley’s design
incorporates three flooring elements: concrete floors with soy-based
stain, cork and bamboo.
“We’re changing how we practice
architecture; it's more technology driven and we can all see each other
and interact with each other,” Winkelmann adds. “As we grow I want to
enhance our flexibility and give more employees the opportunity to work
from home.”
Source: Brian Winkelmann, DTS+Winkelmann
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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