In our latest newsletter, we are highlighting the outstanding performance of Jonathan Bolbach and Mark LaBell, winners of SSOE’s Founder’s Award. Their accomplishment — developing the AutoNavis software application — met two of the award’s key criteria: delivering exceptional value to clients by saving them time, trouble, and money and implementing an innovation that leads to improved processes and quality. Read more
Huntsville, Alabama has a lot to celebrate. It was recently selected as the site for the new Polaris plant, which will generate up to 2,000 jobs and create a ripple effect that will boost the area’s economy. Huntsville’s Mayor, Tommy Battle, jokingly suggested it was a plate of exceptional barbecue ribs that clinched the high-stakes deal. SSOE’s Alexandra Segers stands by the full story. Polaris selected her from a field of qualified candidates to conduct the site selection process — beginning to end. Alexandra considers this one of the fastest site selection processes of this magnitude she’s ever conducted. To put that in context, she has more than 15 years of experience helping major corporations find the best sites worldwide. Read more
SSOE heard it loud and clear. “This is our world headquarters and we want to show it.” It’s a predictable requirement for the world headquarters of a global company; however it’s not often that laboratories are the main focus of the space. Kemin, however, understood their laboratories were the best means to demonstrate to customers their passion for innovation. Read more
Wonder whatever happened to the students who won awards at the science fair every year? No doubt some of them grew up to be researchers at places like the EPA, and are now discovering ways to make the environment healthier. Some are working at SSOE on projects that support the EPA by improving their facilities.
The mission of the EPA’s Ecosystems Research Division in Athens, Georgia is to protect human health and the environment. The research includes analyzing our drinking water, developing better ways to clean up contaminated land in nearby neighborhoods, and identifying exactly what is leaking out of fuel tanks and into the ground at your local filling station. In Athens, as in many other EPA locations nationwide, SSOE focused on making their facilities more energy efficient, secure and environmentally friendly. As part of assessing the current condition of their facilities, we estimated the cost of implementing improvements and provided a phased implementation plan.
Perhaps no other industry has undergone as many recent fundamental changes as health care. Matched with advances in medical science and technology, are changes in the design, composition, and location of buildings. Historically, medical services were delivered either in hospitals or doctor’s offices.
Now there is an array of building types – specialty group practices, community-based ambulatory care clinics, large research centers, small specialty hospitals, and even shopping mall locations and mobile units. And increasingly, large health systems own and operate these networks that reach across counties and states.
What has triggered this geographic dispersion of facilities?
Alexandra Segers, Dipl.-Ing, PE, MS, General Manager of SSOE’s Southeast U.S. operations, was recently published in Area Development Magazine discussing the worldwide trend of OEMs—and subsequently suppliers—moving operations to Mexico. With this number growing every day, Alexandra reminds readers the Southeast U.S. is still a viable, competitive option for automotive parts production. Read more
John Gill, Director of VDC and Craig Pickerel, Architect and Section Manager take a look at how VDC has already transformed the way design and construction teams work together to develop new healthcare facilities—and where they see additional benefits in the future in Medical Construction & Design Magazine. The pair provides insight into specific ways VDC could enhance operations, maintenance, and management of a healthcare facility, improve the patient experience, and enhance staff efficiency and performance. Read more
Joe Kunkle, AIA, PE, LEED AP, Principal Account Executive at SSOE Group, and Lance Mushung, AIA, NCARB, Architect, co-authored this article featured in American School and University Magazine. Kunkle and Mushung, who have over 60 years of combined industry experience, confer on the subject of casework reuse. Whether you’re aiming for a LEED® certified project or significant casework cost savings, the shortcuts offered by this resourceful twosome will lead you down the right path. Read more
John Gill, PE, PMP, LEED AP, SSOE’s Director of VDC, was recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR) discussing the topic of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Gill has over 20 years of industry experience and was responsible for the implementation of SSOE’s VDC program. He writes on the many strengths the VDC framework has to offer our industry, and offers some tips for implementing a solid foundation on your next project. Read more
Alexandra Segers, Dipl.-Ing, PE, Program Manager and International Account Executive at SSOE Group, was recently featured in this Site Selection Magazine article discussing Mexico as a growing, viable option for major league players in automotive (think Toyota, Ford, and BMW) who are crossing the border to set up shop. BMW sites the country’s high number of international trade agreements as a significant determinant in taking operations to Mexico. Segers, who is no stranger to international site selection and advised BMW on the project, explains that much evaluation goes into the decision-making process, with reliability and water being popular concerns for companies considering an investment in Mexico to better serve their customers.
Read more
David Wilson, PE, LEED AP, Senior Mechanical Engineer at SSOE Group, recently authored this article in Laboratory Design Magazine. The article explores when it’s worth it to consider commissioning for your facility through three case scenarios encountered by an HVAC commissioning expert. What is observed through testing and verification may prevent expensive operational problems from occurring, by detecting flaws and inefficiency prior to the end of the warranty period. The best approach is to be proactive in knowing what you need before it’s too late. Read more
Tom Fitzpatrick, Power Department Manager at SSOE Group, co-authored this content-rich article, published in Power Engineering Magazine, that explores the cost benefits of conducting a feasibility study during the planning phase of a project. The article highlights project examples where SSOE’s engineers were able to add even more value to a feasibility study with their ability to quickly and easily assess, and point decision-makers in the right direction.
Foreign companies are trending in the direction of the U.S. as they review global site selection options, with suppliers following.
Alexandra Segers, International Senior Account Executive / Program Manager at SSOE Group, shares her insight in this article published in Area Development Magazine. Within, Segers discusses some of the important items — including incentives and cost offsets, utility factors, and workforce availability — that are making the U.S. an advantageous area to consider development, with the Southeast U.S. leading the pack.
Read more
Architect Suzan Huff is featured in the April 2014 issue of Pharmaceutical Processing Magazine with an article on storage and space planning for laboratory environments. “Inadequate or misplaced storage space in the modern laboratory becomes that obstinate elephant in the room that everyone must work around, yet no one can seem to come up with an adequate solution to remove.” In order to resolve in the planning stage, Huff outlines the steps to achieving the optimal amount of storage space that’s placed in the most efficient matter — using experience, collaboration, communication, and creativity as key elements for success.
TROY, Michigan, April 25, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce the addition of a new dedicated healthcare professional, Scott Courtney. Scott’s addition is just one example of how SSOE continues to move forward with its strategic commitment to expanding the firm’s healthcare portfolio and depth of resources to deliver great client service. Read more
SSOE Group’s Louise Schlatter, NCARB, LEED AP, and IET’s Tim Stansfield, PE, Ph.D, discuss how strategic master planning can yield capital investment decisions that optimize facilities and process. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, June 26, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, has been ranked as a “Hot Firm” by management consulting and research firm Zweig Group. This ranking signifies that SSOE is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms in the United States. Read more
SSOE Group’s Ed Royzman, PE, and Meredith Mayes, PE, LEED AP, discuss how master planning and smart phasing are the first steps to reduced utility costs and energy compliance at federal laboratories that have outlived their electrical and mechanical systems. Read more
In an age of budget constraints and sustainability, master planning creates opportunities for firms and long-term benefits for clients. SSOE Group’s Alan Liddy, senior project manager, is interviewed for an article on master planning for Engineering Inc.’s July/August issue. SSOE India project, Pearl City Food Port, a 300-acre Special Economic Zone, is also featured in this article. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, May 11, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is privileged to announce that two of their own were selected for awards by the Toledo Chapter of the American Institute of Architect (AIA). Kevin Costello, AIA, was named “2017 AIA Toledo Architect of the Year” and Christopher Baker, AIA Associate, was named “2017 AIA Toledo Emerging Professional of the Year”. The awards were presented to Costello and Baker during the Honors Awards Program on April 21, 2017 at the Blarney Event Center in Downtown Toledo, Ohio. Read more
SSOE Group’s Bob McCain discusses how to tell if you’re getting a steal when it comes to commercial real estate purchases and how to tell when bargain prices are too good to be true. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, October 21, 2016 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Ohio honored Master Architect Louise Schlatter, AIA, NCARB, for her role as a mentor to younger colleagues pursuing a career in architecture. Louise received the award in a ceremony at the Akron Public Library on October 7, 2016. The event was part of AIA Ohio’s 2016 Convention. Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, August 27, 2015 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, is proud to announce that Craig Pickerel has earned his Board Certificate in healthcare architecture from The American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA).
Craig Pickerel, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, an Architect and Section Manager at SSOE, recently passed an accredited examination following approval of a portfolio application and relevant experience, which assesses the knowledge and understanding of architects who practice as healthcare specialists. He joins the ranks of over 400 ACHA colleagues in the U.S. and Canada who have received this important architectural credential. Read more
POINT CLEAR, Alabama, July 15, 2014 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announced today that Alexandra Segers, Dipl.-Ing, PE, EPCM Program Manager and International Senior Account Executive at SSOE, along with Galen Thackston, Executive Vice President of Goodwyn Mills Cawood, has been invited to present at the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) Summer Conference. The event will take place July 27-30, 2014 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama.
Shanghai, China, September 27, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announces that it will continue its’ support again this year as a Platinum Sponsor for AmCham Shanghai’s Manufacturing Summit, presented by the AmCham Shanghai Manufacturers’ Business Council and Suzhou Committee. The event is being held October 17th, 2013 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Shanghai.
TOLEDO, Ohio, May 20, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, announces its sponsorship of the first annual “Evolving Energy Landscape” seminar July 15-16, 2013 at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio. The one and a half day seminar will deliver expert information and insights about the energy industry’s complex and changing issues to arm energy users with useful knowledge to be better equipped to reach short-term energy goals and set a smart course for the future. Attendees will earn .7 continuing education hours for attending.
TOLEDO, Ohio, January 14, 2013 – SSOE Group, a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, and Evergreen EDC, a multidiscipline engineering, design, and construction management firm, today announced a merger of the firms. The merger will expand both firms’ geographic reach as well as provide their clients access to enhanced services and resources. The merged entity will operate under the SSOE Group name after a brief transition period.
Midland, Michigan, May 07, 2012 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international architectural, engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, welcomes Richard Fosgitt, PE as a Program Manager and newest addition to its project and construction management group. Fosgitt will be based out of SSOE’s Midland, Michigan office.
Fosgitt will lead the implementation of Net Zero Energy (NZE) initiatives for Federal Government clients. In this role, Richard will work closely with SSOE’s Director of Federal Programs, Mike Duffey and SSOE’s energy consulting group. Duffey stated, “SSOE is focused on delivering comprehensive, value-added services in support of the DoD and other Federal Agencies’ energy objectives. Richard’s solid program management and energy expertise along with his leadership will further enhance our team’s capability and contribute to an overall mission accomplishment for our clients.” Read more
TOLEDO, Ohio, April 2, 2012 – SSOE Group, an international EPCM firm, announces the acquisition of CRS Engineering & Design Consultants, a 50-person mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.
CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design.
Toledo, Ohio, January 23, 2012 – As economists debate the state of the economy and where it’s headed— SSOE Group, a U.S. – based engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is thriving. In recent years, in the heart of what some are calling a mild depression, SSOE maintained profitability and earned its highest revenue numbers ever. In fact, in its 2011 fiscal year, it posted its largest revenue in the company’s 64-year history. This is proof that SSOE is demonstrating some of the growth strategies and simple shifts in mindset that other businesses will likely embrace in order to succeed in today’s economy. For SSOE, a priority in recent years is a shift in international growth, as indicated by the recent acquisition of NKS Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (also known as d-Tech) in Mumbai, India.
Shanghai, China, October 05, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an international engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, along with General Motors (GM), celebrated the outstanding safety record incurred during the construction of GM’s first Chinese Automotive Research and Development (R&D) facility, otherwise known as GM China’s Advanced Technical Center. The new facility, currently being constructed in Shanghai, reached the milestone of 500,000 hours worked without a recordable accident during construction of the Advanced Materials Laboratory Building, or Phase 1, which opened on September 21, 2011. Read more