DLZ Digest
DLZ Michigan’s Official Newsletter!
Check out the previous issue!
DLZ Digest – Vol. 1 Issue 3
Groundbreaking Gerald R. Ford International Airport – Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting Facility
Gerald R. Ford International Airport broke ground on the new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) facility on August 09, 2023. This facility is an addition to the newly construction Operations Center. This is a strategic move that will allow better emergency response times. DLZ is the project architect on both the Operations Center and the ARFF Facility.
Following an extensive needs assessment with project stakeholders, DLZ provided architectural and engineering concept design services for a new ARFF Facility. The new facility will be approximately 22,000 square feet and includes five drive-through apparatus bays, administrative office space, fitness, dormitory, and living space. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2024.
Contact: Jason Vetne, AIA, LEED AP
DLZ Michigan – Summer Events!
DLZ had the pleasure of hosting a company picnic for their Michigan offices at Kensington Metropark in July. Shredderz Food Truck served up delicious food for the staff before Kona Ice arrived just in time for dessert. The team spent their time in the sunshine and playing cornhole while mingling with one another.
This summer, DLZ hosted their two annual golf outings. DLZ was happy to host their clients at the Ravines Golf Course and Shenandoah Country Club. There was a great turnout at both of the outings and our clients had a great time. We truly appreciate our clients and are always happy to host them at such a fun event.
Michigan Fire Safety: Fire Stations Design
When it comes to safeguarding our communities and protecting lives, there’s no room for compromise. That’s why DLZ is proud to present our groundbreaking fire stations that are revolutionizing emergency response in Michigan. We are working closely with communities to raise the bar for fire safety across Michigan.
First and foremost, our fire stations are engineered with your community’s needs in mind. Our team has meticulously crafted each station to optimize response times, ensuring that help arrives swiftly when it matters most. With strategically designed LEED green building practices, our fire stations are a testament to efficiency and effectiveness. Our commitment to excellence doesn’t end with design and build. Our team provides unwavering support throughout the entire process, from concept to completion. We collaborate closely with fire departments, local authorities, and communities to ensure that every aspect of the fire station exceeds expectations. DLZ is your trusted partner, delivering unparalleled expertise and guidance every step of the way.
Have a look at the newest addition to Michigan’s Fire Safety – Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Station #2.
Contact: Eric Beaulieu, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA
Employee Spotlight:
Brian Wisniewski, AIA
Q: How long have you worked for DLZ and what do you do there?
A: 1.5 years as an Architect working on medium sized (2-10 million dollar jobs) for Municipality Admin Offices, Customs and Border Protection, Medical Examiners Operations, some business development, designs for Oakland County Parks and Libraries. Mentoring is a major focus of mine.
Q: What is the most interesting project you were part of?
A: Oakland County Parks proposal was a multi-office, several person effort. We empowered everyone from the interns to project managers to bring ideas and create a place that voices from all levels of our firm felt they were genuinely contributing to the end goal. The project intent from the client was amplifying diversity – and even the ways we worked diversity into our process was noted by the client as a reason we won the commission.
Q: What is your greatest work accomplishment?
A: I have several contractors and engineers tell me I am their ‘favorite architect’, not in a pandering way, but in a way of respect. Formerly, I’ve been an owner’s rep, contractor project manager, laborer, and field supervisor, so I understand much of what everyone has a vested interest in. That way when we sit at a table, I know the aspects that matter to each, as I had those interests at one time.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your career?
A: I love when someone cannot believe their idea has validity. I watch young staff glow, when senior staff state ‘I trust you’, begin to blossom and take the lead with confidence.
Q: What is something people don’t know about you?
A: Some people know I’ve had patches of gray hair since I was seven. So I will share something else – as a Michigander we love water – and in my life so far, I have touched all 4 oceans, touched all 5 Great Lakes (did it in one summer), and touched the two deepest lakes in the US – in the same day (one at sunrise and the other at sunset – can you name them!?)
Q: What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
A: I trained myself to be able to write perfectly with my left hand while in High School and continue to keep up the skill every day. I struggled with an injury to my dominant shoulder while in the hardest math class and vowed to never be one-armed again.
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
A: I teach. And Robin Williams character, although not a real person, Mr. John Keating from Dead Poets Society (1989 – also the year I was born), really influences how I engage with my students and anyone who wants to learn with me. “To dare them to walk a new path, to dare them to strike out and find new ground.” To help them discover what they truly want.
Check out my other work at www.designingincolor.com.
