Nurture

We believe an integrated design process is as important as the finished design, building a collaborative atmosphere of mutual trust to do important work.? ?? ? This begins with an Integrated Design Workshop, a meeting of our best minds. As the leaders of the multi-disciplinary conversation, we advocate for those who don’t always get a voice, bringing all stakeholders together to dream big: creating bold, optimistic, and shared visions for the future in an open, honest environment. For Woodstock Recreation Center, we led a strategic IDW to address pressing issues and reimagine the Center's potential.? ? This collaborative process focused on resolving critical challenges such as remediation, roof replacement, and enhancing the aquatic facilities to meet ADA accessibility standards. Our team and consultants explored opportunities for improving drainage, security, and energy efficiency to ensure a resilient and welcoming space for the community. ? ? By aligning bold, forward-thinking ideas with thorough analysis and innovative solutions, we aim to transform the center into a sustainable, inclusive hub that serves the evolving needs of its users for years to come. ??

April Hughes, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, President of Nurture, was selected to serve as a juror for the 2024?AIA Brooklyn?Awards (BKDA)! The BKDA program is a prestigious annual event that recognizes excellence in architectural design, highlighting projects that demonstrate outstanding design excellence, technical skill, innovation, environmental responsiveness, and social impact.? ? As a respected leader in the architectural industry, April brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sustainable civic design to the panel. This year's BKDA will showcase groundbreaking architectural projects from Brooklyn and beyond, and we are thrilled to see April contribute to the selection process.

Kelly Moynihan, AIA, NCARB, CPHC, WELL AP, LFA, LEED GA, Principal at Nurture, was a featured panelist after the screening of the Women of Carbon documentary, a film directed by Basia Myszynski and Leonard Myszynski. This impactful documentary highlighted visionary women leading decarbonization efforts and their innovative approaches to sustainable construction and low-carbon materials. Kelly joined Susan Jones, Principal Architect and Founder of atelierjones llc; Ruth Ni, Sustainability Engineer at Ozinga; and Sarah Ye, ESG Manager at LanzaTech. Together, they discussed the intersection of climate action and design, sharing insights into how their work is transforming our planet’s future.

A genuine thank you to everyone who joined us last month to celebrate the launch of Nurture. It was a splendid evening of connection, camaraderie, and collective vision. We felt the enthusiasm and support of our community, and we’re grateful to have so many dedicated partners, friends, and clients by our side.? ? Together, we look forward to embarking on a new chapter of transformative work. Thank you for being part of Nurture’s future! ??

The Nurture team returned from the inaugural Phius Pro Forum in Providence, Rhode Island, invigorated by insights and challenges shared. The conference highlighted both the urgent role of reducing carbon emissions and the clear path Phius provides toward a zero-carbon future.? ? With frameworks designed for buildings of all types new and, old, Phius equips us to push boundaries in sustainable design. We’re energized to bring these transformative ideas into our work, driving meaningful change for a resilient future. ??? ? ??: Joseph Juhl, AIA, NCARB, CPHC?, LEED Green Assoc.

Nurture is proud to highlight Joseph Juhl's in the AIA Chicago Detail Decathlon (1HSW), taking place tomorrow, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at AIA Chicago.? ? This engaging event, free for members, will feature ten prominent architects presenting innovative approaches to thermal detailing, each in a concise five-minute format. The discussions will center on enhancing occupant comfort, improving energy efficiency, and addressing climate change through effective design strategies. Following the presentations, attendees are invited to a networking session. ??? ? We hope to see you there! Learn more here: bit.ly/Detail_Decathlon

Nurture is delighted to announce three of our team members have achieved LEED Green Associate certification, a significant milestone in their commitment to environmental stewardship. Congratulations to Noelle Kramer, Assoc. AIA, Associate; Joseph Juhl, AIA, NCARB, CPHC?, Technical Director and Senior Associate; and Gwen Stricker, Assoc. AIA, Junior Associate at Nurture.? ? Through the passionate pursuit of best practices, our team continues to set the pace in a rapidly evolving industry, leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. ??

Local officials, community members, and sports enthusiasts gathered earlier this month to celebrate the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated $17.3 million expansion of the Elgin Sports Complex. The project, led by SmithGroup and supported by Nurture, drew state and city leaders, including State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Anna Moeller, and Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain, alongside Parks and Recreation staff and neighborhood residents.?

Construction is well underway at St. James Lutheran School in Lincoln Park! ? The summer was spent renovating interior spaces and preparing for the major steel interventions, including 4-story columns threading through two-foot openings down to the foundations of the existing building, needed for the new rooftop addition ahead of school starting.? ? The major structure is in and ready for the 4th floor expansion which will be home to large daylit STEAM classrooms, administrative offices, locker rooms, and concessions to support the existing gymnasium activities to be completed early next year. ??

Gwen Stricker, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate, a Junior Associate and Preservationist at Nurture, will serve as the Conference Committee Chair on the Calumet Heritage Partnership Board for their 25th Annual Calumet Heritage Conference. ?? This year’s conference, themed “A Region’s Welcome: Cultural Heritage Tourism in the Calumet,” will explore the rich cultural landscape of the region and its potential as a tourism destination. Nurture is a proud Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, held on Saturday, October 5, at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/grGchsbT