Category: Uncategorized

ASID Virginia Chapter  |  10.02.23

Spectrum Design Principal, Lenore Weiss has been elected President of the 2023-2024 Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID Virginia Chapter). Founded in 1975, ASID is the oldest, largest and only multi-disciplinary professional organization for interior designers, interior design students, and the manufacturers and suppliers who support the profession.  Congratulations to Lenore and the new board. We appreciate their dedication and service to advance the interior design profession in the Commonwealth of Virginia. #DesignMatters

Supporting A Good Cause  |  09.27.23

The Prostate Cancer Educational Institute of Virginia (PCEIV) held their annual golf tournament yesterday in Glen Allen, VA. Led by Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management Services for the Virginia Community College System, Bert Jones, tournament funds help support PCEIV’s mission. We enjoyed catching up with our VCCS friends, and supporting this important cause.

Congratulations Terri Lynn!  |  08.22.23

Our team would like to congratulate Terri Lynn Wolfe on becoming a licensed architect! This rigorous process begins with an accredited degree, followed by years of documented experience. The final step requires passing six Architecture Registration Exams that test one’s knowledge and skill of the practice of architecture. Way to go TL!

Wayfinding Signage  |  08.16.23

As the fall semester begins next week, we hope that the newly installed wayfinding signage at Virginia Western Community College will help students and visitors navigate the campus. The robust sign package includes 80+ wayfinding signs, 2 large LED displays, and 1 large illuminated sign overlooking the highway. Thanks to the VWCC committee, F&S Building Innovations, Budget Signs, and Talley Sign Company for their involvement with the project. Happy back to school, everyone!

CPTED Training  |  07.14.23

Chris Venable recently completed The National Institute of Crime Prevention 16-hour Specialized Topics Course “CPTED for Schools” at the University of South Florida in Tampa to maintain his CPTED Professional Designation (CPD) credential. CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)’s goal is to prevent crime through designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior.

Third Street Station Ribbon Cutting  |  06.14.23

Spectrum celebrated alongside Valley Metro – Roanoke leadership, and MB Contractors on the grand opening of the new Third Street Station. Special thanks to our design team members, Michael Baker International and Hill Studio. We look forward to seeing this beautiful, state-of-the-art terminal put into service for the citizens of our region and we were honored to be a part of this transformational project.

VAPPA Conference  |  03.31.23

Spectrum Principal, Granville Grant, teamed up with Roberta Wright, Facilities Director at Patrick & Henry Community College to present at the 2023 VAPPA (VA Association of Physical Plant Administrators)  Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Annual Conference brings together educational facilities professionals throughout the state. Granville and Roberta shared their experience building P&HCC’s MET I complex to demonstrate the importance of using personal communication in addition to digital tools to ensure successful project outcomes.  

ASID Student Firm Crawl  |  03.24.23

Spectrum Design enjoyed hosting Virginia Tech and Radford University interior design students for the American Society of Interior Designers Virginia Chapter Student Firm Crawl.  Thanks to Kimberlyn Lindsay and Leah Avancini-Cockram for providing a guided tour.

Paying Tribute to History  |  03.08.23

Spectrum Design is excited to be finishing up the details on the new Third Street Station with GRTC (Valley Metro-Roanoke). Kimberlyn Lindsay, one of our interior designers, is inspecting a new vinyl wallcovering recently installed. We worked with the Historical Society of Western Virginia to select an image for the new terminal, celebrating the new while paying tribute to downtown Roanoke’s transportation history. 

Design Competition  |  12.14.22

Nathan Harper joined several other architects from across the Commonwealth to jury a design competition at the Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts and Design.  Supported by A4LE (Association for Learning Environments), students from professor Michael Ermann’s studio shared designs for a new school that serves students with special needs in Washington DC. Congratulations to the students on their impressive and thoughtful work.

Third Street Station  |  11.10.22

GRTC representatives and employees were on-site to get a sneak preview of their new downtown Third Street Station. Drivers had the opportunity to participate in a staged simulation run, and the next phase of construction will begin soon as the North Canopy takes shape. The team at Spectrum was grateful for the opportunity to attend this exciting construction milestone celebration!

2022 IDEA Award Winner  |  10.19.22

Spectrum Design won an IDEA AWARD (Interior Design Excellence Award) for their work on the ValleyStar Credit Union corporate headquarters in Franklin County, VA.  Spectrum took first place in the “corporate/under 35,000 SF” category that included entries from both Virginia and West Virginia.

The new ValleyStar building was designed with expansive views and natural materials, making the landscape a key feature of the interior spaces without sacrificing functionality or state-of-the art technology.

The award was sponsored by the Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Virginia-West Virginia Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. The awards were independently judged by members of both organizations in other states.

It was a pleasure to collaborate with the leadership at ValleyStar Credit Union. Their vision played an instrumental role in the overall design of the completed building they now call home!

AIA Blue Ridge Design Awards |  10.13.22

Spectrum Design recently attended the AIA Blue Ridge Design Awards Gala to accept the Honor Award for the Virginian Railway Station in Roanoke, VA. Owned by the National Railway Historical Society, the project revived a historic passenger station that was originally put into service in 1910. This was a team effort, and we share this recognition with our talented partners including Barry Rakes Architect, Hill Studio and G&H Contracting.

Certified Interior Designer  |  07.01.22

Congratulations to Spectrum’s own Kimberlyn Lindsay for passing her NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam and earning her NCIDQ professional certification! This is a rigorous exam and a certification recognizing interior design professionals who can demonstrate an expertise in understanding and adhering to today’s building codes as they relate to public health, safety, and welfare.

A4LE Conference 2022  |  03.08.22

This week at the A4LE (Association for Learning Environments) Virginia Chapter / Southeast Regional Conference, Lenore Weiss and Chris Venable led a presentation along with Educational Planner, Dian Paulin, Colonial Elementary School principal, Tammy Riggs, and Kelly St. Clair, regional sales manager for VS America. The panel discussed furniture planning for adaptability and flexibility in a post-pandemic world.

Valley Metro’s Moving Day  |  03.04.22

Valley Metro has moved!  This week Valley Metro left Campbell Court and began operations on the site of their new Third Street Station Transfer Center.  Valley Metro will operate out of a temporary facility in front of the Transportation Museum while the permanent Third Street Transfer Center is under construction.

ValleyStar Credit Union Ribbon Cutting  |  12.22.21

We were pleased to join ValleyStar Credit Union at the ribbon cutting for their new home office in Summit View Business Park in Franklin County, VA. The building takes advantage of the surrounding mountain views, and we look forward to seeing it put to great use. The project was designed by Spectrum Design, built by Frith Construction, and photographed by Boyd Pearman Photography. Congratulations again to ValleyStar!

Colonial Elementary School Wins Honorable Mention  |  10.22.21

Colonial Elementary School was awarded Honorable Mention in the K-12 category of the ASID Virginia Chapter and IIDA Virginia & West Virginia Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards.

Located in Botetourt County, VA, Colonial Elementary School has been a central part of the community since its original construction in 1939. Built as a high school, it then became a middle school, and ultimately an elementary school. The existing building was outmoded, overcrowded, and too small to support students and evolving teaching modalities. The design of this school sought to honor the past, support the present, and provide flexibility for the future.

Cave Spring High Schools Wins First Place IDEA Award  |  10.20.21

Cave Spring High School has been awarded First Place in the K-12 category for the ASID Virginia and IIDA Virginia/West Virginia Interior Design Excellence Awards.

The renovation & addition strategy was to re-create a building “from the inside out.” The re-imagined building now supports rigorous academic demands for 1,200 students while also providing a safe environment for personal development.

Star Lighting  |  10.13.21

Last week this lighted sculpture was installed in the lobby of ValleyStar Credit Union’s Administrative Campus. The series of lighted stars (only recognizable as such from below) and the view of the mountain and valley beyond provide subtle branding. Spectrum collaborated with Matt McConnell of McConnell  Studios https://www.mattmcconnell.com/ out of Raleigh, NC on the realization of this design. 

Cave Spring High School Ribbon Cutting  |  08.04.21

This past weekend the Cave Spring community was invited to the official ribbon cutting and to come inside to see the newly renovated school. The original 1967 high school was completely transformed inside and a new two-story science wing was added.  

Congratulations to Cave Spring High School and Roanoke County Public Schools!

Architecture License  |  07.19.21

Congratulations to team member Taylor Terrill for completing the required APX hours and passing the ARE to become a licensed architect!

Party in Elmwood  |  06.25.21

Our team enjoyed a beautiful summer evening with family and friends as Spectrum sponsored Downtown Roanoke Incorporated’s Party in Elmwood. Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels always entertains and the food catered by @Martins was delicious! It was the perfect way to kick off the summer season!

Yes You Can  |  06.22.21

Spectrum Design’s Terri Lynn Wolfe has just finished up the 2021 softball season as the head JV coach for Hidden Valley High School where she has coached for 3 seasons. Terri Lynn played NCAA Division 2 softball at Fairmont State University, in West Virginia, where she studied architecture.

“My favorite thing to tell my players is ‘yes you can’, as simple as it may sound. It brings me so much joy as a person and coach when I start to see my players gain the confidence that I’ve preached. This means so much more to me than winning ball games.”

Building a Model  |  06.18.21

Carson Sutphin is making an architectural model of the classroom addition for Breckinridge Middle School. Even in the age of Building Information Modeling (BIM) a physical model can be a valuable design tool.

Kendal at Lexington Borden Center  |  06.04.21

Kendal at Lexington held a ribbon cutting for their newly-renovated and expanded Borden Center. The design offers household-model neighborhood wings, new private residences, expanded dining spaces, outdoor activity areas, and enhanced accommodations for memory care.

Liberty University Graduate  |  05.25.21

Spectrum Design would like to congratulate team member Kourtnei Noel for her recent graduation from Liberty University! With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology from the School of Behavioral Sciences, Kourtnei plans to continue her studies towards a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling – Crises Response & Trauma.

Welcome LeadPoint Digital  |  05.20.21

We would like to welcome LeadPoint Digital to our building following the grand opening of their new space!

Northstar Church  |  04.09.21

Spectrum Design had the privilege to provide design services for the new Northstar Church in Blacksburg, Virginia.  With the hard work and effort of our architects and engineers, along with G&H Contracting providing construction services, the congregation was able to celebrate the Easter season in their new home last week.  We wish Northstar Church much prosperity and continued growth in the future!

Virginia Heights Elementary School  |  04.01.21

Spring is in the air at the new Virginia Heights Elementary School playground.  We look forward to seeing the project completed and to the joy that it will bring to the children of Roanoke City Public Schools.

Cave Spring High School Gymnasium  |  03.24.21

The Cave Spring High School Volleyball team hosted Salem High School yesterday in the school’s newly renovated gymnasium.  As part of the addition/renovation project, the gym received a new maple court floor, athletic equipment, bleacher seating, lighting and ventilation.  We look forward to seeing the gym serve Cave Spring athletics for years to come.

Colonial Elementary School  |  03.12.21

Colonial Elementary School in Blue Ridge was originally built in 1939 as the community high school.  In its 82 years of service, thousands of students went through its doors.  As part of the new school Spectrum Design conceived a history wall that replicates the original brick arch and pediment framing a photo collage that shows the school and students over the decades.

AIA Blue Ridge Design + Honor Awards  |  12.21.20

The Claude Moore Education Complex was selected for an Honor Award in the AIA Blue Ridge 2020 Design + Honor Awards.  The jury commented that the project is a “well-crafted contribution to the historic urban fabric and social life of the community.”

Tinsel Trail Christmas Tree Donation  |  12.02.20

Spectrum Design was honored to donate a Christmas Tree to be decorated by the students of Colonial Elementary School for this year’s Bank of Fincastle Tinsel Trail through the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce.  The students chose the theme of “Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Future” to commemorate their new school in which they are very excited about moving into next month.

IDEA Awards: Virginia Tech Payne Hall Wellness Commons  |  10.16.20

Spectrum Design’s Virginia Tech: Payne Hall Wellness Commons was given First Place in the Higher Education category of the ASID Virginia and IIDA Virginia/West Virginia Interior Design Excellence Awards.

In support of Virginia Tech’s emphasis on creating Living / Learning Communities, first floor common spaces in Payne Hall were transformed into vibrant and inviting gathering areas that support the hall’s new theme of Wellness.

Colonial Elementary School  |  10.02.20

Roofers are working under a clear Fall sky at Colonial Elementary School.

ASID National Taskforce on Adaptive Living  |  08.04.20

Spectrum Design is pleased to announce that principal Lenore Weiss, CID, ASID, has been selected to participate in the ASID National Taskforce on Adaptive Living.  This taskforce will study changes in senior care, adaptive and multigenerational family living resulting from challenges faced by nursing homes and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

https://www.asid.org/press-releases/american-society-of-interior-designers-forms-two-task-forces-examining-design-s-role-in-the-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR0lUHNUNR4PFICLNc-HPFW_cuXS-OG_Rg-23rrKNek7-aWkHU7zCPkOolE

National Thanksgiving Turkeys at Virginia Tech  |   07.17.20

One of the benefits of having a Virginia Tech agriculture project under construction is the occasional sighting of celebrity animals.  The National Thanksgiving Turkeys who received Presidential pardons reside at the site.

2019 Awards of Excellence in Architecture  |  10.22.19

AIA Virginia has announced the 2019 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Spectrum Design’s Claude Moore Education Complex Expansion was recognized with an Award of Merit for Contextual Design. The jury commented, “With its simple streetscape and successful interior kitchen and training facilities, this is architecture that respectfully contributes to the neighborhood’s vibrant history.”

Congratulations to the Claude Moore Education Complex, the Roanoke Higher Education Center, Virginia Western Community College, and the Spectrum Design team.

Winner of 2019 IDEA Awards  |  09.27.19

Spectrum Design is pleased to announce on September 27 in Richmond, VA we received two Interior Design Excellence Awards at the 2019 IIDA Virginia & West Virginia Chapter and American Society of Interior Designers/ASID IDEA Awards. The projects recognized were Glenvar High School Additions / Renovations in Education: K-12 and the Patrick Henry Community College Manufacturing & Engineering Technology Complex in Education: Higher Education. Spectrum Design takes the responsibility of enhancing communities seriously and when our creative efforts also garner recognition within the design community, we are proud and humbled.

ValleyStar Credit Union Groundbreaking  |  09.17.19

Congratulations to ValleyStar Credit Union on today’s groundbreaking ceremony for their new administrative campus at Summit View Business Park in Franklin County, VA. The Spectrum team looks forward to working with Frith Construction and with the ValleyStar team as the construction process gets underway.

Cave Spring High School Drone Video  |  06.28.19

Construction progress continues at Cave Spring High School! Special thanks to Avis Construction Company for sharing this impressive drone video which captures the significant extent of the demolition work both inside and outside of the school: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=WZdmZc7bfFg

Congratulations Interns  |  05.24.2019

Our team would like to congratulate Tripat Panesar of Hidden Valley High School, and Ethan Harris of Cave Spring High School for completing 7-month internships with Spectrum Design. The internship program is offered as a partnership with the Roanoke County Public Schools‘ BCAT program (Burton Center for Arts & Technology). Also, thank you to teachers Susheela Shanta, Suzanne Nicewonder, and Janet Washington.

Volunteer Day  |  05.21.2019

Spectrum Design team members volunteered Saturday for Restoration Housing’s Community Partnership Day at the Historic Villa Heights estate in Northwest Roanoke. We spent the morning planting trees and cleaning debris. It was hot and we all got a bit sweaty and dirty but felt a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Excited to see the restoration of Villa Heights come to fruition!

Congratulations Kendal at Lexington |  05.14. 19

Congratulations to our client Kendal at Lexington on earning three accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities in the specialties of Dementia and Person-Centered Care. We are honored to be collaborating with this organization and their Executive Director, Mina Tepper, as they strive to provide the best possible care and comfort for their residents. Find out more here.

Cave Spring High School Progress | 05.09.19

Roanoke County Public Schools, Spectrum Design, and Avis Construction Company led a behind the scenes tour yesterday of the construction progress at Cave Spring High School. Featured on several regional news outlets, the visit showcased the extensive demolition as well as the early stages of additions and renovations. To quote school board member and CSHS graduate Mike Wray, “Is this exciting, or what”! The team at Spectrum Design shares in this excitement as the Cave Spring Community sees their re-imagined school take shape. Watch news coverage from WSLS here: https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/roanoke/construction-at-cave-spring-high-school-underway

Mill Mountain Star | 05.02.2019

Lukas Burgher and Nathan Harper made an aerial visit of the Mill Mountain Star today. Spectrum Design was engaged by the City of Roanoke to map out the existing structural system and produce drawings of the historic landmark, which was erected in 1949. Special thanks to Nick Brash with Comprehensive Construction Services and to Matt Janas with the City of Roanoke Engineering Department. Also, a shout-out to the crane operator for getting everyone back on the ground safely!

Mr. Bandy’s Retirement | 04.26.2019

This week we recognized the accomplishments of retiring president and director of design, David Bandy, AIA, while celebrating the culmination of a years long leadership transition process systematically planned, structured and implemented to ensure a seamless changeover.

“We are excited to celebrate Mr. Bandy’s legacy of inspiring designs and four decades of projects that have forever shaped this region’s architectural landscape,” said Spectrum Design principal, Nathan Harper. “We look forward to continuing the creative work that has made Mr. Bandy’s award-winning designs bring recognition to Spectrum and southwest Virginia, while building upon Spectrum’s legacy of high-quality architecture and engineering services.”

ENERGY STAR Schools in Montgomery County | 02.19.2019

Spectrum Design’s two elementary schools in Montgomery County, Virginia are ENERGY STAR Certified schools. ENERGY STAR is a screening tool that assesses how a property is performing compared to similar buildings nationwide. Both Eastern Montgomery and Prices Fork Elementary Schools scored 96 out of 100, meaning they are performing better than 96% of elementary schools in the United States.

Let Spectrum Design show you how to save energy with innovative design and engineering solutions.

Enhanced Civil Engineering Services | 01.17.2019

We are pleased to announce that Trae Livick, PE, one of Spectrum Design’s Civil Engineers, recently became credentialed as a Stormwater Management Program Administrator.

Spectrum Design is certified through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to administer the implementation of a Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). These are programs in place for state agencies, municipal governments and many campus-style properties to ensure their developments fall within State minimum guidelines. 

If you need support in this area of expertise or have other Architecture or Engineering needs, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.