PITTSBURGH, PA—National independent technology consulting firm The Sextant Group will purchase West Coast-based lighting, stage, and studio facility planning and design firm Norman Russell Design. The strategic pairing of these two key consultants in the AEC industry will have significant implications in services offered and delivery capabilities for clients, both in California and throughout North America.
Norman Russell Design has delivered lighting design and control solutions to a wide variety of clients since 1978. The firm is renowned in the industry for its depth and breadth of experience, bringing a systemic understanding of architectural engineering and systems controls to the design of high-performance, energyefficient space. In addition, the firm has a unique focus on network broadcast facilities, sound stages, academic video/film production facilities, and theaters from New York to California.
Chief Adds BIM
MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Chief Manufacturing has made Three-Part Specifications available on its website. The Chief Design Center has also been enhanced to provide more relevant information specifically for architects, consultants, and designers. Chief’s 3-Part Specifications are based on Construction Specification Institute guidelines and assist in the design process.
Aside from the 3-Part Specifications, Chief has added several more tools to help industry professionals. First, Chief will be adding 3D BIM to the Design Center. BIM is already in use at many of the nation’s largest architecture, engineering, and construction companies.
Chief has also partnered with ARCAT, an architectural specification database, to display Chief products on the ARCAT website. ARCAT provides information on building materials for architects, engineers and contractors.
Finally, Chief launched its first AIA-accredited training course last year, providing information on how to select and specify the proper mount as well as why it is important to think about mounts early in the design process.
DES MOINES, IA—The Temple for Performing Arts (TPA) in Des Moines, IA recently upgraded the PA system in its Temple Theater. Although the room is a relatively friendly environment acoustically, there were other factors to consider. A quality sound system solution was needed but it had to be one that didn’t compromise the visual aesthetic of the room. The unobtrusive visual design of the d&b audiotechnik T-Series, installed by Audio Logic Systems, fit the bill.
