The Calibre Awards program recognizes completed projects demonstrating excellence and innovation within the interior design and construction industry. Syska was cited for its work on the Cook Inlet Energy corporate offices in Century City, Calif., and the remodeling of the Julien J. Studley Inc. corporate offices in West Los Angeles.

For the Cook Inlet Energy project, Syska said it worked closely with architects Beckson Design Associates to design a 5,000-square-foot trading floor and adjacent 17,000 square feet of open office on a fast-track basis, involving extensive cabling and complex mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, including a state-of-the-art fire suppression system and sophisticated trading floor displays. Through a constant focus on the project’s goal and consistent communication of the project approach, Syska said it was able to smoothly and successfully integrate the building systems design with the architecture and operation of the building space. This integration was extremely important when addressing the extensive cabling requirements for the trading floor. In an effort to adhere to budget constraints, the team was able to avoid reinforcing the floor by establishing equipment and cabling clearances with the architect, and systems were designed to fit in those spaces.

Syska worked with Area Architects to remodel Julien J. Studley’s 9,000-square-foot office as a fast-track tenant improvement. The project design features exposed ductwork and varying ceiling types, including open ceilings and floating “island-like” drywall and acoustical T-Bar ceilings. Faced with the challenge of an existing HVAC system that needed to be modernized, and various open ceiling types in which to hide it, Syska was able to work creatively to design these modernizations cost-effectively, while keeping an aesthetically pleasing feel in the building space.

The International Interior Design Association is a professional networking and educational association of more than 10,000 members in eight specialty forums, nine regions, and more than 30 chapters around the world committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge.

Syska Hennessy Group (www.syska.com) is a consulting, engineering, technology, and construction firm. It is celebrating its 75th year.

Publication date: 05/12/2003