Design Intelligence Recognizes Staffelbach

We were very pleased to see Staffelbach ranked with the top ranking of five stars in the Almanac of Architecture and Design by Design Intelligence.

It’s an honor to be recognized doing something that we love to do.

STAFFELBACH COMPLETES 50,000 SQUARE FEET FOR KOSMOS ENERGY

Dallas, Texas – January 25, 2010 – National interior architecture and design firm, Staffelbach, has completed a 50,000 square foot design project for Kosmos Energy of Dallas. The completion of the client’s corporate offices into their new location included a full complement of design as well as move services. Staffelbach managed the design of the offices including an executive area, boardroom, multi-purpose room and general offices. Also incorporated into the project was Staffelbach’s well-documented history of excellence in programming, visioning sessions, the study of adjacency relationships and blocking analyses.

Cynthia Byars was the Senior Project Director and lead programmer on the project and was charged with the mission of assisting Kosmos, through design directed by Andre Staffelbach, with the formation of a classic, timeless and streamlined showcase of their company’s ideals and brand.

“This was an excellent project for us,” said Jo Heinz, President and CEO. “This project gave us the opportunity to work with a great company to create a space that fortified their image and brand We are particularly proud of what we achieved for Kosmos.”

Using enduring, unadulterated colors combined with the immortal, streamlined design that Staffelbach is known for; Kosmos now has a timeless space that speaks for them while simultaneously caring for the needs of their employees.

About Staffelbach
Staffelbach is a nationally-recognized group of interior designers, architects, facilities planners and support staff with an over 40 year history of creating and transforming interior spaces for an ever-expanding roster of clients. Based in Dallas, Texas, Staffelbach is a national company with core businesses that include a design and architectural studio, a corporate services / facilities planning group as well as a rebranding and tenant development specialty. A certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Staffelbach is licensed to practice architecture in all 48 contiguous United States. More information at www.Staffelbach.com.

About Kosmos Energy
Kosmos Energy is a premier international independent oil and gas exploration and production company with major oil discoveries offshore West Africa, one of the globes most prospective hydrocarbon provinces. Kosmos’ finds include the giant jubilee field located in Ghana’s deep waters, which established a new, significant oil province. The company is developing the Jubilee field on an aggressive timetable. With seasoned leadership, incomparable exploration and development expertise, a world-class track record and a solid financial foundation, Kosmos is well-positioned to continue building a company of substantial value. More information at www.KosmosEnergy.com.

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BE A LITTLE MORE “GREEN” …

If you are involved in commercial real estate and are wondering what you can do to be a little bit more “green”, then we have some tips for you. Staffelbach is committed to the process of reducing our carbon footprint on the world and we are always glad to lend some of our own in-house expertise on the subject.

Enjoy!

Owners and investors – when it comes to site selection, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Select a LEED certified building
• Use Non-potable or grey water for site irrigation
• Landscape with Xeriscape  (landscaping ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation) designs
• Use integrated pest management, erosion control and a landscape management plan
• Inspire water use reduction by going with :
  • Ultra low-flow water closets
  • Composting toilets
  • Waterless urinals
  • Motion detector on sinks
  Inspire by:
• Select a building near public transportation
• Provide bicycle storage and shower facilities
• Provide priority parking for car-pools or van-pools

When it comes to energy and the atmosphere, think of these:

• Install daylight-responsive lighting controls
• Purchase ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances
• Engage in a contract for electricity from renewable sources
• Implement a green cleaning policy:

When it comes to green cleaning, the US Green Building Council says:

“Because of the environmental and human health benefits associated with cleaning practices, the LEED® for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) Rating System has incorporated credits that reward green cleaning. Green cleaning provides an excellent opportunity for enhancing a building’s sustainability without expending large sums of money

A major benefit of green cleaning is that it minimizes the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional cleaning practices. Many traditional products are derived from non-renewable natural resources and can be toxic to human health and cause long-term environmental problems. It is critical to recognize that the solution to these problems is not to clean less, as cleaning is essential to protecting occupant well being and safety. Rather, the solution is the selection and use of appropriate cleaning and maintenance products. Using cleaning technologies that utilize rapidly renewable derived resources without sacrificing quality, performance, or adding additional cost has tremendous life cycle advantages.”

(Read that entire article HERE)

When it comes to building, construction, or the office itself, here are some tips in regards to materials and resources:

• Provide designated area for recyclables (paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals)
• Commit to a minimum of 10 year lease
• Recycle or salvage construction waste
• Use salvaged or refurbished furniture
• Purchase materials that are from the region – it keeps shipping to a minimum thereby reducing the number of vehicles and miles used in the transportation of the materials you are going to use.
• Purchase materials that are rapidly renewable (Bamboo flooring, cotton batt, Linoleum flooring, sunflower seed board, wheatgrass cabinetry and wool carpet)
• Use certified woods

Now that you’re inside – what should you consider for the interior?

Use low-emitting materials. These are materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). According to the Environmental Protection Agency:

“Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.”

Materials that you can be sure fit this description are many and include: Adhesives and sealants, paints and coatings, carpets, composite wood and laminate adhesives, systems furniture and seating.

Working with an interior architecture and design firm that has LEED certified staff – like Staffelbach – is one way to be sure that you are kept aware of the latest ecologically responsible products available.

Another tip for your interiors is to plan offices, and other enclosed spaces, to maximize daylight. Available and ambient light – light that isn’t provided electrically – can be maximized to the tenant’s (and the earth’s) maximum benefit with proper planning.

Staffelbach is committed to merging the needs of clients with the needs of the world around us.
If you are someone who has needs or questions, do not hesitate to call.

ABOUT STAFFELBACH

Staffelbach is a group of interior designer, architects, facilities planners and support staff with a 43-year history of creating and transforming interior spaces for commercial clients throughout the United States. The company’s core businesses include a design and architectural studio, a corporate services / facilities planning group and tenant development specialty. As rebranding experts, Staffelbach continues to work with real estate owners and investors throughout the country to renovate and reposition large commercial office properties for added return on their investments. A Women’s Business Enterprise company, Staffelbach is based in Dallas, Texas and is licensed to practice within the 48 contiguous United States. More information at www.Staffelbach.com.