Paradigm Design

Paradigm Design supports the growing movement to design, construct, and promote buildings that are environmentally responsible as well as healthy places to live and work. We are an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) currently have seven LEED Accredited Professionals, and one LEED Green Associate on staff. We attend and participate in USGBC workshops and online courses designed to increase knowledge about green building. We also supplement the courses/workshops with related videos and articles contributed by experts in the marketplace, including USGBC staff.

Paradigm Design and its consultants are familiar with the requirements of the LEED criteria, prerequisites, and credits. We understand the importance of applying the LEED criteria to the design and construction process of building projects. We have first-hand experience in the certification process through our involvement as the “Team Leader” on both private and public sector LEED projects. Additionally, we promote and utilize the design, construction, and management ideas outlined in the LEED rating system to inform and enhance our client discussions. The benefit of incorporating sustainable design principals into any project has great merit regardless of LEED status, and we strongly support and encourage the discussion and inclusion of these concepts wherever reasonably possible.

The Newaygo Community Business Center’s mission is to create a 21st century workplace. A business, cultural, and learning environment providing resources that allow members alternatives to traditional workplaces. In this facility members are able to conduct work activity while away from their office. This mixed use office/retail building is located in the heart of downtown Newaygo. The retail component is intended to promote downtown shopping and compliment the office functions on the upper level. The building also known as “The Stream” is the combined vision of the City of Newaygo and Haworth. It will serve as a learning environment where Haworth can test and study how individuals as well as teams work together and with their office environment, adjusting the surroundings to better compliment the users. The main street elevation of the building is intended to emulate the character of the historic downtown, while the river side of the building opens up allowing light in and views out. The interior finishes are environmentally friendly and the building has been submitted to the US Green Building Council for LEED Certification.

Paradigm Design worked in unison with Ottawa County on an expansion and renovation project.  The building was the Ottawa County Administration Building at their Fillmore Complex in West Olive Township, Michigan.  The construction consisted of two building additions, one a 34,300 square foot addition and the other a 2,500 square foot addition.  There was also 21,400 square feet of renovated and reconfigured space.  This space was designed to provide greater convenience to the residents by bringing more service to the centrally located County complex.  Throughout the project, services included programming, planning, and furnishings for 15 County departments.

The major building addition portion of the project incorporates the latest design strategies for energy conservation, indoor air quality, and green construction practices, and has attained LEED Certification by the US Green Building Council.

The challenge presented was to take one of Meijer’s long standing legacy stores and completely transform it to meet their patrons’ needs and consumer demands.  The store remained open and operational during the construction.

The 200,000 square foot Meijer features six wind turbines.  The store was the first “Big-Box” remodel to be LEED Certified.  95% of all construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills.  In addition to recycling waste, construction materials used consisted of 30%pre or post-consumer recycled materials.  Nearly 70% of all construction materials were local or regional point of origin which exceeds the 20% needed for LEED regional material credits.  The design received LEED Certification in November of 2009.

Energy-conscious design does more than sustain our environment for future generations. Reducing the carbon footprint of a facility saves clients money when considering the life-cycle costs of a facility. Environmentally friendly design is at the beginning of the consciousness of every American. It is our task as the architects of the build environment to be both teachers and leaders in reducing the footprint of every building built.

-Steven Douglas
Paradigm Design Project Manager for Meijer Norton Shores
Green Buisness Quarterly Nov/Dec 2009 pg.60