The AIA Ohio Valley Region met its 2012 goal established by the AIA ArchiPAC Steering Committee largely because of the efforts of Micahael Schuster FAIA of Michael Schuster Architects in Cincinnati and Bruce Sekanick AIA of |psainc|.  Sekanick and Schuster have strongly promoted advocacy efforts throughout Ohio and the region.

Phillips|Sekanick Architects inc., |psainc| recently welcomed two new team members.  Joining us last month was Stephanie Gula, a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters of Architecture degree.  Stephanie is a 2012 graduate of SCAD and is a graduate of Howland High School.  Earlier this month, Kelly Shaulis LEED AP, a 2002 graduate of the Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design joined |psainc|, bringing a wide range of experience from a number of firms including W. Design in Chagrin Falls, Schmidt Copeland Parker Stevens in Cleveland, and Chambers, Murphy & Burge Restoration Architects in Akron.  The entire staff of |psainc| welcome our new members.

Phillips|Sekanick Architects, inc|psainc| realized a record 2011 with nearly a 78% increase in in-house billing and over 24% of pass thru billing over 2010.  In 2012, |psainc| continues our efforts with an expanded range of projects and a continued effort of diversification.  Through May, the firm is on pace to set for the second year in a row, a new gross billing record.

Phillips|Sekanick Architects, inc|psainc| recently completed the renovation of our design studio.  As part of an ongoing effort to provide our design team with the newest design tools, |psainc| has made an effort to provide our design group with both comfortable and efficient work areas.  Working closely with our interior designer and several suppliers, |psainc| has re-invested in our studio to create a professional environment that encourages quality design solutions.

Phillips|Sekanick Architects, inc |psainc| increased output in 2011 in QSR and fast casual restaurants with the highest number of completed restaurant projects in the company history.  Combined with a variety of project types, |psainc| was responsible for over 25% of all Paneras constructed in the country in 2011.  This is the highest total for the firm in the more than fifteen years of being associated with Covelli Enterprises and Panera Bread.

Recent improvements to the overall IT backbone at |psainc| has resulted in easier file sharing and access along with more secure off-site backup.  With over five (5) terrabytes of datastorage available, |psainc| makes every effort to not only secure client date, but also ensure that it is available when needed.  With continuous off-site backup, |psainc| has developed a disaster recovery plan to make sure that our clients continue to recieve quality service, even when the unexpected occurs.

Phillips|Sekanick Architects, inc has added a new file transfer portal that permits registered clients and owners access to selected documents and drawing files.  This process not only simplifies and documents access to document, but significant accelerates the distribution process.  With password protected access and assigned workspaces, access to information is an ongoing process and permits users to access and update only the information they need.  This simplified delivery process helps us better help our clients.

|psainc| experienced growth in both staff and revenue in 2011.  With a concentration on food service projects, |psainc| expanded the number of projects executed as well as expanding the scope of project types developed.  With a 30 percent growth in staff, the organization experienced nearly a 100% growth in gross revenue.

Once again this year, Phillips|Sekanick Architects, inc|psainc has supported a wide range of programs and charities as part of our business philosophy.  |psainc| has continued our support through 2011 of Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design through  support and participation in the Annual Golf Outing.  This program provides support for scholarships to students in the college.  Again this year, the organization continued to support the Panerathon, an effort of Covelli Enterprises and Panera Bread, that supports the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center in Youngstown. |psainc| has also provided financial support to the Howland Community Scholarship Foundation, the AIA Ohio Foundation, and a number of other programs from throughout the region.  We are thrilled to be able to support these worthwhile programs and activities and look forward to continuing these efforts in 2012

Phillips|Sekanick Architects continues to work with the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown in buildings assessment project

Beginning in 2012, |psainc| will be implementing a new project management and accounting system to track project information, time and project cost information.  Installed nearly four months ago, information has been entered for ongoing projects and while management level staff has received training on the system.  |psainc| will be running both our current system and new system concurrently to help ensure a smooth transition. We hope that with this new management tool, we will be better able to meet the needs of our construction partners and better serve our clients.

|psainc| maintains 100%  of eligible employees in membership in the AIA and has a over 80% of members serving in elected positions at either local, state or regional components.

Welcome to our new website!  As we continue to develop and update our website, we welcome your feedback. We will continue to develop new features as we move forward over the next few months and we hope this not only helps "tell our story", but also improves our communications, helps share information, advances quality design, and improves our communiies.