rndarchitects1, Author at RND Architects, PA

Grand Opening of Stanford L. Warren Library

The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. – Albert Einstein

For decades this library has been more than just a place for books – it has served as a vibrant cultural hub and a safe space for Durham’s African American community. We are privileged to have had the opportunity to revitalize this important space, with the hope that it will foster greater community engagement and honor the rich history it represents.

This project involves a comprehensive renovation of the historic 1940 branch library, featuring both exterior and extensive interior upgrades. Exterior improvements include the installation of a new below-grade waterproofing and drainage system, partial roof replacement, updated parapet flashings, masonry wall cleaning and repairs, and the reconstruction of two handicap-accessible ramps. Interior renovations consist of a redesigned administrative office area, upgraded meeting rooms, reconfigured reception desk, and the addition of new finishes, fixtures, furnishings, and lighting throughout, along with the installation of a new fire alarm system.

We felt a deep sense of accomplishment seeing the community enjoy the new space we created for them during the grand opening.

Pawsitive Designs: RND Architects’ Creative Journey at Triangle Barkitecture

This year marked our third participation in Triangle Barkitecture, a unique pet architecture and design competition dedicated to raising funds for pets in need. Our talented emerging professionals at RND Architects took the lead on this year’s project, showcasing their skills and creativity while collaborating with our construction partners at Davie Construction to support foster and rescue organizations in the Triangle. Together, we showcased our skills and creativity while making a meaningful impact on animals in need.

We are proud to present our latest design, Kitty Kubbies—a playful and innovative cat house that perfectly embodies the spirit of the competition. Inspired by the classic shapes of Tetris, Kitty Kubbies is not just a pet house; it’s a versatile piece of furniture that seamlessly blends functionality with style. Each modular unit can be arranged individually or combined into a cohesive design, making it an eye-catching statement piece for any room.

The design process for Kitty Kubbies began with brainstorming sessions where our team explored various concepts, materials, and functionality tailored to a cat’s needs. We emphasized the importance of creating a structure that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also engaging for our feline friends. Throughout this phase, we considered factors such as comfort, playfulness, and adaptability.

As the youngest member of RND Architects, Eric Wennerstrom led the team through the schematic design and design development stages. He encouraged an open dialogue where everyone could share their ideas and contribute to the design direction. This collaborative approach allowed us to develop a deep understanding of what makes a space inviting for cats, leading to features like cozy sleeping nooks, engaging scratch pads, and dedicated spaces for a litter box.

During the construction phase, Eric expertly coordinated with our construction partners and the senior design team, ensuring that our vision was executed flawlessly. The interlocking modules were crafted to be lightweight yet durable, providing a sturdy connection that can withstand even the most playful of paws. This versatility allows the structure to fit seamlessly into various living spaces, serving as a coffee table, bookshelf, or an engaging play structure for your furry friend.

Being part of Barkitecture for the third year has been an incredible experience for our emerging architects. We have learned the importance of mentorship through hands-on involvement, allowing our young designers to take the lead in projects like this. The concept of “learning by observing” should also extend to “learning by doing,” a philosophy we wholeheartedly embrace at RND. This approach fosters their growth and empowers them to bring their innovative ideas to life.

As we reflect on our journey through three years of Barkitecture, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished with Kitty Kubbies and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of pets in our community. We’re inspired to continue designing with purpose and creativity, proving that architecture can enrich both our lives and the lives of our furry companions.

Office Upfit at American Tobacco for Private Client

Grocery store turned into a modern voting facility.

Check out the latest construction progress on the Durham County Board of Elections’ new facility! Exciting developments are underway as we work towards a fantastic, modern space to serve our Durham community. Stay tuned for updates on this fabulous project!

The new 54,000 sf, modern board of elections facility combines administrative offices, election warehouse functions, training rooms, and community meeting facilities, in a repurposed shopping center located on South Roxboro Road.

The project will be completed in phases with an aggressive design and construction schedule to accommodate 2024 elections. The first phase will allow the Durham County Board of Elections to efficiently stage prior to the important upcoming fall election activities. The second phase will complete the exterior improvements to transform a shopping center into a modern, stately public government facility.

With election security at the forefront of the County’s priorities, this building has been carefully planned with contingencies for most security concerns. The hardscaping in front of the building has concrete seating features that double as stops to prevent vehicle penetration. Ballistic glass and walls are strategically located for protection of voters and election personnel. Access control for doors is tied directly to video surveillance equipment throughout, so there is no doubt only trained election staff have access to ballots. Advanced technologies for mail screening and suspicious package containment have also been included. RND worked closely with the County and Butchko for security design. Samet serves as CMaR for construction.

Project Architect: Glenn Parks, AIA

Samet

DCO

butchko

Project Complete: Elon University Francis Center Phase 3

This large, multi-phased renovation of the Gerald R. Francis Center will expand Elon’s School of Health Sciences and greatly increase the number of sorely-needed nursing students. This phase includes a Skills/Sim Lab, large classrooms, study spaces, and a new entry lobby addition. A new Connector space that bridges the existing buildings and provides student gathering areas will be the focal point of the addition. General Contractor: Davie Construction out of Advance, NC.

Barkitecture 2023: Greenest Paw Award Recipient

RND returned to Barkitecture this year and walked away with the Greenest Paw Award. We pride ourselves on our renovation work with a passion for sustainable design and this award speaks to our roots. This year our team consisted of Makenzie who led the design with the help of Eric, Charles, Rhonda, Glenn, Eileen, Anderson, and Jennifer.

The design started with a piece of furniture that was on the side of the road. We wanted to make a functional, sustainable, and statement-making design. The existing shelf was upcycled into a storage bin and food/water station. We lined the interior with laminate for easy clean up and created a hinged top.

Check out the construction!

A Note from Makenzie: “I’m thankful for RND for allowing me to reintroduce Barkitecture to our firm. It of course came with the condition that I should lead the design team. It was such a great experience where I learned about leadership, project management, team building, and more!”

New Home: The Bow-Wow Haus went home with the highest bidder, Dexter, pictured below.

AIA Barkitecture

RND Awarded 2017 Durham Golden Leaf Award

RND was recently presented with the People’s Choice 2017 Durham Golden Leaf Award for our renovation of Wrightwood Park.

The awards program honors excellence in design, preservation, and stewardship of the natural and built environment. Eight winners were selected from the following categories; Adaptive Re-Use, Hearth & Home, Large Development, Small Development, Garden & Landscape, Keep Durham Beautiful, Sustainability, and People’s Choice.

Wrightwood Park is a small facility nestled in the woods of the Lakewood and Duke Forest neighborhoods in Durham. Prior to our design team’s intervention, the structure was dark and unsafe due to structural deterioration and obstructed sight lines. To correct these issues, our design team removed several of the shelter’s walls to create a more open and visible facility, constructed a new hipped roof, and updated it’s fixtures and finishes.

Our team was honored to receive the People’s Choice Award, which demonstrates the large impact of small improvements for our surrounding communities.

Grand Opening of Stanford L. Warren Library

The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. – Albert Einstein

We felt a deep sense of accomplishment seeing the community enjoy the new space we created for them during the grand opening.

Barkitecture 2024

Pawsitive Designs: RND Architects’ Creative Journey at Triangle Barkitecture

Office Upfit at American Tobacco for Private Client

Office Upfit at American Tobacco for Private Client

Under Construction: DCO Board of Elections

Grocery store turned into a modern voting facility.

Project Complete: Elon University Francis Center Phase 3

Barkitecture 2023: Greenest Paw Award Recipient

RND Awarded 2017 Durham Golden Leaf Award

RND Awarded 2017 Durham Golden Leaf Award