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Transforming Underutilized Space into a Main Attraction
By Michael Kleene | Apr 14, 2021
West Des Moines Community Schools converts an unmaintained courtyard overgrown with invasive plant material into its new media center.
All Aboard!
By Emily Naylor | Mar 11, 2021
Exploring the Waveland Trolley Loop's personal connections at Shive-Hattery and the community.
5 Ways To Decrease Exposure to Contaminants in Fire Stations
By Shive- Hattery | Jan 1, 2021
Protect firefighters by reducing exposure to toxic contaminants and carcinogens inside the fire station
Managing Environmental Hazards In Iowa Schools During The Pandemic
By Sam Becker | Dec 18, 2020
While the pandemic continues to draw public attention to environmental safety in schools, Iowa school districts continue to grapple with managing the regulated hazards in their buildings.
Managing Environmental Hazards In Iowa Government Buildings During The Pandemic
By Sam Becker | Dec 17, 2020
As the situation surrounding the pandemic continues as well as ongoing derecho recovery efforts, Iowa government officials may find it difficult balance both the needs of COVID-19 and the management of normal operations and maintenance in their buildings.
Using UV & Visible Lighting to Disinfect & Manage the Coronavirus
By Shive- Hattery | Dec 16, 2020
As we return to work and school in the safest manner possible, disinfection lighting through UV and/or visible lighting is a method that reduces pathogens on surfaces and air spaces that we use and occupy.
Adding a Storm Shelter - The Best Option
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Nov 10, 2020
The best option for safety during a tornado is an ICC 500 or FEMA P-361 storm shelter. Both have similar requirements.
Strengthen Existing Areas Against Extreme Wind Events During Remodels
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Oct 27, 2020
Existing spaces that were not designed for resistance to the effects of a tornado can be augmented to provide additional protection for occupants as an interim measure.
Best Available Refuge Area Example
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Oct 13, 2020
Most school districts have tornado drills to practice where to go and what to do during a tornado. The locations within the school are typically chosen by administrators who have the best intentions, but do not have the structural engineering training to identify the criteria necessary to choose the safest options available.
Best Available Refuge Area (BARA) - When You Don't Have a Safe Room or Storm Shelter
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 29, 2020
Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the US, but are most frequent in the tornado-prone Midwestern states. With students and staff spending a large portion of their day in the school building, having a designated safe area for use during a tornado is critical.
Natural Hazard Vulnerabilities & Planning
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 15, 2020
Because our children spend a majority of their time at schools, we often perceive these buildings as safe and should inherently possess good resistance to natural hazards.
Tornado Season - Preparing Your Students, Staff & School
By Onesty Friday, Karen Hardisty | Sep 1, 2020
Growing up, many of us became well-practiced in tornado drills and know exactly what to do when we hear the alarm.
Modify Existing HVAC Equipment to Create Negative Space for Your Facility
By Mike Petersen | Aug 31, 2020
A client was tasked with creating an action plan for his hospital to support an increase in coronavirus patients. Was there a way to modify or control the existing HVAC equipment to provide a negative pressure area within the hospital?
Winter is Coming
By Alex Brase | Aug 31, 2020
With snow flying at this time of year, you may be concerned with the amount of snow on your roof. Doing a roof assessment for snow loads is the first step to make sure your facility’s roof is structurally sound and may also save you money on insurance premiums.
Is the Household Model the Solution for Senior Living?
By Shive- Hattery | Aug 28, 2020
Senior living communities have been hit hard with the COVID-19 pandemic and it continues to be a major disruptor with the looming possibility of new regulations and changes in design guidelines that haven’t been seen in a generation.
Documenting Storm Damage
By Shive- Hattery | Aug 13, 2020
Through the use of drone technology, our certified drone pilot(s) produce vibrant, dynamic HD aerial video and photos that are immense valuable when documenting storm damage.
Identifying Aquatic Resources a Key Step When Planning Development
By Jake Wilson | Jul 23, 2020
If you are developing in Iowa, it’s important to include wetland delineation early on in your site selection process to avoid costly design changes due to regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).
Incorporating Shock Pads - A Best Practice for Synthetic Fields
By Shive- Hattery | Jul 23, 2020
As bands march and athletes run on their schools’ athletic fields year after year, the synthetic turf will unavoidably breakdown.
Critical Surge Capacity Design: Single to Double Occupancy Flex Design
By Gary Van Dyke | Jul 17, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the need for flexible and adaptive spaces. To deal with an everchanging future you can design patient care areas that quickly transition to an isolation environment during a critical surge capacity.
Traffic Data Collection in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic
By Marcus Januario | Jun 26, 2020
How to Keep Your Road Improvement Projects on Track During COVID-19