Architectural / Planning Services

OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS

NEUMANN/SMITH LOOKS BEYOND THE ORDINARY TO CREATE EXTRAORDINARY ARCHITECTURE

ABOUT US

Neumann/Smith Architecture is a distinguished design firm noted for its creativity in achieving client goals. That creativity has distinguished our work for over four decades, earning the firm over 200 awards including the prestigious AIA Michigan Architecture Firm Award and numerous features in the international architectural press. We have received commendations for exemplary teamwork including Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Awards. Our expertise in addressing technical issues and our ability to manage complex projects have been recognized by several Build America and Build Michigan awards from the Associated General Contractors of America.

Founded in 1968, Neumann/Smith continues to build on its history of design excellence with a talented group of individuals who share an unwavering commitment to exceptional service and the highest standards of professional practice.

The firm specializes in architecture, planning, interior design and historic preservation for corporate and municipal offices, mixed-use developments, multi-unit housing, parking structures, commercial and retail centers, and higher education facilities.

We provide comprehensive architectural services. Our focus on architecture allows us to excel in our profession. It gives us the freedom to bring together the best engineering and specialty consultants to meet the unique needs of each project. Our architects and interior designers are skilled in master planning, site evaluation, feasibility studies, space planning, architecture, interior design, and project management.

Collaboration is a routine part of our practice. We typically hire civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and landscape architects. We often utilize the consulting services of nationally renowned specialists in audio and visual technology, data and communications, lighting, and acoustics. Our long-term working relationships with many of our consultants provides the efficiencies and integrated communication typical of a large A/E practice, plus the creativity and checks and balances of independent firms.

400 Galleria Officentre Suite 555Southfield, MI 48034248-352-8310248-352-1821 fax

www.neumannsmith.com

1500 WoodwardSuite 300Detroit, MI 48226313-782-4800

DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

FOCUS ON:YOUR VISION We recognize that our value to you as a consultant is not achieved by “dictating design,” but rather by shaping your vision with our collective expertise and experience, resulting in the desired image with an assurance of operational performance. Our design process begins by listening. As we focus our efforts on planning and design, we challenge each decision with as many alternatives as possible and present clients with multiple options for consideration, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each. Our goal:

• Provide the appropriate space needs efficiently and comfortably

• Establish proper space adjacencies to enhance the social landscape

• Optimize space flexibility to accommodate future change

• Create interior character to portray the appropriate image for the desired community

• Optimize views to the outdoors and daylight

• Ensure code compliance to create a safe environment

• Utilize energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems and investigate life cycle costs associated with different options

• Incorporate “green” building design principals where appropriate to minimize negative affects on the environment

• Integrate finishes and materials that are timeless, durable, and easily maintained

Office Design that Optimizes Business Performance. Neumann/Smith’s special expertise in the planning and design of offices encompasses over 20 million square feet of speculative, build-to-suit and privately developed buildings for developers, fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, medical practices, insurance companies, public utilities, financial institutions, automotive manufacturers and government agencies. We design buildings that are visually engaging, operationally efficient, organizationally flexible and financially sound.

Smart Design. We bring a unique value-driven mind-set to every project. Extensive experience working with developers, where time is money, makes us different. We’ve learned how to do things smarter to get the most value out of every budget dollar. We were early leaders in fast-track, team-construct, design/build-GMP and mechanical/ electrical design/build approaches and have established new precedents with Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a fundamentally different approach to the design and construction process. We leverage smart technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and organize in smart ways to reduce waste, maximize efficiency through all phases of the project and optimize project results.

Sustainable Solutions. “Green” strategies are an integral part of every design. We know that even small measures can make a big difference over the lifetime operation of a facility. Over half of our architects and interior designers are LEED Accredited Professionals and our portfolio of work includes two million square feet of LEED rated projects.

Technical Capabilities. We are proficient with major Computer Aided Design Systems (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs including the latest versions of Revit, Navisworks, Rhino and AutoCAD, as well as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suites for the production of contract documents and schedule tracking. To help our clients visualize their projects, we have in-house expertise in SketchUp, Rhino, Autodesk 3D Max Design, Point Cloud Data and Apple Quicklime VR, tools used to generate three dimensional CAD modeling, photo realistic renderings, animations and interactive simulations of sites, exterior and interior spaces. Many of our clients rely on our sophisticated in-house computer capabilities to support their marketing and fundraising campaigns.

OFFICES DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE

DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS THAT ENHANCE EACH COMPANY’S IMAGE AND PRODUCTIVITY

Neumann/Smith has provided programming, space planning and design services for millions of square feet of unique environments. We’ve designed open office concepts, individual workstations, energetic collaboration and meeting spaces, and conference/training centers incorporating state-of-the-art information and communications technology. We’ve also created special amenities such as flexible dining spaces, and health and fitness centers.

Helping a wide variety of clients, Neumann/Smith creates dynamic environments that enhance each company’s image, help recruit and retain the best and brightest talent, and increase productivity.

� DTE Energy Campus Enhancements (215,000 sf new, 31,500 sf renovation including new pedestrian bridge, lobby, Town Square food service and conference center, interior renovations, and unique outdoor spaces), Detroit, MI

� Campbell Ewald Headquarters (121,112 sf design of advertising agency offices in former J.L. Hudson Co. warehouse attached to Ford Field), Detroit, MI

� Redico Management, One Kennedy Square Office Building (256,000 sf), Detroit, MI

� Wayne State University Physician Group, Medical Office Building (129,400 sf) and Parking Structure (615 cars), Detroit, MI

� Midland East End, Office and Mixed-Use Development (230,000 sf), Midland, MI

� MEEMIC Insurance Company Headquarters (119,667 sf ), Auburn Hills, MI

� Centurion Medical Products Headquarters (73,000 sf), LEED Gold, Named 2010 “Green” Project of the Year by CAM Magazine, Williamston, MI

� Bedrock Detroit, M@dison Building Renovation, (50,000 sf transformation of historic building into a digital entrepreneurial hub), Detroit, MI

� General Motors Corporation, Service Parts Operations World Headquarters (340,000 sf), Grand Blanc, MI

� Consumers Energy Headquarters (320,000 sf), Jackson, MI

� Corporate Crossings at Fairlane (230,000 sf), Dearborn, MI

� Koll Corporate Center (120,000 sf), Auburn Hills, MI

� Bedrock Detroit, Quicken Loans Offices (173,500 sf), Detroit, MI

� Bedrock Detroit, Quicken Loans Offices (107,000 sf renovation at One Woodward Avenue), Detroit, MI

� Bedrock Detroit, First National Building Renovations, Detroit, MI

� U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit Arsenal Administrative Building and Parking Structure (227,000 sf), LEED Gold, Warren, MI

� Brembo North America, Office Renovation (44,000 sf), Plymouth, MI

� US General Services Administration, Federal Building Alterations and Modernization (240,000 sf), LEED Certified, Chicago, Illinois

� Bedrock Detroit, Wright-Kay Building Renovation (renovation of historic 1500 Woodward building and various suites including a new design studio for Neumann/Smith), Detroit, MI

� DIME Detroit Institute of Music Education (20,000 sf renovation of the historic Bamlet Building), Detroit, MI

� Grand Circus at the Broderick Tower (14,500 sf of three floors of the historic Broderick Tower), Detroit, MI

� Google, Traverwood Building Renovation (20,500 sf), Ann Arbor, MI

� Google, Regional Office Renovation (7,500 sf), Madison, WI

� Meridian Health Plan 777 Woodward Suite (44,000 sf renovation), Detroit, MI

� Meridian Health Plan, 1001 Woodward Suite (39,115 sf, 237 spaces including planned growth), Detroit, MI

� Urban Science Headquarters (60,000 sf relocation to 4 floors of 400 Renaissance Center), Detroit, MI

� Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Renaissance Center Offices (relocation of approximately 3,000 employees from multiple locations throughout SE Michigan to Towers 500 and 600), Detroit, MI

� Blue Care Network Offices (Reprogramming of 190,000 sf, 1,000 employees), Southfield, MI

� Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Headquarters (Reorganization of 305,000 sf of existing space, 1,600 employees), Detroit, MI

� Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Computer Support Building (Reorganization of programs in 13,500 sf), Detroit, MI

� Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, RendezBlue Collaboration Center (6,500 sf in the Jefferson Building), Detroit, MI

� Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Lyon Meadows Conference Center (65,100 sf renovation), New Hudson, MI

� North American Bancard Headquarters (90,000 sf), Troy, MI

� Lear Electronics and Electrical Division “Bridge” Offices (70,000 sf), Dearborn, MI

� Huntsman Polyurethanes, R&D Offices and Labs (94,312 sf), Auburn Hills, MI

� International Automotive Components North America (IACNA) World Headquarters (120,000 sf), Southfield, MI

� Detroit Chamber of Commerce Office Renovation (32,000 sf), Detroit, MI

� Motor City Electric Headquarters (47,000 sf), Detroit, MI

� Multiple Projects at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI

� Multiple Projects for Comerica, Grandville, Livonia, Huntington, Lansing, Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Coopersville, MI

� Campbell & Company Offices (20,000 sf), Dearborn, MI

� Jones Lang LaSalle Offices, Royal Oak, MI

� The Auto Club Group (AAA), Branch Office Renovations, Allen Park, Detroit West, Detroit Northeast, Lansing, Saginaw, Troy, Warren and White Lake, MI and Omaha, NE

� The Auto Club Group (AAA) Branch Prototypes, Chicago, IL

� The Auto Club Group (AAA) Corporate Headquarters Restack, Dearborn, MI

� Sachse Construction Headquarters (5,500 sf), Detroit, MI

� Oakland County Administration Building (105,000 sf renovation of existing building), Waterford, MI

� Beringea Corporate Offices (6,000 sf), Farmington Hills, MI

� Grissim Metz Andriese Associates Offices (4,569 sf), Northville, MI

� Arbor Investments Offices (12,500 sf), Bloomfield Hills, MI

� Ramco Gershenson Offices (35,897 sf), Farmington Hills, MI

� Health Alliance Plan Headquarters (30,000 sf), Detroit, MI

� American Center Lobby Renovation (22,000 sf), Southfield, MI

� Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss Law Offices (60,000 sf on 3 floors), American Center, Southfield, MI

� Navigating Business Space Offices (40,300 sf), Troy, MI

� First Martin Depot Street Office Building (25,000 sf), Ann Arbor, MI

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

COMPLETIONOctober 2009

SIZE214,949 sf New31,500 sf Renovation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDTE Energy CAM Special Issue 2009

DTE EnergyCorporate Campus EnhancementsVisitors are greeted by a dramatic new gateway where water flows from three arches that frame the main driveway into a 26,000 sf reflecting pond. The great sweep of shimmering water meets the translucency of glass at the new front door, a command-ing lobby, sixty feet high and 165 feet wide, set under a cantilevered roof that shades the completely transparent, canted front wall. A second floor conference room partial-ly cantilevers into the lobby, offering a great view of the ringed garden and reflecting pool. A new glass-enclosed Town Square connects three vintage buildings in the complex and is the heart of a vibrant food-service and conference center. The 42,000 sf multi-purpose space includes a cafeteria, full-service kitchen, convenience store, coffee bar and meeting rooms. The campus revitalization also included renovation of 31,500 sf of existing interior space, giving the entire facility a fresh and cohesive appearance.

Additional amenities include a Java City coffee bar, and a convenience store. Four private dining rooms, with conferencing capabilities, provide a convenient central meeting area to conduct business. A state-of-the-art audio/visual system, including a 36-screen plasma array and theatrical lighting, allows for presentations and events for an audience of up to 1,000 people. A a sloping transparent glass wall opens the space to an 8,000 sf outdoor courtyard with causal seating and a water feature. The new site design features interconnected walking paths through a landscape of intricately mounded earth. The new outdoor environment forms a dynamic linear park, including a sunken amphitheater, that is the multi-use core of the campus.

The project began with the creation of a glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge linking an adjacent parking structure to the service building which shifted access for the entire employee base from the front to the back of the complex. The new pathway inspired the creation of a new “Town Square” corporate commons.

The campus revitalization also included renovation of 31,500 sf of existing interior space, giving the entire facility a fresh and cohesive appearance.

Neumann/Smith created a new corporate campus integrating architecture and site design, blurring the line defining interior and exterior space. A grand new entry, vibrant Town Square, and uniquely designed urban green space create a special environment for employees and a new identify for the company.

LOCATIONWilliamston, Michigan

COMPLETIONJuly 2010

SIZE73,000 sf

LEEDGold

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCAM Green Project of the Year

Centurion Medical ProductsCorporate HeadquartersThe new office building is designed to accommodate current business offices, as well as new corporate standards for employee workstations and ancillary areas, thereby nurturing progressive and evolving corporate visions for the state-of-the-art facility. There were three main goals for this project:

� Design the 37 acre site for a 73,000 sf headquarters building with parking for 200 cars that would complement the rural setting and accommodate a future building expansion of 40,000 sf, a soccer field, a picnic area and a fitness trail running around the entire property.

� Create an iconic image for the building that would reflect the small town values of the company.

� Achieve LEED Gold certification to raise awareness of environmental issues and be a good corporate neighbor.

The iconic image is derived from the surrounding community. Although the building is a 2-story structure composed of bold geometric forms, the design emphasizes horizontal lines. The use of brick on the first level relates to the downtown build-ings. Corrugated metal on the second level echoes the grain towers found on rural farms. Exterior sun shades and tall, translucent glass windows maximize exterior views, providing a visual tie to the open rural community, and distribute natural light throughout the space.

The interior design takes advantage of the building’s height. Clerestory glass in the main atrium, which runs through the middle of the building, brings natural light into the interior spaces. An under-floor air delivery system allows for cable management for flexible work stations with movable partitions. Decorative lighting, hanging elements, warm inviting colors, open working areas and an iconic display area create an environment that enhances Centurion’s mission.

2010 Green Project of the Year – CAM Magazine“Many facilities are designed with sustainable goals in mind, but the Centurion Corporate Headquarters Building, Williamston, is literally outstanding in the field.”

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

COMPLETIONJune 2006

SIZE240,000 sf10 stories

Redico, LLCOne Kennedy SquareStrikingly visible because of its green-glass façade, this new multi-tenant Class A office building in the center of Detroit’s financial district features a boldly sloped roof line accentuated by a specially lighted 250 foot high white spire.

Built on a challenging triangular site above an existing three-level underground parking garage owned by the City of Detroit, our innovative design generated rectan-gular office spaces with very few free standing columns by cantilevering two sections of the building over the sidewalks. By hanging these portions of the building from above, rather than the more conventional approach of supporting them from below, we were able to create an undulating glass wall along Woodward Avenue that not only provides visual interest, but also provides more efficient floor plates with two more coveted corner offices than a triangular building.

The first floor of the building is sheathed completely in transparent glass to connect the “buzz” of the interiors to the downtown bustle outside. The interior white marble walls and white ceiling have been punctuated by a large glass recess that will make the entire glass area glow, itself an art piece within its white environment.

The design team wanted to create a unique identity, to create a building with a personality representing the 21st century, with an image looking forward rather than back.

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

SIZE153,000 sf615 Car Parking Structure

COMPLETION2017

Wayne State University Physician Group Medical Office BuildingTo consolidate physicians, Neumann/Smith designed a five-story, 153,000 sf ambulatory center that will house all of the nonprofit academic group’s more than 15 specialty clinics. Located in Detroit’s thriving Midtown district, the project will provide a catalyst to continue the revitalization of the region.

The medical office building includes retail shops on the ground floor with upper levels being dedicated to clinical uses, and staff support areas. A four-story parking structure also includes ground level retail space. The building steps down to be only two-stories high near the parking structure to preserve openness in the naturally ventilated deck, and to provide daylight and views from the upper office levels. The lower building creates an accessible roof terrace on level 3, adjacent to meeting rooms and staff break areas in the main building.

The design assembles timeless materials that include warm brick, limestone, precast concrete, limestone and deeply recessed glass and aluminum windows in a handsome composition. Materials and building forms are counterpointed with modern sloping glass features, aluminum sunscreens and glass stairs that will establish an iconic new building typology.

Traditional materials and building forms are counterpointed with modern sloping glass features, aluminum sunscreens and glass stairs that will establish an iconic new image.

LOCATIONMidland, Michigan

SIZE226,155 sf4 Stories

COMPLETIONMay 2014

LEED SILVER

Gillespie Group and Caddis Development Group Midland East EndAcross from the Dow Diamond Baseball Stadium, downtown Midland’s newest development brings a contemporary feel to the East End District. The 5.5 acre site has been planned to be developed in multiple phases, starting with a mixed-use building at the southern end of the site. The ground level of the building is designed as a flexible floor plan that can include a wide variety of retail shops, cafés, restaurants, private banking offices, an ambulatory medical clinic and a wellness center. A central core leads to three upper levels of flexible office space.

The site has been laid out to reduce the scale and impact of surface parking by creating an internal drive system that provides vehicular and pedestrian circulation in a more urban context. The D-O Overlay regulations require that the building massing be placed adjacent to public roads, and not set back from the street. This creates an urban pedestrian experience with diagonal street parking as an extension of downtown.

Future mixed-use phases may extend the western edge of the building or include a separate mixed-use building overlooking the river. The north quadrant of the site may include additional mixed uses, or a parking structure.

The project includes an open-air pedestrian pass through on the first floor that allows people to park behind it and walk to Dow Diamond. We didn’t want it to look like an office building.

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

COMPLETIONJuly 2012

SIZE122,000 sf5 floors

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONProject VideoAdditional Project Photos

Campbell EwaldHeadquartersAdvertising agency Lowe Campbell Ewald examined several options for relocating their headquarters before falling in love with the “bones” of the former J.L. Hudson Co. warehouse connected to Ford Field. Neumann/Smith was hired to design their new space for 500+ employees, customizing every aspect to encourage collaboration and idea sharing.

The “main floor” of the space sets the stage for the 4 floors above. Centralized bleacher-style seating and cafe meeting configurations allow for large gatherings and events, while surrounding areas provide places to do business and collaborate. A four-story LED screen with the ability to add customized messaging and imagery provides visual impact. Neumann/Smith designed the screen to fill the height of the atrium and create a “WOW” factor. Bench furniture configurations and minimal fixed rooms were selected to create a more open and collaborative environment. The space features other sustainable solutions including reclaimed barn wood from Michigan, counters made of concrete, and chairs with recycled content and environmentally-friendly fabrics.

Interior partitioning was kept minimal to accentuate the openness and historic feel of the space. Original concrete floors were ground and polished. Structural steel members on higher floor levels were sandblasted and painted to reveal their original industrial flavor. Existing bell concrete columns were cleaned and preserved in their existing condition to reflect a more experienced appearance. To control sound and acoustics, several inches of a spray-on “K-13” sound agent was applied to the ceilings. This agent uses shredded, recycled newspapers and supports a more sustainable approach.

The office features highly unique finishes. Brass press plates dating back to an age before digital print production adorn the lobby’s ceiling. Each plate features a vintage Lowe Campbell Ewald advertisement from the 1950s to the 1980s and strengthens their personal identity with their new space.

Fostering collaboration, while also providing varying levels of privacy was key to the designwhich brought together 13 unique departments.

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

COMPLETIONAugust 2013

SIZE64,664 sf

Urban ScienceCorporate HeadquartersNeumann/Smith provided professional services for the interior buildout of several floors of the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit for Urban Science’s new regional offices.

The main floor includes a formal lobby and reception area, private offices for the executive staff, an executive boardroom, a formal lunch room and lounge, a multi-purpose room with flexible seating and built-in audio/visual equipment, conference rooms and a library. Three additional floors feature an open office design utilizing a unique layout of furniture system partitions to create open work stations near the floors’ glazed exterior walls to maximize natural lighting and provide panoramic views of the riverfront and cityscape. Each floor has several conference rooms for private collaboration among team members and a small kitchenette for informal breaks. The open structure ceiling is finished with an applied cellulose spray which softens the space visually and acoustically.

A feature unique to the project and to the Renaissance Center is the three stairs which were designed to internally connect the four office floors and encourage interaction among the staff.

This open office design utilizes a unique layout of furniture system partitions to create open work stations near the floors glazed exterior walls to maximize natural day lighting.

LOCATIONJackson, Michigan

SIZE320,000 sf12 Stories

COMPLETIONJune 2003

Consumers EnergyHeadquartersThe owner and their design architect programmed and designed this 320,000 sf signature tower building as a 13-story high-rise connected to a historic post office in downtown Jackson. When the programmed head count per floor was test-fit by Neumann/Smith as part of a design/build submittal, we determined that a slight increase in the floor plate size would achieve the total square footage for the building in 12 floors while improving operational efficiencies. This reduction in overall building height provided exterior material cost savings that allowed the building frame to be constructed entirely out of concrete rather than steel. This allowed us to fit-out the lower floors sooner, maintain the overall schedule, and reduce the cost of the project by approximately $1 million. The tower’s geometric form and sleek materials create a striking new icon on the City’s skyline.

The workplace environment is column free and entirely open plan for maximum flexibility. The legal department was the toughest to persuade to move to an open plan, but benchmarking and prototyping convinced them to take a chance. Collaborative areas support teams of senior and lower level attorneys. Conference rooms and video-conferencing rooms allow offices to talk to each other. The library/file area is along the window, allowing everyone who works on the floor to enjoy the views.

The tower’s softly curving sides and smooth glass skin allow for ever-changing reflections, while the workplace environment is column free and entirely open for maximum flexibility.

LOCATIONTory, Michigan

COMPLETIONSeptember 2013

SIZE90,000 sf

North American Bancard Corporate HeadquartersOur client purchased a 105,000 sf building in a suburban office complex and immediately relocated its 300 employees from all of the firm’s business operations into the newly acquired space. Located in a typical metropolitan suburb where access to any of the local amenities is virtually impossible except by car, the client recognized this as a liability to attracting top talent and made it a priority to create a vibrant space with catered lunches in large kitchens, games, and break areas that would make staying on the premises a preferred option over driving to surrounding venues.

All three floors were occupied so a workplan was in place to move employees accordingly during phases of the renovations. Custom fabrication, high-end finishes and original artwork had to mesh together to create a timeless vision that is completely different from anything else. The designers performed a vast amount of research to find new approaches, artists and inspirations for the space.

Among the owner’s interests is a passion for contemporary art and design. The renovation provided the opportunity to create a space that embodies his stylistic sensibilities by employing many of the most contemporary design ideas while also providing spaces to display artwork from his personal collection.

Open, collaborative work areas and a dedicated call center are mixed with comfortable social spaces. The updated executive suite utilizes a rich palette of materials with distinctive textures and patterns that together create a contemporary space, yet maintains a dignified presence appropriate for its function.

The owner requested many elements of the space be custom made. The ceilings in the workspace areas were carefully designed in 3D featuring white panels in an organic flowing shape. All of the work stations are custom milled.

Neumann/Smith accepted the ambitious multi-phased renovation with the goal of creating an energetic workspace that would attract and maintain the highest quality talent.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Multiple ProjectsRecommendation Letter written for Neumann/Smith Architecture from:

Ray Warner, Director, Facilities and Support ServicesBlue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) has had the pleasure of an on-going professional relationship with Neumann/Smith Architecture for many years, beginning in 1995 with the design of our Jefferson Avenue Parking Structure. The design challenge was to maximize the density of parking on a prominent but very narrow urban site. Sandwiched between the glass and aluminum office building that it serves and a six-story historic brick neighbor, and directly across the street from the Renaissance Center, the structure needed greater presence than typical parking structures. Neumann/Smith designed a curving front façade that provided an interesting counterpoint to neighboring high-rise office blocks coupled with a vertical shaft of elevators with exposed glass cabs and a sloping metal roof that altogether provides a dynamic and kinetic level of detail not often found in such utilitarian buildings. The project was the recipient of Honor Awards from both AIA Detroit and AIA Michigan as well as an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Engineering Society of Detroit.

In 1996, Neumann/Smith began the design of our Customer Service Center and Parking Structure at the edge of Detroit’s Bricktown and Greektown communities. They showed great sensitivity in designing the six-story office building and five-level parking structure to complement, but not detract from the prominence of the existing 22-story office tower while fitting into the predominantly brick neighborhood, including the adjacent historic Detroit Cornice & Slate Building with the only remaining Victorian cast iron façade. Their creative solution of building the parking structure over the air rights of an existing public road allowed them create a block-long brick-paved pedestrian plaza with benches, sculpture and groves of trees for the enjoyment of the community, one of a very few spaces of its kind in all of downtown.

Neumann/Smith has had an on-going relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) since 1995.

Neumann/Smith delivered another impressive design in 2005 for our Parking Structure and Campus Improvements project, which utilizes materials of brick and concrete in a non-standard application. Their design also demonstrated BCBSM’s commitment to being an environmentally responsible member of the community. The new 9-story structure, which consolidates all of the company’s off-site parking onto its downtown campus, is situated on the site of a previous 125-space surface parking lot. The deck footprint is virtually identical to the original surface lot, yet provides parking for 1,808 vehicles. The structure is topped with a vegetated roof and walking track, the first in the City and the second largest continuous “green” roof in Michigan. It was the first parking structure in the country to achieve the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Certification.

Neumann/Smith is just as accomplished in the planning and design of interior environments. In 2010, we called upon them to provide strategic programming services for the relocation of approximately 3,000 employees from multiple locations in the suburbs to Towers 500 and 600 in the Renaissance Center, as well as the restacking of the existing Tower Headquarters to align the population by discipline.

Neumann/Smith created the RendezBlue Collaboration Center, a “cool” new destination meeting place where BCBSM’s downtown staff can review current technology choices with in-house IT help desk staff, browse BCBSM branded merchandise, experience wellness-related activities like laptop treadmills and exercise software, as well as access healthy food & beverage options.

Neumann/Smith’s smart selection of colors and materials and the reuse of existing furniture also transformed our outdated Lyon Meadows Conference Center in New Hudson, Michigan, into a vibrant meeting/training facility within a very limited budget.

Neumann/Smith is currently working on a project at the 1880’s Detroit Cornice & Slate Building, where the second and third floors are being renovated. This entails approximately 14,000 square feet of major remodeling and 8,000 square feet of additions to an adjacent BCBSM facility.

The consistent creativity, expertise and integrity of Neumann/Smith has earned our respect and I am very pleased to recommend them.”

LOCATIONDearborn, Michigan

COMPLETIONJuly 1999 Bridge September 1997 DevelopmentNovember 1994 4-Story Office March 1980 3-Story Office

SIZE70,000 sf Bridge 30,000 sf Development89,000 sf 4-Story Office 250,000 sf 3-Story Office

Lear CorporationCorporate CampusThis office and research campus was acquired by Lear through its acquisition of United Technologies. The 70,000 sf, three-story “bridge” building, which was well into construction at the time of the acquisition, completes and unifies three existing buildings designed by Neumann/Smith -- a 250,000 square foot, L-shaped, three-story office building with a one-story R&D component; an 89,000 square foot, four-story office building; and a two-story development center.

The bridge building connects to the Product Development Center and spans over the existing entry road to provide a covered connection between the office/R&D building and the smaller four-story office building on multiple floors. Metal panel wall systems, mirror glazing, and a glass block entry are used to integrate the architectural characteristics of the existing buildings and convey the company’s high-tech image.

The facility includes a two-story atrium lobby, a pre-function display area, a boardroom, R&D labs and offices. The expanded sloped floor auditorium includes advanced projection audio/visual equipment, a campus-wide control system, and seating for 300. One third of the seats are in an automated telescoping platform which provides additional space for presentations and product display.

The state-of-the-art audio/visual system includes a rear projection system utilizing mirror reflections to condense space requirements; the largest glass projection screen available worldwide, the necessary back-of-house electronics and amplification systems to project images up to 260 square feet in area; satellite TV capabilities; international video conferencing capabilities; wireless assistance for the hearing impaired and language translation; and built-in capability for future high definition projection. The master control room adjacent to the auditorium handles audio/visual capabilities throughout the campus and offers pre-production, live, post-production and broadcast capabilities.

We have developed literally hundreds of design changes for the location of some 1,900 workers.

LOCATIONDetroit, Michigan

COMPLETIONJuly 2013

SIZE15,600 sf (per floor)

Bedrock Detroit One Woodard AvenueTo rejuvenate and attract new tenants to one of Detroit’s most celebrated office structures, Neumann/Smith placed design focus on patterns and colors to meld and enhance visual appeal. The office modernization and tenant fit-out, completed on 9 floors, creates more flexible floor plates, while many existing elements of the 1962 building became focal points and inspiration for new elements of design.

Elevator lobbies introduce each floor’s pattern, texture and design. Fluorescent lighting is shaped to complement the hexagonal architecture of the building’s windows, while varying color patterns of layered felt clad the walls.

A first-class special events and training space on the second floor can accommodate 280 people. Visitors are greeted by a molded Corian reception counter shaped to mirror a neighboring wall of rotating panels leading into the grand event area. The open space intentionally presents a clean palette of white with red being the only accent color.

Serving as a focal point, the ceiling’s lighting feature snakes through the space and serves as a dominant element of “change,” adaptable to the type of event taking place within. To enhance visual interest, custom designed, CNC-cut Sintra panels are carefully clipped to the historic ceilings throughout the space. The repetitive panel pattern originates from a street map of the City of Detroit.

Patterns also create an important visual interest from the building’s exterior. Looking up from the streets below, you can sense the dynamic activity within.

The patterns also create an important visual interest from the building’s exterior. Looking up from the streets below, you can sense the dynamic activity within.

LOCATIONAnn Arbor, Michigan

COMPLETIONMay 2005

SIZE132,000 sf

MAV DevelopmentMichigan Information Technology Center (MITC)The Michigan Information Technology Center (MITC) was envisioned as the region’s largest internet research hub. Every square foot of the tenant spaces was served by a raised floor, allowing complete flexibility in running data and power to any point. Even coat room lockers at its spacious conference center contained electrical plugs for charging a stowed laptop.

The design concept began with the idea of creating extremely large floor plates to allow dialogue and interaction between tenants, resulting in a typical floor plate area of nearly 50,000 sf. The floor plates were left clear of vertical intrusions of core elements by grouping the stairs, elevators around an open atrium. Tenant spaces and the data center were separated off the atrium by varying levels of card access devices while visitors had access to conference and demonstration areas as well as the Michigan Internet Hall of Fame and an internet history museum. Organizing the cores into concise groupings outside the lease space allowed the initial interior layouts for tenants to be unhindered and allowed endless possibilities for change.

The core elements are accessed via bridges that overlook the main lobby floor below. It is conceived that portions of the museum or aspects of the demonstration functions could be incorporated with the lobby. Together the lobby and its bridges become the “people place” or heart of the building, a place for informal exchange of ideas. The atrium is largely glass enclosed, being sun-filled by day and emitting artificial light by night, becoming a beacon-like symbol of technology in the new millennium.

The design concept began with the idea of creating extremely large floor plates to allow dialogue and interaction.

LOCATIONAnn Arbor, Michigan

COMPLETIONDecember 2006

SIZE27,136 sf

First MartinDepot Street Office Building

Few are indifferent to this futuristic office on stilts across from Wheeler Park in Ann Arbor. Its arresting white facade, startling angles, and unexpected curves might have come from the city’s future -- yet the nearby railroad trestle and rusting freight care are definitely from its past.

The building site was tricky. The shape was irregular, and it was in the floodplain and floodway, so the building had to be elevated above potential floodwaters.

The design treats the prominent stairwells as whimsical elements. The main stair is framed in theatrical geometric forms ... an inverse truncated cone, a horizontal convex curve. The back stair is a trapezoid.

The metal facade panels are part of a highly efficient “outsulation” system. On sunny days, horizontal shades add texture with delicate geometric shadows. At night, the building jaunty tilting spire glows with a dramatic blue LED stripe. On its northern face, visible only to Amtrak passengers, large letters blaze, “Welcome to Ann Arbor, Go Blue.”

The building’s high-tech image and state-of-the-art systems for maximum flexibility and performance are intended to appeal to the University of Michigan and other high tech users.

LOCATIONAuburn Hills, Michigan

COMPLETIONAugust 2006

SIZE119,667 sf

MEEMIC Insurance CompanyHeadquartersThe headquarters includes 104,000 sf of “Class A” office space on two levels. The façade consists of brick, cast stone, composite panels and glass, creating a diverse composition of architectural elements. The new facility provides a buffer between residential properties to the north and hotels to the south. The addition of an underground parking garage for 64 cars minimizes on-site parking, allowing us to preserve much of the existing site vegetation while adding new landscaping.

Guests are welcomed to the building in the main lobby by a dramatic two story space with an open monumental stair, wood paneling on the elevator core and custom coffee bar area complete with plasma televisions. The first floor contains offices, conference rooms and a flexible training room for 300 people. The second floor of the building contains additional conference rooms, offices and the executive area which is cantilevered off of the back of the building in a glass enclosure that maximizes views of the surroundings and the lake. A full-service employee exercise facility, complete with locker rooms and showers, is located in the lower level.

Neumann/Smith prepared 100% design development documents for competitive pricing from developers for a sale/lease-back approach, allowing the owner to fully understand the cost of the project. After reviewing the developer proposals, the owner decided to own vs. rent and engaged one of the developers to develop the new headquarters in a more traditional general contractor approach with a guaranteed maximum price.

Sustainable design measures included prefab exterior wall system, high efficiency mechanical and lighting systems, land bank parking, wetland plantings, and underground parking.

LOCATIONBirmingham, Michigan

COMPLETIONNovember 2007

SIZE9,200 sf

LEED Certified

AAA BirminghamBranch OfficeThe design responds to its high profile location by artfully communicating the company’s image through the use of dynamic architectural forms and contextual materials and scale. The new building combines retail and office functions into a cohesive whole, while it adheres to sustainable site and building design ideals.

The L-shaped building is set against the front lot lines of the corner site to integrate with adjacent neighboring buildings and screen the surface parking lot from view. The corner is marked with a soaring glass tower entry which is capped with a modern interpretation of a cornice.

Decorative lighting, hanging elements, sloped ceilings, warm inviting colors, and a unique lobby display create a dynamic retail environment. At night, the interior retail design, color, ceiling treatment and lighting, combine with the exterior sconce lighting and glass tower to create, enhance and extend the downtown pedestrian experience.

The landmark building is LEED Certified, a first for both AAA and the City. Sustainable design measures include a well insulated building envelope, high efficiency mechanical and lighting systems, water saving plumbing fixtures, extensive use of low VOC emitting interior finishes, and the incorporation of measurement and verification systems.

Decorative lighting, hanging elements, sloped ceilings, warm inviting colors, and a unique lobby display create a dynamic retail environment.

LOCATIONAuburn Hills, Michigan

SIZE140,000 sf

TI AutomotiveAuburn Hills Headquarters

TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology, moved its corporate offices to a new building in Auburn Hills. TI Automotive traces its longtime Detroit area roots back to 1922, when it was founded as the Bundy Tubing Company to produce fuel lines for the Ford Model-T.

The new 140,000 square-foot features three floors of office space, dining facilities, a fitness center, collaboration areas as well as a spacious lobby to display products, technology, and company history.

The move enables TI Automotive to combine more than 300 of its executive, corporate and divisional personnel which had been based in facilities in Auburn Hills and other locations.

“The new building features several amenities for the employees and supports an environment of collaboration and teamwork, it also enables us to better utilize our Technical Center just down the road.”

-- Bill Kozyra, CEO and President