Smithsinnett

August 27, 2008 – Tuesday was the first day back for Onslow County public school students. It was also the first day of classes at Meadow View, which was dedicated in June.

At 92,267 square feet, the new school is the largest elementary school in the county. More than 700 students are enrolled.

Students at Meadow view toured their new surroundings and found lots to like about the new facility. Teachers said they were as excited as the students about the new building.

"I'm excited because I think it's a beautiful building" said fourth-grade teacher Lorraine Messer.

August 20, 2008 – An educational partnership was celebrated Wednesday at the dedication of the new Randolph Early College High School modular facility.

The ceremony featured the partners which joined together to provide the additional classroom space — Randolph Community College, Randolph County Schools and Randolph County — and the RECHS students.

County schools’ RECHS, which began its third school year of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 6 on RCC’s Asheboro Campus, now serves 290 students in grades 9-11. Eighth-grade students from throughout the county school system apply to be a member of each freshman class.

The early college features an accelerated learning schedule through which students can earn their high school diploma and enough community college credits for an associate degree, and two years of college credit, during a four- to five-year period.

“The first two years were incredible,” said RCC President Dr. Bob Shackleford. He praised the students and staff, on hand for the occasion, for the school’s high retention rate and “exceptional” end-of-year test results. “It’s one of six of the best performing high schools in the state of North Carolina.”

He praised RECHS Principal Cathy Waddell and her team of teachers for the high school’s accomplishments. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.”

Shackleford also recognized all the partners who made the nearly $700,000 project possible and those responsible for the actual classroom facility: Smith Sinnett Architecture of Raleigh, project designer; Uwharrie Builders of Troy, general contractor, and Comark Building Systems of Lumberton which supplied the modular building, in addition to RCC staff.

“This is truly a team effort. Together we’ve taken a great step forward.”

Harold Holmes, chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners which provided the funding, called RECHS a “unique experience for a truly unique group of young people.”

Architect John Sinnett of Smith Sinnett told the crowd of students and others standing on a paved parking lot, “Eight months ago this was a gravel parking lot. ... This has taken real teamwork.” The RECHS unit is located adjacent to the Design Center in the southeastern portion of the campus.

He also commented on the purpose of the school, noting that parents are saving $16,000 a year in state tuition, room and board by their child being able to receive two years of college credit, free of charge, with their enrollment at RECHS.

Randolph Schools Superintendent Donald Andrews recognized the partners as well the contributions of others, not present, who lended assistance to the school’s creation. He mentioned Dr. Richard Heckman, former RCC president; Dr. Bob McRae, former county schools superintendent; Phyllis Helms who recently retired as RCC vice president for instructional services; and Pat Foust, county schools’ assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum, and Parks Allen, recently retired, in his past role as director of secondary education.

Andrews also had high praise for Waddell and her staff for their commitment to students. He also told the students, “You have set the standard, a high standard. You’re pioneers, pioneers for future generations.”

LaVerne Williams, chair of the county school board, praised the students for their commitment. “You are being afforded the opportunity to continue your education.”

Waddell also spoke, thanking RCC and county schools for their assistance. “Together Randolph Community College and Randolph County Schools have formed an amazing partnership to serve students ... to do high school a different way.”

She pledged that the school would “continue to work hard and persevere in our quest for excellence.”

The formal ribbon cutting took place at the entrance to the facility, Andrews, Williams, Waddell and Shackleford assisting.

Those in attendance were able to tour the modular facility which contains six classrooms.

In the computer lab, junior Patrick Farmer of Randleman said about the new facility, “This is a lot better.” He had high praise for his high school, “This place saved me, it’s my savior.”

He said he didn’t think he would have made it in a traditional high school setting. He expects to take five years to complete the early college program.

Another junior, Daleena Spainhour, said, “We’re very excited. It’s a wonderful place to have an educational opportunity and is much more than I expected.”

She’s on track to finish RECHS in four years. She’s taking three college and four high school courses for the fall semester which results in about five hours of homework. “It will all be worth it in the long run.”

Juniors attend high school classes in the modular unit which has college pendants hung up along the top of the hallway walls. Other students take their high school courses on the second floor of the Vocational/Technical Center — freshmen in the morning and sophomores in the afternoon. The remainder of the time they’re taking college courses on the campus.

Many RECHS freshmen and sophomores took part in Wednesday’s tour, having never seen the facility.

Another class of freshmen for the 2009-10 school year will bring RECHS to its maximum enrollment of not more than 400 students.

County schools received both planning and implementation funds from the N.C. New Schools Project, funded by grants through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for the non-traditional high school.

RCC provides space for the school; without the new modular unit would have been unable to house the additional 100 students for this school year. The facility provides the space needed for the next 100 students next school year.

Future plans are for RECHS to occupy both stories of the Vocational/Technical Center; the modular facility would be used by RCC.

this article originally appeared in the Courier Tribune

August 19, 2008 – John L. Hitch has been selected for the 2008 Best of Raleigh Award in the Architects category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

June 18, 2008 – Today, Onslow County Schools held a dedication ceremony for its new Meadow View Elementary School. At 92,267 square feet is the largest elementary school Onslow County has built and will house 800 students. The school's media center and cafeteria are sized for 900 students. The school's construction cost was approximately $13,742,105, with a construction cost per square foot of $142/SF.

Meadow View Elementary School is designed to be competitive in the current construction market by being both efficient and cost conscious. To reduce site costs, the classrooms wings have been clustered around a central courtyard to create a compact overall building footprint. Exterior walls are solid brick masonry for long term life and low life cycle cost. Interior walls are concrete block for economy and low maintenance. The structure is load bearing masonry to reduce high steel cost.

The roofs have a moderate slope to provide adequate drainage. The roof heights are low to reduce masonry costs. Roof insulation is R-30. Windows are insulated, thermally broken, low E glass. The school is outfitted with a state of the art computerized energy management system to minimize operational and maintenance cost. The school is equipped with a full compliment of digital technology hardware for an unsurpassed educational environment.

April, 15, 2008 – Smith Sinnett Architecture is pleased to announce the promotion of Robert Carmac, AIA, as an associate with the firm. Robert, who has been with Smith Sinnett Architecture since 2002, is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte.

April 15, 2008 – Smith Sinnett Architecture is pleased to welcome Richard Andrews, AIA to the firm. He earned his master's degree in architecture from North Carolina State University, and he has traveled globally studying and practicing the trade.

With experience in architecture, commercial real estate, facilities management, historic preservation and finance, Richard brings a strong skill set and portfolio to the firm.

Smith Sinnett Architecture is pleased to begin work on the following projects:

Randolph Community College's Campus Master Plan
The Sigma Kappa Sorority House in Raleigh, NC
Kerr Lake State Park's Henderson Point Improvements
Morrow Mountain State Park's Boathouse Improvements
NC Justice Academy's Royal Classroom Building Renovation
NC Justice Academy's Gym Renovation

August 29, 2007 – Today Asheboro City Schools holds a ribbon cutting ceremony for Guy B. Teachey Elementary School to celebrate the school's new addition/renovation project.

The addition attaches to an existing corridor spine, creating a 4th classroom wing. As part of the classroom expansion, a new Multi-Purpose Room, Music Room, and Art Room anchor the corner of the addition and provide a new appearance and new destination point.

This 128,000 square foot high school is planned to accomodate the system’s growning student population and fiscial restraints. Instead of initially building the school to its capacity, the footprint is planned as a “starter” school, allowing for all areas to be expanded as their master plan and need allows.

On Saturday, March 31, 2007 several Smith Sinnett team members helped Wake County's Habitat for Humanity deconstruct a home in North Raleigh. This is the second time within the past year that Smith Sinnett has volunteered with the local non-profit agency.

In March 2007, Jamey Glueck, Principal at Smith Sinnett Architecture, received his license to practice Architecture in the State of Virginia, as well as in the State of South Carolina. Jamey joined Smith Sinnett Architecture in 1997 after graduating from North Carolina State University's School of Design. In addition to his VA and SC registrations, Jamey is registered in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).

In February 2007, Robert Carmac, Designer at Smith Sinnett Architecture, received his license to practice Architecture in the State of North Carolina. Robert joined Smith Sinnett Architecture in 2002 after graduating from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.

Fall 2006 marks the beginning of the Smith Sinnett Architecture Scholarship at North Carolina State University's College of Design for Architecture students. The first receipient, Sonyia Turner, is show below with Jorge Abad, John Sinnett, Jamey Glueck, and John Hitch.

Smith Sinnett Architecture celebrated its thirtieth anniversary on Saturday, November 11, 2006. The firm, which was launched by John Sinnett, AIA and John Smith, AIA in November 1976, is best known for its work on Municipal, State and School projects throughout North Carolina.

Smith Sinnett’s most recent projects include Cary Town Hall Campus and Coastal Carolina Community College’s Allied Health Building, as well as various planning, architectural design, and construction administration projects with Onslow and Granville County School Systems.

Smith Sinnett Architecture is a full service architectural and planning firm specializing in School Bond Planning, School Facility Planning and State, Municipal & Educational projects throughout North Carolina.

Smith Sinnett Architecture introduces two new principals, Fred Jernigan, AIA and Jamey Glueck, AIA, to the firm. Fred, who joined Smith Sinnett in 1996, has been promoted to Principal and COO. Jamey, who joined the firm in 1997, was promoted to President and CEO. With this elevation, Jamey and Fred join Smith Sinnett’s three additional Prinicipals; John Sinnett, AIA, John Hitch, AIA, and William Lawrence, AIA.

“The elevation of Fred and Jamey to Principals was a logical progression for the company. Both have been integral to our success over the past decade and I am certain that, with their leadership, Smith Sinnett Architecure will continue its success well into the future,” states John Sinnett, AIA, founding Principal of the firm.