Belton Middle School New Commons Area

Before

After

Belton Middle School

Craig Gaulden Davis strongly feels that the best design solutions offer beauty, functionality and longevity. The renovations at Belton Middle School this past summer prove that with proper planning and design, inspiring spaces can be created with simple materials and creative applications.

While the initial scope of work was to upgrade the large restrooms to today's accessibility and aesthetic standards, the CGD team explored ideas to address discoloring floor tile due to underslab moisture issues. CGD creatively developed a vibrant interior through application of color and patterns that incorporate school pride and brighten the adjacent interior spaces with new light fixtures. The project has enlivened the corridor as excellent student-based learning space.

As one can see from the photos, a little bit of creativity goes a long way to bring new life to older buildings.

"Half a Brain"

Adam Berry completed a classic CGD rite of passage this month when he passed the final test of the Architectural Registration Exam. This is a tremendous accomplishment. We are proud of Adam's rigorous approach to studying and preparing for the exam and applying his studies to his professional work over the past year.

Back in the day, for a long period of years, CGD's co-founder Earle Gaulden was a key member of the national exam committee (the five revered professionals who wrote the exam each year). He would always nonchalantly say to all within earshot, "anyone with half a brain can pass that test." Well, it was always a great challenge to any young CGD intern to hear someone with Earle's stature say such a thing, and it usually motivated individuals to ramp up the intensity of their preparations so as to not be deemed "abby-normal" (nod to Marty Feldman and Young Frankenstein). Earle's comments always seemed to bring success for CGD interns!

While the profession has changed much in the past ten years with new technology, the passing of this difficult exam continues to represent a major milestone for any aspiring architect.

Congratulations, Adam!

Metropolitan Mania

On October 1, Stuart Stenger, Andrea Kuhfuss and David Dixon ventured to the south side of Atlanta to participate in the ribbon cutting of the new Metropolitan Library. Local citizens, public officials and library staff were abuzz with excitement with the opening of this 25,000 square foot library, the seventh in a program of nine new branches constructed in Fulton County since 2012.

Constructed on the site of a deeply loved church that had been in disrepair for decades, the sparkling new building has created an air of excitement in this suburb of Atlanta that is in the middle of an urban revitalization. The contemporary flair of the building is a stark contrast to the historical red brick church whose stone columned portico defined the primary commercial intersection of this community.

In evaluating the design options for the new library, CGD worked closely with Smith Dalia, a progressive Atlanta design firm, to organize the site to accommodate parking needs, service to the library and to capture a civic space that honored the former church while looking forward to the future. CGD collaborated with the design team to develop the overall organization of the library components and actively worked with the county to design many of the interior features, including the primary service desk that a senior library staff member called the "best service desk ever."

Flooded with natural light that opens views to the community while inviting patrons in through its transparent walls, the Metropolitan Library is certain to be a catalyst for continued urban renewal in the Stewart Lakewood Community.

KDS on the Move

CGD has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with KDS Commercial Properties, having partnered with the firm over the course of a decade to design the unique CVS Pharmacy in downtown Greenville and the adjacent Bon Secours St. Francis Emergency Clinic.

When KDS looked to expand and upgrade their operations into the new Verdae Office Complex, CGD provided space planning services to organize and design the office interior that established an excellent collaborative environment for this progressive real estate development firm.

As Verdae continues its explosive growth in residential and small commercial activity, CGD continues to strategically apply its expertise in planning and design to build great communities.

Lester

Brutus Maximus

Equal Opportunity

Following last month's popular feature of our firm's pets, the CGD editorial staff received a couple of letters from disenfranchised family members. Sadly, we left off mention of two favorites, Lester the Cat (Charles' incredibly intelligent and intimidating feline) and Brutus (Stuart's noble defender). The editorial staff regrets this egregious mistake in judgment and feels that publishing their direct letters is an appropriate reparation. So, here goes . . .

Dear Editor,
I received my September issue of "What's Up at CGD?" What the heck?
- Lester, the Cat

Dear Editor,
Great post about the "pets of CGD"....what, is this not cute enough???
- Brutus Maximus