Thinking back throughout my life, the times I accomplished the most or believed I was most successful were times I was part of a great team. I didn’t want to be the cog in the wheel that failed everyone, so I’d work harder, longer, smarter to ensure my entire team was productive.
For example, I loved volleyball in high school, but I wouldn’t say I was a great volleyball player until I got to college and found the team that built up my confidence. Those ladies knew how to support my weaknesses, so all our differing abilities could shine together. I believe I was better because of them. I felt that spark again while watching the Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball team this year. I’ve always been a Hawkeye fan (I’m originally from Iowa), but basketball (women’s or men’s) was not a sport I really watched. That changed with Caitlin Clark and that amazing team of women. There’s no denying Caitlin is special—who wasn’t thrilled by those from-the-logo 3s?!—but Caitlin needed that entire team of incredible ladies who were awe-inspiring together.
In this issue, we highlight some amazing design and construction teams who came together to solve problems, save buildings and even maintain emotional connections. For example, in “Energy”, the facilities team at Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon, Utah, had too many guest complaints about insufficient hot water and spent too much time driving the property ensuring boilers were working. By researching options, ultimately deciding on propane-powered tankless water heaters, and entrusting the water-heater manufacturer to complete its largest commercial retrofit ever at Ruby’s Inn, the facilities team eliminated 5,200 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Wow!
Across the country, in the mountains of Hot Springs, Va., sits the 250-year-old Omni Homestead Resort, a National Historic Landmark that has been a favorite among 23 U.S. presidents and generations of families. The $140 million full-property renovation not only needed to respect the resort’s history but also take into account the deep emotional connections guests, employees and locals have with the property. Read in our “Cover Story” how the architect WATG and its interior design studio Wimberly Interiors honored the resort’s past while introducing contemporary elements. Truly inspiring!
Meanwhile, the design team of Dewberry, JLK Architects and Thornton Tomasetti was challenged with evaluating the original terra cotta on the Big White Store, which was constructed in 1904 in downtown Peoria, Ill. The former department store was being upgraded to become the headquarters for a non-profit health-care provider, but the building envelope needed to provide thermal comfort and performance for occupants. The team’s use of modern materials and analysis returned the building exterior to its early splendor while maintaining its 120-year-old theme of innovation. Amazing! Read all about the exterior upgrades in “Component”.
All the features in this issue underscore that teams in the working world can have that same “sparkle” sports teams share when they have a common goal, solid leadership and the appropriate motivation.