New Dentists Office Features Green Technology

Drs. Singleton, Dickey and Lynch at the dedication.

A trio of Roanoke dentists today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to show off the first dentist office in the world built with Passivhaus, a low-energy building technology that typically reduces energy use by 70 percent.

The new building for Drs. Randolph Dickey, John Singleton and Sean Lynch, at 1510 Franklin Ave., boasts such energy-saving features as a passive geo thermal ground loop, 92 percent efficient heating and cooling energy recovery systems that deliver complete fresh air to the interior, and an airtight building envelop insulation system that significantly reduces the need for oversized mechanical equipment.

It was designed and built by Structures Design Build of Roanoke. Co-founder Adam Cohen is a Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Passivhaus, the German term for a trend in construction that raises the bar in energy efficiency standards, typically uses up to 90 percent less energy for heating and cooling than conventional buildings. Passivhaus buildings also have a footprint that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 70 percent over other new buildings.

The new dentist office has architectural design features such as large overhangs and external arches similar to that of a railway passenger terminal. Its new construction also adheres to the strict architectural standards of the Old Southwest neighborhood. Triple pane energy efficient widows that are airtight. A fresh air ventilation system that brings in 100 percent fresh air without recirculation of any interior air resulting in healthier interior air.

Girl Scouts Head New CEO of RVSPCA

Hayes

The oft-troubled Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals today announced the appointment of C. Denise Hayes of Roanoke as the new CEO for the region’s largest organization for homeless and unwanted animals.

Hayes, a long-time foster and advocate for the RVSPCA, has most recently been serving as chief operating officer at Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline.  She begins her new role Feb. 21.

“We are delighted to select an experienced non-profit executive who loves animals, and has already contributed as a volunteer, to lead our organization into the future,” said Barbara Dalhouse, president of the RVSPCA’s board of directors. “Our board recognized the many talents Denise brings to us, including strategic planning, oversight of a robust volunteer program, budget planning, community outreach and leadership development.”

Hayes will replace Kandy Elliott, who has served as the interim executive director since August.

 During her almost nine years at the Girl Scouts, most recently as chief operating officer, Hayes has overseen daily operations for an organization that serves nearly 10,000 girls and 3,500 adult volunteers in a 36-county region. She also has led programming, membership and volunteer services.

Prior to joining the Girl Scouts, Hayes worked in event management at both Washington & Lee University School of Law and at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

David Bandy New President at Spectrum

John Garland (center) talks to a group about his downtown plans.

Spectrum Design today announced that vice president and director of design, David L. Bandy has been promoted to president, succeeding John Garland who retired from the firm on Dec. 31, 2012, in order to solely focus on his many downtown Roanoke renovation and development projects.

In addition to Bandy’s appointment, the firm also announced the hiring of John A. Missell, AIA, as Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 7, 2013.

David Bandy

“This is an exciting time for Spectrum Design as we look forward to what new leadership and vision will bring to the firm and our clients,” said Bandy.  “We’re grateful to John Garland for his years of leadership and dedication and wish him much success in his next chapter.  As we look ahead as a firm, we’re excited for the experience and vision that John Missell will add to our team.”

Prior to his new role as president, Bandy’s leadership and architectural vision has contributed to many of Spectrum Design’s most notable projects including the renovations to Center in the Square, the Roanoke Higher Education Center, and the O. Winston Link Museum and Roanoke Visitors Center.  His unique “design-to-teach” approach and design expertise for educational facilities has also garnered significant attention through Roanoke County school projects, including Cave Spring Middle School and Northside High School.

Prior to joining Spectrum Design, Missell served as regional director of Middle East operations in Doha, Qatar for Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. In this role, Missell led the design and planning efforts for the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, the Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College in Qatar, and regional health centers in Ethiopia for the United States Agency for International Development.  He has also served as managing partner for Hayes Large Architects, LLP in Pittsburgh, Pa. and as a senior architect on a number of educational commissions.

Taubman Selects Art Museum Professional as ED

Della Watkins: ED of theTaubman

The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke has selected a native of Tappahannock and graduate of both James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth, Della Watkins, as its newest executive director after a search of several months. She has been an art educator and comes to Roanoke from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where she was the chief educator.

She has two grown sons and is looking for a home in Roanoke.

Watkins has been with the VMFA since 1997 and has taught in Richmond, Virginia Beach and Charlottesville. Heywood Fralin of the Taubman board of directors said, "We're not ready to disclose that" when asked what her salary would be. She replaces David Mickenburg, whose term was ended Oct. 8 with the appointment of a new board and the announcement of a new director (including a couple of major gifts). The Taubman, says Fralin, has drawn 13,600 visitors since the restructuring, which he calls "remarkable."

Watkins says, "I look forward to working with this community, outstanding staff and committed board to take the Taubman Museum of Art to new and lively levels, applying the skills and knowledge I gained over the years while serving one of the nation's leading art museums. I am committed to leading the Taubman to be an even more engaging social, educational and cultural organization."

Breakell Inc., 'Green" Roanoke Builder, Closes

Breakell Inc. in Roanoke, a major construction firm with a green reputation, has closed at least partly because an employee cheated the company out of more than $1 million, according to the chairman and CEO of Breakell.

The company is more than 50 years old and in recent years has been a leader in the green building revolution, starting with its own offices, which were heated and cooled by the sun. Charges are pending against former project manager Jamie Graham, who has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

The company’s Patterson Avenue headquarters has been sold at auction (bought by Suntrust Bank for $288,750).