Virginia Beach Public Library
Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Design Collaborative was commissioned to design a 95,000 square foot Central Library emphasizing library technology, flexibility, energy efficiency, economy and value. Public service areas are located on the ground floor and mezzanine. Open planning allows maximum flexibility in arranging furniture and equipment, makes library services more visible and accessible, and allows full service operations with a smaller staff. Meeting rooms and a 250-seat auditorium occupy a separate wing.

This project has received 4 awards: Best New Building Award by Portfolio Magazine, 1988; Award of Honor for Architecture by the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, 1988; and Energy Design Award by the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, 1987.  Most recently, it was selected for the VSAIA Test of Time Award, 2012.

After 15 years of heavy use, The Design Collaborative was engaged to redesign the interior space plan and renovate the building. Replacement of finishes, updating systems and replacing worn out furniture were primary tasks. The work was phased so that the library remained opened through most of the construction. A number of areas were reconfigured to better support new services.

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library

Virginia Beach’s Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, designed by the late Laszlo Aranyi, founder of The Design Collaborative Architects, has been selected to receive the Test of Time award from the Virginia Society AIA.

Envisioned as an energy-efficient, day-lit facility, the library is an early example of the emerging practice of sustainable design, which the firm continues to embrace today. It was designed to be highly adaptable
to changes in library services and expanding technology by incorporating modular furniture, bookstore shelving and other innovative ideas. This iconic library continues to be a state-of-the-art facility as well as a popular destination in the region.

The award recognizes a structure no less than 25 years old which is cherished as a significant contribution to the community and the built environment.

Click here to read the full Virginia Society AIA article: http://www.aiava.org/featured/oberndorf-library-awarded-test-of-time/

Virginia Beach, Virginia

An arial view of the Ocean Sky Retail Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Since the 1950’s, one of the sights in Virginia Beach was the Viking Motel with its 2nd level swimming pool featuring an underwater window facing the Atlantic Avenue resort strip.

In 2009 the Patel family, owners and operators of the Viking and other resort properties made the decision to replace the aged motel with a new, multistory retail center catering to the small shops and restaurants that line the landside of Atlantic Avenue.

This retail center lies on the former site of the Viking Motel.

The City’s Resort Area Design Guidelines recognize that the resort area is urban, rather than suburban, in character.  Accordingly successful resort area planning and architecture strives to create humanely-scaled outdoor spaces, storefronts with large sheltered windows, discreet signage, and architecture that supports the experience of the resort area as a shopping district.

The Design Collaborative, and MSA, Civil Engineers, Landscape Architects and Planners,  worked closely with City Planning Staff and the Design Review Committee of the Virginia Beach Resort Area Advisory Commission to fine tune the project design.

Ocean Sky Retail Center is set to be open to the public in Spring 2012.

The Ocean Sky Retail Center’s design and planning features include a small urban plaza at the northeast corner, pedestrian-friendly recessed storefront windows close to the sidewalk, extra building height to encourage window displays, warm and bright colors, awnings and Bermuda-shutter style sun louvers.

J.B. Denny started construction on the shell building and sitework in November of 2010.   Tenant improvements will commence in the Fall of 2011, with shops and restaurants opening throughout the winter and spring of 2012.

Glowing bar top and linear uplights from LED sources create a cool, hip vibe in the sake bar at Mizuno.

On December 12, 2011, Mizuno Japanese Restaurant in LaPromenade Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, held a Grand Opening Party for its large and loyal following.  Originally started fifteen years ago in a small space designed by Architect Edward Lazaron, AIA and W. Ray Jennings Interior Design. Two doors down, the new restaurant is twice the size with a glowing bar up front, with table seating and a rustic sushi bar behind.

The design is a study in contrasts of crisp, shiny and hip to soft, natural and organic, loosely  built around abstract fish motifs.  The lighting is all energy efficient, state of the art LED sources which provide a variety of scenes throughout the day and night.  Cool white lights compliment the bluish glow of the bar with a warmer light in the dining area to accent the people and the food.

The walnut counter was made from a sustainably harvested tree in Asheville, NC.

The sushi counter is made from slabs of a walnut tree sustainably harvested in Asheville, NC and assembled using wooden pegs for a natural look against the sharp edges of the serivng counter above.

Norfolk, Virginia

The Design Collaborative has designed all types of residential buildings including duplexes, townhouses, and apartments for many regional developers.  These projects cover the gamut from affordable housing to high end custom homes in a variety of urban, suburban and rural settings.    

Our understanding of local codes and construction combined with our attention to detail and commitment to our clients needs ensures an exceptional product for your market.

Norfolk, Virginia

The Church of the Sacred Heart is in the historic Ghent section of Norfolk.  Built at the turn of the century, the complex was updated and refurbished by The Design Collaborative. 

Contemporary practices of fellowship, before and after a service, called for the addition to be a gathering space in harmony with the original Church and Rectory.  This Commons now fills the space between the two and offers an alternative entrance to the Sanctuary.

Norfolk, Virginia

The Synagogue is located at the edge of an Historic District that includes a variety of older buildings and new residences. 

This complex consisted of four buildings constructed with a variety of brick colors and patterns.  Three of these buildings had different floor levels which were not connected inside. 

The new atrium lobby located in the old courtyard is at the Sanctuary level.  Ramps to the Social Hall and Administration Wing provide connection and handicap access where none existed before. 

The new limestone façade matches the trim on the two adjacent buildings focusing attention on the main entry.  The old stained glass was moved from the Sanctuary wall to the new entry.  Lanterns from the old entry were installed above the new entry doors.  

Harrisonburg, Virginia

This new, stand alone service building replaces out of date facilities in the adjacent dealership building which was subsequently renovated to Nissan NREDI standards.