MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, and in His name love our neighbors and provide hope to the community through life-transforming ministries.
Ben McMillan, CEO of IDG+ Architects, announces a third office in downtown Dallas. Ben would like to thank you for your consistent support as we welcome a return to working in person beginning in March 2022.
IDG+ Architects was founded in 2001, as a multi-disciplined, full service architectural firm offering a full-range of architectural services including survey and analysis of existing facilities, programming, planning and interiors.
IDG+ is guided by the principle that conscientious, proper design has an enduring value. IDG+ applies the most creative and advanced technology with equal concern for economy, aesthetics, function and durability to achieve the most effective design solution that satisfies the needs, goals and objectives of the client.
1341 West Mockingbird Lane
Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
IDG+ Architects has been honored to have the opportunity to design the Peoria Fire Station #4, which will be named after Edward B. Gaines Jr, the first Black firefighter in Peoria, Illinois. This fire station is not just a place where firefighters work, but it is also a tribute to the legacy of Mr. Gaines, who was a pioneer in his field and an inspiration to future generations.
The design of the station is both practical and modern. The building is equipped with the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that firefighters can respond to emergencies efficiently and effectively. The design incorporates many sustainable features to reduce the building's environmental impact, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and the use of recycled materials.
In addition to being a functional fire station, the design also pays tribute to the life and legacy of Edward B. Gaines Jr. The building's exterior features a mural that depicts Mr. Gaines and the history of the Peoria Fire Department. The mural serves as a reminder of the bravery and commitment of the firefighters who serve the community, as well as the important contributions of Mr. Gaines.
Inside the station, there is a dedicated area that honors Mr. Gaines, with photos and other memorabilia that tell the story of his life and accomplishments. This area is a reminder of the important role that Mr. Gaines played in the history of the Peoria Fire Department, and it serves as an inspiration to future generations of firefighters and community members.
You can learn more about Mr. Gaines' story here.
"It's particularly exciting when we design a civic project, especially when it honors a local fire station's historic member.
Our focus on sustainable features reduced the building's environmental impact, including energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
Designing an environment that houses major equipment, while also serving as a home base, was a challenge we enjoyed. The addition of the commemorative portrait of Edward B. Gaines was a meaningful addition.
This project is another example of our commitment to bringing our very best to this community."
~ Aaron Gunn Associate Managing Principal, Peoria IL
Project Name: City of Peoria Fire Station No. 4
Client: City of Peoria
Date of Start: April 2021
Date of Finish: April 2022
Square Foot: 6,300 S.F.
Construction Contract Amount: $2,300,000.00
Total Construction Cost at Project End: $2,300,000.00
Contractor: E Joseph Construction
Contract Type: Competitive Sealed Proposal
Description: Programming, Schematic Design, DD's
Construction Documents, Bid/Negotiations,
Construction Administration
Client: Jason Meeks (Facilities Maintenance Manager)
IDG+ Team: Ben McMillan III, Anas Sada, Peggy Nordman, Joy Boleigha
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
DeQualés Thompson is Associate Managing Principal at IDG+ Architects' Dallas office, who recently returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex after 13 years. As a former instructor and alumnus of Prairie View A&M University, he believes education is at the core of his personal ethos. Thompson's pursuit of education has nurtured his curiosity, passion, and precision, all with the aim of creating a better tomorrow for all.
According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Black and African American architects only make up 2% of all licensed architects in the United States. However, Thompson is one of the architects that stands out in this minority group. He has won competitions in places such as Malawi and Switzerland, and his curiosity towards travel and culture has led him to explore how places can support, connect, and inspire people.
Thompson's goal is to become the next CEO of IDG+ Architects, where he aims to foster an organization that produces thoughtful, sustainable, and socially responsible architecture around the world. He seeks to create an architecture that serves and is experienced by the general public and underserved communities.
In terms of education, becoming a licensed architect requires a great deal of study, commitment, and experience. According to the NCARB, it takes candidates an average of over 11 years to become a registered architect. During which, aspiring architects must also pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a six-part exam that can take years to complete.
Thompson is also a newlywed, and he credits his lovely wife Addis as his inspiration and support. Aside from his professional pursuits, he is an avid reader and a novice woodworker who enjoys art, culture, and politics. In a recent report by NCARB in partnership the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), there are significant disparities for people of color in the field of architecture. However, architects like Thompson continue to challenge the status quo and serve as role models for aspiring architects from underrepresented communities.
Thompson is part of a growing community of Black architects who are making a significant impact in the industry. In an interview with Cultured Magazine, 15 Black architects shared their experiences and perspectives on being Black in architecture. The interview highlights the challenges and opportunities that Black architects face in the field. Despite these challenges, architects like Thompson remain dedicated to creating a better future for all through thoughtful, sustainable, and socially responsible architecture.
IDG+ Architects was founded in 2001, as a multi-disciplined, full service architectural firm offering a full-range of architectural services including survey and analysis of existing facilities, programming, planning and interiors.
IDG+ is guided by the principle that conscientious, proper design has an enduring value. IDG+ applies the most creative and advanced technology with equal concern for economy, aesthetics, function and durability to achieve the most effective design solution that satisfies the needs, goals and objectives of the client.
We look forward to meeting you in our office:
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, TX 75247
For more information visit idgarch.com or call 214-387-2308.
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
Starting a business is no easy feat, but Sweat Box Gym in Humble, TX has managed to do just that and more. Founded in 2019, the gym has quickly grown in size and popularity, becoming a community staple and an inspiration for other trainers.
The gym began as a small space within a larger facility called Fit Crew Houston, with just four punching bags and a mat. But it didn't take long for the gym to outgrow its humble beginnings. In just six weeks, the gym expanded from 700 SF to 1500 SF, and by 2020, they had acquired 2,200 SF at another facility. But even that wasn't enough to satisfy the demand of the classes, and by 2021, they had run out of space.
Enter owner Johannes "Jo" Azucena, who had a vision for a mixed-use facility where he could work and live, allowing him to be near his family and young children. With a dedicated team and a commitment to community-focused fitness, Sweat Box Gym has become a local success story.
One of the things that sets this gym apart is its commitment to family-focused programming. In addition to classes for fighters and crossfitters, they offer events and opportunities for children and families, including snowball fights in the winter, water slides and water balloon toss in the summer, family hiking trips at Lake Houston Park, and children’s health coaching programs.
IDG+ Architect's design, as well as the expertise and execution by Mero Construction played a crucial role in the success of Sweat Box Gym. Jo was heavily involved in the process, and loved the visioning exercises with the design-build team. The gym is located in an industrial area of Humble that doesn't see a lot of development, but with a renovated site and a new business that is family-centered, families coming from the gym during events or classes visit the surrounding businesses and have supported the local economy in ways that it was not supported before.
One of the standout features of Sweat Box Gym is its HVAC system, which allows for natural ventilation while still maintaining comfort in the gym and residence. Jo praised the design team for their quick response time and understanding of his unique needs.
Sweat Box Gym is not just a success story for its owners, but for the entire community. It is an example of what can happen when a business is committed to serving its customers and supporting its local economy.
As Jo said, "The building can serve as an inspiration for a new typology in an old but new commercial development." We can't wait to see what Sweatbox Gym achieves next.
~ Jo Azucena
Owner, Sweat Box Gym
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
IDG+ Architects has been honored to have the opportunity to design the Washington Middle School, District #186 Springfield Public Schools (SPS186).
IDG+ partnered with Springfield Public Schools 186 to provide architectural services on multiple projects through several phases of the school district’s $200M facilities plan.
Using our experience and understanding of design and the project planning process coupled with the teamwork of SPS 186, IDG+ has been able to execute projects at four of Springfield’s most iconic schools that will impact the community for generations to come.
Washington Middle School, located in Springfield, Illinois, is among the four iconic schools undergoing major renovations as part of the Springfield Public Schools 186's $200M facilities plan. The project, which is being spearheaded by IDG+ Architects in partnership with the school district, aims to improve the learning environment for students and enhance the school's overall infrastructure.
The Washington Middle School project is set to include a complete overhaul of the building's electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, as well as upgrades to the school's security features. The project involves the construction of new classrooms, administrative offices, and a cafeteria, all aimed at creating a more modern and functional learning space for students.
The partnership between IDG+ Architects and Springfield Public Schools 186 has been praised for its emphasis on collaboration and teamwork. IDG+ Architects' Associate Managing Principal, Aaron Gunn, stated that "we have a really great relationship with the school district, and we're working together to ensure that every project is executed with excellence and meets the needs of the students and faculty."
The Washington Middle School project is just one example of the Springfield Public Schools 186’s commitment to providing its students with top-notch facilities that are conducive to learning and growth further highlighting the school district's dedication to its students and community.
"Using our experience and understanding of design and the project planning process coupled with the teamwork of SPS 186, IDG has been able to execute projects at four of Springfield’s most iconic schools that will impact the community for generations to come."
~ Aaron Gunn
IDG+ Architects
Client: District #186 Springfield Public Schools
Project Size (SF): 18,041 SF Addition; 8,472 SF renovation
Students Served: Approximately 572 students
Project Details: Provide new classrooms, science labs, cafeteria, and student resource spaces
Project Manager: Ben S. McMillan III, AIA
Project Team: Ismael Kabre, Joy Boleigha, Peggy Nordmann, Aaron Gunn
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
Peoria, IL - The South Side Mission, a non-profit organization serving the Peoria community for over 90 years, has announced the groundbreaking of their new thrift store, designed by IDG Architects, also based in Peoria, IL. The new store will replace the current thrift store, which has been in operation for over 30 years.
The new thrift store will be located on the corner of South Western Avenue and West Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of the South Side Mission's service area. The 7,500 square-foot building will feature a modern design with ample parking for customers, making it more accessible and convenient for shoppers. The new store will also provide a larger retail space and expanded donation processing areas to accommodate the growing number of donations received.
The South Side Mission's new thrift store will not only provide affordable clothing, furniture, and household items to the community, but it will also create new job opportunities. The store plans to hire up to 10 full-time and part-time employees, providing valuable job training and work experience to those in need.
"We are excited to break ground on our new thrift store and to partner with IDG Architects to bring this project to life," said Reverend Craig Williams, President, and CEO of the South Side Mission. "The new store will allow us to better serve our community, both by offering affordable items and by creating job opportunities for those in need."
IDG Architects has extensive experience in designing retail spaces and is committed to creating functional, innovative, and sustainable solutions for their clients. The firm has been working closely with the South Side Mission to create a building that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meets the needs of the organization and its clients.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this project and to work with the South Side Mission family to create a new thrift store that will benefit the community," said Aaron Gunn, Associate Managing Principal at IDG Architects. "Our goal is to design a space that is welcoming, functional, and energy-efficient, and we are confident that we will achieve that goal with this project."
The South Side Mission's new thrift store is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2023, providing the community with affordable shopping options and employment opportunities.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ, and in His name love our neighbors and provide hope to the community through life-transforming ministries.
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
An annual ideas competition with an emphasis on creative problem solving and graphic presentation, the Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition is sponsored by the Architecture Center Houston Foundation, the Houston Chapter of AIA and local architectural firms and affiliates.
This workshop is often referred to as an architecture crash course with students who have a range of familiarity with technical drawing.
High school students from around the greater area will gather at the Architecture Center Houston to learn about the fundamentals of architectural drawing.
The students are asked to do their best while professional architects mentor by drawing alongside them. In order to create the drawings, the groups followed along with a case study building that had been provided. The final exercise is to build a conceptual study model of the building.
The participants will spend the semester designing their own project for the MGMC Scholarship Competition. Their semester will also include a Site Tour, a mid-semester Drawing Review, and a Formal Jury at the end of the semester.
A presentation is given to the class covering the different types of drawings Architects use: Programming Diagrams, Site Plans, Floor Plans, Sections, and Elevations. Each drawing pairs with an exercise and there is an additional exercise on concept development.
As a volunteer, Ben McMillan, AIA, NCARB, NOMA worked alongside other professional to assist individual students with drawing techniques and formalities. Ultimately, the students will use their skills from the exercises to create a presentation containing all the types of drawings and build a model based on their Case Study.
Volunteers at the tables will walk students through each of the drawing exercises and aid them in the overall composition of the presentation. At the very end, each group of students will present to the class.
"The experience of being with a group of students who were excited about architecture reminded me of why I love the business of design!"
~ Ben McMillan, AIA, NCARB, NOMA
President, IDG+ Architects
The R+D Department is the research, branding and strategic planning arm of IDG+ Architects.
Our Director, DeQuales Thompson, aims to continuously expand and improve the services, approach and corporate knowledge of the firm.
At IDG+ we seek to cultivate ideas, innovation and techniques that result in a better built environment and a better quality of life for our planet. As a practice centered around education, we express our values to the community by demystifying and democratizing the practice of architecture. From community engagement to evidence-based design, we seek to communicate clearly with people as we discover new ways to design, build, and connect.
By assessing the ability of our projects to achieve their design goals through real world outcomes, we can identify the design interventions that are most effective through research, practice, and experimentation. This approach to practice is advantageous to our clients because it allows for a greater range of creative solutions with reduced risk.
The department provides many services, both within the firm and to our clients. We also seek out best practices from around the world and implement them throughout various aspects of our practice.
IDG+ Architects are committed to Research and Development long-term, with the full support of management to assist the firm in implementing:
As architects who believe in the transformative power of education and knowledge, our efforts at R+D aim to mend the divide between academic theory and professional practice to create resources to uplift the next generation of architects.
“The R+D department brings an added dimension to the design, production, project management, and delivery processes.
By including the scientific method within our design process, we seek to substantiate our design decisions with measurable outcomes.”
~ DeQuales Thompson
Director of Research and Development, IDG+ Architects
Apart from our continuous internal improvements, IDG+ is always searching for ways to improve school facilities. The R+D department engages in research to find solutions, (be they comprehensive or precise) to increase the safety and efficiency of school facilities and their operations.
The Fire Alarm Pull Station Control Project is the result of an investigation requested by The Sheldon Independent School District. The request came as many ISDs across the nation were looking to increase school safety and security after the Parkland incident. The incident shed a specific light on school facilities because the facility itself was used to bring harm to the people in the building.
IDG+’s R+D department investigated a strategy for districts to retrofit existing school facilities by removing fire alarm pull stations and replacing them with alarm systems that did not require human interaction. This retrofit results in a dramatic decrease in false alarms, creating a more efficient use of tax dollars associated with mobilizing first responders to a false alarm. As well as a decrease in school disruptions due to false alarms. Lastly, facility safety was improved by closing a loophole in the school’s protection and safety operations.
After the investigation revealed a strategy, the firm was able to execute the work with the district. IDG+ has published our findings so other districts will have the knowledge and strategy to retrofit their own existing buildings thus improving facility safety and efficiency for a low cost.
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
IDG+ Architects designed this beautiful 83,700 square foot school, which was named after Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, to serve 650 students.
The design concept was inspired by colors that support concentration and information absorption.
This vibrant and purposeful color scheme is one of the first elements to communicate the message behind the design -- on both visual and psychological levels.
This innovative facility solved community needs and enrollment growth while looking to the horizon for determining future student interests and skills.
The school serves students in Pre-K through the Fifth Grade and features an open central library and collaborative learning spaces. These collaborative learning spaces create a unique and inspirational academic experience.
Interior finishes include terrazzo flooring, ceramic tiling, visual display boards, folding partitions, custom millwork and an elevator as well as state-of-the-art mechanical, plumbing, electrical and technology systems.
The 83,700-square-foot campus includes an administrative area, media center, library, art and music classrooms, gymnasium, dining/stage, central plant, playgrounds, and parking.
"We were delighted to bring our best work to this 21st Century School. Our team worked with educators to design into the future.
Using light and color, we lit up the entire school while simultaneously making the most of sustainable building materials."
~ Ben McMillan
President, IDG+ Architects
Total Budget: $36,244,854
Construction Budget: $22,745,620
Architect: IDG+ Architects
Contractor: Ratcliff Constructors LP/VPG, JV
Program Manager: JACOBS
Project Manager: Abhi Nigudkar
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
Charles Atherton Elementary, designed by IDG+ Architects was honored by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). Awarded the Stars of Distinction, Exhibit of School Architecture, Atherton was awarded Stars of Distinction for excellence in three of the five areas of distinction.
Atherton Elementary was designed as a 21st Century school. The range of features requested include vivid bursts of color, natural light, shared activity spaces, moveable walls, flexible seating arrangements and sustainable design based on the criteria outlined by Houston's Independent School District, (HISD).
Design
Flexible learning spaces can be found throughout the interior and exterior of the school. The building acts as a learning tool using a color-coded system to differentiate mechanical systems and structure. Numbers were also scored into the stairs to further enhance interactive learning. Sustainability is encouraged by use of recycling bins along with roof planting gardens for students. The design incorporated extensive use of color and natural daylight throughout the facility.
Value
Exterior elements of the school consist of stone, masonry and metal panels. Other design elements include sun shading devices, metal canopies and outdoor gardens. The team added clerestory windows to bring in natural light along the main artery including northern light that filters in at the second level. Flexible learning spaces were incorporated to inspire different levels of learning. Additional areas included a Cafetorium, Performing Arts wing and student roof planting gardens.
Sustainability
An instrumental element to the design was to make the facility environmentally friendly. To obtain LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the facility includes a green roof with native plants for landscaping, utilizing local materials, installing a high efficiency energy system & high-albedo roofing for ongoing accountability of building energy consumption and provide daylight and views into regularly occupied areas. LEED Silver is pending.
The key element of the design focuses on community, a truncated sphere we call the history rotunda. It displays biographies of former students who attended the school who played an important role as mentors, educators, and politicians. Moreover, the Entry Plaza will display names of people who contributed and have been a part of the continued success of the school such as Barbara Jordon, Mickey Leland, El Franco Lee, Harold Dutton, George Foreman, Dr. Ruth Simmons.
The goal was to make Atherton a 21st Century elementary school that enables students to foster creative thinking, flexible problem solving and collaborative learning. Research played a significant role in transforming the school into the learning tool it is today. We involved the community in the design process through interactive briefing and design charrettes. By engaging the community, students, and staff, we fostered a long-lasting relationship, and provided an effective learning environment.
The project is on display on the Exhibit of School Architecture website. The Exhibit of School Architecture awards are given annually for new or renovated Texas schools and celebrates excellence in planning and design of the learning environment.
Houston Independent School District - 5.1 acre site, $12.6M construction cost, LEED Silver Certification
Click here to learn more about IDG+ Architect's K-12 design.
Atherton Elementary was named after Charles H. Atherton, who became the first principal of the Houston high school and he stayed in that position for twenty years. Thus he became a pioneer educator in Texas. The school is now known as Booker T. Washington High School and has celebrated its centennial.
Atherton first arrived in Texas in the 1880's after graduating from Mico College in his native land, Jamaica. Before becoming principal of Colored High School in 1893, Atherton was principal of an elementary school in Houston. It was known as the Third Ward School and Atherton served at its helm for at least five years before becoming principal of the high school.
Atherton spent his entire life as an educator, including serving as dean and professor at Prairie View A & M College. Even in religion, Atherton was concerned with education. He was very active with the Methodist church and recruited many of his teachers from Wiley College and other Methodist colleges. He also headed the Olivewood Cemetery Association which operated the Methodist cemetery.
Building Award Winning
Communities Since 2001
Offices
440 Benmar Drive, Suite 3335
Houston Texas 77060
1341 West Mockingbird Lane, Suite 600W
Dallas, Texas 75247
4507 Sterling Avenue, Suite 306
Peoria, Illinois 61615
