This week we sought to make a positive impact in our community to celebrate Earth Day. Our team rolled up their sleeves picking up trash together to benefit the The Fresh Water Land Trust, lending a hand to help our local environment. One of our core values is to make the world and our communities a better place and our commitment extends beyond crafting beautiful spaces—it's about actively caring for our environment and surroundings. Together, let's continue to make a positive impact, one step at a time!
Media Buzz About Bird-friendly Windows
In the construction of the new UAB Altec Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building in Birmingham, our team at Williams Blackstock Architects has integrated a unique design feature to address bird safety, responding to a growing concern in urban design. At the request of the UAB, known for its commitment to sustainability, we have incorporated etched glass with a bird protection frit into the building's 6-story curtainwall, which spans nearly 50,000 square feet.
This initiative aligns with UAB's goal to achieve LEED Silver certification for the project and reflects a broader vision for a sustainable campus. Learn more about this innovative initiative design featured in BhamNow.
Great-Birmingham Bake Off: Giving Back
The 2024 Bake-Off was held on Saturday, April 6th at Cahaba Brewing. We were so proud to be a sponsor of such a fun event that supports a great cause: Workshops Empowerment! The team from WBA got together and picked out recipe to compete in the event using one of their WE Made Southern Staples baking mixes. We, maybe, sample a few ourselves over cold beverages and had a blast.
WE Inc. provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities and so much more. Through training and workforce development, they’re helping individuals be their best selves and we are proud to support them.
Meet 4 Female Leaders among the team at Williams Blackstock Architects
Meet 4 of the incredible female leaders among the amazing team of women who work here at Williams Blackstock Architects in this latest article on Bham Now. We're incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptionally skilled and vibrant team, including an outstanding group of women who constitute over half of our firm and play vital roles across all aspects of our work.
2024 NextGen Awards: Celia Gannaway
Congratulations to our own Celia Gannaway who was named as a recipient for the Birmingham Business Journal 2024 NextGen: Real Estate & Construction Awards! This special issue will feature up-and-coming professionals in the real estate and construction fields who are emerging leaders in Birmingham.
ULI Alabama Project Tour: The Hardwick
Last week we had the privilege of leading a project tour of The Hardwick with ULI Alabama! Together, we explored the transformation of this 110-year-old steel processing plant into a vibrant hub for restaurants, retail, and commercial offices along Birmingham's Rotary Trail. A special thank you to all who joined us for the insightful journey!
2024 Top 40 Under 40 - Amanda Fowler
Congratulations to Amanda Fowler for being named a Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal! Amanda is an exemplary leader in our firm and in our community. As CFO, her impact has been transformative, steering the company to unprecedented growth and success while playing a crucial role in the well-being of our community.
Starting as CFO/Controller in 2016, she became an equity partner in 2021 based on her record of guiding and driving the financial success of the firm over the last eight years. Amanda is not only a dynamic leader, but also supports the broad operations and health of the firm from a financial perspective.
Southern Research Station 41 Ribbon Cutting
This past week, we had the honor of participating in the Southern Research Station 41 Incubator Ribbon Cutting. Together with our partners at HOK, we've had the opportunity to contribute to Birmingham's thriving biotech scene by designing this new commercialization hub. Equipped with wet labs, shared equipment, and office space, this new renovation is all set to welcome around a dozen startup companies. It's a big step forward in fostering biotech innovation right here in our community.
Joel Blackstock CEO Awards Finalist
Joel has a sincere passion and a vested interest in projects that advance and build community, which is reflected in design that is sensitive to the site context and has a transformational impact on the surroundings. He also recognizes the ability to build community in the interior design of each project, bringing people together in inspiring spaces that enrich the lives of everyone who experiences the space.
Through his 43 years of practice, he has become known as a visionary, an excellent listener to his client’s needs, and a dynamic creator of space through design. Due to his creative, flexible, and innovative approach to project management, Joel has earned a reputation for being a relentless problem solver. He tirelessly pursues the optimal design solution that will create lasting value, making communities and the world a better place.
About to celebrate the firm’s 30th anniversary, Williams Blackstock Architects has completed a variety of projects around the city, throughout the state, and the nation. Joel has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence nationally, having served a variety of clients in over 20 states. Growing steadily from four employees to 54, the firm has been blessed with the opportunity to work for incredible clients and to design high-profile projects that have positively impacted the city and campuses across the region.
Happy Holidays
Deck the halls with holiday cheer! Happy Holidays from all of us at Williams Blackstock Architects.