Jean Leathers | Practice Clarity, LLC
(440) 773-6587
jean@practiceclarity.com
Tec Inc.’s Ardra Zinkon Wins
Coveted GE Edison Award
Lighting Designer Honored with Award for Excellence in Environmental Design
Columbus, OH, June 1, 2011 – Tec Inc. Engineering & Design—an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm—announced that Ardra Zinkon, Director of Lighting Design, received the prestigious 2010 GE Edison Award for Excellence in Environmental Design for her lighting design of the Miami University Farmer School of Business in Oxford, Ohio.
International Award for Lighting Professionals
The GE Edison Award competition is open internationally to lighting professionals for a creative lighting design project completed during the previous year.
The Award for Excellence in Environmental Design gives special recognition to those projects that minimize the use of energy, maximize the use of daylighting, control light pollution, ensure system durability and maintainability, and include other sustainability measures and innovative techniques and technologies that minimize impact on the environment.
Ardra Zinkon, MIES, IALD Associate, LEED Green Associate
Zinkon—Director of the firm’s Columbus office which she established in 2005—received the award for her lighting design of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University in Ohio. Previously her work was recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Progress Committee for renovation of the Brecksville Public Library in Ohio, which received an award for Innovative Application of New Technology. She is currently completing Lighting Design services for the interior and exterior of the new $140 million Hilton Columbus in Ohio. Her choice of lighting systems and sources will result in performance of 30% less energy use than required by standards.
She serves nationally on the Illuminating Engineering Society’s (IES) Progress Committee and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Energy & Sustainability Committee. She has lectured at The Ohio State University, Miami University, the IES Midwest Regional Conference, IALD’s Enlighten Americas Conference, and presented on LED’s at the 2010 Lightfair in Las Vega, NV.
Farmer School of Business Lighting Design Contributes to LEED Silver Rating
At 218,000 square feet, the new Farmer School of Business at Miami University became the first LEED certified building on campus. The lighting design contributed to the Silver rating with a lighting power density of 20% less than required by the energy code.
With multiple space types, the project required a variety of lighting sources. Zincon’s design incorporated fluorescent, CMH, Halogen low voltage, and LED. She created a luminescent blend of high performance sources and traditional decorative luminaires to enhance the formal architecture.
According to Zinkon, “The decorative luminaires are vital to the design aesthetic. Yes, they add an additional layer of illumination, but more importantly they bring a heighted sense of elegance that augments the architectural style of the structure. It’s like letting the building wear jewelry; it adds the sparkle, the finishing touch.”
From a design perspective, this was the greatest challenge: marrying the concept of traditional decorative with high performance. Custom luminaires were created to take advantage of current source technology and to push the envelope on luminaire types that had traditionally served as building ‘jewelry.’ The spaces required maximum flexibility to keep up with today’s collegiate learning environments, so the DALI control system was selected to meet that performance need.
All spaces with windows contain dimmable daylight harvesting systems and automated shades for glare control and thermal comfort. Due to thoughtful design and application, the designed energy consumption on this building is 20% less than code while producing a visual quality that meets the needs of the students, faculty, administration and visitors. The lighting design solutions are harmonious with the architecture and are easy to maintain for the life of the building.
Founded in 1983 by Terrance Kilbourne, Tec Inc. Engineering & Design is an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm. From offices in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, Tec professionals provide expertise to academic, healthcare, community, commercial, residential and government projects throughout the country. Clients include Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Region, Cleveland Clinic and Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire in Nashville, TN.
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Mike Totsch receives CPSM
Columbus, OH, April , 2011 – Tec Inc. Engineering & Design—an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm
Mike Totsch recently passed the rigorous Certified Professional Services Marketer exam administered by SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services). Mike prepared by studying independently and with the Columbus chapter CPSM Study Group. Paula Ryan, FSMPS, CPSM proctored the exam. Congratulations Mike!
Adam Kilbourne part of a team selected to write a SMPS Foundation White Paper
Cleveland, OH, October , 2010 – Tec Inc. Engineering & Design—an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm
Adam Kilbourne, along with co-authors Holly Bolton and Dana Galvin were selected by the SMPS Foundation to produce a white paper. Their topic is "The Client's Viewpoint on Social Media and Social Networking." They are conducting research and building case studies that will provide insight into the use of social media in AEC marketing.
Adam, Holly and Dana have collaborated on multiple regional and national social media endeavors for SMPS. They will be presenting their white paper at the SMPS national conference in Chicago on August 24, 2011.
Holly Bolton, CPMS is Director of Marketing for CE Solutions, Inc. in Carmel, Indiana.
Dana Galvin, CPSM is Marketing Manager for Barton Malow in Southfield, Michigan.
New LEED Green Associates
Cleveland, OH, September , 2010 – Tec Inc. Engineering & Design—an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm
Tec is proud to announce staff who have completed the requirements and passed the exam to receive their LEED Green Associate credentials. Tom Manuszak, Brandon Sargent, Paul Trentanelli, and Ardra Zinkon have all earned the LEED Green Associate accredidation. Congratulations!
Timothy Krzywicki, LEED AP Passes the PE Exam
Cleveland, OH, June 24, 2009 – Tec Inc. Engineering & Design—an award-winning Mechanical, Electrical, Lighting and Technology firm—Congratulates Krzywicki
Timothy M. Krzywicki, LEED AP a mechanical project engineer with Tec recently passed his PE exam for Ohio. Congratulations Tim!
Season's Greetings from Tec Inc.
Lighting Design of the Franklin County Convention Center Hotel awarded to Tec Columbus, Ohio - August 3, 2009
Tec Inc. is pleased to be selected as the Lighting Designer for the Franklin County Convention Center Hotel. The 500 room hotel is being designed by HOK and Moody Nolan.
The project will kick-off next week.
Tec Hires a Director of Client Development Eastlake, Ohio - August 3, 2009
Tec Inc. is pleased to announce that Michael Totsch has recently joined the firm as their first-ever Director of Client Development. In his new role, Mike will be responsible for maintaining the long professional relationships that have been the cornerstone of the quarter century of success for Tec Inc., as well as to develop new strategic relationships in both new and existing markets. A full-service MEP firm, Tec also has a Professional Lighting Designer on staff, and has offices in both Cleveland and Columbus.
About joining the Tec team, Mike declared, “I have always believed that successful business development is all about building relationships - the business part will take care of itself. The opportunity to join a firm whose beliefs align so closely with my philosophy is incredible.” Mike will work out of the firm’s Columbus office, but will spend most of his time traveling to be with clients.
A successful business development professional, Mike has worked in the A/E/C industry for nearly ten years, working for an architectural firm and then a structural engineering firm previously. A skilled communicator, Mike is also an adjunct faculty member at Columbus State Community College where he teaches evening classes in both the English and Communications departments. Active in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Mike will assume the presidency of the Columbus Chapter of SMPS in September. In addition to his professional duties, Mike is an avid woodworker and gardener and loves caring for his two Boston Terriers, Chloe and Phoebe.
Tecniques - A Blog Eastlake, Ohio - July 9, 2009
The Tecniques blog has been published. Tec Inc. has been implementing different components of "social media". We can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Flickr and now our blog. Please check out our regular updates at Tecniques.
More Construction at Tec Eastlake, Ohio - July 1, 2009
The Tec Inc. headquarters in Eastlake is expanding again, adding 2500 SF of space which will include men's and women's restrooms, a lunch room and additional storage. The new space will free up office space allowing for future increases in staff.
Ms. Amy Lauria organized a team from Tec Inc. to walk at the Heartwalk on Saturday, May 9th at the Lake Metroparks FarmPark. Amy collected donations from a few local businesses to included them on a team t-shirt.
Tec Inc. hires an Electrical Project Engineer Cleveland, Ohio - April 15, 2009
Ms. Tricia Belski has experience in the design and construction of electrical and technology systems. She has been involved in every phase of the design and construction process including conceptual design, system selection, code analysis and review, preparation of engineering calculations, construction and life-cycle cost estimates, phasing, and production of construction documents, construction administration and commissioning.
Ms. Belski will be responsible for electrical design construction projects. She has extensive experience in healthcare and educational projects.
Tricia E Belski
electrical project engineer
Tec Inc. sponsors ElectroExpo Cleveland, Ohio - March 31, 2009
Tec attended the ElectroExpo in full force Tuesday evening. Eight staff members attended the kick-off party in the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. Electrical League of Ohio Executive Director, Terri Hanna-Wiehn, said over 400 people attended the event.
Terry Kilbourne, President of Tec Inc and Board Member of the Electrical League of Ohio, feels it is important to not only show up at events, but to support the local industry associations that we belong to.
Tec Inc. hires a Mechanical Project Engineer Cleveland, Ohio - March 30, 2009
Mr. Tom Manuszak has experience in the design and construction of HVAC and plumbing systems. He has been involved in every phase of the design and construction process including conceptual design, system selection, code analysis and review, preparation of engineering calculations, construction and life-cycle cost estimates, phasing, and production of construction documents, construction administration and commissioning.
Mr. Manuszak will be responsible for mechanical design construction projects. He has extensive experience in retail , hospitality, educational and residential projects.
Mr. Manuszak is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and has a Masters Degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Thomas J Manuszak
mechanical project engineer
Tec Inc. hires a Senior Electrical Designer Cleveland, Ohio - March 2, 2009
Mr. John Hird has broad experience in the design and construction of electrical systems. He has been involved in every phase of the design and construction process including conceptual design, system selection, code analysis and review, preparation of engineering calculations, construction and life-cycle cost estimates, phasing, and production of construction documents, construction administration and commissioning.
Mr. Hird will be responsible for electrical design construction projects. He has extensive experience in health care, retail , hospitality, and educational projects.
John D Hird
senior electrical designer
Tec Inc. Columbus: Greenspot Award Columbus, Ohio - February 19, 2009
In an effort to reduce our impact on the natural resources and lower our energy consumption the Tec Inc. Columbus office enrolled in the City of Columbus, Get Green Program in September of 2008. Through our efforts the office was awarded a Greenspot distinction in November of 2008. To maintain our Greenspot the office must comply with a list of Greenspot Commitments during the course of the next year. Some of the commitments are mandatory, other are self-imposed ranging from recycling, energy, waste and water audits, and office improvements.
To date the Columbus office has accomplished several of our commitments in just a 6-month period. The list includes: Installation of LED desk lamps with motion sensors in our offices, motion sensors in the copy and conference room and storage closet, installation of high efficiency fluorescent fixtures throughout the office, and low-flow automatic faucets in the bathrooms. We have implemented a paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and packing recycling program and we have a waste-tracking program. All of the paper used in the office is from recycled, renewable sources such as sugar cane. Within the next 6 months we plan to upgrade our thermostat to an electronic programmable thermostat and complete the installation of the high efficiency fluorescent fixtures.
One of the commitments required us to create and display our Environmental Policy:
“It is our goal at Tec Inc. to create an environmentally friendly office space that will reduce the amount of waste and energy used, lowering our impact on natural resources and decreasing our energy footprint. We will meet these goals by following the guidelines set forth in the Columbus Greenspot Program both in our office and at home.”
If you have any questions or want to know more about what we are doing to create and maintain our “greenspot” feel free to call Matt McCarren, Lighting Designer at Tec Inc. 614-866-2868 or check out the Columbus Greenspot Program at www.ColumbusGreenSpot.org.
Lighting Design Renderings Columbus, Ohio - February 4, 2009
Tec is happy to announce a new capability from our lighitng design department. Using advanced lighting design software we are able to create digital renderings that provide a visual representation of how a space will look with particular fixtures and lamps installed.
Click on the thumbnail below to go to the image gallery.
Tec Holiday Party Cleveland, Ohio - December 21, 2008
The annual Tec Holiday Party was held at Pam & Terry Kilbourne's house on Sunday. The event features excellent food from Normandy Catering and live music from singer, Tonja Schleicher and pianist LR. The newer staff, who are typically quiet at the office, got into singing Christmas Carols and other cover songs.
New Staff Cleveland, Ohio - September 2, 2008
Amy Lauria joins Tec’s production staff. She received her Bachelor degree in Finance and Management from Notre DameCollege in South Euclid, Ohio. Amy will provide production support to the engineering and design staff.
Columbus Office Relocated and Expanded Columbus, Ohio - August 25, 2008
Tec's Columbus office relocated to a larger facility allowing for more space working and storage. The new location provides individual offices for Ardra and Matt as well as a separate conference room. The new address is: 7510 Slate Ridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43068.
New Staff
Cleveland, Ohio - August 18, 2008
Tec Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Senior Associate and Director of Mechanical Engineering, Robert B Mehosky, PE.
Mr. Mehosky has broad experience in the design and construction of HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection systems. He has been involved in every phase of the design and construction process including conceptual design, system selection, code analysis and review, preparation of engineering calculations, sustainability / LEED analysis, construction and life-cycle cost estimates, phasing, and production of construction documents, construction administration and commissioning.
Mr. Mehosky will be responsible for the mechanical design construction projects. He has extensive experience in governmental, performing arts, health care, telecommunications and educational construction.
New Staff Cleveland, Ohio - June 2, 2008 Brandon Sargent joins Tec’s Electrical Engineering department. He received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Grove CityCollege in Grove City, Pennsylvania
25th Anniversary Party Cleveland, Ohio - May 15, 2008
Tec Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business. Officially Tec turns 25 in June 2008. Thursday, May 15th we began celebrating a little early. We hosted an openhouse party to extend our gratitude to the clients, colleagues and friends that make our professional lives so successful. Please view the pictures at http://www.tecinc1.com/party
Newly Renovated (Again!) Cleveland, Ohio - May 14, 2008
After completed a 2 year renovation last year to expand storage and freshen up the interior, we ran out of room. Tec consolidated the catalog library, eliminating about two-thirds of the books. We will be using the internet as the predominant research. In place of the old library are four shiny new cubicles. The cubicles feature built-in counters with an angled corner for more ergonomic positioning of the computer and more room to lay out drawings. Each cubicle has a bookshelf created from shelves formerly in the library - adaptive reuse.
New Staff
Cleveland, Ohio - February 8, 2008
Mechanical Engineer, Davor Novak joins Tec's Mechanical Engineering department as a Project Engineer. He received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. Davor is currently working on his Masters of Mechanical Engineering degree at CSU.
New Staff Cleveland, Ohio - October 15, 2007
Tec Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Tony Bledsoe as a Senior Electrical Designer. Tony has over 35 years in the industry. We are very excited to have Tony's expertise.
New Staff Cleveland, Ohio - July 16, 2007
Tec Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Stephen Bohn. Steve has 3+ years experience in engineering. He is a transplant from Indiana, moving back to the Cleveland area to be closer to family. We are very excited to have Steve join our staff.
College Intern Cleveland, Ohio - June 1, 2007
Becky is our college intern. She gets all of the really "fun" jobs. Becky is a Business major at Baldwin-Wallace College.
In the Press Cleveland, Ohio - April 9, 2007
The Cleveland Plain Dealer featured the newly remodeled Tec Inc. 2007 in the business section's "In Your Space" segment. Click here to read the article.
Tec Inc. was mentioned in an article for he Cleveland Plain Dealer - Cluster of NEO companies glowing bright. Click here to read the article.
Remodeled Cleveland, Ohio - March 21, 2007
We finished the second, and most complete phase of remodeling of the Tec Inc. headquarters in Cleveland. What started as a small expansion - an office and some storage - turned into a full-blown expansion and renovation. We painted the entire office, replaced lighting in all of the common areas and some of the offices (others will be included in the next phase), new HVAC equipment and controls were installed, carpet was replaced and laminate floors were installed in the cubicles, ceramic tile and new counters were installed in the restrooms and kitchen, and new plumbing fixtures were installed in the restrooms. Those are just a few of the highlights. Check back soon to view a more detailed account of the remodel.
The new office colors coincide with the new brand of Tec Inc. Over the past two years we have worked with Studio Graphique and Practice Clarity to update the image that Tec presents. A corporate identity was created and the remodeled office works to represent that.
