In October 2006, Tim Dufault, AIA and Meg Parsons, AIA were presenters at CEFPI’s 83rd Annual International Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Their presentation “Eat to Learn… Learn to Eat” explored the creation of environments that improve children’s health. In particular the pair used Hopkins Public Schools Royal Cuisine as a case study example. Please refer to the following for an abstract of the presentation.
It’s not news that an alarming percentage of adolescent youth are overweight and undernourished. The food service industry as a whole and, in particular, the systems set up to serve public schools are too often part of the problem. We can no longer be content treating the symptoms while ignoring the cause. And research now tells us that a direct correlation exists between a healthy diet, learning habits, and behavioral issues. Hopkins Public Schools is one district actively embracing solutions to help counter the deficiencies.
What began with a visioning process to try and improve its basic nutrition program led to the creation of a comprehensive, full-service culinary department and profit generator for the District. The changes are actually adding funds to the District’s coffers during a time when most public school systems are “trimming the fat” anywhere but in the kitchen.
Learn from the architecture firm how this district is transforming a learning community’s view of its collective health. From changes in food preparation and menu choices to the creation of environments that attract “customers,” the presentation will demonstrate the importance of collaborative visioning to foster and enhance district wide transformation initiatives.
Minneapolis, MN/Los Angeles, CA – Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. (Cuningham Group) has announced several senior-level personnel changes. Effective January 2007, Timothy Dufault will become President. John E. Quiter – the company’s president since 1998 – will become Chairman of the Board, and founder John W. Cuningham will maintain his position as a board member.
Cuningham Group is a worldwide architectural design and development leader and is renowned for its creation of entertainment destinations; mixed use projects and urban infill housing; specialty dining and retail establishments; places of worship; corporate offices and learning environments.
JOHN W CUNINGHAM, FAIA, LEED® A.P.
After an impressive academic career, including a Masters degree in Architecture from Harvard, John Cuningham founded Cuningham Architects, P.A. in 1968. Armed with a passion for change, Cuningham sought to contribute pioneering, environmentally friendly and timeless architectural designs to the Twin Cities communities and beyond. He established a strong culture for growth in the firm and invited others to join him as partners. Today, the firm is known as Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A.
Cuningham’s 38-year career encompasses award-winning projects such as Cable Natural History Museum, Cable, WI (25-Year Award from AIA Minnesota); House of Prayer, Collegeville, MN (winner of a 2002 Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture design award); WMEP Interdistrict Downtown School, Minneapolis, MN (receipient of multiple awards from AIA Minnesota, AASA, CEFPI); Breck Chapel, Golden Valley, MN; and the 420,000-square-foot corporate campus for Epic Systems Corporation nearing completion in Verona, Wisconsin.
Cuningham welcomes the company’s growth the two promotions represent, and he will continue working and representing the firm as its founder and cultural leader.
“Eight years ago, I started the process of passing on my legacy by naming John Quiter the second president of Cuningham Group,” said Cuningham. “That transition was important to me – and for the firm – as it established the basis for carrying our work and our people beyond me. Now, it is time to transition again. John has shown great leadership in his term as president, and his work has helped us become one of the top design firms in the country. Tim has shown great leadership in our education work and has helped establish Cuningham Group as a leader in educational design around the world.”
Cuningham also appreciates the sense of well-being he feels with Quiter and Dufault at the helm.
“It’s comforting to know that the future of this firm rests in their very capable hands,” continued Cuningham. “John and Tim will be a great team and will serve me and all our esteemed colleagues at Cuningham Group well. I’m thrilled to be a part of their success.”
In addition to founding Cuningham Group, Cuningham taught architectural design for 18 years at the University of Minnesota College of Design, School of Architecture. He has also spoken nationally and internationally on architectural design, is on the alumni board of advisors for University of Minnesota College of Design, School of Architecture and was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1994.
Cuningham will continue his commitment to engage both clients and the community in the creation of the firm’s architectural designs.
JOHN E. QUITER, AIA, LEED® A.P.
John Quiter joined Cuningham Group in 1980 and was made a principal in 1983. In 1998, he became the second-ever president in the organization’s 35-year history. As Chairman, Quiter will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the Board of Directors and will also work with the President to implement the Board’s strategic vision for the firm.
“As Chairman of the Board of Directors, I look forward to – and am honored by – the opportunity to once again follow in the footsteps of my good friend and mentor, John Cuningham,” said Quiter. “The position will also allow me more time to work directly on projects and to lead teams in the implementation of Cuningham Group’s sustainable design initiatives.”
In his eight years as President, Quiter initiated Cuningham Group’s internal organization based on market-based studios and today the firm is positioned among the best in the world in its core markets.
Also attributed to Quiter’s influence are Cuningham Group’s consistently rising national rankings in prestigious polls including Engineering News Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms,” Interior Design magazine’s “Top Interior Design Giants” and the ZweigWhite “Hot 100” firms. Additionally, Quiter significantly contributed to the firm’s status as one of the most elite in several Minneapolis and Saint Paul periodical polls such as The Business Journal’s “Top 25 Architectural Firms” list and Twin Cities Business Monthly’s “Business Information Guide.”
During Quiter’s tenure as President, Cuningham Group has designed over $3 billion dollars worth of projects in several countries including Japan, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Finland, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Egypt, and Azerbaijan.
Quiter serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, California. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Los Angeles Executive Committee since 2004 and he is currently the Co-Chair of the UrbanPlan program for the Urban Land Institute Los Angeles.
TIMOTHY DUFAULT, AIA, LEED® A.P.
Since joining the firm in 1992, Dufault has been involved in Cuningham Group’s Education Studio as a project designer, project manager and client liaison for school districts around the country.
In 1999, Dufault took over as the market leader for the Education Studio, with leadership responsibilities in planning, design, management and construction for all Cuningham Group educational projects. Dufault was made a principal of the firm in 2002 and was elected to the board of directors in 2004.
Dufault has developed many long-range strategic plans for the firm’s Education Studio. He is also responsible for planning, designing or overseeing more than $750 million in new and remodeled school construction, and more than $1 billion in planning activities for several national and international schools.
In his new role as President, Dufault will be responsible to the Board of Directors for the overall operation of the firm. Although Dufault will transfer many of his education studio duties, he will continue to work on national education projects, and he will continue to work in Cuningham Group’s Minneapolis office.
“I am honored that the Board has chosen me to lead the firm,” said Dufault. “This is a great group of very talented people who are passionate about making a difference in the world. I look forward to giving them the tools they need to make our work even better, and to fulfill John Cuningham’s dream of helping professionals collaborate to create the best possible community environments.”
Dufault has been a featured speaker at numerous national and international architecture presentations, and his projects have won some of the architecture industry’s top awards including: the School Planning & Management and Council for Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) 2004 Impact on Learning Award for the Metropolitan Learning Alliance at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota; the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis 2003 Merit Award for the Minneapolis Community and Technical College Wheelock Whitney Hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA)/American Institute of Architects/Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) 2002 Citation for the Crossroads Elementary School in St. Paul Minnesota.
Dufault’s professional affiliations include American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) Leadership Group and Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI.)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN—International design firm Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. welcomes former Bloomington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gary Prest as the newest member of the firm. In his new role, Prest will use the experience gained in his 30-year career in education to help identify and establish relationships with districts and help to position the firm for future educational work.
Prest brings an established reputation as a leader in educational environments. Most recently he participated in some of the most significant educational planning and redevelopment efforts in the metropolitan area. He has received nearly a dozen awards for his efforts, including the 2006 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year; the 2006 MESPA 25-Year Club Educator the of the Year; and the 2001 Russell C. Hill Award for Character Education, Learning for Life.
Prest is a long-time member of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators; the Suburban School Superintendents; Congressman Jim Ramstad’s Educational Advisory Committee; and the American Association of School Administrators, as well as numerous other committees and organizations.
Joining Prest in his efforts is the Education Studio’s new leader, Judith P. Hoskens, REFP. Hoskens is experienced in all areas of project development from master planning through construction. As a senior educational planner and project manager she has played an integral role in many of the firm’s projects, including work for Round Rock Independent School District in Texas; Clark County School District in Nevada; Bloomington Public Schools, Watertown-Mayer Public Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, and Roseville Public Schools in Minnesota; and Heinävaara Elementary School in Heinävaara, Finland.
Hoskens also lends her expertise as an active member of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) and is the 2002 recipient of CEFPI’s President Award, an award given to the individual who distinguishes him/herself in service to the Council and to the field of educational facility planning. Hoskens was elected to the board of CEFPI and will serve a three-year term as member at large representing the entire membership.
Hoskens will transition into this new role once current studio leader Timothy Dufault, AIA assumes his new position as Cuningham Group President effective January 1, 2007.
Minneapolis, MN – International firm Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. was recently named to The Zweig Letter Hot Firm 2006 List: The 100 Fastest-Growing Architecture, Engineering, Planning, and Environmental Consulting Firms. The ranking is based on firm type, size, as well as 2002 and 2005 gross revenues. Cuningham Group was ranked 51st with 88% growth in gross revenue between 2002 and 2006.
The Zweig Letter, published weekly, is the leading marketing resource for architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms. This list was published in the July 10th issue of The Zweig Letter.
For the second year, Cuningham Group architects and designers will join together with long-time local experts in fundraising and construction to share advice for successfully planning, financing, and building church projects. The half-day seminar will assist attendees in gaining a better understanding of the steps that can help move projects forward – whether new construction, remodeling, or anything in between.
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles office of Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. welcomes Scott Mallwitz as the newest member of the international design firm and as Director, Experience Design.
“With Scott’s background in creating compelling environments, developing meaningful visitor communication and successful design execution, he will be a valuable asset to our firm and to our projects,” said Jim Scheidel, AIA, Principal of Cuningham Group.
Scott most recently served as Director, Experience Design at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. He has transformed strategic planning into engaging visitor experiences for LEGO Global Family Attractions, Walt Disney Attractions, Warner Bros. Studios, Coca-Cola, Six Flags, Inc. and McDonald’s, including special venues for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Scott currently serves on the International Board of the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) and is Vice Chairman of the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) 2006 Museum Committee. He has also served as a member of the Society for Environmental Graphic Design Board of Directors, including chairing the 2004 SEGD Design Awards, and was on the Advisory Board for EXP3. Scott has a BA in Industrial Design from the Center for Creative Studies – College of Art and Design.
Minneapolis, MINN — International design firm Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. (Cuningham Group) announces the opening of its newest office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cuningham Group’s growth is strategic in terms of both its penetration of core markets and its expanding presence in geographic regions around the world. Its latest growth in Las Vegas will allow the firm to continue building collaborative relationships with its clients in a variety of market sectors. Cuningham Group has worked in the Las Vegas region for years, with respected clients such as Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Clark County School District.
“We have established long-standing relationships with some of the most respected institutions in the world who make Las Vegas their home. So we seized the opportunity to expand our presence in the region,” said Cuningham Group President John Quiter.
Cuningham Group’s Las Vegas office will focus on resort, hospitality, entertainment and educational projects. Joining the firm’s Las Vegas office is Ronald Davison.
Ronald Davison brings more than 20 years of professional experience, including gaming, entertainment and hospitality building types. Prior to joining Cuningham Group, Ron served as Vice President of Paul Steelman, Ltd., where he worked on various projects in Las Vegas including the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino and Summerland Resort & Casino. Ron will apply his project management experience to the firm’s gaming and hospitality projects.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN – Pastors and lay leaders wondering whether it is time to move ahead with a building project attended “Stepping Forward,” at Luther Seminar on Thursday, September 29, 2005. Long-time local experts in architecture (Cuningham Group), fundraising (Kairos) and construction (Adolfson & Peterson) shared advice for successfully planning, financing, and building church projects. The half-day seminar assisted attendees in gaining a better understanding of the steps that can help move projects forward – whether new construction, remodeling, or anything in between. With consideration given to faith, fiscal responsibility, and environmental consciousness, the host firms advocated a realistic approach for bringing facility visions to life.
The following presentations were part of the day’s activities:
“Visioning and Planning: What to do when it’s time to do something”
Brian Tempas, AIA – Principal/Worship Studio Director
Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. – Helping churches discover, share, confirm and transform facilities to meet ministry visions
In the life of every worship community there are opportunities to enhance, improve, or expand ministry. Sometimes, as passionate participants of the church family, we can be too close or too familiar with our specific situations that we overlook a deficiency or condition that can be made better. The same holds true for resources or land opportunities. This presentation will help you understand the timing and identify the signs that are critical first steps in orchestrating the future of your facility and how planning choices can help you grow the kingdom and better spread the good news of Christ.
What attendees learned:
“Effective Funding Raising – The Essential Foundation of your Project”
Ann Rauvola Bailey, Founder and CEO
Kairos – A national Christian Development company
In this session, Ann will step you through the entire process of raising money and financing your building project. It is straightforward and will uncomplicate what otherwise can be a complex and daunting task. You will learn to do the right things in the right way to generate full capacity giving by using the power of Jesus’ words and the vision of your mission as motivation.
What attendees learned:
“How to Select a Contractor Based on Relationships, Experience and Cost”
Presented by Bob Prell, Vice President
Adolfson & Peterson Construction – A firm backed by 60 years of church construction experience
Selecting a contractor can be a daunting process, especially if church building is new to members of your planning and building committee, pastors, and others involved in the process. Bob will help demystify the experience by providing useful tools to determine: a level of trust and potential for partnering; the firm’s qualifications and experience; and overall value a contractor brings to a project. This presentation will address questions to ask candidates and responses you should be expecting.
What attendees learned:
For additional information on “Stepping Forward” or to get in touch with the speakers, contact Brian Tempas, AIA at btempas@cuningham.com.