Designed: 2023
Square Footage: x SF
Construction Cost: not Available
Location: Seattle, Washington
Client: King County Wastewater Treatment
What a pleasure to join Jacobs Engineering and other disciplines in this 3D collaboration. Seven design models combined in BIM 360 is a thrilling environment to work in.
Designed: 2024
Square Footage: x SF
Construction Cost: not available
Location: Seattle, Washington
Client: King County Wastewater Treatment
Great to again join with Jacobs Engineering and other disciplines in 3D collaboration. Design models combined in BIM 360 for rapid collaboration.
Design Work: 2005-2006
Square Footage: varied, multiple equipment buildings
Location: Woodinville, Washington
Client: King County
While at Mithun Architects, SAGE principal Valerie Thiel detailed and produced approximately half the exterior details for the main Brightwater Treatment Plant buildings, as well as all the exterior details for the Intermediate Pump Station.
The main plant includes cast-in-place and tilt-up concrete, metal panels, and exposed steel frames and connections.
The Pump Station envelope system includes pre-cast concrete panels, aluminum cladding, curtainwall, and stucco.
When another partner design firm was behind schedule on the Intermediate Pump Station construction documents, SAGE principal Valerie Thiel was brought in to complete the exterior envelope construction drawings. She researched aluminum clad metal panel systems to achieve the desired visual effects sought by the prime designer, then produced extensive CAD construction drawings of the building envelope within the tight 3 remaining weeks, keeping the team on schedule.
With extensive experience as well as master’s degrees in both architecture and structural engineering, Valerie was able to see that the structural design for the digester building produced excessively large expansion joints for split-level building with many joints below grade. Although it was late in the project design, she worked with the engineers to separate the sub-grade envelope from the columns and reduce the number of expansion joints without requiring the structural engineers to make significant revisions to the moment frame system design.
Completion: 2007
Construction Cost: not disclosed
Square Footage: 12,000 SF
Location: Redmond, Washington
Client: Verizon
While at KDW Architects, SAGE principal Valerie Thiel served as project manager and building shell designer for the well-built and highly functional Verizon Equipment and Administration Building. For security reasons, the client required a building that was of conservative design but did not call attention to its utilitarian nature. The project treated louvers as well as windows as design elements to add scale to the large box structure. Valerie detailed the site retaining walls as well as the exterior envelope of the utility building.
The project won a 2008 Washington Masonry Award for using masonry colors, textures, and patterns to add interest and delight to the Verizon Equipment Building.
As project manager, Valerie coordinated work on the extensive mechanical system required to cool the communications and battery backup systems. Having been project manager for several telecommunications buildings, Valerie was very familiar with the mechanical system and worked with the mechanical engineer to optimize distribution of the sizable cooling ducts.
Valerie handled negotiations with the fire department to optimize the use of sprinklers in the hazardous battery room environment, where water can introduce additional hazards to staff and firefighters.
Completion: 2006
Construction Cost: not disclosed
Square Footage: 7,500 SF
Location: Sequim, Washington
Client: Qwest Communications
While at KDW Architects, SAGE principal Valerie Thiel served as designer and project manager for the Qwest Equipment Building in Sequim. Her role included construction administration during construction and coordination of an expanded mechanical cooling system and backup generator.
In order to expand the existing communication system, the Qwest building renovation needed additions to the front and side. The exacting renovation required careful work around the existing sensitive communications equipment.
The project used brick masonry at the front of the building to transition to a traditional stucco system at the side.
Valerie’s thorough construction documents addressed coordination issues during the design to keep the project on the established budget and help reduce the construction schedule.
In addition to careful documentation of the work scope, Valerie was able to identify some existing condition unknowns and establish unit prices, reducing the cost impact of the unknowns.
Valerie worked to solidify a partnering strategy with the general contractor on board earlier than typical for the difficult renovation.
The phasing required by the contractor informed the design and construction documents.
Understanding the sensitivity of the telecommunications equipment to the open roof and open wall conditions required during construction, Valerie supported the construction team with immediate responses and participation in proactive planning discussions during site meetings.