Seattle - Miller/Hull Partnership was recently named the recipient of the 2003 AIA Architecture Firm Award.

The award is the highest honor the AIA bestows on an architecture firm, and is given annually to recognize a practice that has consistently produced distinguished architecture for at least 10 years. The award will be presented at the American Architectural Foundation Accent on Architecture Gala March 8, 2003 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Miller/Hull's designs have been identified as representing the next generation of regional modernism, also known as the "Northwest Style." This widely adopted style is characterized by a woodsy or natural theme, sharp lines and classic boxy shapes. It is applied to homes and commercial spaces through use of exposed timber, large windows and other materials inspired by the rugged landscape and evergreen colors of the region.

Founded in 1977, Miller/Hull is led today by four partners with 22 architects and 16 intern architects. The firm declares its primary goal is to inspire diverse communities through creative, inventive and enriching architecture. Its work in the public realm, on projects such as Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, The Point Roberts Port of Entry, and Bainbridge Island City Hall is recognized as both environmentally responsible and reflective of the regional culture. Miller/Hull's attention to environmental responsibility and sustainable design is what characterizes its work and is extended in design features that range from integration of storm water and site drainage with landscaping, to usage of earth friendly building materials.

Woodinville - Portland, Ore.-based Platt Electric Supply recently opened a new branch here, bringing the total number of Platt branches to 66, with 44 serving the Pacific Northwest.

The 10,600-sq.-ft. facility, which includes a showroom and warehouse, is at 14101 NE 186th St. NE. Beyond the Northwest, there are Platt branches in California, Idaho, Montana and Utah.

Platt employs over 700 people in the states it serves, distributing wholesale electrical and related products to the construction, commercial, industrial and datacom markets. It is a 49-year-old family-owned business.

Renton Transit Center Wins Concrete Award

Renton - The Renton Transit Center recently won a 2002 Concrete in Transit Award from the Skokie, Ill.-based Portland Cement Association.

The Renton Transit Center serves 17 Metro and Sound Transit routes and was constructed using distinctive flatwork patterns for traffic-calming and delineation of transit zones from the public zones.

Highlights include the project's use of clear way-finding elements within the at-grade improvements. Colored concrete identifies the transit zone vs. the public or enterprise zone adjacent to storefront activities. The score patterns also clearly identify the transit shelters as a terminus or place of refuge for the rider.

Color and patterns enhance the associated parking area, which doubles as a plaza for gatherings or events.

The total project cost was $3.8 million and was completed in Sept. 2001. King County Metro/City of Renton is the project owner. Parametrix Inc. of Sumner, Wash., was the engineer, Gary Merlino Construction of Seattle was the contractor, and Stoneway Concrete of Renton was the concrete supplier.

The contest's winning projects utilize concrete in a unique or interesting way, demonstrating that concrete offers flexible and aesthetic benefits in transit and rail applications.

DPR Leads Construction of New Medical Building

Puyallup - Seattle's DPR Construction was recently awarded a contract for construction of a new 33,000-sq.-ft. medical office building for Rainier Orthopedic Institute here. The two-story structure, designed by Taylor Gregory Architects (Edmonds, Wash.) and scheduled to break ground early this year, will house four suites, including 10,534 sq. ft. of ambulatory surgery space, a 3,525-sq.-ft. physical therapy unit, a 12,939-sq.-ft. clinic, and a 2,206-sq.-ft. MRI/imaging center.

Also, the firm recently began construction on the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, Wash., for Clear Channel Entertainment and the Muckelshoot Indian Tribe.

Designed by Heller Manus Architects (San Francisco) as an open-air pavilion with capacity for 20,000 people, the amphitheater will consist of 10,000 seats, a bermed lawn area for open seating, cafes, luxury boxes, backstage areas and headliner dressing rooms. The 98-acre site will also include approximately 6,000 surface parking spaces as well as access roads, surface water infrastructure systems and extensive wetland mitigation.

Completion of construction is expected in time for the 2003 summer season.