Pillar Design Studios

It's Not You, It's Us

2010-01-24T07:43:00.001-08:00

Thanks for following this blog. Like everything else - all good things must move on. Pillar Design Studios has made the move to Wordpress. This blog will eventually fade away into blogosphere extinction without another update.

Check out our new digs at: www.skatepark-blog.com

Skatepark Design Trends

2010-01-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

In the past few years we have noticed new skatepark design trends emerging that we are proud to be a part of. We are pleased to see that design trends are ever evolving with the needs and wants of the industry.

New Skatepark Design Trends: GREEN Design, Aesthetic Design and Design Style

Green Design is not a new aspect to Pillar Design Studios. As Landscape Architects protecting the environment and reducing our carbon point print has always been an important issue of ours. We are pleased to see this trend gain speed and be promoted throughout the action sports industry. When we consider green architecture, we go beyond incorporating landscape cut outs into our designs but also include recycled materials and environmentally sound drainage. To ensure we stay up to date on this very important aspect of design, we not only attend continual education classes but also are a part of an environmental coalition.

Key Elements to Green Design

· Incorporation of Native Plants

· Environmental friendly Stormwater Management

· Minimizing the disturbance of the natural topography of the site

· Incorporating Recycled Material

ASETHIC Design, no longer does a Skatepark consist of a large slab of concrete with an eight foot fence around it. Instead when designing a Skatepark consider the natural topography of the site, utilizing what you have available to you and incorporating the Skatepark into its natural surroundings. By incorporating landscaping, skateable artwork, seating areas, etc. the Skatepark becomes an enjoyable space for all the community to enjoy, users and non-users alike. Your Skatepark should enhance the local environment and give a sense of pride to all.

DESIGN STYLE, we have seen a major change in the last few years in regards to design style. In the past we found that more of the younger skaters would prefer and ask for street skating elements, while the older more experienced skaters ask for designs with transitions, such as bowls. We have noticed a very exciting trend that is moving towards more well rounded parks. This type of skatepark design offers a little something for everyone to enjoy, instead of designing for one specific type of style of skating. Another great aspect to this trend is more and more skaters become versatile skaters, growing with their parks and no longer establishing themselves as a street or transition skateboarders.

We are proud to be a part of this continually changing industry and will continue to grow and adapt to the meet the needs of our clients and of course the end user.

What trends are you seeing in your skate community or at recent visits to skateparks? Please leave a comment and share...

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT : Input & Support

2010-01-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Why is community involvement so important to getting your skatepark? Getting the community involved from the very beginning is the key to a successful park. From conceptual design to construction; the participation of community members can determine size, style and the overall success of your Skatepark.

Community Involvement can be broken down into two categories: Input and Support.

Community Input:

When designing a custom skatepark our past experience has shown us that a superior facility requires local users to give their input and ideas during the design phase. To ensure this happens we have developed tools to aid and assist the users. During our design phase we hold necessary design workshops providing the users a platform to illustrate and communicate their wishes for the Skatepark. We have also developed a Chat Room, located on our website delineated per project, where users can leave comments for the designers as well as upload ideas and designs. This forum has had great success due to the fact that not everyone is able to attend the design workshops and or some are uncomfortable speaking up in front of a large group. It is NEVER our process to mandate elements of the design but instead we work with our clients, the community and the users to create and ensure all wishes are included into the facility. Each and every one of our designs reflects the unique requests of the community and local users, allowing us to create a one of kind, never duplicated Skatepark for all to enjoy.

Community Support:

When considering whether or not a Skatepark is feasible for your community, often funding is an area of concern. By working with local businesses and community members you are able to increase project scopes and or reduce overall budgets. We work with our client during the design phase by giving (actual) estimated construction materials and costs needed to construct the Skatepark, thus enabling local businesses to offer and or provide in kind donations, such as labor, materials, and equipment at cost or a discounted rate. By working with the local businesses and community members we are able to provide more park for the dollar. It is our objective to provide the best and most practical approach to completing a world class Facility.

So when you begin the process of developing a Skatepark in your hometown, just remember to get your community involved. The more involvement you receive the better your park will become.

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

Artisan Skateparks : Our Partner in Build

2010-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

As we emerge into 2010 with so many new Skatepark Design/Build projects commencing we wanted to thank Artisan Skateparks for their dedication to the Skatepark Industry. Over the last few years Pillar Design Studios and Artisan Skateparks have had the opportunity to work together on numerous parks both public and private. After each and every project we are astonished with their skills and talent to construct a flawless skatepark.

Artisan Skateparks is a custom Skatepark construction firm. All crew members are active skateboarders with a desire to remain on the leading edge of custom concrete Skatepark construction techniques. Artisan’s years of experience in building Skateparks has been a much desired asset to our Design/Build team. No matter what phase of construction the project is in, Artisan crew members convey a clear picture to the client and the public while working with our design team to ensure a perfect transition between design and construction.

With over 25 years of combined experience Artisan crew members are not only professionals in their field but also users of the end product. Artisan’s specialty construction experience combined with their ability and desire ensures that they will continue to produce quality custom Skateparks. We look forward to working with this talented group in the New Year. Feel free to check out some of our most recent parks completed with Pillar/Artisan team, such as:

Aviation Skatepark, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Knotts Island Skatepark, Knotts Island, NC
Durham Skatepark, Durham, NC

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

How to Hire a Skatepark Design Firm

2010-01-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

What you should know before hiring a design firm for your park

Getting a Skatepark in your community can be a long and confusing journey. The question usually asked is where do I begin when looking for a Skatepark Design Firm. Deciding on the right firm to help you through the process is the key to a successful park.

There are numerous companies out there that specialize in Skatepark Design and or Build. Before you make the decision on which company to hire it is imperative to do your research and find out which firm will fit your needs and desires.

Your first step in this process is to consider what type of park is best for you, such as Above Ground Skatepark, Concrete Skatepark, Temporary or Permanent. Once this is decided narrow your search for firms that handle that specific type of park.

Now how will the project be carried out, will this be a Design only project or a Design Bid Build project. This depends not only on the funding but also the entity or owner of the Park. The decision on which process to choose should be based on your needs and the funding that is available to the project.

Once you have decided on the type of skatepark and the process you would like to take, you can begin in depth research on the firms that handle the type and process you are looking for.

Here are a few key questions to ask when researching the Skatepark firms:

-Are your designers skaterboarders? What is their background and experience

-Who will be my Project Manager? How many projects have they managed and will they be my main point of contact?

-Are they a full service firm? (All services provided by in house staff? )

-Do you provide a full set of Construction Documents? Sealed, Stamped and will pass the City process.

-Does the design firm carry Errors & Omission and General Liability insurance which is necessary to protect from Design flaws.
- Will our design be a custom Skatepark design or a recycled design?

Selecting a firm with a spotless reputation will ensure delivery of a quality project on time and within budget. Above all else, do not rush the process!

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

Daytona Beach : Bethune Skatepark

2009-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Local Florida skaters putting Pillar Design Studios' new skatepark in Daytona Beach to good use. 5Boro also visited the Bethune Skatepark on their southern tour and we'll get some footage up in due time. Enjoy!

We want to see your videos and photo from our skateparks. Leave a comment with a link and we'll get you posted on the site.

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

Thrasher Magazine visits Pillar Design Studio's Richmond, CA Skatepark

2009-12-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Thrasher Skateboard Magazine

Skatepark Design Firm of 2009 (We Think So)

2009-12-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

It looks like 2009 is just about over. Pillar Design Studios had a busy year designing public skateparks, building parks, skating parks and planning more skateparks for 2010!

We just wanted to take a moment before the holidays to thank everyone who we worked with, the cities that contracted our skatepark design firm and all the skateboarders who worked to make everything happen.

Here is a partial list of the parks we've been a part of with links to photos, videos or reviews.

Kill Devil Hills, NC / Aviation Skatepark
Knotts Island, NC / Knotts Island Skatepark
Lower Currituck, NC / Lower Currituck Skatepark
Richmond, CA / Richmond Skate Plaza
Daytona Beach, FL / Bethune Point Skatepark
Ocean Pines, MD / Ocean Pines Skatepark
Omaha, NE / South City Skatepark
Saugerties, NY / Saugerties Skatepark
Mexico, NY / Mexico Skatepark
Durham, NC / Central Park Plaza
Stanley, VA / Stanley Skatepark
Warren County, VA / Warren County Skatepark
Loganville, GA / Bay Creek Skate - BMX Park
Corrales, NM / Robert Bell Skatepark
Raleigh, NC / City of Raleigh Skatepark

Looking forward designing and building even more parks in the new year!

For more information about public skatepark design and the skatepark process call Pillar Design Studios at 480.777.3470 or email nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

The Pillar Process is Who We Are...

2009-12-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

Process makes the difference in everything...whether it's designing a skatepark, building a skatepark or getting a skatepark approved for your town. Below is a link to an interview we did with Skaters For Public Skateparks about why Pillar Design Studios is different in our industry.

Skaters for Public Skateparks is a non-profit skatepark advocacy organization, international in reach, dedicated to providing the information necessary to ensure safe, rewarding, freely-accessible skateparks are available to all skateboarders - based in Portland, OR.

Check out the interview here and feel free to comment on this post below. (SPS / Pillar Design Studios Interview) - Thank you to everyone for your support over the years.

New Park Openings

2009-11-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

What's going on everyone...

Last week we had not one but two skatepark openings! Quite a busy week for Pillar Design Studios.

This is my favorite part of the process. There is so much that goes into getting a skatepark built - by both the city and the skaters. At Pillar we view our role as the liaison between the two groups.

Typically the process goes like this: Skaters, local business owners, parents, city leaders express the need for a park usually followed by numerous City Council meetings. Approval happens - funds are earmarked, allocated or raised. RFP / RFQ's go out to qualified firms to facilitate construction, educate the public and local government and design the park. Then on to selection committees to hire the best skatepark design firm possible. Site selection and design meetings (multiple design meetings with local users.) Construction document submission and ground breaking followed by a couple weeks of construction. Site walks, inspections and finally it's complete. (I bet most people had no idea it was this lengthy a process.)

Which brings me to where we are today in Durham, NC and Daytona Beach, FL - The GRAND OPENING. The most rewarding day for everyone involved in the process.

Thank you to everyone who made this happen as we were just a conduit for what you wanted!

Video of Central Park Plaza : Durham, NC
Photos from Locals Only Magazine of Bethuen Point Skatepark : Daytona Beach, FL

Please feel free to contact us to inquire about how we can help you get a park built in your city!
www.pillardesignstudios.com

SkatePark Design Approach

2009-10-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, there has been a common question from clients: What is the best method to acquire a skatepark? Design/Build or the Design-bid-build approach? We would like to ensure every municipality, community and or private organization looking to build a skatepark is properly informed.

The design-bid-build approach has been the method used for the majority of the U.S. skateparks. The design- bid-build approach has three key advantages:

1. A Professional Landscape Architect that specializes in action sports development will be designing the facility and you have the option of choosing the most qualified, licensed and insured professional. This is an advantage to the client due to the fact that the Landscape Architect is able to seal their own drawings, has extensive knowledge on the construction process, has worked with municipalities, communities and the public process and is able to reduce the skatepark design liability for the client. By setting the criteria high with expertise and experience you are assured the best possible fit for your community.

2. The Contractor awarded the construction of the skatepark is selected through the public bid process, thus guaranteeing only qualified contractors can apply. For the project to be built per plan the contractor needs to be licensed, bonded and insured - as well as posses the experience necessary to construct the park. There is always the option of choosing a qualified specialty skatepark contractor who will work under the local general contractor and completed the specialty services such as fine grading, coping fabrication and installation, shotcrete application and shotcrete finishing. This is often appealing to municipalities since the majority of the labor is local.

3. The Designer’s assistance during the construction process is a crucial asset. Being available to answer any questions or address concerns during the critical stages of construction will eliminate any miscommunications and protect the integrity of the project. Often, the design of the park can be changed during construction which can cause the price to increase and or the design structure to be compromised. With the Designer visiting the project site at key stages, the client is protected from any unwarranted changes.

The Design/Build approach has become a popular trend in the past few years. There are advantages to this approach if a qualified company (team) is chosen. Please keep in mind that a team of professionals from a Landscape Architecture firm as well as a general contractor can also provide Design/Build services, it is not necessary to limit your choices by choosing from Design/Build companies only.

1. The City is able to reduce administrative fees due to the fact that only one RFP/RFQ process will be going held, instead of two, thus cutting the administrative time and efforts in half. An added benefit is that the city is able to deal with one main point of contact throughout the entire project; usually the contractor is the lead on a Design/Build project, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

2. Another advantage would be the time saving abilities. If the entire project is completely funded, the City has the option to begin the initial construction before the construction documents have been completed. This can be valuable if the project has time restrictions.

Often Cities are not aware of the risks or disadvantages of the Design/Build approach. Being completely informed and educated on the process will and can circumvent any unfortunate surprises/problems later on.

Laws and regulations were put in place to prevent unqualified individuals or companies to design recreational facilities. Thus making it illegal to design skateparks without proper licensure and insurance, rules and regulations vary from state to state. This approach provided a way for design/build companies to get around these rules and regulations that govern licensed designers. Usually, design/build companies do not have the knowledge or practical expertise in Landscape Architecture, they do not prepare or seal construction documents nor do they have the proper insurance needed to protect the client.

There is no way to compare cost between the two services. Each skatepark is unique; there are many variables that can modify the cost of a skatepark. Such as site location, lighting, amenities, etc.

When using the Design-bid-build approach from a qualified Landscape Architect / Action Sports designer you are given a breakdown of fee’s and charges as well as estimates on the construction cost through out the design phase. This ensures the design created and approved by the municipality, community and or private organization is also the park that will be constructed. Not only is the actual skatepark cost broken down, but the entire project such as lighting, restrooms, landscaping, etc. as well.

When using the Design/Build approach the entire contracted amount goes to the Design/Build Company, making it difficult to compare services. The amenities are not always included in the contract and or estimate provided. As a result the contractor does not complete the project in its entirety, leaving the burden on the client. The client must know exactly what services are included, ask questions and make sure the estimate provided covers everything needed.

Overall, the most important issue is not which method you choose but to make sure that each and every firm hired for the project has experience in Action Sports design and construction, they are licensed in their profession and have the expertise needed to complete the project successfully. It is imperative that you keep in mind when choosing a qualified Landscape Architect for your action Sport facility they must have comprehensive knowledge of skate/bmx park design. Choosing a designer that has experience in skateboarding or BMX riding is key to the success and efficiency of your park. Understanding and knowing your options will ensure you have the best end result…A world class facility that your community will enjoy for years to come.

For more information please contact us @ 480-777-3470 or nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

Welcome to the new Blog

2009-10-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog. We plan on using this forum as a place where information can easily be distributed to everyone regarding Pillar Design Studios, Park Progress and How you can involve Pillar in your community facility.

While we're getting things up to speed - please check out www.pillardesignstudios.com
for more information.

Thanks.