Build on the Rock–Architect Selection 3/7/2010
After interviewing 3 consulting firms, the Building Committee has selected consultants Ralph Alster and Chris Michael. The following are summary qualifications of each gentleman.
Ralph Alster: Register Architect,State of Pa. and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certificate Holder
Work history–Peace Corps Volunteer in Chile; Assistant Professor of Architecture at Kent State; Architectural work in Urban Design; Independent Practice since 1975
Ralph has been active and volunteered in many community projects and associations in the Pittsburgh area. Among these are Childrens Hospital and Historic Review Commission.
Ralphs real specialty and passion is in church design. He has additionally designed libraries, senior citizen center and golf clubs. Some years back he entered a design contest for a College Presidents House and won it. Guess where? Clarion, PA for Clarion University. President Grunwald and his wife presently are its residents.
He brings a wealth of knowledge in new construction, additions and renovation projects.
Ralph will be joining us for a service in the near future to experience both the unique architectural character of our church building and the religious lifestyle of the church and its members.
His projects are designed with the following criteria:
1. Provide properly functioning buildings that respond to program and client needs
2. Provide cost control to meet the budget by reviewing and developing construction estimates during the preliminary, design development, and construction documents and adjust design accordingly to maintain budget
3. Establish and maintain time schedules for design and construction
4. Provide appropriate aesthetically pleasing designs both interior and exterior
5. Design and build all structures to provide safe, accessible and code conforming facilities
Ralph is 67 years old and will act as the Senior Project Developer.
Chris Micheal was hired by Ralph Alster while he was studying to become an architect.
Chris Michaels:
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Kent State University Kent, Ohio
Concentration in Building Technology, Building Structures, Historic Preservation/Restoration
Experience: Worked for Ralph Alster during his years in college and after graduating. (1999-2006) As a Graduate Architect under Ralph he concentrated in the following areas.
1. Conducted a code analysis on each project before beginning the design process
2. Completed site evaluations to examine building code compliance and structural integrity
3. Ensured that all buildings were in compliance with energy codes
4. Designed and created construction documents
5. Attended weekly job meetings to ensure construction is being carried out according to construction documents
Additional firms he worked for with similar functions:
General Industries in Charleroi, Pa.
Auroville Designs in Monroeville, Pa
Church Restoration Group in Cranberry Township, Pa.
Gerard-Nagar Associates in Pittsburgh, Pa
Chambers, Murhpy &Burge Restoration Architects in Akron, Ohio
He additionally did estimating for some of these firms.
While in school he performed an internship with City of Cuyahoge Falls, Ohio where he valuated and documented the city’s existing buildings and infrastructure, spearheaded master planning studies, attended city council and departmental meetings, developed a master plan using information obtained from studies, proposed future development areas with the city.
Chris has many computer skills and software knowledge. Ralph will be relying heavily on him for these skills. Additionally he teaches these computer classes at two colleges.
College professor: Chatham University in Pittsburgh Pa.–Courses instructing in Environmental Systems, Advanced Computer Graphic, Lighting Design, Building Construction
La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pa.–7 Courses including CAD, Building Technology, Graphics and others
Memberships and Certifications include Construction Specifications Institute, Roof Consultants Institute, Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects, Certified building Official
Chris’s experience well outnumbers his years of age. We are very fortunate to have an architectural team to guide us in to the future of our Build on the Rock Master Plan– Phase I. Chris’s development of our master plan will aid this team in the production of the architectural drawings and documents.