Bobbitt Recognized for Outstanding Fleet Safety Achievements
12-22-2009
Bobbitt Starts Work on South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources
Facility in Florence
11-18-2009
Bobbitt Design Build LLC Receives 2009 Best of Business Award
11-06-2009
Bobbitt Solves Budget Issues to Proceed with St. Luke Church Project
10-27-2009
Bobbitt Continues Commitment to Sustainable Building
08-12-2009
Bobbitt Awards Employees for Outstanding Safety Practices
7-01-2009
Bobbitt’s Blair Pittman Becomes Company’s Fifth LEED AP
6-09-2009
Bobbitt Selected to Build Two Locations for
Kimbrell’s Furniture Distributors
6-02-2009
Bobbitt’s Jim Bell Honored by Triangle Business Journal as a Top Leader Under 40
5-12-2009
Gregory Poole Equipment Company Returns to Bobbitt for 51,800-Square-Foot
Facility in Mebane
5-05-2009
Bobbitt Completes 17,669-Square-Foot Facility for Kids ‘R’ Kids
4-22-2009
Bobbitt Completes 28,850-Square-Foot Facility for CEI – The Digital Office
3-23-2009
Bobbitt Estimator Travis Bullock Earns LEED AP
2-04-2009
Bobbitt Finishes Four-Phase Project for General Information Services
1-27-2009
Bobbitt Completes New Building for South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association
1-08-2009
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Bobbitt Recognized for Outstanding Fleet Safety Achievements
12-22-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build was recognized for safety by Raffles Insurance Ltd., its captive insurance company, for achieving the lowest fleet incidents and DOT reportable rate of accidents per million miles driven. The award was in the category of small fleets driving 200,000 to 1,000,000 miles.
“For the 2008-2009 policy year, Bobbitt operated 53 vehicles with 912,000 miles driven and zero fleet accidents, which is outstanding,” said Gordon M. Padera, executive vice president of Risk Control Consulting Services for Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc, Raffles’ third-party risk management administrator.
“Everyone’s focus on safe driving is paying off, and we’re thrilled to be recognized with this special award,” said John Williams, safety director for Bobbitt.
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Bobbitt Starts Work on South Carolina Department of Natural
Resources Facility in Florence
11-18-2009
Rendering of the SC Dept of Resources (DNR)
COLUMBIA, S.C. –
Bobbitt Design Build began site work in late October on the new Region II facility for the
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), whose mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. The 8,800-square-foot facility will be located at South Evander Drive adjacent to the Francis Marion University campus in Florence, S.C. The anticipated completion date is spring 2010.
Bobbitt was selected for the project after an extensive search and interview process that included more than 20 firms. With a diverse portfolio of more than 3,000 commercial buildings in North and South Carolina, Bobbitt had the solid reputation and experience to meet DNR’s needs.
“We were very impressed with the Bobbitt design build team, and their pricing was competitive,” said Kevin Kibler, assistant director of DNR and project manager overseeing the facility construction. “The overall expertise exhibited by Bobbitt made us feel comfortable with their ability to execute.”
DNR, headquartered in Columbia, currently operates its Region II at an office on Pisgah Road in Florence. According to Kibler, the new building represents a significant upgrade that will enable the agency to improve customer service and offer more public programs.
“The current location was never intended to be permanent,” said Kibler, “and it’s not set up for customer interaction. The new, multi-use facility will enable us to interact with customers face-to-face and offer more services and training.”
The office will be able to handle boating registrations, issue hunting and fishing licenses, offer boater and hunter education, and field questions in general. It will be one of four major DNR locations in the state.
The new facility will feature a number of “green building” elements, including energy efficient lighting, daylighting, efficient water fixtures, low VOC paints and adhesives, and an all-inorganic exterior for sustainability and low maintenance. Bobbitt will also focus on job site materials recycling during the construction phase.
Bobbitt has teamed with Columbia-based architect, LTC Associates, for the project. The two companies have a strong track record of providing a comprehensive
design build scope of work, which encompasses site planning, permitting, architectural design and construction.
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Bobbitt Design Build LLC Receives 2009 Best of Business Award
11-06-2009
SAN FRANCISCO, November 6, 2009, Bobbitt Design Build LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the New construction and renovation of office, religious, medical, warehouse, industrial and service facilitites category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA).
The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Bobbitt Design Build LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the New construction and renovation of office, religious, medical, warehouse, industrial and service facilitites category.
The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.
About Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)
Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is a San Francisco based organization. The SBCA is a private sector entity that aims to provide tactical guidance with many day to day issues that small business owners face. In addition to our main goal of providing a central repository of small business operational advice; we use consumer feedback to identify companies that exemplify what makes small business a vital part of the American economy.
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Bobbitt Solves Budget Issues to Proceed with St. Luke Church Project
10-27-2009
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bobbitt Design Build has completed the design and permitting process for St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lancaster, S.C. The project is now well underway, despite previous budget concerns due to the sluggish economy.
St. Luke officials had reservations earlier this year about the $2.6 million project that had already gone through the design phase. Rather than postpone the church expansion indefinitely, Bobbitt helped St. Luke address their cost concerns with a redesign approach.
“We looked at the criteria again with the goal of helping our client feel comfortable with the scope and cost of the project,” said Steve Baird of Bobbitt Design Build in Columbia and member of the Chester Economic Development Association. “We were very pleased to move this project forward in order to keep workers on the job and contribute to the local economy.”
To maintain new budget requirements, the existing sanctuary will be renovated and increased in size by 20 percent, instead of doubling the size as was previously planned. In the new building, all other additional spaces were accomplished per the original plans, including a new choir area, classrooms and administrative offices. Elevators will be added and parking expanded. Anticipated completion is spring 2010.
“In the end, Bobbitt was able to reduce the total cost of the project by 30 percent, so St. Luke was comfortable moving forward,” said Baird.
“We understand the importance of working with our clients during these tough economic times, and we value a trusting relationship,” said Vic Englert, president of Bobbitt’s Columbia location.
Located on Providence Road in Lancaster, St. Luke was formed in 1859 and is one of the oldest Methodist churches in S.C.
Bobbitt was one of many contractors that were part of the interview process in 2008 for St. Luke officials to select a design-build contractor. Bobbitt was selected for the job because of extensive experience building churches.
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Bobbitt Continues Commitment to Sustainable Building
8-12-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build announces that Jerry Fink, vice president of the design department, and Greg Guy and Brian Van Horn, both PEs and senior project developers, have become the latest to be certified as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED APs). The certification is through
the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
To earn the credential, Fink, Guy and Van Horn were required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. They have distinguished themselves as building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process.
Fink is responsible for managing Bobbitt’s design department in Raleigh, N.C., coordinating work between the architects and the construction managers. His first registered LEED project was in 2006.
“I’m proud of the efforts that we at Bobbitt have made in getting involved with the green building movement,” Fink said. “Having LEED APs in Sales, Estimating and Design speaks well of our commitment to providing not only the proper design-build solution for our clients, but a sustainable building solution that benefits us all.”
Guy has been meeting Bobbitt’s customer needs for 26 years by facilitating the sales and development process. “We help owners consider the benefits and economics of a wide array of ‘green building’ options,” said Guy. “Enabling them to choose the best solutions for their business is a big part of what we do well.”
Van Horn, a Bobbitt employee for 14 years, is responsible for a wide range of diverse commercial construction projects – from service, warehouse and distribution facilities to class-A offices, retail facilities, biotech laboratories, churches and schools.
“Business owners are always looking for ways to improve the bottom line,” said Van Horn. “By engaging the LEED certification process and green building technologies and strategies, we can design and build projects that perform better financially while enhancing employee productivity and reducing environmental impact. Triangle area residents are tuned into green building and like to do business with companies that care about the environment and their employees.”
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Bobbitt Awards Employees for Outstanding Safety Practices
7-01-2009
K. Heagle receives award.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build recently presented safety awards to Parks Buie, Mason Phillips and Francisco Chavez of the company’s Raleigh office and to Kevin Heagle of the Columbia, S.C., office.
Awards are presented annually as part of Bobbitt’s Safety Incentive Program. Individuals are measured by criteria set forth by the Bobbitt safety director, John Williams. Qualifying employees must have no on-the-job accidents during the one-year period, 100 percent accuracy on job site inspections, a safe driving record, a positive attitude, and 100 percent participation in weekly safety toolbox talks and safety meetings.
At the company level, Bobbitt’s safety performance is reviewed by Raffles Insurance, its captive insurance company. Bobbitt’s overall safety record is measured by the captive insurance loss ratio – the total cost of all claims plus any reserves calculated on those claims over Bobbitt’s total insurance premium cost.
L-R: F. Chavez, M. Phillips, P. Buie
On a quarterly basis, qualifying individual employees receive recognition. If the company also meets its captive insurance goals, an additional award is presented to those employees. On an annual basis, all qualifying employees for that one-year period are entered in a drawing for cash awards. Buie, Phillips, Chavez and Heagle were the winners for April 2008 through March 2009 and were presented with $1000 each.
“As a member of the largest heterogeneous captive insurance company insuring worker’s compensation, business auto and general liability exposure, Bobbitt continues our commitment to safety,” said Meredith Keyes Bland, Bobbitt’s chief financial officer. “Employees from all departments attend risk control workshops to better understand how self insurance works and how they can minimize risk and proactively implement job safety measures. Congratulations to this year’s safety winners and to all employees who met our rigorous standards.”
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Bobbitt’s Blair Pittman Becomes Company’s Fifth LEED AP
6-09-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build announces that Blair Pittman, manager of the Site Design department in the company’s Raleigh office, has become the fifth employee to be certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) under U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
To earn the credential, Pittman was required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. Pittman passed a comprehensive written exam on May 27 to become a building professional with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process.
Pittman has been with Bobbitt for eight years and has 15 years experience in his field. He started as a civil engineer/site planner prior to moving into his current role overseeing Bobbitt’s in-house Site Design department.
Through Bobbitt, Pittman has worked on LEED registered projects throughout the Triangle area. However, he is quick to point out that the company’s goal is to incorporate sustainable design into as many projects as possible, even if a client decides not to formally pursue LEED certification.
“A significant portion of LEED certification for a project is affected by the site and designed site sustainability,” said Pittman. “This can take on many forms – from evaluation of proposed project locations and aiding client decisions on the purchase of land to incorporating more restrictive design criteria of the layout and function of the project. Having these issues at the forefront of the design process allows us to capture more opportunities for sustainability and ultimately save our client money in the process.
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Bobbitt Selected to Build Two Locations for Kimbrell’s Furniture Distributors
6-02-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Kimbrell’s Furniture Distributors, Inc., selected Bobbitt Design Build as the general contractor for new showrooms in two different Raleigh locations.
The 5109 New Bern Avenue location will total 22,374 square feet, and the 3813 South Wilmington Street location will total 24,461 square feet. Customers will recognize the familiar single-story building with split face block facades and arched entryway at both stores.
Bobbitt has a long-running history with Kimbrell’s since overseeing the fast-track rebuilding of the Durham store after fire damage in 1994. When Kimbrell’s needed new buildings in Raleigh, Kimbrell’s Investment Co., Inc., representative Henry L. Johnson, Jr., turned to Bobbitt.
“Bobbitt is a reliable, stable commercial construction company that handles all aspects of the building and design process,” said Johnson. “Having a Raleigh-based general contractor that efficiently coordinates everything is invaluable to an out-of-town owner.”
Bobbitt is now in the building phase on these two projects, after completing challenging site planning and permitting. The New Bern Avenue location required stringent site planning to fit the building with truck access on a tight, irregular shaped lot. At the South Wilmington Street location when a geotechnical report showed the soils would not structurally support the building, Bobbitt analyzed and determined a sound solution within a feasible budget. The Wilmington Street store is being fast tracked to deliver the new building before the current lease expires.
Anticipated completion for both locations is summer 2009.
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Bobbitt’s Jim Bell Honored by Triangle Business Journal
as a Top Leader Under 40
5-12-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build’s Jim Bell was honored at the
Ninth Annual 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards Luncheon held at the Crabtree Marriott on May 1.
The annual awards, presented by the
Triangle Business Journal, recognize the area’s brightest, most promising young business people in the Triangle under the age of 40. The winners have attained significant leadership roles in their organizations, achieved notable career milestones in 2008, and have had substantial involvement in community service.
Bell is senior project developer at Bobbitt, the Carolinas’ largest contractor utilizing the design/build concept, which provides control of architectural design, engineering, permitting and construction services under one roof. He is a certified
Green Advantage® instructor and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Accredited Professional through the
United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
“We could not be more proud of Jim’s accomplishments; he is very deserving of this award,” said Don Comer, president and CEO of Bobbitt Design Build. “Not only is Jim one of our green building champions, helping our clients maximize benefits of sustainable practices, but he continues to be a valuable contributor at Bobbitt.”
As a Green Advantage instructor, Bell teaches classes in the green building educational and certification system for building contractors and trades people. He helps prepare contractors and subcontractors for Green Advantage Certification by presenting practical solutions for developing green building sites, improving water conservation and energy efficiency, conserving construction materials, and improving indoor environmental air quality. Bell recently served as the Educational Committee Chair of the Triangle Chapter of USGBC.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Bell has made significant contributions to the community. In 2008, he began working with the Occoneechee Council of Boy Scouts of America to design and build a Nature Center at Camp Durant. He is an active member of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Raleigh and serves on a number of boards, including the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, Wake Forest Economic Development Committee and Eastern Trails Committee for N.C. Horse Council.
Prior to joining Bobbitt in 2002, Bell graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BE in Civil Engineering. He served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2001, including a term in the Army Corps of Engineers. Bell also worked for Orion International, a leading military recruiting firm.
According to the Triangle Business Journal, the 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year within the Triangle business community and celebrates the accomplishments and promise of young executives.
All 40 winners will be profiled in Triangle Business Journal's special publication on May 15.
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Gregory Poole Equipment Company Returns to Bobbitt for
51,800-Square-Foot
Facility in Mebane
5-05-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build recently completed a new sales and service center in Mebane, N.C., for Gregory Poole Equipment Company, a long- standing Caterpillar dealer for eastern North Carolina.
The 51,800-square-foot facility will be used for rental, sales and service of construction equipment, service of trucks and RV’s, and Caterpillar parts sales. The business is now open and ready to serve customers in the Mebane/Burlington area and travelers on I-85/I-40. The building is located on 14 acres at 400 Gregory Poole Lane in Mebane, just off Trollingwood Hawfields Road (exit 152).
The facility features four, five-ton bridge cranes; attractive canopies; a parts storage mezzanine in the warehouse; and a disaster recovery room. Bobbitt provided appropriate exterior pavements and building floors for the heavy equipment and handled site design and access with the challenge of concurrent new subdivision construction.
Bobbitt Design Build has been very successful with previous work for Gregory Poole, including a truck and RV service facility on Integrity Drive in Garner and an equipment rental office on New Hope Road in Raleigh.
In business since 1951, Gregory Poole provides power generation systems, marine power, forestry equipment, construction equipment and truck service.
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Bobbitt Completes 17,669-Square-Foot Facility for Kids ‘R’ Kids
4-22-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build recently completed a new facility for Kids ‘R’ Kids Schools of Quality Learning in Midlothian, Virginia. Headquartered in Atlanta, the schools provide a secure, nurturing and educational environment for children.
The 17,669-square-foot facility serves as the first Kids ‘R’ Kids in Virginia and will be Chesterfield County’s premier child care center. Bobbitt has completed four other Kids ‘R’ Kids projects in the Triangle area and received positive referrals from the owners, resulting in the Midlothian project.
Chris and Deborah Tipold, the franchise owners of the Midlothian school, chose Bobbitt because they wanted a contractor whose quality level and dedication to the project met their high expectations. Bobbitt worked very closely with the client during the pre-construction process to help push the project through the permitting process.
Bobbitt faced the challenge of different local municipality regulations and ordinances of Virginia as well as a brand new building design and new architect. Working with the local inspectors and the out-of-state architect, Bobbitt was able to minimize additional costs and move through the construction process smoothly.
The now-completed project consists of a two-story building located on 3.96 acres at 6761 Temie Lee Parkway.
Features include a prolific interior storefront, different colors and textures throughout the building providing a means of location and stimulation for children’s senses, and plenty of natural light in the classrooms. Utilization of an instant hot water system reduces water run times and increases the energy efficiently of the building.
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Bobbitt Completes 28,850-Square-Foot Facility for CEI – The Digital Office
3-23-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build recently completed the new facility for CEI – The Digital Office, a leading provider of document management solutions for over 50 years in Raleigh and neighboring areas.
The 28,850-square-foot facility serves as corporate headquarters and will be used for sales/service and warehouse. CEI is moving into the second generation of company management and wanted a bold corporate statement as it expands for future growth and service. With Bobbitt’s help, the company achieved its goal of increasing visibility through this high-quality, state-of-the-art facility.
The now-completed project consists of a one-story building located on 3.31 acres at 8701 Brickell Avenue in Raleigh.
To celebrate with the community, CEI will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, March 26 at 3:30 p.m. with an Open House immediately following from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Bobbitt Estimator Travis Bullock Earns LEED AP
2-04-2009
RALEIGH, N.C. – Bobbitt Design Build announces that Travis L. Bullock, an estimator in the company’s Raleigh office, has been certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) through U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
To earn the credential, Bullock was required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. Candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam and distinguish themselves as building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process.
Bullock has been with Bobbitt for 11 years. He started in the field as a superintendent prior to moving into an estimator role.
"Being an estimator, I know how budgets drive every project,” said Bullock. “One of my objectives while implementing the LEED approach is to show building owners that integrating green building practices can actually save them money."
In addition to Bullock, other LEED APs at Bobbitt are project developer Jim Bell and project designers Jeff Ford and Brian Griffith. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Bobbitt continues its commitment to sustainable design and construction.
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Bobbitt Finishes Four-Phase Project for General Information Services
1-27-2009
Columbia, S.C. – Bobbitt Design Build recently completed a phased project for
General Information Services (GIS), one of the largest dedicated background screening providers in the world, located in Chapin, S.C.
GIS selected Bobbitt to assist with a master plan and phasing of construction as the company continues to grow. Phases III and IV are now complete.
Phase III is an 18,000-square-foot, two-story facility with wood and cast stone finishes and a structural steel support. It consists of a state-of-the-art computer/server room with a bunker-type construction made of concrete floors, ceiling and walls that are equipped to withstand catastrophic events. The entire building has a 750 kVA back-up generator and a redundant 750 kVA backup, as well as a standard UPS backup.
Phase IV allows the company to expand its operations in this two-story, 28,000-square-foot building with a grand entrance. Inside are an impressive reception area, lobby, conference room and executive offices. The custom mill work package is significant, and the building is adorned with custom furniture and high-end finishes. The remainder of the facility includes offices and cubicle areas, an enclosed shipping/receiving area and additional parking.
An open 200’ x 20’ courtyard with a walkway and natural landscaping connects phases III and IV. A canvas canopy connects phases I and II to phases III and IV to create an outdoor employee area.
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Bobbitt Completes New Building for South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association
1-08-2009
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan. 8, 2009) – Bobbitt Design Build recently completed a three-story facility for South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (SCADA), the trade association for new car and truck dealers across the state.
The elegant new space involved a relocation of SCADA after being in downtown for nearly 25 years. The new building is on Hampton Street at the “Gateway into Columbia,” therefore, a key focus for Bobbitt in designing the space was to complement the city’s re-development plan.
The estate-style building with wrap-around porches overlooks the city of Columbia and includes black iron hand railing, hard tile on the porches, all brick exterior, specialty finishes and high-end mill work. The interior features high vaulted ceilings, an elevator, a full kitchen and impressive conference rooms.
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