Category: Civic and Government Buildings

The project is driven by the vision to create a state-of-the-art facility that demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to sustainable building practices and its rich forest resources. It represents a significant leap forward in construction, embracing innovation and sustainability to meet the needs of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and align with its commitment to sustainable forest management. The key design considerations focus on creating a functional space that supports both Customer Service and Field Office operations. The project is dedicated to incorporating sustainable practices, exemplified by the use of mass timber, thereby showcasing the area’s natural resources.

Located at Nashville International Airport, this Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminal and hangar project redefines civic aviation infrastructure by balancing a refined passenger experience, operational functionality, and regional identity. The 13,454-square-foot terminal and 26,645-square-foot hangar with 3,175 square feet of support space are conceived as both a gateway for industry leaders and a workplace for highly trained aviation professionals. Replacing a previous structure on the same site, the facility introduces a cohesive architectural expression that reflects Nashville’s cultural vibrancy and the evolving demands of modern air travel.

The design centers on a clean, linear form animated by iridescent metal panels, splayed steel columns, and a richly textured stone palette. A continuous wood-look ceiling unites land- and airside entry points, visually anchoring a lobby filled with daylight from clerestory windows. Inside, a layered experience unfolds through curated zones for social interaction and quiet retreat. Amenities include a public lounge, café, conferencing, pilot support spaces, a secure VIP lounge, and an outdoor pet station—each space shaped by attention to acoustic comfort, daylighting, and purposeful materials.

In response to the site’s operational and regulatory complexity, the project integrates advanced sustainability and security measures. The facility is LEED certified, with native landscaping, bioswales, daylight harvesting, and smart lighting controls. The hangar features a removable valance for future aircraft accommodation and infrastructure for electric ground service equipment. More than an aviation terminal, the project is a cultural and architectural statement that elevates the traveler experience and sets a new standard for civic infrastructure.

At the most prominent crossroads in downtown Braselton, the historic Enterprise Flour & Grist Mill has stood since c.1900 as a symbol of the town’s founding era. Once home to Northeast Georgia’s first full roller-process flour mill, the three-story timber structure operated until the 1960s and remarkably survived a 1920 tornado with its equipment still intact.

By the 21st century, however, the community faced a challenge: how to activate this landmark at the town center without compromising its integrity. In 2019, Arcollab was commissioned to study feasible futures and design a solution.

The final approach is a careful balance of preservation and adaptation. A modest 1,200-square-foot intervention provides office space for the Visitors Bureau Authority, while a new one-story glass lobby serves as a transparent hyphen between the historic mill and a new office addition. A raised boardwalk bridges from the town sidewalk to the lobby, enhancing accessibility while preserving existing topography and stormwater patterns.

The result allows the mill to remain intact as a museum while the addition generates income and civic activity. Together, old and new architecture celebrate Braselton’s past while ensuring its continued vitality.