Winner: Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.: 2012 Georgia Chapter Award of Merit

RDS designed the Global Media Center for Dr. Michael Youssef’s Leading the Way, an internatonal, multi-media ministry. The project involved designing two floors of an existing office building, totaling 50,000 SF. New technology for television and radio studios and audiovisual systems were fully integrated throughout the facilty to promote interaction and creative collaboration between media producers, editors and staff. The media center also serves as headquarters, with increased office space, conference rooms, restrooms, as well as a prayer chapel and dedicated volunteer work space.

The original building was constructed around 1972-1976 as an office building and printing operation. Multiple renovations had been completed during the original owners’ occupancy; including adding a 2nd floor that did not meet life-safe-exiting requirements. The majority of the building did not meet current code. The team completed extensive field verification to draw existing conditions. The building was vacant for five years prior to LTW’s purchase and several systems had been vandalized. It was determinied after extensive evaluation by LTW, that 70% of the building interior should be demolished.