FIRM INTRODUCTION Omni Architects was founded in 1975, absent of monograms and named instead to reflect the founding partners’ vision of an inclusive culture: where all stakeholders are involved in the design process; where all staff members shape the firm culture; and where all who experience our buildings benefit from their design. Since then, Omni Architects has been collaboratively designing buildings that respond to our clients’ needs and aspirations while enhancing the lives of the people who use them. For over forty-five years, Omni Architects has consistently elevated the practice of architecture by working in an interactive and collaborative process to design structures for higher education, healthcare, worship, civic, workplace, and P-12 facilities. Our reputation for innovative designs, proficient technical execution, and remarkable client service is well known throughout the Commonwealth and our practice has grown through our relationships with repeat clients who know they can trust Omni’s consistent performance on every project. Omni’s designs work because they reflect the depth of understanding we achieve through our data-driven programming process, which gets to core issues quickly by asking many questions: What is your mission? How do you work? What is your internal culture? What practices
or processes are specific to your project? The answers to these questions and many others influence the design of the physical structure and are key to our clients’ longterm satisfaction. Our ability to deliver equal measures of innovative design, exceptional technical execution, and outstanding client service is the primary reason Omni Architects is regarded as a design leader in Kentucky.
OUTSTANDING SERVICE INNOVATIVE DESIGN EXCEPTIONAL TECHNICAL EXECUTION
A PEOPLE-CENTERED PRACTICE
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Omni’s continuous success and our high level of repeat clientele can be attributed largely to the people we hire. Our team includes a diverse range of generations, skills, strengths, and interests, but there is one common goal: creating thoughtful architecture.
Eric J. Zabilka, AIA, | President
The average tenure among our staff is approximately 15 years. This longevity is a result of factors such as our acquisition of great clients, our commitment to honoring a distinctive design, and our insistence on maintaining a firm culture that celebrates creativity and life in general.
Jeff Bennett, AIA | Senior Associate
Our staff includes registered and graduate architects, certified interior designers, LEED Accredited Professionals, and other professional support staff. We value the commitment our people bring to each project, to each client, and to Omni Architects.
Jody Boelhauf, AIA** | Senior Associate Chad Gallas, AIA** | Senior Associate Don Adams, AIA | Senior Associate Deborah Cutts, CPSM | Senior Associate Amy Arnold | Associate Teddi Hibberd, AIA | Associate Mark Manczyk, AIA | Associate Erin Ruhl, AIA | Associate Nathan Tanner, AIA | Associate
GATTON STUDENT CENTER RENOVATION & EXPANSION University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
Originally constructed in 1938 and expanded in 1963 and 1982, the Student Center was no longer able to fully meet the needs of the students, faculty, staff and other constituents. The renovation and expansion is part of an overall plan to enhance student life across campus - a plan that is further necessitated by a successful housing revitalization initiative on UK’s campus. The Gatton Student Center includes offices (administration and student organizations); social areas for lounging and recreation; a gym; meeting and conference rooms; a theater; dining/food services; and one of the largest Barnes & Noble bookstores on a college campus. 6
The project achieved LEED Silver certification and incorporates the best principles of energy and product conservation, resulting in both short and long-term savings.
LEED Silver Certified
Honor Award for Design Excellence
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY STUDENT CENTER | Lexington, Kentucky
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY STUDENT CENTER | Lexington, Kentucky
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CENTER Bluegrass Community & Technical College Georgetown, Kentucky Campus
“This solid partnership with business sectors to design and offer highskills training for the workforce is the model of the future. This building is an important part of the program.“ Dr. Augusta Julian - Former President Bluegrass Community & Technical College
BCTC ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CENTER | Georgetown, Kentucky
OMNI’S KCTCS WORKFORCE TRAINING FACILITY DESIGN EXPERIENCE Gateway Community & Technical College Center for Advanced Manufacturing Florence, Kentucky Bluegrass Community & Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Center Georgetown, Kentucky Maysville Community & Technical College Postsecondary Center for Excellence Morehead, Kentucky Jefferson Community & Technical College Advanced Manufacturing & Information Technology Center Louisville, Kentucky Bluegrass Community & Technical College Advanced Manufacturing & Information Technology Center Danville, Kentucky
NEW SCIENCE BUILDING, PHASES 1 AND 2 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky
LEED Gold Certified
Merit Award for Design Excellence
EKU NEW SCIENCE BUILDING | Richmond, Kentucky
“I just walked the halls of the NSB and am so inspired…In every nook and cranny I saw a group of students working on science. I saw faculty working with students and talking together. The white boards always show work front the previous day. More students are succeeding in class, which we know because our test scores are so high we have had to raise the level of the first exam. The number of D, F and W students in courses in the department courses fell 48% to an all time low. We attribute it to all the things the building brings including tutoring, lab orientations, and a positive daily outlook for students and faculty. The light is very much appreciated because it contributes to that positive feeling.…This building is performing exceptionally well. Words can’t really describe what it means to us. Thank you does not seem to be enough.” Lori Wilson, Ph.D., Professor and Chair Department of Chemistry - Eastern Kentucky University
EKU NEW SCIENCE BUILDING | Richmond, Kentucky
COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS HEADQUARTERS RENOVATION Lexington, Kentucky
LEED Silver Certified
Citation Award for Design Excellence
COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS HEADQUARTERS RENOVATION | Lexington, Kentucky
SCHOOL OF ART AND VISUAL STUDIES University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
Honor Award for Design Excellence
UK SCHOOL OF ART & VISUAL STUDIES | Lexington, Kentucky
I have been involved with many construction projects in higher education over the past 25 years and have worked with several highly regarded firms. Most recently, I have had the pleasure of working with Omni on the University of Kentucky’s Loft’s Building, the new home for the School of Art and Visual Studies. In all instances, Omni has been incredibly responsive to our faculty and staff. They are superbly organized, intelligent and have an amazing eye for contemporary design. From the initial interview and discussions through schematic design and feasibility, Omni has had an informed answer to our questions, which has allowed the project to progress without delay and remain within budget. I feel certain that our building will make a profound statement throughout Central Kentucky and beyond. Omni will rightfully deserve the credit for this achievement. I enthusiastically recommend the firm without hesitation. Michael S. Tick, Ph.D. Former Dean, College of Fine Arts University of Kentucky
CMTA ENERGY SOLUTIONS OFFICE SPACE CMTA ENGINEERS Louisville, Kentucky
WELL Gold Certified TM
CMTA ENERGY SOLUTIONS OFFICE | Louisville, Kentucky
BEREA COLLEGE VISITOR CENTER | CRAFTS RETAIL | BOOKSTORE Berea, Kentucky
BEREA COLLEGE VISITOR CENTER | CRAFTS | BOOKSTORE | Berea, Kentucky
STUDENT RECREATION CENTER University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky
LEED Silver Certified
Merit Award for Design Excellence
UofL STUDENT RECREATION CENTER | Louisville, Kentucky
UofL STUDENT RECREATION CENTER | Louisville, Kentucky
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER Commonwealth of Kentucky Frankfort, Kentucky
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER | Louisville, Kentucky
UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICE BUILDING University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky
Honor Award for Design Excellence
UK| HEALTH SERVICES BUILDING | Lexington, Kentucky
STUDENT UNION
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky
Top Ten Buildings in Kentucky, Best Campus Architecture
Honor Award for Design Excellence
NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION | Highland Heights, Kentucky
BULLITT COUNTY CENTRAL LIBRARY Shepherdsville, Kentucky
BULLITT COUNTY CENTRAL LIBRARY | Highland Heights, Kentucky
VISITOR CENTER RENOVATION Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Harrodsburg, Kentucky
VISITOR CENTER - SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL | Harrodsburg, Kentucky
HONORS Omni Architects has received more design awards from AIA Kentucky than any other firm in the Commonwealth, and was the first firm to receive the Distinguished Firm Award twice.
2013 KET/AIA Kentucky – Kentucky Architecture 50:50 Top Fifty - University of Kentucky – University Health Service Building Lexington, KY
2020 Honor Award - AIA Kentucky University of Kentucky – Student Center Lexington, KY
2012 Honor Award - AIA Kentucky X2 House Lexington, KY
Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Eastern Kentucky University – New Science Building Richmond, KY Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Council of State Governments Headquarters Lexington, KY 25-Year Award - AIA Kentucky Centenary United Methodist Church Lexington, KY 2019 C. Julian Oberwarth Award AIA Kentucky Michael W. Jacobs, FAIA 2019 Excellence in Design Award Learning By Design Magazine – October Edition; University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center (submitted by P+W) 2019 Award of Excellence Association of College Unions – International (ACUI) University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center Renovation & Expansion (submitted by P+W) Lexington, KY 2019 Facility Design Award (Education) IIDA Georgia University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center Renovation & Expansion (submitted by P+W) Lexington, KY 2017 Commerce Lexington Small Business of the Year Award & Legacy Award
2010 Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Gateway Community and Technical College – Center for Advanced Manufacturing Florence, KY 2009 Merit Award AIA Kentucky Northern Kentucky University – Student Union Highland Heights, KY 2008 Distinguished Firm Award - AIA Kentucky 2008 Honor Award - AIA Kentucky University Health Service – Student Health Facility University of Kentucky 2008 Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Veterans Administration Pharmacy Expansion Lexington, KY 2008 The Brick Honor Award Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Lexington Public Library Northside Branch Lexington, KY 2008 Build Kentucky Award Associated General Contractors of Kentucky Campbellsville University Ransdell Chapel 2007 The “M” Honor Award Kentuckiana Masonry Institute April 23, 2008 Campbellsville University Ransdell Chapel 2006 Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Natural Science Center, Northern Kentucky University
Merit Award - AIA Kentucky Northern Kentucky University– Campus Recreation Center Highland Heights, KY
2006 Honor Award - AIA Kentucky Center for Rural Health, University of Kentucky
Outstanding Sports Facility Award National Intramural Sports Association (NIRSA) Northern Kentucky University– Campus Recreation Center Highland Heights, KY
2005 Build Kentucky Award Associated General Contractors of Kentucky University of Louisville Belknap Research Building
2015 Honor Award - AIA Kentucky University of Kentucky – School of Art & Visual Studies Lexington, KY 2015 Merit Award - AIA Kentucky University of Louisville – Student Recreation Center Louisville, KY 2013 Kentucky’s Favorite Architecture, Top Ten KET/AIA Kentucky – Kentucky Architecture 50:50 Northern Kentucky University – Student Union Highland Heights, KY
2005 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute University of Louisville Belknap Research Building
2005 Design Awards for Excellence/5th Place Industrial Perforators Association University of Kentucky Center for Rural Health November 7, 2005 www.iperf.org 2004 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute University of Kentucky Center for Rural Health 2004 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Eastern Kentucky University Health Education Center 2004 Build Kentucky Award Associated General Contractors of Kentucky Eastern Kentucky University Health Education Center
2003 Merit Award - Kentucky Society of Architects KCTCS Southeast Postsecondary Education Facility
1991 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Lexington Dry Goods Building
2003 Special Projects Award of Honor Kentuckiana Masonry Institute KCTCS Southeast Postsecondary Education Facility
1991 Merit Award - Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects Environmental Learning Center Western Elementary School
2002 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute St. Albert the Great Catholic Church 2002 Citation - Kentucky Society of Architects UK CMC Women’s Cancer Facility 2002 Citation - Kentucky Society of Architects St. Gabriel The Archangel School 2001 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute St. Gabriel The Archangel School 2001 Build Kentucky Award Associated General Contractors of Kentucky UK CMC Women’s Cancer Facility 2000 M - Honor Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute St. Mark Church 2000 Award of Merit - Kentucky Society of Architects Eastside Christian Church 1999 Merit Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Sisters of Charity of Nazareth 1998 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Eagle Creek Branch Library 1997 Merit Award - National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials Lexington Housing Authority Central Office 1995 M - Honor Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute St. Gabriel the Archangel Church 1995 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Egan Leadership Center, Spalding University 1995 Merit Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Western Elementary School 1995 Citation Award - Kentucky Society of Architects St. Gabriel the Archangel Church 1994 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Centenary United Methodist Church 1994 Merit Award - Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects Florence Nature Center
1990 Merit Award - Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects Centenary United Methodist Church 1989 Award of Recognition - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Public Works Facility 1989 Merit Award - Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects St. Hubert’s Burial Garden 1989 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Public Works Facility 1989 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects St. Claire Cancer Treatment Center 1989 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Owensboro Community College 1988 Award of Recognition - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Bourbon Central Elementary School 1987 Distinguished Firm Award Kentucky Society of Architects Omni Architects 1987 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 1987 M - Honor Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 1986 Distinguished Service Award Kentucky Society of Architects Samuel H. Halley III, AIA 1985 Special Recognition- Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects University of Kentucky Sculpture Garden 1983 Citation Award - Kentucky Society of Architects Governor’s Mansion 1981 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects McLoney & Associates Office
1992 M - Honor Award - Kentuckiana Masonry Institute Centenary United Methodist Church
1981 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects TSPS Remote Traffic Office / GTE
1992 Special Recognition Design Award Kentucky Chapter - American Society Landscape Architects Egan Leadership Center, Spalding University
1979 Honor Award - Kentucky Society of Architects J. S. Emrat Memorial Library
1992 C. Julian Oberwarth Service Award Kentucky Society of Architects Samuel H. Halley III, AIA 1991 National Citation - National School Board Association/AIA Northern Elementary School
1978 Design Award Kentucky Housing Corporation Prall Place Apartments 1977 Kincaid Award Lexington Downtown Development Commission Levas’ Restaurant 1977 Honor Certificate Lexington Downtown Development Commission The Court Square Plaza
212 N. Upper Street | Lexington, Kentucky 40507 | 859.252.6664 | www.omniarchitects.com