Blog 11- PSC

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

29 November 2011

Blog 11- PSC

The field trip to PSC two weeks ago was an absolute whirlwind of knowledge full of exciting new things in the LEED field and an insight into what the inner workings of an architect firm are like. It was very interesting and also exciting to learn about PSC, knowing that someday one of us might be interning and possibly working for them.

As a start, PSC has 270 employees with multiple locations nationwide. Something that was highly recommended for students was taking the NCIDQ after graduating to stabilize credibility in the design field. It was also stated that every material has a story in sustainability and code to tell, referring to all LEED certified products. PSC is very big on the “cradle to cradle” movement, meaning that recyclable materials are broken down and reused and turned into the same material again (also known as the “birth to birth” movement). In the year 2000, PSC was officially up and running for business with one building. Years later, they built a second building just beside the first. To ensure limited monetary spending, PSC runs a yearly Lifecycle Cost Analysis. They used multiple “green” products, such as wall coverings, recycled carpet tiles and wind socks to earn them more LEED points. They also used epoxy paint on the walls, recycled paper ceiling tiles, and have the first “green” roof in Texas. Because of their many efforts, PSC was named the first LEED certified building in Lubbock. Their offices are highly engineered and thought out. The open floorplan is laid out for efficiency and convenience for all employees. Everything at PSC is about reverting “back to nature”. People go outside to relax and enjoy themselves, so their thought is, “Why can’t interior spaces be as pleasing as the outdoors?” Well, they can, and they are so right. If one can understand a client’s needs, they can be better met.

All in all, our visit to PSC was very enjoyable. Much was learned that can be taken away and applied in our future endeavors as interior design and architecture students. Hopefully in the Spring, we can all go back and check out that beautiful “green” roof they have. It has to be gorgeous up there.