Professional Recognition:
The following list is a small sampling of projects from principal architect Robert Aho’s personal portfolio that are reflected in this web site. Images that have been shown in this web site include projects that are in collaboration with other design professionals, as part of large teams, experience from previous employers, as well as work where the architect was the sole design professional associated with the project. "All projects involve teams," as the architect is quick to point out, "even small projects bring together builders, owners, engineers and architects. It is most important to develop teams that work well together, teams where the goals and the process is clear. This is really what creates successful projects, not any one person."
Professional recognition is given here to firms associated with each project. Due to the passing of one of the partners, Triebwasser Helenske has been dissolved; and, thereafter, Helenske Design Group was formed. SJA Architects has since been acquired by another firm, and several of the architects and staff have gone elsewhere or retired. In all instances, please do not hesitate to contact KIRKAUS for additional project details. As KIRKAUS projects become realized through design and construction, updates will be posted.
in the interest of clearly giving credit where credit is due, professional recognition, names and details are provided below:
Schlacks Residence designed by Robert, under RA Architect Studios, LLC., extensive services, through to completion.
Bertani Gate and Historical Landscape designed by Robert, under RA Architect Studios, LLC., through project completion.
Heck Ostman Residence designed by Robert, under RA Architect Studios, LLC.
Hearing Associates Office Fit-out contract documentation and contract administration by Robert, under RA Architect Studios, LLC, in collaboration with Ernest Design Group.
Affinity Federal Credit Union Renovation, designed and managed to completion by Robert, design build in conjunction with Builders Commonwealth.
ABE Environmental Office Remodel, designed and managed to completion by Robert, design build in conjunction with Builders Commonwealth.
Munger Passive Solar Residential Addition, designed and managed to completion by Robert, in conjunction with Builders Commonwealth. Robert would like to especially thank the timber framers from BCI for their attention to detail. This project is at the center of Robert’s main philosophy about design, as well as being pivotal with KIRKAUS. It exhibits harmony with nature, beauty, pragmatism, functionality and an exceptional use of materials. It also enhances the old and the new in a way that becomes timeless in nature.
Eustone Apartments Historical Restoration and Renovation, Robert provided extensive design, documentation and collaborative work, along with architect Hugh Reitan, design build in conjunction with Builders Commonwealth.
Zeppa Residential Addition, designed and managed to completion by Robert, in collaboration with Builders Commonwealth. This was a design-build project. Robert would like to especially thank the timber framers from BCI, who provided excellent craftsmanship on this technically challenging project.
Crow Goebel Veterinary Clinic, Robert took the lead on this project, while employed by SJA Architects. Robert provided the design through extensive documentation and contract administration and through to project completion, including follow-up visits.
Novitzke Residence, designed by Robert while employed by SJA Architects. Robert led the project as part of a team, and finished all stages of documentation through contract administration and completion. SJA later asked Robert to meet with them and the owner after he was Principal Architect at RA Architect Studios, LLC, in order to provide some additional services to the client.
Tri-Towers Upgrades, Robert took the lead on this project, while employed by SJA Architects. Robert provided the schematic design through development and extensive documentation, as well as contract administration until completion.
Fairmont Homes, designed by Robert while employed by SJA Architects. Robert also did extensive work detailing and completing construction documents. This project won a NAHRO Award of Merit for Housing & Community Development.
Hope United Methodist Church Accessibility Upgrades, Robert took the project lead, while employed by SJA Architects. Robert provided the schematic design through development and extensive documentation, as well as contract administration through completion.
James I. Swenson Science Building, designed by Ross Barney Architects, in collaboration with SJA Architects and Oslund. Built on the UMD campus in Duluth, MN. Robert provided extensive technical expertise and detailing for the entire building over several months, while employed by SJA. The featured helical stair was a particularly difficult component, because structurally it acted like a large coil spring that was attached to two interior bridges. Its shape, as well, made it difficult for code compliance and manufacturing, making it a substantial achievement. See the Ross Barney Architects web site for a wonderful collection of photos.
Weber Music Hall, designed by Cesar Pelli, in collaboration with SJA Architects. Built on the UMD campus in Duluth MN. Robert provided, in a minor role, miscellaneous technical support, interior design work and development of roof details as an employee of SJA. See the Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects website for additional photos regarding this project.
Fargodome Convention Center, designed by Triebwasser Helenske and Associates. Robert provided extensive work in the construction document phase of the project, while employed by THA.
Ehly Hall, designed by Triebwasser Helenske and Associates. Robert provided extensive work in the construction document phase of the project, while employed by THA.