CSM Group Construction Project Recognized for Innovative Use of Copper

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Richmond Center for Visual Arts at Western Michigan University, a CSM Group construction project, was a recent recipient of the 2009 North American Copper in Architecture Award for innovative use of copper and copper alloys by the Copper Development Association, in collaboration with the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association.

The annual awards were selected from two categories: Restoration/Renovation and New Construction. The Richmond Center, completed in 2007, was one of eight national projects recognized for New Construction, joining four winners in Restoration/Renovation. This was the only award for projects in Michigan.

Architectural and copper industry experts comprised a panel of judges who evaluated the nominees. Awards were given to projects representing “excellence in the use of copper in the built environment.” The recipients of the 2009 award program were selected based on overall building design, integration of copper systems, craft of copper installation, and excellence in innovation or historic renovation.

CSM Group served as construction manager for the 44,000-square-foot, $13 million project. The Richmond Center was designed by architects from SmithGroup in Detroit.

Learn more about the Copper Development Association. Learn more about the Richmond Center for Visual Arts .

CSM Group Welcomes New IT Engineer

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – CSM Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Althuis to information technology (IT) engineer.

In this position, Althuis joins the CSM Group IT team to provide warranty and non-warranty service to Toshiba laptops as a Certified Toshiba Service Provider. In addition, Althuis will offer support in other strategic IT functions for internal and external clients.

Althuis comes to CSM Group after serving as an IT specialist for Community West Credit Union in Grand Rapids. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Digital Art & Design from Full Sail Real World Education in Orlando.

With the addition of Althuis, the CSM Group IT team has more than 40 years experience in information technology. Memberships include the Association of Information Technology Professionals. Certifications for the team include CompTia A+, Microsoft Certified Core System Engineer, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer, At-Stake Security, Dell Certified Systems Engineer, and Toshiba Certified Technician.

The IT department at CSM Group is an Authorized Toshiba Service Center, performing in-house service for personal and business Toshiba computer equipment, including Factory Authorized Warranty Service and out-of-warranty repairs. In addition, the department provides service to all laptop and server brands with the exception of Apple. Other IT support services offered by CSM Group include consulting, local and wide-area networking, network security, wireless networks, document management, desktop support, exchange support, storage area network, active directory support, off-site data storage, and Web site and intranet development.

Learn more.