Altruism is alive and well at i.d.o. Incorporated….

For many design firms finding ways to balance pro-bono or low-fee work with commercially based work is a common practice. Some firms set percentages saying that they will never go over 10 percent pro bono at anytime; while others subsidize low-fee work with other client relationships which typically pay a higher fee.

At i.d.o. we have discovered when we combine our fee based work with each associates desire to make contributions which support our community, the results proved amazing.

With this year’s support from our Clients and many business partners, mixing our commercial fee based work with our pro-bono work helped to stabilize our practice and at the same time allowed our associates to contribute their time and talent to our community.

In 2009, i.d.o. has through in-kind services, individual volunteer opportunities and contributions, been afforded opportunities to serve and support numerous organizations. We have been able to actively support and serve the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, Boner Community Center Legacy 2012 Housing Project, East 10th Street Civic Association, Architects for Humanity, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Indianapolis Zoo, and Cristo Rey High School to name a few.

We pledge to continue our support for these organizations and we look forward to adding new efforts to our list in 2010. We acknowledge our ability to serve our community is based upon our ability to serve and support you. This is why we also want to hear from you. Especially if you have suggestions on how we may enhance our services. Feedback from those we serve would truly be considered a “GIFT” and will help us continue to develop and improve the quality of service we strive to deliver you; our Clients, Business Partners and Our Community.

With that, we send a “HUGE” THANK YOU, for the opportunities provided us in 2009 and look forward to opportunities to expand upon our existing relationships as well as develop new relationships in the New Year of 2010.

Submitted by: Jill Mendoza

In May of 1999, I sat at my kitchen table opening college graduation gifts. One of the gifts I opened was a business card holder. My father reached for it, wanting to look at it more closely. Upon examining the holder and the enclosed description, my father said to me “You know, your grandpa built a house that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright…” On the front of that holder was a Frank Lloyd Wright pattern.

This was definitely news to me!

As it turns out, in the early 50’s, my grandfather was building a house for his sister-in-law and her husband on the Southwest side of Fort Wayne, Indiana. As he was constructing their home, he was being observed by a man by the name of John D. Haynes. Mr. Haynes owned property across the street from the build site. After observing my Grandfather and his quality craftsmanship, he asked my Grandfather if he would be interested in building his family’s home. After my grandfather reviewed the prints he accepted the job offer. The Haynes’ home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Now fast forward to the twenty-first century, when several years ago the couple who purchased the home wanted to interview my grandfather about his memories of constructing the house, on site. I was privileged to be there for the interview. I remember him talking about the woodwork in the home.

He recalled that the interior wood that was used on the ceiling was Red Tidewater Cyprus. He said that it was one of the easiest woods to work with. On the day of the interview, he sat in the living room in front of the video camera, and looked up at the ceiling and stated that “ the wood was still just as beautiful 50 years later as it was the day I installed it.”

He also told the story about how as the home was under construction, he noticed on the drawings that one wall of the house called for one more course of brick than another wall. He showed this detail to the client. Mr. Haynes insisted that my grandfather build it exactly as shown on the prints.. After all, it was designed by FLW and “FLW didn’t make mistakes”. However, my grandfather explained that if the walls were built as specified it would cause problems once the roof and ceiling were constructed, because the walls would not be level. So, Mr. Hayne’s decided the only way to resolve this issue was to have the Frank Lloyd Wright foundation review the prints. The gentlemen made the trip to Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin to have the prints reviewed. Subsequently, the foundation informed Mr. Haynes that there was an error on the prints. There was an additional course of brick called for on one of the walls. (Now I know where I get my eye for detail !)

This year, my grandfather, Master Carpenter, Charles E. Sipe passed away at the age of 92. And although he is gone, his five son’s and many grandchildren still remember and retell his stories; his connection to a little piece of architectural history.

Although Charlie is not here anymore, the house still stands. As a matter of fact, the current owners have restored the home and are now sharing the beauty of this jewel. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend time in a building that was designed by a famous architect? You can book a stay at the home my Grandpa Charlie helped bring to life. Please visit the following website, if you are interested in knowing more about the John D. Hayne’s house in Fort Wayne, IN.

Haynes House

What other structures in Indiana were designed by famous architects? Do you know or have any connections to any famous architectural designs? Please share your experiences with us…

Submitted By: Melanie Wilhelm