As featured in May 1997
Sims-Varner & Associates, Inc.
Architects' talents build more than just communities
By Jill Day-Foley
Harold Varner, President of Sims-Varner & Associates
Howard Sims and Harold Varner seem to have discovered the much sought-after formula for business. Their Sims-Varner & Associates architectural/engineering/planning firm has been at the forefront of quality design in Detroit since 1964, a legacy they see continuing into the future.
"As architects, we have not had the same obstacles as if we were in a pure business," said Sims, SVA's chairman. "The only business part of (the company) is finding a client who will engage your service."
Clients are one thing SVA does not seem to lack. Some of their more recent projects include the $174 million expansion of the Cobo Convention and Exhibition Center (see photo at right), the Museum of African American History, Northwest Airline's terminal expansion work at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and acting as the principal station designer and design manager for the Southeast Michigan Light Rail System (not yet constructed). SVA's client list reads like a business directory of major corporations throughout the state.
"We are architects, engineers, and planners with an expertise in planning, design, and construction administration," said Varner, SVA president. "With a cumulative volume of more than $2.5 billion in construction costs, we have proven our ability to sustain the confidence of our clients with high quality, innovative design; practical, economic construction; and efficient administration."
When developing the design for the Museum of African American History (MAAH), SVA stuck with its design philosophy, which is a belief that "each project's design solution comes inherently from the problems to be solved, the character and aspirations of the client, and the context of the building," Varner added.
The site for the new museum is the cornerstone of the Detroit Cultural Center project which is still in a state of flux and development. So, in addition to considering the museum's role as a community and gathering place, as well as a national institution, Varner said the biggest challenge for the MAAH project was designing a new building that ultimately could respond and coordinate with the final Detroit Cultural Center Plaza and Science Center concept.
"At the time of initiation of design work on the new MAAH, a master concept existed that envisioned a Cultural Center Plaza within which the institutions formed the perimeter, and parking six feet below grade with a public plaza six feet above grade linking all the institutions," Varner explained."We designed the new museum with its main lobby six feet above grade and its operational and semi-public areas six feet below grade. To avoid a 'basement' situation, the grade around the new museum was excavated to the lower floor level to create a sunken courtyard around the entire building. It was envisioned that such a courtyard would ultimately open directly into the lower level of the Cultural Center Plaza concept," he added.
The firm's extensive experience has involved renovation and expansion of existing facilities, which includes over 5,000 units of housing in the Great Lakes region, as well as health care and airport transportation projects.
Another strength of the firm is in its educational projects, particularly with higher education institutions. Among several buildings designed for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is the Angell Hall Student Computing Center, which houses 386 networked student computing stations, the largest facility of its type in the nation.
Also, SVA won the national competition for a new $40 million Undergraduate Library Center for Wayne State University. Located on a difficult site in the heart of WSU's campus, the firm's design solution met and exceeded all the objectives of the university.
While design excellence has been at the forefront of SVA's reputation, the two men behind the success are also actively engaged in civic and community work.
Sims says he has always been driven to be the best. A self-mentor who determined to never veer from his dream of being an architect, Sims began his professional career in the U.S. Navy's construction battalion in 1951. Viewing education as a key for advancement, he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from the University of Michigan.
An advocate of preparing for the future, Sims, while having no plans for retiring soon, says the next generation must be ready to assume leadership roles. "One of the most important responsibilities I have for the future of SVA is the recruitment and development of the talented young architects, engineers, and administrators who will be the future leaders and owners of the firm," Sims added.
Community activism is also an area to which Sims devotes considerable energy. Serving in executive positions with such organizations as the Detroit Strategic Planning Project, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and the Citizen Education Committee, Sims works diligently to resolve problems facing Detroit, unemployment being one of the biggest in his view.
"The lack of a job that allows a wage that can support a family is the root of a number of community problems, including crime and school dropouts," he said. "We have to diversify and increase employment for Detroit's current population, as well as extend training to people who are unemployed or only marginally employed."
The recipient of numerous awards, Sims downplayed his accomplishments. "I try not to measure success in terms of what I've done, but rather in terms of what needs to be done," he said.
Resolving problems facing today's youth is the thrust of Varner's civic commitment. A longing for black role models, absent during his technical high school education and at Lawrence Institute of Technology, led to his mentoring teens in careers, including architecture.
"I love watching their (students') eyes when they wake up and realize they can do whatever they want to do," he said. "Thanks to our program, Efficacy Detroit - in which 76 professionals work with ninth graders, these kids have black role models; people they can reach out and touch and share dreams with."
The road for his own success started when Varner was appointed director of development for the Metropolitan Detroit Citizens Authority and became director/ secretary of the Detroit Housing and Urban Redevelopment Department.
Joining the then-Howard Sims & Associates in 1978, Varner found the perfect vehicle to utilize his government insights and architectural skills. His ability to design, develop, and evaluate solutions to problems inherent in urban areas led to escalated growth for the firm and Varner being made a full partner.
"I still have a lot of projects and dreams on the drawing board," said Varner when asked about the future. Included in those aspirations are the design of a new Tiger Stadium, building a bridge, and creating a few churches.
At the very heart of Sims-Varner's approach is the belief that satisfied current clients are the firm's best future clients and references.
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