November 26, 2008
 Just five months after KSS Architects started designing a 151,000 sf distribution center for Cultech's new U.S. headquarters, the building is already taking form. Sandblasted ribbed and smooth-faced precast concrete panels forming the building's exterior walls are up on site, rising more than 30 ft above ground. A series of diagonal braces or "deadmen" held the panels vertically in place until structural steel installation began a week later. KSS has worked closely with the project team to expedite the building from concept to schematic design, design and construction on an aggressive schedule timeframe typically unheard of in industrial architecture.
When complete in August 2009, the factory will become an iconic building for Cultech, an international company that specializes in the design, production and distributor of high-end packaging. The full gamut of processes required to generate Cultech's products from design to sales will take place in its new headquarters, which is located in Piscataway, N.J.
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November 13, 2008
 Sixteen KSS team members and outside consultants forced themselves away from their desks and computers on an October afternoon to participate in the firm's 13th annual golf outing. The event, held at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in Princeton Junction, N.J., pitted four teams in a golf scramble over the course of 18 holes. The team of Jonathan Fountain, Chris Rubino, Greg Sibley (Vanderweil Engineers) and Tom Sandford (Vanderweil Engineers) emerged victorious, finishing 1 under par. The Most Improved award went to Victoria Weaver, and the longest drive went to Rob Pivovarnick. Sandford also won the Closest to the Pin award. Weaver was the runner up.
Associate Andrew Tucker, AIA, has organized the KSS tradition since 1995. Tucker organizes the teams to have an equal representation of skill, which allows members who haven't frequently worked together in the studio to learn more about each other.
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November 6, 2008
 KSS team members Allan Kehrt, Andrew Tucker, Matt McChesney and Jonathan Fountain spent a sunny September workday on a golf course. But they weren't skipping work. Instead they and more than 130 other players were on the green to participate in the Sixth Annual Stockton Golf Classic, a fundraising event that supports scholarships for students at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. This year's game took place at Hidden Creek, Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.
KSS was one of the sponsors of the event, which raised more than $117,000 in gross proceeds. KSS has participated in the Stockton Golf Classic for several years, and has watched the event grow in attendance and popularity.
Former Philadelphia Flyers player and later broadcaster Brian Propp participated in the long drive contest, and former heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney played in the event. The event was organized by the Stockton College Foundation, which seeks to enable alumni, friends and the community to help support Stockton programs, student scholarships and initiatives for growth.
KSS and associate architect VMDO Architects are designing Stockton's New Campus Center. Sitework for the project is underway, and building construction is scheduled to begin soon.
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November 3, 2008
 Strange sights filled the KSS' Princeton office on Oct. 31. A bride gone astray posed by the awards gallery. Team members with terrifying masks, appliqued scars and ghastly appendages attached to their body, and an assortment of ears toiled at their desks. A Captain Jack Sparrow-lookalike made an afternoon appearance. Halloween, which coincided with KSS' Friday happy hour, produced a number of team members who celebrated Halloween with creative costumes, bowls of candy, and eerie music. With encouragement from Beth Hayes and planning help from Karen and Connie from the administrative department, KSS had one of its most spirited and fun haunted holidays ever.
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