September 11, 2002 annex|5 : LEADING CHICAGO ARCHITECTS LAUNCH DESIGN STUDIO In a city historically renowned for state-of-the-art architectural design, the tradition continues with the launching of annex|5, Chicago's newest architectural design studio, today announced Mike Damore, senior executive vice president of architecture for A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. and senior design principal for annex|5. Spearheaded by Damore and a core group of well-known, local architects including Andrew Metter, John Saltans, Jack Naffziger and Dean Mamalakis, annex|5 will serve as the in-house architecture and planning design studio of A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc., the Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm. "annex|5 is about the creative process," said Damore. "While Epstein always has provided and will continue to provide clients with a strong mix of commercial and industrial design expertise, this new studio will enable the firm to concentrate even more on socially focused work for an architecturally sensitive clientele." annex|5 derives its name from the meaning of the word 'annex' and the five founding architects. "The name of the studio, both literally and figuratively, is based upon the definition of 'annex': to add or attach," noted Damore. "Literally, the studio will be an important addition to the parent firm Epstein as it grows to meet the changing needs of architectural design. Figuratively, we view this studio as a new 'annex' to extend and expand the main building or structure that is Epstein." The studio will focus on the creative design process, concentrating on the relationship between the architect and client - and most importantly the end users of these structures. Designs will fit into the context of locale and use. Buildings will become part of their environment and will not be simply isolated structures placed in a particular location. The architects who form the founding core group of the studio have extensive experience with the type of architecture upon which annex|5 will focus. Many of these award-winning designs were developed for a variety of institutions including the locally-based Wilmette Public Works facility, Quest International's US headquarters in Hoffman Estates, and the USFDA's Forensic Chemistry Center and Cincinnati District Office. The annex|5 architects maintain a portfolio that illustrates their versatility in translating this philosophy into real structures. Project types include civic facilities, educational institutions, residential structures, laboratories, R&D facilities, office buildings, factories and sports arenas. Recently completed projects include Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center and the rehabilitation of the Gladstone Factory building located in Schaumburg, Illinois. A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. is a full service architecture, engineering, construction, interior design and graphic design firm. Founded in 1921, the firm maintains its Chicago headquarters along with offices in Los Angeles, California; Warsaw, Poland; and Tel Aviv, Haifa and Beersheba in Israel. The Epstein family of companies includes A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc; ISI, the firm's interior design unit, ComCorp, the firm's graphic design unit; EN Engineering, the firm's energy joint venture with Nicor Inc. and now annex|5, Epstein's in-house design studio.