January 30, 2003 EPSTEIN AGAIN RANKED #1 BY WORLD ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc., the Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm, once again has been ranked as one of the world's leading architectural and engineering design firms by World Architecture magazine in the 2003 WA300, the magazine's annual international ranking of 300 A/E firms worldwide announced Epstein president John Patelski. Epstein ranked #1 worldwide in the Industrial category, besting even Nikken Sekkei, the Japanese-based, first-placed firm overall. "Epstein traditionally is the leading A/E firm for designing commercial and industrial facilities," stated Patelski. "From the design and construction of new facilities to the rehabilitation of existing ones, Epstein leads the way for the development of manufacturing, process and distribution centers. We focus not only on the architecture and engineering design of the building, but also on the internal operations and logistics as well." Epstein additionally ranked #2 worldwide in the geographic category of Central and Eastern Europe. The firm further placed #7 for architecture and engineering work in the Middle East. "These rankings mirror the commitment the firm has made in these two geographic regions," noted Patelski. "With offices in both Warsaw, Poland and Tel Aviv, Israel, Epstein maintains a very strong presence in these two areas not only for architectural design but also interior design, planning and construction management." Epstein ranked 137th out of the 300 firms listed on the overall international ranking. Even with recent changes to the world economy, the firm maintained its position on the list, having ranked 130th out of 300 in 2002. Overall, Epstein ranked as follows in the various breakout categories that listed the top 10 firms worldwide for each group: Industrial - #1 Central and Eastern Europe - #2 Retail - #6 Middle East - #7 Cultural - #9 Epstein's myriad, award-winning design accomplishments represent a number of these various categories and the diverse nature of the firm's expertise. The Gladstone Factory Façade Renovation proved that simple, elegant, state-of-the-art design solutions could be achieved on a modest budget. This suburban Chicago factory office building was in need of updating from its existing 1970's industrial park appearance. annex| 5, Epstein's in-house design studio, created a 'kit of parts' that were clipped onto the façade, creating a striking, updated look that was cost effective. The project received a number of accolades including a Society of American Registers Architects (SARA) 2002 National Design Award, an Association of Licensed Architects (ALA) Silver Medal Design Award and an Award of Merit in the Rehabilitation category of Midwest Construction magazine's 'Best Project of 2002.' The expansion of the Albertsons Grocery Distribution Center in Melrose Park, Illinois represents another successful Epstein industrial project. The firm chose to move up rather than out when expanding this already massive facility. By utilizing modern roof raising techniques, the firm was able to raise the existing roof from 20 feet to 38 feet for this 630,000 square foot facility and further add an additional 156,000 square feet of new construction. The resulting expansion enables Albertsons to successfully service Jewel Osco grocery stores throughout northern Illinois. The project also was recognized by Midwest Construction magazine as another 'Best Projects of 2002' with an Award of Merit in the Industrial division, citing it as one of their most challenging submissions. 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 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 annex| 5, Epstein's new in-house design studio.