Hurd Windows and Doors
We think perfection is a journey. It's something we strive for every day in every product we make. And even though we may never achieve absolute perfection, the quest for it has given our Hurd family a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction. Here are things that happened to us recently on our journey.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hurd Architectural Services Group Unveiled at International Builder Show
Products, Expertise Key Points of Differentiation for Light Commercial Market
Hurd Windows and Doors announced the formation of the Hurd Architectural Services Group at the 2008 International Builders Show in Orlando. Additionally, the Monument product series, a line of commercial grade windows and doors for the architectural and light commercial marketplace, was introduced.
According to Hurd Vice President of Marketing Joe Herman, the Architectural Services Group was borne out of a specific market need. "There have been some seismic shifts in the residential market in recent years. We are simply adapting to those changes, and anticipating the needs of the light commercial and architectural markets." While new home construction and remodeling will remain the cornerstones of Hurd's market offering, the Architectural Services Group opens new opportunities for the Wisconsin-based window and door manufacturer.
The Hurd Architectural Services Group will provide start-to-finish project management assistance. Anticipating the diverse demands of commercial projects – from evaluating specs and shop drawings to meeting the magnitude of customization requirements – the Hurd Architectural Services Group experts will help guide clients through each level.
The new group is lead by Director of Product Management, Certification & Architectural Development Val Brushaber. She is a 27-year industry veteran with extensive experience in the areas of testing and certification code requirements. With a technical support manager and a project manager already on staff, and an architectural support specialist and two-to-three additional hires anticipated soon, the Architectural Services Group already has significant bench strength. "Collectively, our team has more than 50 years of experience in the architectural services area," she said. "Coupled with Hurd's almost 90 years in the industry, we have the expertise to save our clients time and money, while maximizing the quality of products that are specified for their projects."
- Point of Differentiation
In addition to the expertise they'll bring to each project, Brushaber said the key point of differentiation for the Architectural Services Group is the superior performance of the Hurd products. Specifically the newly introduced Monument line was developed to meet the higher performance ratings required for light commercial projects. Along with the Historic line of windows, for architects planning historical renovations, Hurd has the product depth and breadth to handle any light construction need.
Customization is also key, according to Brushaber. "We focus on the custom aspect of every project. If you have a particular brickmould style that you want, Hurd will develop it specifically to fit your needs within our Historic line. If you're looking for a specific custom wood species or a unique color or finish, we'll do what is required to fit your needs."
- The Process
Brushaber explained the process begins with spec reviews – to determine sizes, quantities and configurations. Then clients can chose from three levels of shop drawings dependent upon the desired level of detail. They range from basic to dimensional cross-section views to a complete set of drawings that shows actual installation and anchorage. Architectural detail files – designed to familiarize the client with the products – are also provided. According to Brushaber, the Architectural Services Group will assist with the selection of paint, factory mulling, trim, subsills, and various design options. It could also include more complex assistance in selecting the right product with the right construction to meet a project's DP ratings and code compliance.
Hurd Architectural Services Group clients will be assured of individualized service from the start to the finish of every project. "Our architectural group will be our distributor's main contact throughout the project – rather than having to go to six different groups. We will secure the quote; enter and track the order; oversee the product on the floor; and provide any follow-up needed after the product is shipped," Brushaber said.
The success of the program is also attributed to working in partnership with local Hurd distributors. In fact, the Hurd Architectural Services Group already has more than a dozen success stories to its credit, including the WindMark Beach waterfront residential and resort community in Port St. Joe, Florida. Working with local Florida-based distributor Coastal Windows and Doors, the project is nearing completion.
According to Hurd Vice President of Marketing Joe Herman, the Architectural Services Group was borne out of a specific market need. "There have been some seismic shifts in the residential market in recent years. We are simply adapting to those changes, and anticipating the needs of the light commercial and architectural markets." While new home construction and remodeling will remain the cornerstones of Hurd's market offering, the Architectural Services Group opens new opportunities for the Wisconsin-based window and door manufacturer.
The Hurd Architectural Services Group will provide start-to-finish project management assistance. Anticipating the diverse demands of commercial projects – from evaluating specs and shop drawings to meeting the magnitude of customization requirements – the Hurd Architectural Services Group experts will help guide clients through each level.
The new group is lead by Director of Product Management, Certification & Architectural Development Val Brushaber. She is a 27-year industry veteran with extensive experience in the areas of testing and certification code requirements. With a technical support manager and a project manager already on staff, and an architectural support specialist and two-to-three additional hires anticipated soon, the Architectural Services Group already has significant bench strength. "Collectively, our team has more than 50 years of experience in the architectural services area," she said. "Coupled with Hurd's almost 90 years in the industry, we have the expertise to save our clients time and money, while maximizing the quality of products that are specified for their projects."
- Point of Differentiation
In addition to the expertise they'll bring to each project, Brushaber said the key point of differentiation for the Architectural Services Group is the superior performance of the Hurd products. Specifically the newly introduced Monument line was developed to meet the higher performance ratings required for light commercial projects. Along with the Historic line of windows, for architects planning historical renovations, Hurd has the product depth and breadth to handle any light construction need.
Customization is also key, according to Brushaber. "We focus on the custom aspect of every project. If you have a particular brickmould style that you want, Hurd will develop it specifically to fit your needs within our Historic line. If you're looking for a specific custom wood species or a unique color or finish, we'll do what is required to fit your needs."
- The Process
Brushaber explained the process begins with spec reviews – to determine sizes, quantities and configurations. Then clients can chose from three levels of shop drawings dependent upon the desired level of detail. They range from basic to dimensional cross-section views to a complete set of drawings that shows actual installation and anchorage. Architectural detail files – designed to familiarize the client with the products – are also provided. According to Brushaber, the Architectural Services Group will assist with the selection of paint, factory mulling, trim, subsills, and various design options. It could also include more complex assistance in selecting the right product with the right construction to meet a project's DP ratings and code compliance.
Hurd Architectural Services Group clients will be assured of individualized service from the start to the finish of every project. "Our architectural group will be our distributor's main contact throughout the project – rather than having to go to six different groups. We will secure the quote; enter and track the order; oversee the product on the floor; and provide any follow-up needed after the product is shipped," Brushaber said.
The success of the program is also attributed to working in partnership with local Hurd distributors. In fact, the Hurd Architectural Services Group already has more than a dozen success stories to its credit, including the WindMark Beach waterfront residential and resort community in Port St. Joe, Florida. Working with local Florida-based distributor Coastal Windows and Doors, the project is nearing completion.
About Hurd/HWD Acquisition, Inc.
HWD Acquisition, Inc. is headquartered in Medford, Wisconsin. The company recently acquired Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc., a brand with a 90-year tradition of building custom wood windows and doors to the highest standards of excellence and quality. Hurd products, which are sold exclusively through more than 400 distributors in the United States and Canada, and in 20 countries worldwide, are manufactured by approximately 600 craftsmen. With factories in Medford and Merrill, Wisconsin, Hurd products are manufactured in more than 1 million square feet of production space. For more information, visit www.hurd.com or call (715) 748-2011. Toll free: 1-800-433-4873.