PHOENIX (November 14, 2006) Interdisciplinary collaboration and a unique design secured a national award for the Taser International Headquarters building in Scottsdale. The National Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) handed the 2006 award for Best Private Sector Building project under $15 million to Design-Builder Ryan Companies US, Inc. at the DBIA’s 11th annual Professional Design-Build award ceremony October 19th in Nashville, Tennessee . This prestigious affair is one of the most significant events to honor excellence in the construction industry, and Ryan was the only Arizona company to win an award in any category this year.

The DBIA selected Taser International Headquarters over dozens of other projects across the country because it best exemplified the advanced and innovative application of total integrated project delivery. During the 16-month-long design and construction process, Ryan served as Taser’s single point of contact on the project, coordinating a team of architects, engineers and subcontractors that grew to over 50 entities. Despite the complexity of the unique design, Ryan delivered the project on-time and on-budget, much to the satisfaction of client Taser International, Inc., the market leader in advanced non-lethal weapons.

“Ryan Companies is very proud of this award from DBIA. Because of the uniqueness of the design, we had to come up with some innovative ways to help Taser visualize what the end product would look like ,” said Chuck Carefoot, Vice President of Ryan Companies US Inc. and the design-build team leader on the project. “As a result, we were able to create a building that really reflects Taser’s core principles and values. Our thanks go to the creative minds at DFD CornoyerHedrick who tapped into their imaginations for this project.”

Designed by architects DFD CornoyerHedrick, the Taser International Headquarters building has been called a “Battleship in the Desert” because of its size and grey hue. The DFD design team of Niki Possas (architect), Richard Drinkwater (designer) and Amy Nieboer (interior designer) relied heavily on Taser’s gutsy, edgy corporate image in its approach to a viable design solution.

Constructed of glass, metal panels, tilt-up concrete and featuring state-of-the-art security systems throughout, the headquarters presents a strong, secure, contemporary yet permanent architectural aesthetic.

Possas, principal in charge and project director for the DFD team, says the project’s success was the result of a fusion of professionals sharing a common vision and demanding an exceptional design solution. “Taser was one of those projects that had the stellar mix of a creative client who trusted us to design a building that suited them, and a contractor and consultants who were integral parts of the design team,” she says. “Everyone was willing to go a bit out there – not too outrageous – but on the edge.”

Taser International Inc. is located at 17800 North 85th Street , just off the Loop 101 and north Pima Road. Engineers on the project include: Structural Engineer Caruso Turley Scott, Inc.; Electrical Engineer McGrew Engineering; Civil Engineer Erickson & Meeks Engineering, LLC; and HVAC/Plumbing Engineer Kraemer Engineering, Inc.

About the Design-Build Institute of America

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) was founded in 1993 in response to the emergence of design-build and integrated project delivery as a significant force in the design and construction industry. From its headquarters in Washington , DC , and network of chapters throughout the U.S. , the institute provides a forum for all participants in the design-build process, owners and practitioners alike. DBIA is the center of expertise for integrated project delivery, advocating best practices, creating and disseminating educational information, and furnishing advice and support to facility owners and users. For more information and a full list of 2006 winners, see http://www.dbia.org/awards.htm.

About Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Ryan Companies US, Inc. is a leading national commercial real estate firm offering integrated construction and development as well as asset, property and facilities management services to customers. In addition to its Phoenix office, Ryan has offices in Minneapolis , Chicago , San Diego , Tampa , Cedar Rapids and Des Moines , Iowa . Since formally opening a Southwest regional office in Phoenix in 1994, Ryan has been responsible for constructing projects totaling more than 12 million square feet in the greater Phoenix area for premier companies such as Allied Signal (now Honeywell), Motorola, Phelps Dodge, Wells Fargo Bank, Dial Corporation, ConocoPhillips, Sears, Phoenix Newspapers, Del Webb, Avnet, Mayo Clinic and Target.

About DFD CornoyerHedrick

With more than 30 years in the design business, DFD CornoyerHedrick is one of the most respected architectural firms in the southwest United States . Ranking as Arizona ’s largest locally-based architectural firm, DFD boasts a staff of more than 100 and offers fully integrated services including architecture, urban and environmental design and planning. For more information on DFD or its diversified selection of design services, please call 602.381.4848 or visit www.dfdch.com.