-By Adam Figman

The Phoenix division of SmithGroup, an architecture, engineering, interiors and planning firm, has been chosen to design a new facility for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) at the Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. The 136,000 sq.-ft. multi-story facility will hold an identification laboratory, administrative offices, and a warehouse for more than 400 JPAC workers.

A sustainable design is one of the project’s priorities, with Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council USGBC) as the top goal.

“SmithGroup has had a relationship with JPAC dating back to 2003 when we completed the original feasibility study for the project,” says Brad Woodman, vice president of SmithGroup’s Phoenix office and science and technology studio leader, in a statement.

Established in 1853, SmithGroup currently ranks as the seventh largest architecture and engineering firm in the U.S., employing 800 people and 346 LEED accredited professionals. The company has completed 43 LEED-certified projects.

The U.S. Department of Defense Web site states the award for the selection is around $6 million. It should be completed by December 2010.