Q&A: Brad Leslie, Director of High-End Design at Giroux Glass

SageGlass dynamic glass was installed at 71Above, a high-end restaurant located on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles. Designed to provide patrons with a 360-degree view of the city, day and night, 71Above features nearly 3,000 square feet of SageGlass around the perimeter of the restaurant.

Brad Leslie, the Director of High-End Design for the project’s glazing contractor, Giroux Glass, shares insight into working with SageGlass and the challenges of completing an installation 71 floors above ground level in a bustling city.

Q: What was it like working with SageGlass?

A: It was a great experience to see SageGlass’ engineering processes and how the company was part of the installation process from start to finish. There is a deep knowledge base at SageGlass and the company’s engineering department is top-notch. We were able to work with their team and discuss load sharing and newer insulating glass principles.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you confronted while working on this installation 71 floors above ground level in a populous city?

A: There was harsh weather during the installation process since it took place in February, which is the worst time for weather in Los Angeles. For this reason, all pieces of glass removed during the day had to be replaced with SageGlass in the same day. We did experience delays to our schedule due to wind and rain, but met the deadline with some weekend workdays.

Q: What made this installation particularly unique? Why were you interested in working on this project?

A: The U.S. Bank Tower is the most iconic building in L.A., and until the recent completion of another new hotel (which beats it by a spire), it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. It is still the highest level restaurant in the West! The building and its glass can be seen from every angle when you enter the city.  In addition, the space is beautiful and comfortable. The dynamic glass helped create a space exactly like the architect envisioned – it is a very special place.

Q: What do you feel makes SageGlass’ product particularly unique?

A: SageGlass is committed to making spaces more user friendly – something that cannot be explained until you experience it. The floors below do not have dynamic glass and it is blinding and unmistakably hot. When you come to 71Above, you experience a noticeable difference.

The product is also very user-friendly. It can be easily accessed or fixed remotely – I think this product is the future.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

After taking a tour of SageGlass’ manufacturing facility, I realized how much goes into making glass. There is so much automation, precision and testing that goes into the process.

To learn more about the SageGlass installation at 71Above, visit the portfolio page here.