GOLDSMITH GALLERY JEWELERS Working in conjunction with Dusty Eaton of A. E. Architects, GRID/3 designed a 7500 square foot environmentally friendly store in Billings, MT. Scott Wickam, owner of Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers, is a forward thinker.  After the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, when the economy dived, he invested in additional advertising.  The resulting increased profits enabled him to build this new store as the house market crashed.  He and his wife Kelly came up with the idea to build a sustainable building a few years ago.  Many business owners in Billings are doing the same thing. The sandstone material that makes up 80% of the store’s exterior is sourced from a local quarry.  Copper chains collect rainwater and feed it into the irrigation system.  Zero and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and wall covering in the interior plus 90% of the wood FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, ensures clean, allergy free air inside.  High output, low wattage lighting both in the cases and overhead cuts energy costs for electrical and air conditioning. Scott’s favorite green feature is the water-wall, which adds humidity into the dry Montana air.  Coupled with the design, customers love the openness and the easy traffic flow. “Sales are up 47% this year (2011).  I attribute this to the support that the Billings Gazette gave us when we opened coupled with the green attributes and our ‘cool’ new store” says Scott Wickam. Published in JCK magazine		“Sales are up 47% this year (2011).  I attribute this to the support that the Billings Gazette gave us when we opened coupled with the green attributes and our ‘cool’ new store” says Scott Wickam.