Dr. Pat Herron, OCPS CFE New Construction (Click to enlarge)

By Tom Griffin, AIA

At our AIA Orlando August 24 meeting, OCPS Facilities gave an update on what has been happening with the designs of Orange County school facilities this year.  Dr. Pat Herron, OCPS Chief Facilities Executive for New Construction, mentioned that there are 46 active new school projects going on right now, with Class-Size Reduction being a key focus.  He said that enrollment in Orange County (and also Seminole County) actually tapered off this year.

Mo Arthur, AIA with Schenkel Shultz talked about Wolf Lake Elementary and Wolf Lake Middle School.  The two schools are on a shared site in Apopka.  In designing these schools, they tried to capture a Sense of Arrival, with the front entrance clearly evident.  Even though these are large facilities, a Sense of Scale was accomplished by breaking building elements down to a smaller human (and children) scale.

John Quattrone, RS&H (Click to enlarge)

John Quattrone, AIA with Reynolds, Smith & Hills discussed Cheney Elementary and their experience with tearing down and re-building new facilities while the school was in operation.  This project involved 92,000 sf of space with a cost of $11 million, and also included some green and sustainable features.

Craig Deloy, AIA with BRPH went over Conway Elementary and Windy Ridge K-8.  Windy Ridge involved 137,000 sf and 1280 student stations.  They widened out the main corridor to 20 feet to be used as a “function space” and promote a Sense of Community.  There is an outdoor space that doubles the usable size of the cafeteria.

Rene Alvarez, AIA with C.T. Hsu explained Lakemont Elementary in Winter Park.  This is a new Urban Prototype campus with a tight footprint.  This school will utilize “swing space” where the staff and children move to the new Baldwin Park school for a year while the old buildings are demolished, and the new school is built.

Glen White, OCPS CFE Renovations (Click to enlarge)

Glen White, OCPS Chief Facilities Executive for Renovations, then talked about the Sales Tax Initiative and its goal to renovate or replace 132 schools.  This would mean 10-12 major renovation projects each year for 10 years.

Maurizio Maso, AIA with Hunton Brady went over their Liberty Middle School project that has a 31,000 sf addition for a new media center, and art and music.

Richard Sherman with Vitetta discussed Ridgewood Park Elementary.  By having two buildings with a courtyard in between, they were able to save area versus the original program.  They also designed a working sundial at the public entry, although Richard joked that unfortunately it does not adjust for Daylight Savings Time!

Byron Lastrapes, Rhodes + Brito (Click to enlarge)

Byron Lastrapes, AIA with Rhodes + Brito spoke about Stonewall Jackson Middle School which involved a new classroom building and cafeteria.  Security was an issue.  The project includes 4 phases, and uses tiltwall with a brick veneer.

Tom Woodruff, AIA with Hanson Professional Services explained Tildenville Elementary, where the school has been at the same site for 100 years.  The long narrow site has a 20 foot grade elevation change and other existing buildings to design around and blend together.

Mike Kelley, AIA with Stottler Stagg went over Bonneville Elementary.  This had 70,000 sf of new buildings and 20,000 sf of renovations, and they also had to work around some existing buildings and a tight site.

Bill Starmer, Starmer Ranaldi (Click to enlarge)

Joe Ranaldi, AIA and Bill Starmer, AIA of Starmer Ranaldi discussed Colonial 9th Grade Center and Bay Meadows Elementary.  Both Joe and Bill worked on the original Colonial plans when they were intern architects.  Bay Meadows has new classrooms and labs, and a renovated core area.  They had to design in flexibility to allow for converting the buildings to a middle school.

Randy Shulte with OCPS Planning wrapped up the program by showing the design of Windermere Elementary by Harvard Jolly.

The design challenges for OCPS and the architects working on these projects include small sites and maximizing the use of “swing space” at other nearby schools, the high cost of construction in today’s market, an emphasis on flexibility, joint-use with parks or for retention, maybe considering parking garages at some campuses, and green building design.

Bob Miller, FAIA (Click to enlarge)

By Kim Esteban

On June 9, 2006 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Bob Miller, President of R. Miller Architecture was invested into the AIA College of Fellows. Fellow, is the highest honor bestowed upon a member architect recognizing the individual for his/her contribution to society and the profession.

“On this auspicious occasion, we are privileged to be in such a splendid space,” said Ted Pappas, FAIA, chancellor of the College of Fellows. “Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry, FAIA to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world, providing both visual and aural intimacy. This setting is spectacular with the stainless steel curves of its striking exteriors and its state-of-the-art acoustics of the hardwood-paneled main auditorium. The 3.6 acre complex embodies the unique energy and creative spirit of Los Angeles.”

The 2006 Fellows Jury Chair Mark Reddington, FAIA of Seattle called on the new members of the College of Fellows. Each new Fellow was joined by a former president and escorted to the stage, and then led back to their seats by a former chancellor to signify their path and entry into the College.  To confirm their contributions to the profession, they received the Fellowship Medal, AIA’s highest membership honor, from AIA President Kate Schwennsen of Iowa.

Reddington stated the following about Bob Miller as he accepted his medal, “Offering not just his services, but his heart, Bob Miller has worked tirelessly for the well being of others. His exemplary life exudes compassion and excellence and he represents his colleagues and profession with the most extraordinary expressions of ingenious forethought, compassion and excellence.”

The ceremony concluded with grandeur as the organ with 6,134 pipes played Pomp and Circumstance. New members of the College received their fellowship and, as well, two standing ovations from their family and friends.

(Click to enlarge)

The 17th Annual AIA Golf Tournament will be held this year on Friday, September 22, at the Orange County National Golf Club Crooked Cat and Panther Lake to benefit the Valencia Community College Foundation scholarship fund and AIA Orlando. One of the goals for this tournament is to raise scholarship funds for students in financial need. Over the past four years $90,000 has been raised through the AIA Golf Tournament to benefit students at Valencia.  Last year the tournament raised $19,000 for scholarships at the college and we already have several sponsors signed on for this year’s event.

Registration will begin at 7:30am and a continental breakfast will be served.  At 8:30am is the shotgun start, and lunch will be served at 1:30pm along with the awards program.  AIA members can play for $125 each (non-members are $150) and the fee includes a continental breakfast, beverage tickets, goody bag, door prize ticket, golf cart, range balls, green fees and luncheon.  The tournament is a scramble format and will be scored by the pro shop.

There are several sponsorship packages available: Tournament Sponsors have exhibit space and eight players for $5,000; Corporate Sponsors have exhibit space in addition to four players for $2,500; Beverage Cart Sponsorships are $1,000 and include two players; Tee Sponsorships are $600 and include two players; Greens Sponsors are $400 with one player; and Friend of AIA & Valencia Sponsors are $300 with recognition as a Friend of AIA & Valencia.

Awards include a $10,000 cash prize for the Hole-in-One Contest, as well as cash prizes for the teams who come in first, second and third place; the player with the longest drive and closest to the pin for each course.  Special raffle prizes and Mulligans will also be available.

The registration and payment deadline is August 21, 2006; so do not miss your chance to be a part of this great event.  Registration forms are available in PDF format online at www.aiaorlando.com.  Contact AIA Orlando at 407-898-7006 with any questions.  Golf course information is available as well by calling Aaron Hosman at 407-905-2254.

Jane Thompson, President of A Gift For Teaching & AIA President Steve Murphy with a donated AIA backpack. (Click to enlarge)

Every year AIA Orlando holds the AIA Design Party. This year’s event was held on May 24th at the Winter Park Farmer’s Market. The event theme was “Celebrating Central Florida… Naturally!”

Approximately 250 attendees from various Central Florida design and construction organizations enjoyed tropical music, a buffet catered by Tim Webber, The Coordinator, and a number of raffle events culminating in the grand prize of an Off-Shore Fishing Trip (valued at $1,000) sponsored by Philco Construction and won by Lea Matern, daughter of Doug Matern (Matern Professional Engineering, P.A.). The highlight of the evening was speaker Linda Chapin, former Chairman of Orange County, who talked about the importance of preserving the Central Florida lifestyle through protection of our natural resources and involvement in that effort by the design community.

The AIA Design Party is typically held as a break-even event. However, each year any left-over funds are donated to a local charity. This year the event had a surplus of $1,250. The recipient for the 2006 AIA Design Party was A Gift For Teaching.

A Gift For Teaching, with donations from local businesses, provides a free store where teachers may shop and thereby transfer, at no cost, surplus supplies to students in high-need schools throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.

Based on a need identified through a visit to A Gift For Teaching, the event committee decided this year to make a donation in material instead of a cash donation. Jane Thompson, President of A Gift For Teaching, attended the AIA meeting on August 24th at the Orlando Science Center.  AIA Orlando President Steve Murphy presented her with this year’s donation of 150 small and 150 medium backpacks for distribution to students who otherwise would not have one.

By Steve Murphy, AIA
President,  AIA Orlando

The convention was held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club the week of July 26 -30th.  The local Palm Bay Chapter was the official sponsor and was responsible for preparing off-site tours and transportation, and to host the Chapter Party.  I won’t try to chronicle the class by class activities or the business discussions that took place with the over 500 attendees.  It should be enough to know that both the state and local chapter organizers were very successful.  The programs were diverse and seemed to have something for everyone.  If you have never been to the convention, I would recommend budgeting for it next year.  Next year’s convention WILL be the one to go to.

I also attended the FAPAC Board breakfast meeting.  This group is represented by local chapter presidents and state officers.  The purpose of the meeting is to review the list of open legislative seats, and to decide which candidates should be supported by FAPAC monies. The AIA Florida Political Action Committee funds, thru campaign contributions, candidates that are or have shown an understanding of the legislative issues that impact our profession.

One business issue of note that was voted on at the convention was the supplemental dues that will be assessed to ALL members in the State of Florida that will be used to assist in the expenses to be incurred by the Miami chapter when they host the 2010 National Convention. This is not simply all of us just throwing money at Miami without benefit.  The $140.00 assessment to be spread out over the next 4 years ($35.00 per year) will then cover the registration fees for each member to attend this convention.  This item was voted on and passed.  So you can expect to see this assessment on your renewal next year.

The main reason I am writing this article is to remind ALL of our members that the next state convention is going to be held here in Orlando at the Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel and Resort.  In eleven (11) months we will be hosting our friends here.  This is a great opportunity for our community and our chapter.  The chapter will be responsible for organizing local tours and the associated transportation needs to go with them.  We are also going to throw one heck of a chapter party. The theme has not yet been determined.  So, if you haven’t already figured it out, I am calling on ALL of you to plan on attending next year’s convention.  I want some of you to take it one step further and join the “Convention Committee” that we will be organizing here within the next couple of months.  There will be emails sent to you from the chapter office, so please consider helping out in any way you can.

See you in July.

The staff of C.T. Hsu + Associates join firm principals Tim McNicholas and C.T. Hsu (center) in accepting the 2006 “Firm of the Year” award from AIA Florida at the association’s annual convention on July 29. (Click to enlarge)

AIA Florida honored C.T. Hsu & Associates as its “2006 Firm of the Year” at its annual convention in Boca Raton, Fla. on July 29.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement by an architectural firm in the areas of design, community service, education, and service to the profession and the AIA.  Nominated firms must demonstrate a consistent commitment to these criteria that spans at least a decade.  While many firms apply each year, the award is only given if there is a worthy candidate.  Just four firms have received the award in the past six years.

“The firm and its leadership have an exemplary successful track record of helping to make Florida a better place to live, work, and play,” according to AIA Florida member John P. Ehrig, FAIA.  “The goodwill and prestige their accomplishments have generated for the architectural profession is worthy of recognition.”

 “This honor is particularly gratifying because it comes from our peers in recognition of the high level of quality inherent in every aspect of our firm,” said President C.T. Hsu.  “It is a team award that recognizes the commitment and talent that we all contribute to the firm, our clients and our community each day.”

C.T. Hsu + Associates is an Orlando-based architectural planning and design firm.  Established in 1984, the firm focuses on a mix of mid to large scale projects in the education, government, transportation and mixed use development sectors.  Its multidisciplinary approach ranges from urban planning and design to architecture and interiors.

Debra A. Lupton, AIA (Click to enlarge)

Debra A. Lupton, AIA, chief executive officer of TLC Engineering for Architecture of Orlando, FL, is the recipient of the AIA Florida Presidential Award for her lead role in successfully negotiating changes to the Department of Management Services Fee Guidelines. The changes are especially significant because the guidelines had not been changed since 1969 and was never updated for inflation.  Debra shares the award with Richard J. Logan, AIA, president of MPA Architects of West Palm Beach.  TLC is one of the largest consulting engineering firms in the Southeast, with nine offices and 380 employees.

Maurizio J. Maso, AIA (Click to enlarge)

Maurizio J. Maso, AIA, Design Principal of HuntonBrady Architects of Orlando,  received the Design Honor Award last month at the AIA Florida annual conference in Boca Raton. The Florida American Institute of Architects (Florida AIA) meets annually to recognize design excellence among Florida architects whose work enriches the built environment. It’s the most prestigious awards program for the profession in Florida. HuntonBrady Architects was singled out by their peers for two significant awards:

1. Maurizio Maso, AIA, Design Principal: 2006 AIA Florida Design Honor Award

Maso’s leadership with HuntonBrady Architects over the last 23 years and his dedication to making each project special for the owners, users and public-at-large heightens the perception of the architectural community. The award’s objective is to recognize an individual architect who has, by the high quality and depth of his work over an extended period of time, advanced the cause and public value of good architecture in the state, and by his leadership provided an inspiration to colleagues. Maso’s projects include the Orlando Utilities Commission, Valencia Community College, Central Florida Community College, Florida Hospital, Daytona Beach Community College, Orlando Catholic Diocese, Broward Community College and many others.

2. H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa: 2006 AIA Florida Merit Award of Excellence

HuntonBrady Architects was recognized for designing a 387,000 sf addition to support the growth of an existing Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa.  The architectural program included 145,000 sf of Research Labs, 120,000 sf of Outpatient Clinics, a Conference Center and an Auditorium. The architect was charged with designing a signature building to attract and retain nationally renowned scientists. The design included flexible open labs and offered amenities such as an auditorium for scientific presentations, a faculty club and a conference center. The new Clinic Building increases patient access, creates a distinct “clinic” entity, improves operational efficiency, and enhances the patient experience. The research building is designed to foster interaction between the scientists.  An inspiring atrium space serves as a focal point for discourse and exchange of ideas.

AIA Honors Jack Rogers with Service Award (Click to enlarge)

Jack Rogers, Chairman/CEO of RLF – a Winter Park-based architecture, engineering and interiors firm – was awarded the Hilliard T. Smith Community Service Award. This award, given by AIA Florida in honor of the organization’s past president Hilliard T. Smith, recognizes an architect whose leadership activities and service has been a direct benefit to the profession and community.

For more than 40 years, Rogers has served his country, community and profession.  His numerous accomplishments include serving as an officer in the Navy; president and board member of the AIA Orlando Chapter; board member of Florida Hospital SHARES (medical missionary program) and Hospice of Central Florida for more than 10 years; and design and project administration contributor for campers’ cabins and staff lodges for The Boggy Creek Gang, a year-round camp for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Rogers has conceived, chaired and directed fund-raising to endow nine scholarships in architecture, interior design and building construction at the University of Florida. Additionally, he is a champion for Casa Feliz – a historic home museum designed by his father and moved by Rogers in 2001 to escape demolition.  His efforts with Friends of Casa Feliz helped inspired the historic preservation ordinance in Winter Park, FL and he continues to energize preservation activity in the community.

The staff at AIA Orlando now includes a part-time assistant for Karen Jones who will do basic office administration as well as have a large part in the new document sales service.

Temporarily we had Sarah Fowler filling the position, an English major and junior at Florida State University.  Now that she is returning to school, we have Allison Barnes, a sophomore Chemistry major at Valencia.  She will be able to answer many of your questions about upcoming events, document sales, new membership, etc.

Susan Pendergraft (Click to enlarge)

HuntonBrady Architects is pleased to announce that Susan Pendergraft, Project Architect, has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) after passing a rigorous exam.

The LEED Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for designing high-performance, sustainable buildings that are sensitive to the environment. Green buildings are evaluated in six categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process. LEED Accredited Professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary in green building design and construction, are familiar with LEED resources and processes, understand the life cycle cost and benefits of LEED, and can streamline the documentation process for LEED certified projects. In addition, LEED Accredited Professionals earn one point toward certification of their green building projects.

Pendergraft currently serves as a Project Architect on education and commercial projects, including Valencia Community College’s West Campus, Windermere Union Church, Signature Pharmacy, Liberty Middle School and Forest Lake Academy. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas and has over 20 years of experience in the design industry.

VOA Associates Inc. is designing renovations for four buildings on the Leesburg campus of Lake Sumter Community College. For these renovations, they are using "phased implementation," a process that minimizes downtime and allows facilities to remain operational during the construction / renovation process.

VOA's work at Lake Sumter CC includes:

• $1.2M Classroom / Office Renovation of an existing, 20,500 sf commercial building that was purchased by the College for use as "swing" space while other classroom and support buildings on the campus were undergoing remodeling. The renovated structure, a former retail furniture store, will contain offices for the College Foundation, Continuing Education and Business Assistance Center, and 11 classrooms for general use.
• Renovation to Liberal Arts Building, a 12,000 sf classroom facility to be outfitted with new finishes throughout, an enlarged women's restroom and new HVAC system. 
• Remodeling of the Administration Building, for Administrative Services, Human Resources and Purchasing offices.
• Renovation of Building #2 at South Lake Campus (Clermont).  Renovation will provide more functional space and better security measures for the Admissions and Registration Offices, including open/secure registration counters and support offices as related to the main lobby of the building.

Women’s services patient room (Click to enlarge)

HuntonBrady Architects recently completed work on the Celebration Health Women’s Services Expansion in the community of Celebration, Florida.  The 15,000 square foot women’s services unit features 12 beds, including a VIP room and labor, delivery, recovery & postpartum (LDRP) bedrooms.  Patient room amenities include ceiling fans, additional space for family and baby rooming-in, wardrobe units and courtyard views. A unique feature of the Women’s Services Expansion is the C-section delivery room, with an electric glass window that allows family members or guests to view a c-section birth from an adjoining viewing room.

Women’s services C section operating room (Click to enlarge)

The Women’s Services Expansion marks the completion of the patient unit build-out for the Celebration Health. This brings the total of inpatient beds to 112.

The Orlando office of Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects & Planners (BSB) has converted a residential sales office into a striking men’s locker room with a Hemingway-inspired décor at the Legacy Golf Club in Alaqua Lakes.

BSB Architects & Planners included a floor-to-ceiling wood back bar with integrated beer tap and marble bar top, 60-inch plasma screen television, and six additional viewing areas with integral sound system in the bar of the redesigned men’s locker room at The Legacy Golf Club in Alaqua Lakes. (Click to enlarge)

Designed for entertainment and relaxation, the new men’s locker room features natural materials such as dark hardwoods, stone, soft leathers, and distinguished island finishes such as belt-driven double fans, brushed brass signage, and lush plantscaping that complement the British Colonial architecture of the semi-private club owned and managed by The Heritage Golf Group, LLC of San Diego. It also affords personal services for private members, and is finished in marble with brass fixtures and two spa-worthy multiple jet showers.

A 60-inch diameter ceiling dome with mosaic tiled and lighted oculis sets the tone in the entry foyer, while the lounge is dramatized by African mahogany columns, beams and trim.

A new 1,000 sq. ft. dining verandah, overlooking the 9th and 18th greens of the Tom Fazio-design golf course, has been added to the back of the men’s clubhouse.

BSB’s Mark Mitchell said work has begun on Phase 2 which includes a new 1,500 sq. ft. golf shop with open truss ceiling overlooking the driving range and putting green, and an expansion of the administration office.

Phase 3, scheduled for 2007, will renovate and expand the main clubhouse and dining room, improve of kitchen facilities, and upgrade of the women’s locker room.

The Legacy Club golf course has the distinction of an Audubon International signature certification that signifies a commitment to environmental education and assistance programs designed to expand and integrate wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and enhancement, water conservation and water quality protection.

Frankfort Public Safety Complex (Click to enlarge)

Architects Design Group, Inc. has completed design plans for a new Public Safety Complex in Frankfort, Kentucky that will provide residents with a state-of-the-art facility to anchor the downtown area. The new 37,000 SF complex will house the Police Department, Fire Department Administration, an Emergency Operations Center and 911 Dispatch.

The Frankfort Public Safety Complex will consolidate the needs of the various City Departments being relocated to the facility while also providing a new community meeting venue. The new Police Department facility will include space for booking and intake as well as a special area for evidence processing. A specialized, secure area that serves as an Emergency Operations Center will be located within the Complex and is “hardened” to withstand 120 mph winds. Other critical features to be incorporated into the facility include blast proof walls, zoned security areas, a vehicle sallyport for prisoner transport and sophisticated security systems.

The 911-Communications and Dispatch center will be situated within the new, technologically-advanced facility.  By having Fire Administration in the same complex, the City can share resources among the different departments to reduce costs. In addition, the Frankfort Public Safety Complex will have an expansive public lobby, community meeting facilities and a large civic plaza that will facilitate community involvement and provide a space for citizens to gather for meetings or special occasions.  Construction will begin in the summer of 2006.

Steve Belflower, AIA (Click to enlarge)

HuntonBrady Architects is pleased to announce the promotion and appointment of Mr. Steve Belflower, AIA, to Principal and Mr. Paul Macheske, AIA to Associate Principal.

An Associate Principal with the firm for three years, Belflower’s appointment reflects his vast project and client service experience. He oversees a diverse array of projects, including healthcare facilities, educational facilities and office buildings. His award-winning design work includes the Lockheed Martin Research Tower, Westwood Corporate Center, PBS&J office building, Maitland Preserve II and III, the University of Central Florida Student Health Center, the Moffitt Cancer Research Center Vivarium in Tampa and several buildings at SouthPark Center. In 2003, Belflower was awarded the AIA Orlando Young Architects Forum Achievement Award.

Paul Macheske, AIA (Click to enlarge)

Macheske, the Director of Healthcare Architecture at HuntonBrady Architects, is responsible for project management, promoting best practices, quality control and recruitment of professional staff at the firm. His promotion to Associate Principal reflects his leadership & client service experience in healthcare design. Macheske’s projects include the University of Florida Genetics & Cancer Research Center in Gainesville, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and Florida Hospital Fish Memorial which received a prestigious VISTA award from American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE).

Winners of many design and planning awards and regularly featured in national publications like Builder, Professional Builder and Architectural Digest, BSB was ranked America’s 35th Hottest A/E/P Firm in 2005 in terms of growth and gross revenue (2001-2004).

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa and operating Florida regional offices in Orlando, Tampa  and Jacksonville, BSB recently opened a 15th design studio in Atlanta.

Earlier this year, BSB won the "New American Home" for the third time since 1998.  BSB’s Florida regional offices collaborated on the design of the 2005 New American Home in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, and the 2007 New American Home in downtown Orlando.  The latter will be featured during the International Builders Show in January 2007 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  The firm’s Dallas office designed the 1998 New American Home in Dallas.

The AIA Orlando is now a full-service provider of AIA Contract Documents.

AIA Contract Documents are the most widely used standard form contracts in the construction industry; as they are fair, flexible, easy to interpret and reflect industry practices, as well as changes in construction practices, technology, and the law.

Order forms and a complete price list are available online.  For our members’ convenience you may fax or phone in an order, and payment can be made in the form of cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.  Shipments will be made via USPS, UPS (ground or air) or Federal Express (ground or air) or you may pick up the order yourself.  Please note that orders made after 2pm may not be processed until the next business day.

We are proud to provide this new service to our members.  With any questions you may contact Sarah or Karen at AIA Orlando, 407-898-7006, 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday.

When AIA Contract Documents are in force, everyone's interests are in balance. Based on the widely-accepted Microsoft® Word platform, the new and entirely redesigned AIA Contract Documents software (for Windows OS) lets you create, share, and manage documents with ease.

Even the popular AIA Contract Administration and Project Management Forms, the G Forms, can be completed in Word, making it easy for the project team to collaborate at the construction site or wherever they're located. Given the complexity of today's design and construction projects, shouldn't you be using the best contract document tool available?

Astra Freet (Associate AIA) (Click to enlarge)

Astra Freet (Associate AIA) is originally from Niceville, FL. She graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2006. She moved back to Florida with her husband Chris in June. She is currently employed by Patrick Air Force Base as a PALACE ACQUIRE intern, a huge change from Cornerstone Architectural Group, the small firm in New Jersey where she worked while attending school.

Mike Welch (Allied AIA) (Click to enlarge)

Mike Welch (Allied AIA) is a graduate from George Washington University with a degree in Criminal Justice and in the process of pursuing his Masters degree.  A career in technology has led him through a diversified portfolio of opportunities, from development of virtual learning solutions to a recognized Subject Matter Expert in information security, working both domestically and internationally.  Mike continues to work on the cutting edge of technology as he has embarked on Creative Forecast, a 3D rendering and animation company. The use of 3D rendering and animation allows architects the ability to “Look at the Unbuilt” and visualize their designs.

James E. Saizan (AIA Architect) (Click to enlarge)

James E. Saizan (AIA Architect) is returning to AIA Orlando after several years absence.  For the past 8 years he has served as Manager of the South Regional office for Gale Associates, Inc., an architectural engineering and envelope consulting firm based in Boston, MA.  After obtaining his degree and original registration, Mr. Saizan relocated from Louisiana to Central Florida in 1983.  He is married with one son, and they reside in Altamonte Springs.

Dean Cannon (Click to enlarge)

AIA Orlando with the support of FAPAC held a “Breakfast of Champions” for Dean Cannon who is running for re-election of House Seat 35 (Winter Park).  Dean was recently selected as Speaker-Designate for 2010 and he shared the collaboration which was being undertaken between the three future house speakers to develop a 5 to 6 year vision in the House of Representatives.  In addition, issues such as the “65% school funding to the classroom” bill, government accountability, the direction of biotech research and alternate fuel sources, affordable housing statewide, sustainability, and the evolving issues of both property and health insurance

(Click to enlarge)

were discussed.  Dean emphasized the importance of professionals and organizations such as the AIA being involved with the lawmaking process.  The breakfast was sponsored by TLC Engineering for Architecture with the 14 members attending providing donations to Dean’s campaign.