November 2008 Newsletter

One of the most influential people in my life was my grandfather – Dwight Pulver. With all that’s happening in the world right now, the upcoming election, the financial concerns, I remember the man who imparted great wisdom to me. He was a young man during the depression and lost his father at 14. These two significant life events formed in large part, who he was. He was a man of tremendous character, who knew how to persevere when times were downright crushing. How does this relate to architecture? It’s a word of encouragement, from me to you and in some small way from my grandfather who encouraged me to pursue what I loved – architecture.

Very truly yours,


Robert Miller, FAIA
President
R. Miller Architecture, Inc.

In The News

Florida Building Codes – History
When Hurricane Andrew tore apart South Florida, it exposed more than the interiors of thousands of homes and businesses. The storm also revealed a serious statewide problem: our antiquated system of locally-administered building codes and building code compliance and enforcement. Read More.

The Florida American Institute of Architects awarded Bob Miller, FAIA, the prestigious Charles Clary Government Service Award at The Breakers in Palm Beach on August 2, 2008 at the annual state convention. The Charles W. Clary Service Award, named in honor of Senator Charles W. Clary, FAIA, Destin, a former member of the Florida Senate, is given to an AIA Florida architect who, by their interest, activity and concern for the profession of architecture, shall have advanced the cause of good design and planning, and/or contributed to the dignity and value of the architectural profession as an elected or an appointed or employed government official. Miller was selected by a jury of his peers based on his service as a councilman in Maitland, leadership in commuter rail, as well a broad base of other government and volunteer organizations he has served.

Check out our newly designed website at www.rmillerarchitecture.com. A special thank you to Web Solutions of America for designing our new site. – It’s been 10 years since we launched our first website! Our design goal was to create a captivating site that would inspire, educate and inform our readers. We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or news. Please send to Kim_Esteban@RMillerArchitecture.com

Staff In The News:
Jennifer Miller, Finance Administrator is celebrating 16 years with R. Miller Architecture, Inc. Ms. Miller brings a wealth of financial knowledge and organizational skills that have played a major role in the success of R. Miller Architecture, Inc. Congratulations!

Sheilla Sumayang, Intern Architect recently graduated from the New York Institute of Technology. Ms. Sumayang relocated from New York to work for R. Miller Architecture, Inc. She is currently pursuing her architectural registration.

JD Carling, Intern Architect, was voted “best all around academic student in the College of Architecture, at the University of Florida” Spring 2008, by a jury of architecture professors. Carling joined R. Miller Architecture in June 2008. He is currently working to become a licensed architect.

New Projects

Sanford Housing Authority
The Sanford Housing Authority located in downtown Sanford consists of 475 dwelling units in 6 unique developments. The Sanford Housing Authority retained R. Miller Architecture, Inc. to implement their Master Redevelopment Plan goals to redevelop and revitalize this community. The design and approach for redevelopment required several critical considerations which were outlined in the Read More.

Maitland Montessori School – Gets Final Approval
A landmark in downtown Maitland, the Maitland Montessori School was founded in the early 1960's. The School's mission is to provide a quality education for children ages 3 years old through 6th grade, based on the philosophies and methods developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori was the first female physician in Italy who graduated from medical school in 1896, and later developed the first Montessori School. Read More.

Featured Client

Center for the Christian Family (Centro de la Familia Cristiana)
Orlando, FL
Located in the heart of a major Latino neighborhood in South Orlando, Centro de la Familia Cristiana, retained R. Miller Architecture, Inc. to design their new 2,050 seat sanctuary. The facility will be located adjacent to the existing Sanctuary with a featured prayer garden and extensive play area for the children.

The above photo is the recent groundbreaking ceremony.In the center is Pastor Roberto Candelario, his wife Awilda, and Paco Ortiz, Building Chairman commencing the ceremonial turning of dirt. The service was well attended by Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, dozens of church members, Mike Bartels and Joe Lamoureux of Corcoran Construction as well as Doug Sangster, Project Architect, and Patrick Van Horn, Intern Architect of R. Miller Architecture, Inc. The project is projected to be complete by Summer 2009.

Custom Residence in Windsong, Winter Park - A tribute to Greene & Greene Architects
California Dreaming
Drawing inspiration from California’s architectural heritage and the early 20th Century American Arts & Crafts movement, this custom home is designed to reflect the Owner’s affinity for California living. The design was developed based on conversations with the Owners who wanted a home that would honor a Greene & Greene design.

Greene & Greene Architects were founded by brothers Charles & Henry Greene in 1902 in Pasadena, California. Their legacy in residential design is characterized by a master craftsmen approach to architecture. In 1952 “they were recognized by the American Institute of Architects for contributing to a ‘new and native architecture’ and are generally credited with fostering a new way of considering buildings and their furnishings as examples of artistic craft.” Unfortunately the firm dissolved in 1922 but their unique design style left a rich legacy. Read More.

Philanthropy

Hope for Haiti
Since 2001 Hope for Haiti located in Ouanaminthe, Haiti has been a special project for R. Miller Architecture. Hope for Haiti, founded by Danita Estrella, is a ministry to the children of Western Haiti. The 5 acre campus includes an orphanage for 80 children and a school for 550. R. Miller Architecture, Inc. provided design services to master plan the campus, a church, dormitory housing, playgrounds, and a new 3 story clinic. The clinic, the most recent building to be constructed, was designed as a collaborative effort. The design team includes: Bob Yohe, ACHA, from RLF Architects & Engineers, John Paccione, AIA from Jones Lang LaSalle, Dr. & Mrs. Snodgrass, Dr. Merle Carter, Sheree Beresford, Hope for Haiti, and JD Carling, Intern Architect, Daniel Green, 3D Designer, David Miller, ASLA, Diane Miller, Owner and Bob Miller, FAIA from R. Miller Architecture.

Representatives from R. Miller Architecture have traveled to the campus on 10 different occasions to supervise construction and assist in the building process.

According to Wikipedia, "less than 65% of Haitian children of primary school age are actually enrolled. At the secondary level, the figure drops to 15%. Of those enrolled in primary school, 63% will complete it. On average, it takes 16 years to produce a single graduate of the 6-year cycle. Though Haitians place a high value on education, few can afford to send their children to secondary school."

For more information about Hope for Haiti please visit their website at www.DanitasChildren.org.