US Congressman John Mica honored with AIA Award of Merit

The American Institute of Architects Orlando Chapter honored US Congressman John Mica with its prestigious Award of Merit. This award is given to recognize an individual citizen, public official or member of an allied profession, who is not an architect, and who shall have advanced the cause of good design. Bob Miller, President of R. Miller Architecture, Inc. nominated the Congressman.

Congressman John Mica, of the 7th District of Florida, has championed many landmark projects creating public awareness of the value of architects and architecture to society. Congressman Mica was first elected to the United States Congress on November 3, 1992, to represent six counties from the suburban areas of north of Orlando to the Jacksonville city limits. He is currently serving his eighth term in the 100th Congress, which began January 4, 2007.

During his tenure many historical projects have been successfully completed including The Capitol Visitors Center in Washington DC where Mr. Mica worked directly with the Architect of the Capitol, Alan Hantman, FAIA. The project more than doubled the US Congress building by adding 580,000 s.f. and was completed in December 2008. This landmark building was designed by the international A/E firm RTKL.

He has been a strong advocate for excellent design for our veterans including the new $500M Orlando VA Hospital to be located in the “Medical City”. The architect is RLF of Winter Park in joint venture with Ellerbe Beckett. Congressman Mica has also worked hard to promote quality architecture for new clinics in Orange City, Daytona Beach, and Sanford.

Other efforts include the historical preservation of the Athens Theatre Restoration in Deland, Florida, several local US Post Offices, and the Daytona Beach Housing Authority.

R. Miller Architecture, Inc. was honored to have Congressman Mica and his aid Dick Harkey as their dinner guests at the auspicious occasion which occurred at the Orlando Country Club in mid March.

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