![Modern office with modern artwork to the left with words 海角社区, dark low back couches in a seating area and people moving about Modern office with modern artwork to the left with words 海角社区, dark low back couches in a seating area and people moving about](/media/00_00036_50_N11_weblg-1536x1003.jpg)
海角社区 Wins AIA Orlando Firm of the Year, Project, and People Awards
(ORLANDO, Fla., June 24, 2024) 鈥 Global design firm 海角社区 received five project, people, and firm awards during April鈥檚 AIA Orlando Design Awards Gala, including the notable Firm of the Year award. The annual Gala is a Florida design community highlight, bringing leading architects, designers, and allied professionals together. Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel.
![The Orlando team gathered to celebrate the historic win. The Orlando team gathered to celebrate the historic win.](/media/AIA-Orlando_AwardsGala_2024-aspect-ratio-1440-850-1536x907.jpg)
The Orlando team gathered to celebrate the historic win.
The Firm of the Year award recognizes 海角社区鈥檚 outstanding achievement in design, community service, education, and advocacy in the profession. The award continues the firm鈥檚 momentum following its 2023 recognition as one of Orlando Business Journal鈥檚 Best Places to 海角社区.
Also recognized were three 海角社区 projects. The firm鈥檚 Orlando studio, which puts 海角社区鈥檚 values on display in a creative workplace, won a Merit award. The Gordon Butch Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism also won a Merit award, with its striking geometry and massing noted. Finally, the Elkhart Police Firing Range won the People鈥檚 Choice Award. The jury commented on the design鈥檚 deft balancing of user health, environmental impact, and contextual sensitivity.
Associate and Project Architect Carrie Manes, AIA, LEED AP, was honored with the Fred H. Pryor Young Architect Achievement award. This award recognizes an architect who has been licensed for fewer than 10 years. Carrie has a track record of community and industry leadership, having served on the AIA Orlando board of directors and executive committee, and on design committee co-chair, board of directors, and executive committee.
Principal and Orlando Office Leader Ronok Nichols, AIA, LEED AP, shares the secret of the firm鈥檚 success. 鈥淭hese recognitions belong to our 70 engaged employee owners here in Orlando, and our client partners who trust us to elevate the human experience through design.鈥