June 2009 Newsletter

Almost everyone I know enjoys the lighter side of life. At R. Miller Architecture, Inc. we love celebrations; whether it’s a staff member’s birthday, an unsolicited letter of thanks from a client, or a company milestone. This year we’re celebrating 20 years in business and we’re thrilled. Frankly, I can’t believe it’s already been 20 years. Everyone should enjoy their work as much as we do! Thank you to our clients, families, contractors and consultants for making this year exceptional.

Very truly yours,


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

In The News

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. Read More.

David Miller, ASLA appointed to Casa Feliz Historical Home Board of Directors
David Miller, ASLA, Landscape Architect with R. Miller Architecture, Inc. was honored with appointment as a trustee to the Casa Feliz Historical Home Board of Directors. The Casa Feliz located in downtown Winter Park was officially listed on the National Historic Register on December 31, 2008. Read More.

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office honors R. Miller Architecture, Inc.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office honored R. Miller Architecture with an award for its outstanding support to the children and families of Seminole County. JD Carling, Doug Sangster, and Bob Miller accepted the honor on behalf of R. Miller Architecture at their annual appreciation banquet held in March 2009. The award was presented by Captain Greg Barnett.

New Projects

Energy Audit Services
As part of a comprehensive list of architectural/engineering services R. Miller Architecture, Inc. offers energy audit services. Utilizing the ASHRAE Standards (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.) methodology our team of qualified architects and engineers provide comprehensive reviews of buildings including:
  •  Evaluation of electrical lighting/power
  •  Evaluation of HVAC systems and motors
  •  Evaluation of the building envelope
  •  Water conservation
  •  Statement of Probable Cost and operating cost savings
  •  LEED Analysis and Accreditation

R. Miller Architecture, Inc. offers Energy Audit Services to both private and public sector clients.

617 Magnolia - Orlando, FL
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was envisioning the transformation from an outdated office building into something with curb appeal. Located in Downtown Orlando, this Urban office had no “presence” and yet it was located in a prime real estate area.

The charrette process focused on reinventing the overall building appearance by incorporating bris soleil on the façade to control solar gain and add a stylish element as well as angled columns. Another innovative design technique incorporated was sand blasting the existing brick wall to create bold circular patterns.

The end result was more than an extreme makeover, it’s adaptive reuse with an architectural statement.

Featured Client

Sanford Housing Authority
Sanford, FL
In 2008, R. Miller Architecture, Inc. began work for the redevelopment of The Villas at Castle Brewer, a 19.2 acre site operated by the Sanford Housing Authority. The construction budget is approximately $15 million. The design deliverables include concepts for HUD and the appropriate congressional representatives.

Site improvements include replacement and/or relocation of underground utilities, landscape and irrigation, ADA accessible playground, a fitness course, and improved security and site lighting. This project reuses the majority of the existing interior and exterior CMU partitions, while providing a significantly improved energy efficient envelope. The housing units scope of work included a small expansion of living area and exterior porches for 50 duplex and 4 simplex units, implementing ADA accessible restrooms, central air conditioning/heating, LEED certified construction namely the use of EnergyStar products for new roof, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, appliances and equipment.

Florida Lutheran Retirement
The Good Samaritan Society based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is the largest nonprofit provider of housing for the elderly in America. R. Miller Architecture has been providing planning and architectural services to the Good Samaritan Society for the past 20 years. The Florida Lutheran Retirement Center, one of the GSS’s properties, is located in DeLand, Florida. This particular property required a complete renovation of the interiors for their central office. The scope included all new lighting, ceilings, floor coverings, wall finishes, as well as furniture and décor selection. R. Miller Architecture, Inc. also provided a comprehensive master plan for future growth. Pictured above is the new chapel planned for the Florida Lutheran Retirement Center.

Philanthropy

Pioneers – Walk for the World
Perhaps you’ve sponsored someone in the past for a worthy cause such as a marathon for a cure, a 100 mile bike race to end MS, or a 3 day walk to eradicate breast cancer. R. Miller Architecture, Inc. has participated and sponsored many of these worthy events over the years. This year, however, we have the privilege to sponsor a friend and a client on a very special walk. Art Arreguin, Director of Operations Pioneers, will walk alongside 6,400 other people to raise money for missionaries – a Walk for the World.

Pioneers mobilizes church planting, missionary teams to the world’s least-reached peoples. Through strong partnership with local churches in the US and around the world, they minister in 72 countries and 98 ethnic groups. For more information visit them online at www.Pioneers.org