January 2008 Newsletter

To write or not to write? That was the question for us at R. Miller Architecture. Like you, I receive all kinds of information electronically on a daily basis. Some of that information is more like disinformation. So when we set out to develop our first e-newsletter the main criteria was to make it informative, interesting, and worth reading. I hope you enjoy our first issue of “Design Excellence”.

Very truly yours,


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

In The News

National Association of Evangelicals Takes Energy Star Challenge
NAE goal to reduce energy use in churches and buildings aims to protect environment, save millions of dollars... - (MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – One of America’s largest religious groups, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), recently took an important step towards protecting the environment and saving its congregations millions of dollars in energy costs.
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The American Institute of Architects, Orlando – Bob Miller is currently serving his second year as Chair of Government Affairs. In February Bob will travel to Washington DC to meet with Congressmen Mica, Feeney, Keller, and Congresswoman Brown to discuss sustainable design issues and promote Green Building for the State of Florida.

Tiffany Kristensen, Interior Designer

Recently passed the exam to be LEED AP certified. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals are professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes.

Pine Castle UMC will celebrate the grand opening of their new 1,250 seat sanctuary this Spring 2008. The 100 year old congregation located in South Orlando is a vital and growing fellowship in their community. The new main Sanctuary features an inviting and spacious lobby, nursery, classrooms, youth auditorium, chapel and church offices.

New Project

Bay Street Baptist
Located in beautiful Eustis, Bay Street Baptist is relocating from downtown to a 35 acre parcel just outside of town. R. Miller Architecture, Inc. was retained to master plan the campus and design a new 1,000 seat multi-purpose building, administrative offices, Sunday School rooms, and a Fellowship Hall.

Upon entering the campus a large pond with water feature provides a welcoming sense of arrival. The new church has an appealing “Pacific West Lodge” look that provides an inviting atmosphere. The proposed new facility will be located as a central hub on the property with planned baseball fields, playgrounds, a prayer garden, and RV park amenities.
The project is currently in design development with construction planned for Winter of 2008.

Featured Client

Dan Loubier, Director of Parks & Recreation
City of Kissimmee
While this project has been completed for a couple of years, the City of Kissimmee Fortune Road Athletic Complex is a project worth writing about. Dan Loubier, Director of Parks and Recreation retained R. Miller Architecture in August 1999 to master plan a 37 acre parcel for recreational use. The plan features 4 softball fields with a central two-story office and recreation building.

“Working with Mr. Loubier was a real pleasure” says David Miller, Landscape Architect & Planner. “We knew the importance of softball in Kissimmee, the home of former State of Florida Softball Director, Mr. Terry Stewart. We wanted to design something extraordinary.”
The completed building houses the City of Kissimmee’s Parks and Recreation offices, two meeting rooms on the second floor, bathrooms, lockers, showers and a concessions area on the first floor. The site master plan incorporates a future soccer/football field, tennis, volleyball, playground and picnic areas.

The main design challenge was working with a high water table and poor drainage throughout the overall site. The solution was to build a six acre lake which is an attractive amenity to all sports fans and provided on site fill as well.

Events

Bob Miller interviewed for Joy In Our Town on WHLV-TV52
In October 2007 Bob Miller was contacted by WHLV TV52 Orlando to interview with Dr. Mary Woolridge host of “Joy In Our Town” regarding the City of Maitland. The 30 minute interview covers several important topics affecting the City such as transportation challenges and environmental issues. The show was aired 4 times in the month of January:

Bob Miller is currently serving the third year of his term as Councilman for the City of Maitland.