VOA Orlando certainly ended last week on a high note. They were named a Best Place to Work in 2013 by the Orlando Business Journal! This is the second consecutive year that they have been honored with this achievement. We want to congratulate this company and all the employees for maintaining such a high quality work environment! And they are my new employer, 4th week.

OBJ asked VOA some fun and interesting questions about their company and why they consider it a great place to work. Here are a few favorites:

- No. 1 perk that makes people want to work there: Cool design firm that has the ability to work worldwide while sitting in sunny Orlando, Florida.
- Fun employee activities provided by company: Seasonal volleyball games, monthly birthday celebrations, holiday parties, Corporate 5K.
- The first word a parrot would learn in their organization: Inspired
- Song that best illustrates their company culture: “Chariots of Fire” theme song

Art Reception Friday 6/7 Don't forget!

Don't forget my group show tomorrow/Friday "Art about People"

RECEPTION to be held FRIDAY JUNE 7TH from 6-9pm at TASTE Caribbean Fare

I will have 3 paintings featured in "Art about People" Canivale Revelers, Graffiti, and Field Games.
on display at Taste Restaurant. 717 West Smith Street, (College Park) Orlando FL

Beta Release - 2030 Palette

Architecture 2030's Largest Innovation for Global Transformation

Architecture 2030 has unveiled a beta release of the 2030 Palette - a revolutionary new platform that puts the principles behind low-carbon & resilient built environments at the fingertips of architects, planners & designers worldwide.

The 2030 Palette is an interactive web-based guide to actions, that when applied locally, will catalyze a global transformation of the built environment - from interconnected transportation & habitat networks that span entire regions, to passive design applications that can daylight, heat or cool a building using site energy sources.

"By 2030, a staggering 900 billion sq. ft. of new and rebuilt buildings will be constructed in cities worldwide – an area equal to more than 3 times the total building stock of the United States.
We have a choice.
We can plan, design and build sustainably, or accelerate environmental degradation and increase human suffering." – Edward Mazria

Architecture 2030 is a high-impact, solutions-based non-profit organization rapidly transforming the global built environment from the major contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a central part of the solution to the climate, water, and energy crises.

Learn more or sign up for this beta release by visiting 2030palette.org.

2012 New American Home

This elegant home is The 2012 New American Home, Winter Park, Florida, it opens up to the exterior to accomodate today's flexible living style. It received the AWARD OF MERIT in both the Built Category and the Sustainable Design Category from AIAOrlando. Designed by Phil Kean Designs, Inc. of Orlando, Florida.

The independent Jury said: House opens up beautifully. Great incorporation of inside and outside. Great un-pretensioness of the outdoor space. Good example of a high end residence making and earnest effort to be sustainable.

Check here for the 2013 AIAOrlando award winners, just posted: http://www.aiaorlando.com/v2/2013awards.shtml I will feature them in depth in the coming months.