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School of Architecture Fall 2006

Florida A & M UniversityINSIDE Pages 10-12: Graduates

HonoredPage 14-16: Alumni JuryProjects

Architecture ProgramsReceive Full Accreditation

Please see page 5.

Miami Firm InitiatesTraveling FellowshipEndowment Fund

SOANEWS

Please see page 3.

In a July letter to FAMU President CastellBryant, C. William Bivins, FAIA, Presidentof the National Architectural AccreditingBoard (NAAB) formally granted a full six-year term of accreditation to both theprofessional B.Arch. and M.Arch.programs at the SOA, effective January 1,2006. This designation was based on theBoard’s review of the February 2006Visiting Team Report prepared by a nationalteam who scrutinized the programsFebruary 18-22. The next accreditationvisit will be in 2012.

The Report noted several strengths of theprograms, including:

• A “thriving” studio life;• The opportunities made possible by the

recent renovation and expansion of theSOA facility;

• The variety of access points offeredenrolling students that help bothprogram diversity and access toprofessional careers;

• The diversity, respect, and awarenessof the students;

• Student participation in a wide varietyof student organizations;

• The advising and counseling system inplace for students; and

• The dissemination of informationabout the work of faculty, students,and alumni through vehicles such asthe SOA News.

As a memorial to alumnus Fred Botelho[B.S. ‘93, M.Arch. ‘95], the firm ofOppenheim Architecture + Design inMiami has generously donated $25,000 toopen the Fred Botelho Traveling Fellow-ship Endowment. Fred was employed bythe firm from 2005 until the time of hisdeath on April 14, 2006. (Also see articleon p. 19.) The fund was eligible for a50% match by the State of Florida,boosting its initial balance to $37,500.00.

Chad Oppenheim [B.Arch., CornellUniversity, 1994] founded the firm andhas developed a highly skilled, 35-personteam whose award-winning work coversall aspects of architecture, interior design,and urban design processes. While thefirm is most respected for its cutting-edgedesign abilities, it is in constructiondocument production and fieldsupervision that the firm is mostgrounded.

Oppenheim himself is an emergingarchitecture star at both the national andinternational levels where he has receiveddistinguished design awards. He is the1994 recipient of the Kume Fellowship inJapan, a two-time winner of the ChicagoAthenaeum’s American ArchitectureAward, and the recipient of numerousdesign awards between 1999 and 2005from the Florida and Miami Chapters ofthe American Institute of Architects.

According to the firm’s Profile, it is“redefining the luxury condominium intropical South Florida and beyond by

Part of the 4th-year work displayed in the Team Room during the accreditional visit.

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2FROM THE DEAN

Rodner B. Wright, AIADean

This document was promulgated at a total cost of $3,260 or $1.63 per copy to disseminate information about theFlorida A & M University School of Architecture.

Florida A & M University is an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access University.

worked directly with her. Duringthat time I have developed bothappreciation and admiration for herorganizational skills as well as herwriting and editing talents, not tomention the occasional freshvegetables that come from her andEarl’s ponderosa in Gadsden County,Florida. Among her many accom-plishments at the School are thegrowth and development of thisnewsletter. It has been the result ofher sheer will and determination.The newsletter was started to providea window to view the activities of theSchool for our alumni. Because ofJudye, it now provides a panoramicview into the activities and accom-plishments of our students, faculty,staff, and our alumni and friends.She will be missed, and we wish herthe best in her retirement.

Please take the time to read about the2005-2006 student award winners.An awards ceremony for the graduat-ing seniors and graduates of the threeprofessional degree programs washeld on the Saturday before theSpring 2006 Commencement.Through the generosity of the SOAAlumni Network, the graduates ofthe B.Arch., M.Arch., and theM.L.A. programs were awardedcustom sashes to commemorate theiraccomplishment.

As always, we have a lot of stories toshare with you, and I hope you enjoyreading about them as much as weenjoy telling them.

philosophically about our accreditingvisit, which took place during theSpring 2006 Semester (see coverstory). This is a position one usuallytakes when awaiting the decision onthe term of accreditation from theNAAB Board. I am pleased toannounce that their decision was toaward the SOA a full six-year term ofaccreditation with a two-year reporton three conditions. We are veryexcited about the outcome of thisinsightful but arduous process, andwe will use the thoughtful commentsof the team to examine severalaspects of the programs so that theycan be made stronger and richer forour students.

One of the areas we will focus ourattention on in the coming year willbe to build an Annual Fund that willensure that our current and futurestudents can continue to have anenriching experience while theymatriculate in either of our twoprograms: Architecture and Land-scape Architecture. You will recallthat, in the last issue of the newslet-ter, we launched the initial stage ofour first Annual Fund Drive. Thisfall we will be continuing that effortwith a phone-o-thon, using FAMUSOA student leaders and faculty tosolicit from our enthusiastic alumni.We want to build upon the traditionof giving to the School of Architec-ture.

This fall we will be saying ourgoodbyes to another valued memberof the SOA Family, JudyeMcCalman. I have had the pleasureof knowing Judye for the last tenyears. Eight of those years I have

“There is nogreater sorrowthan to recall ahappy time in themidst of wretched-ness.” Dante

Alighieri

Nothing can be more wretched thanthe loss of a family member or lovedone. It pains me to reflect on thewords of the Italian PhilosopherAlighieri as I recount the most recentand tragic loss of Fred Botelho andthe other three graduates we memori-alized in our spring newsletter:Damon M. Heyward, Kenneth E.Logan, and Damon P. Ward. Thissummer I had an opportunity to meetand spend a short time visiting withFred’s parents, his brother, and hisgirlfriend as well as his extendedfamily with whom he worked. It wasevident that there are many happytimes and memories of Fred, and I amhopeful that each of them will helpsoothe their sorrow.

We are grateful to the firm ofOppenheim Architecture + Design forthe generous donation to the Schoolto honor Fred’s memory. This gift,the largest to the School, will be usedto establish the Fred Botelho Travel-ing Fellowship and to support theenlightenment of future designersthrough travel. We will endeavor tobe good stewards of this endowmentfund. If you have an interest incontributing to this fund, please seethe cover story to find out more abouthow you can support this effort andFred’s memory.

In the last newsletter, I spoke

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State Posts Fee Guidelines

To assist architects and engineers in placing bids for State jobs, inJuly 2006 the Florida Department of Management Services postedthe State’s “Design Professional Fee Guidelines for ‘Basic’Architectural and Engineering Services” on the following website:http://smsisdmz02.state.fl.us/docs/DMSAEFeeGuidedefinition.asp.The page includes a link to a fee guide calculator tool. Check itout. You should find it helpful.

3

Chad Oppenheim (far right) presents $25,000 check to Dean Rodner Wright (far left) asFred Botelho’s parents, Nelson and Cecilia Botelho, and brother, Alex, look on.

Traveling Fellowship continuedfrom p. 1

2006 Job Fair

challenging the status quo of designquality in a developer-driven marketthrough the combination of cutting-edgearchitecture, innovative spatialarrangements, and contextural urbanplanning. Each project melds innovativestructural strategies to create anarchitecture that is elegantly reductive yetprovocatively romantic—diminishing thevisual impact of the building whilereconciling it to the urban context thatsurrounds it.”

During Fred Botelho’s short tenure withthe firm, his primary projects were thePark Hyatt Hotel in Bal Harbor, FL andthe expansion of the Hard Rock Hoteland Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The ParkHyatt Hotel is a 250-room, 300,000sq.ft., five-star facility that includes50,000 sq.ft. of spa and fitness area,restaurants, pool areas, ancillary serviceareas, and direct connection to theexisting Bal Harbor shops.

Expansion of the existing Hard RockHotel and Casino consists of over twomillion square feet of commerciallyprogrammed areas including restaurants,ballrooms, The Joint (a live performancevenue), and ancillary parking structures.The project includes five high-rise towerscomposed of three luxury condominiumbuildings, two condo-hotels, and 35private bungalows.

The SOA is deeply saddened by thesudden and tragic loss of its talentedalumnus and is grateful to the firm ofOppenheim Architecture + Design for itsinitiation of the Fred Botelho TravelingFellowship Endowment. We inviteFred’s friends and family to contribute tothe fund in Fred’s memory.

Please make your tax-deductibledonations payable to the School ofArchitecture and put “Fred BotelhoTraveling Fellowship” in the memo line.Mail to:

Office of the DeanSchool of Architecture

Florida A & M University1938 S. MLK, Jr. Blvd.

Tallahassee, FL 32307-4200

Fred Botelho’s colleagues at Oppenheim Architecture + Design. Fred’s parents are seatedto the left of Chat Oppenheim (center, white shirt) with his brother, Alex, and girlfriend,Mary Gomez, standing behind.

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4The HOPE (Housing Opportunities andPersonal Empowerment) Community inTallahassee opened in March 2005 toprovide transitional temporary housingand supportive services for people whoare homeless. Operated by the Big BendHomeless Coalition, the program issustained by community volunteers andbusiness partners. Recently, HOPEdedicated an expanded playground andrecreation area for which volunteers

built a wooden swing set and miniaturebasketball court for the children.

Concurrently, Visiting Professor C. L.Bohannon, Assoc. ASLA ,who teachesin the SOA’s landscape architectureprogram, began working professionallylast year with Tallahassee’s newestlandscape architecture and land-planning firm, Wood+Partners, Inc.(WPi). Founded in 1988 and withoffices on Hilton Head Island, SC, WPiis an award-winning firm with extensiveexpertise in comprehensive planningand design services for communities,resorts, colleges and institutions,downtown and urban centerrevitalization, parks and recreationareas, and commercial centers andvillages.

Both Professor Bohannon and WPiassociate, David Malcolm, ASLA, havecommitted to assisting HOPECommunity and its volunteers, and theWPi firm has entered into a partnershipwith the organization. With theassistance of the SOA’s landscapearchitecture students, the associates atWPi will develop and donate a

This year, AIA/Florida included a newsession at its convention at the BocaRaton Resort & Club held July 26-30,2006 titled Design Matters. TheSaturday afternoon session (“DesignMatters for the Future”) presented thework of two graduating studentsselected by the faculty at each of the sixschools of architecture in the state.Attendees were offered continuingeducation credits and encouraged to“meet the new promising designers andtheir exciting work. . .featured in anexhibit.”

The FAMU SOA faculty tapped 2006M.Arch. graduate Crystal Jackson topresent her master’s thesis, “Architec-tural Communication: Bridging the GapBetween Architects and Laypersons.”At the B.Arch. level, Michael Krugerwas selected to present his final project,“Mixed-Use Transit Center—Tallahassee, FL.” Mike was unable toattend the convention, so Crystalpresented both projects. Judging from

Landscape Architecture Students Work With Homeless

comprehensive master plan design forcontinuing the expansion of theplayground/recreation area as well as anoverall landscape plan for the facilitygrounds located at 2729 W. PensacolaSt.

The master plan will be a “large paint-by-number template of sorts,” explainedMr. Malcolm. “This will make it mucheasier for returning volunteers, such asthe Tallahassee Garden Club or newvolunteer groups, to easily donate theirservices to a particular area of need, takeownership, and contribute to filling inthe blank spots and creating the wholepicture.”

“We want to give action to this placeand more direction as it changes,”Professor Bohannon added. Fivelandscape architecture students beganworking on the plan August 28, 2006,and it is expected to be completedSeptember 27. “I think this is aexcellent opportunity for the SOA toreach its arm out to the community andprovide not only design assistance butalso practical projects for our students,”concluded Professor Bohannon.

New Graduates Present Work at AIA/Florida Convention

the comments after thesession, Crystal did anoutstanding job with bothpresentations.

Session requirementsincluded a PowerPointpresentation of no morethan five minutes and one24" x 36" panel to exhibitthe work. After all thestudents presented, theaudience asked questions,inquiring about current topics inarchitecture as well as about thestudents’ personal endeavors in theprofession.

Many were impressed with the turnoutand with the enlightening discussionbetween the architects and students.Consequently, the AIA now plans tocontinue the seminar each year. “Thiswas a great experience and opportunityto see work from other students at otherschools of architecture in Florida. It

gives you a sense of how the schoolsdiffer from one another in terms ofdesign theory, principle, and style,”Crystal remarked.

Our congratulations to both Crystal andMike for their outstanding projects andfor representing the FAMU SOA sowell.

Crystal Jackson presents her thesis atthe 2006 AIA/Florida Convention in BocaRaton, FL.

WPi associate, David Malcolm, ASLA (l)and Prof. C. L. Bohannon, Assoc. ASLA,present HOPE Community plan.

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5 AIA Tallahassee and SOA Co-Sponsor Seminar

Area professionals filled the School’slargest classroom on August 17, 2006 totake advantage of the all-day “CodeSeminar.” Offering nine hours ofcontinuing education credit for architectsand engineers, the seminar was co-sponsored by the Tallahassee Chapter ofAIA and the School. With a special lowprice for AIA members and SOA alumni,the event attracted 81 people who weretreated to breakfast, a boxed lunch, andbeverages. Twenty-one SOA alumniattended the seminar.

Coordinator of the event for AIATallahassee was current President, KarinZawrotny. Assistant Professor BethLewis (Dobson), AIA TallahasseePresident-elect, was the coordinatingliaison for the SOA. Dean Rodner

SOA Alumni attending Code Seminar. (Front row, l-r) Kim Strobel-Ball, Jeff Cahill, RonWalsh, Dean Perkins, Maribel (Betancourt) Parzych, Natasha Richardson. (Second row,l-r) David Glenn, Tom Miller, Mark Weigly, Eve Williams. (Back row, l-r) Cam Whitlock,John Nation, Doug Barlowe, Patrick Halks, Bret Hammond, Terry Peterson, Tom Jordan,Akin Akinyemi. (Not pictured) Rick Hilburn, Mario Nunez, David Vincent.

Prof. Beth Lewis (r) orients speaker JosephBelcher to the electronic equipment usedfor the seminar.

Wright welcomed the group and invitedcontinued interaction and corroborationamong the School of Architecture, the AIA,and professionals in the field.

Professional Code Consultant, Joseph D.Belcher, CBO, was hired to conduct theseminar. Owner of JDB Code Services,Inc., code construction specialists locatedin Homosassa, FL, Mr. Belcher specializesin building codes, fire codes, and product

approval, and he led each of the sessions.

The four-hour morning session wasdevoted to a core course in Building andFire Safety. The afternoon was dividedinto two sessions: a four-hour segmenton the Florida Existing Building Codeand a one-hour session in CodeRequirements for Windows, Doors,Glass, and Glazing.

The Visiting Team also notedopportunities the programs have workingin their favor:

• Professional employment opportunitiesavailable to students and the fact themany students currently work inarchitectural practices;

• The “growth, intellectual challenge,interdisciplinary work, and extensionof skill development” created by theaddition of the now-accredited Masterof Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.);

• Possibilities for constructive influencein the Gulf Coast, north Florida, andsouth Georgia because of theprograms’ location;

• New “vigor, research development, andskills” that can be brought to thefaculty as a result of filling vacantpositions; and

• Integration and implementation of a

technology plan that would include theSchool’s pedagogical approach, provisionof hardware and software, fundingmechanisms, reflection of changes inprofessional use, and access for students.

As always, the Report included the Team’sconcerns and suggestions for improvement.They included the following needs:

• Clarification of administrative roles andresponsibilities as the School continuesto grow,

• Increased student financial aid,• Increased financial support for the

faculty’s creative work and research,• Permission from the University to fill

vacant and new faculty and administra-tive positions,

• Ongoing self-assessment of the new 3.5-year path to the M.Arch. known as “PathB,” and

• Resolution of the problem presented bythe state’s maximum of 120 credit hoursfor the B.S. degree and the NAAB’sminimum requirement of 45 generaleducation credits.

Because the Team found insufficientevidence that a few of NAAB’s “StudentPerformance Criteria” were met, a“focused evaluation” reporting on thosespecific criteria will be submitted in twoyears—2008.

“We are pleased with the decision of theNAAB Board,” commented Dean RodnerWright. “We have already begun toaddress the areas of concern that theVisiting Team highlighted in their reportas well as to celebrate the many strengthsthat both programs provide to ourstudents.”

Accreditation continued from p. 1

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6

By Professor Tim White

In September, Judye McCalman retiredfrom the School of Architecture after morethan 27 years of service to our program.During her time at the SOA, she servedwith distinction in several positions,handling a wide range of responsibilitiesvital to the growth, quality, and image ofthe School.

Her last assignment was Alumni Coordina-tor and Information Officer. Among otherduties, in this role Judye initiated the SOAnewsletter series and wrote, edited, andcoordinated the production of all theeditions; initiated, developed, andcoordinated the SOA’s first alumni events(e.g., exhibition and reunion) that led tothe organization of the Alumni Network;served as an ex officio member of theNetwork’s Executive Board and as itsliaison with the SOA and university;organized, wrote, and guided the produc-tion of accreditation reports; planned andmanaged accreditation visits; and col-lected, organized, and submitted Schoolnews to the university and nationalarchitecture publications. On manyoccasions over the years, Judye has been aguest lecturer and writing advisor in ourproject research and thesis planningcourses, assisting with critical thesiscomponents such as research methods,report organization, and technical writing.She has also coordinated numerous specialprojects for the Dean.

In addition to her official titles andresponsibilities at the School, Judye hasgraciously made herself available to thefaculty, students, staff, and administrationas editor and writing consultant. She hasbeen an unofficial resident expert in allmatters grammatical and for that, her manyyears of exemplary service, her outstandingorganization and communication contribu-tions, her modeling of care and craft, andher energetic positive spirit, we arefortunate and grateful to have had her withus at the School of Architecture. We wishher all the best in her retirement.

Judye’s road to the School has been varied,interesting, and adventuresome. She wasborn in Chattanooga, Tennessee and in1970 graduated from the University ofFlorida with a Bachelor of Arts, summacum laude, in political science. Her minorswere psychology and sociology. Afterearning her degree, she worked in SouthFlorida with Florida Rural Legal Services,Inc. assisting migrant workers with mattersrelating to law. She and a small group ofcolleagues left FRLS to open a legalcollective in Gainesville, Florida.

Judye came to the Quincy area in 1972 toco-found and live in the Wetumpka FarmIntentional Community set in rural GadsdenCounty. The commune was organizedaround themes that she valued and thatrelated to her social sciences education andher personal philosophy.

During 1973-76, she worked at theFlorida State Hospital in Chattahoochee,first as a social worker and counselorand then as a procedures analystconcerned with the efficiency ofadministrative operations. In 1976 sheleft to become a counselor in the officeof E. Arthur Larson, Psychiatrist inQuincy and a consultant/counselor onthe Family Therapy Psychiatric Team atthe Wetumpka Center in Quincy. Duringthis busy period Judye also owned andoperated an exotic plant nursery locatedin the Wetumpka Community.

Judye’s career at the SOA began in 1979when she served as the Assistant ProjectDirector for a training program in low-cost energy-efficient technology, a grantobtained by the SOA’s ExperimentalLow-Cost Construction program. Thejob was especially appealing because shewas eager to learn methods andtechniques for designing and buildingher own home at Wetumpka. Sincejoining the School she has also served asAssociate Director of the Institute forBuilding Sciences, Assistant to the Dean,Assistant Dean for Administration, andCo-principal Investigator for the three-

Judye McCalman Retires

Please see page 16.

“Judye’s career at the SOA began in 1979.”

Above (l-r): Judye loves to laugh. Athome in her organic garden. In southernFrance in 2003 with her husband of 27years, Earl Morrogh.

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National Accrediting Team Visit7

Andrew ChinAssistant Dean

Thank you for making my job so mucheasier. The time you spent with theSpring 06 M.Arch. thesis students, theAPX Job Fair, and the NAAB PreparationCommittee was greatly appreciated. Idon”t know if I will ever be able to recreateyour lists, but I will try. Sleep in once in awhile, and stay blessed.

Beth LewisAssistant Professor

I will miss Judye and her outstandingpositive and cheerful disposition herein the School of Architecture. Weshould be increasing our female presence,not decreasing. Judye has always beenso willing to share whatever, be it adviceor the fruits of her garden. I will miss herbut hope we can stay in touch outside ofthe School. Girls get together…!

Tom MartineauProfessor

When I came to interview at the Schoolof Architecture in November 1984, therefollowed a six-months-long comedy oferrors that led me to believe that theSchool was mired in miscommunica-tion and populated by Keystone Cops. Itold my wife that I would “not accept anykind of job offer from FAMU, even for amillion dollars.” Finally, I was introducedto Judye McCalman, who was then theAssistant to the Dean. She exudedcompetence and professionalism.Communication was restored, and theKeystone Cops were reduced to phan-toms. Her deportment and demeanorallowed me to regain my confidence in theSchool. Simply put: Judye is the reason Iaccepted employment 21 years ago, andfor a lot less than a million dollars.

Larry PetersonProfessor

Judye McCalman is one of the smart-est, most focused, and most tenaciouspeople I have ever worked with. Iadmire her greatly for many of thequalities that I do not possess. I rarelyfind people with her talent and expertisewho handle themselves with such grace,thoughtfulness, and kindness. When Ihave had disagreements with Judye, theyhave hurt me deeply because she wasusually right, and I was wrong. I have veryfew people that I trust implicitly, and I am

happy that Judye is one of them—and shealways will be.

Tom PorterVisiting Professor

My life in architectural teaching hasalways been filled with change, but whensomeone like Judye steps down, oneknows that the establishment she leaveswill never be quite the same again.However, while change happens, somethings remain constant, and this refers tothose warm and special friendships thatdevelop between people. My fond memoriesof Judye began during my early teachingvisits to the School. As with many ex-colleagues in the School, it seems thisfriendship has spanned a lifetime. I wouldlike to wish Judye and Earl every happinessin the next phase of their lives.

Thomas Pugh, DirectorInstitute for Building Sciences

At least two of the words I would use todescribe Judye are “indispensable” and“unappreciated.” During the past 19 years,I’ve had the pleasure of working with her onmyriad tasks. None would have ever beenaccomplished as well (or on time!) withouther tireless hard work, keen insight, patience,intellect, and organizational skills. Whether ithas been writing the APRs, designingadministrative systems, creating the SOANews and SOA Alumni Network, or handlingmajor portions of the DMS Florida EnergyUpdate project, Judye has always beenindispensable (and nearly invisible to all butthose of us who shared in the task.)

There are other words, of course—kind,insightful, wise, generous, patient—the listwould be very, very long. I consider myself

blessed to be able to call Judye my closefriend. Work will never be quite the same.

Richard C. Rome, DirectorGraduate Program inLandscape Architecture

I would like to recognize Judye for thevaluable contributions she made to theMLA Initial Accreditation Report. Isuspect that she made equal or evengreater contributions to the ArchitectureProgram Reports on which she workedduring the years she has been here in theSchool of Architecture. Having preparedsuch reports in the past, I truly appreciatedthe high level of expertise that she broughtto the endeavor, and she displayed anabsolute commitment to the goal ofpreparing the best possible document.She returned my drafts in a consistent andtimely manner, and her meticulouscomments and corrections alwaysimproved the clarity and quality of the text.Her input made the report so much betterthan it would have been if it were simplydone by me and my faculty unassisted.We were authors who knew the subjectmatter so closely that we often made thecommon mistake of assuming that thereader knew as much as we did. She keptour narrative “on track,” she made sure thetext was free of “jargon,” and she upgradedthe report to the level where it wasaccepted as a well-prepared, high-qualitysubmission from a graduate programdeserving a full accreditation. I will missher greatly, and I will always be grateful forthe contribution she made to the Land-scape Architecture Program.

Ron ShaefferProfessor Emertius

This letter was written to make sure theDean understood just how indispens-able Judye was (and is now, for thatmatter) to the operation of the School.My analogy is that of an Executive Officerto a Naval ship!

August 17, 1984

Dear Dean Chalmers:

This is an unsolicited letter written on behalfof Ms. Judye McCalman. Over the past fewweeks, I have worked very closely withJudye trying to get prepared for registration.Her splendid cooperation and exceptionalorganizational ability were once more verymuch appreciated and reminded me to writethis letter which has been intended for overa year now.

Ms. McCalman is, in no uncertain terms, thesingle person who somehow keeps the

Faculty Reflections Thinking about her retirement, Judyesaid, “Though everyone has a ‘worklife’ and a ‘home or personal life,’ the

dichotomy for me has been fairlydramatic. I’ve felt as if I’ve beenleading two lives. One is in the city,heavily scheduled, technology driven,and highly stimulating. The other isrural, timed by nature, worked by

hand, and deeply relaxing. Each is afull-time endeavor. As I get older, I lookforward to focusing on my life in thecountry, allowing me to slow down andenjoy the beauty and bounty of what Itruly love—nature.”

Please see page 23.

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The sand molds made by the artists duringthe symposium were transported to theconference, and the works were cast in ironat the Rayburn Foundry at the IronbridgeGorge World Heritage Site. They wereexhibited during the conference and will beon tour throughout England and Wales forthe next year. In addition to creatingsculpture at the symposium, Ms. LaGrassealso served as conference moderator for apanel discussion on “Iron CastingOpportunities in Poland and Bosnia.”

“The use of fire and the profound materialtransformation that exists in the castingprocess have intrigued me for over 30years,” Ms. LaGrasse said. “Iron has longbeen our most important elemental metal. Ilove the color of iron and its contrast tosome metals and materials and its similarityto others. I enjoy the many processes andcasting iron using a cupola. I like theversatility and immediacy of sand moldingover other molding techniques,” sheexplained.

Featured in the symposium’s catalog was“Birmingham,” a three-dimensional plan ofa portion of downtown Birmingham wherethe roads are recessed and pronounced.“Roads are our prevalent architecture,representing complex urban density as

8

Faculty and Staff Activities

FACULTY AND STAFF

Publications

“The Water Was There. . .,” a poem byAssistant Professor Beth Lewis(Dobson), AIA was selected forpublication in the September 2006 issueof the Journal of Architectural Education(JAE). The theme for that issue was“Katrina and New Orleans: One YearLater.” The selection was the result of ajuried, peer-reviewed essay competition.

Sabbaticals and Leaves

Professor Tom Martineau is on leaveduring the 2006-07 academic year duringwhich time he will pursue three activities.First, he will intensify his facilitiesmanagement consulting work for K-12school systems in the United States. Hebegan this work on a part-time basis withMGT of America, a Tallahassee-basedmanagement firm. He has sincecontinued it with Evergreen SolutionsLLC, also of Tallahassee. His goal is to

develop the facilities practice area ofEvergreen Solutions as a self-sustainingenterprise (www.ConsultEvergreen.com).Second, as a board member of InternationalMaking Cities Livable (IMCL), he willwork with others in the organization tolaunch the Livable Cities Institute, aseminars and studies program for cityofficials, real estate developers, and studentsof urban planning and architecture(www.livablecities.org). Third, he willspend some time at the University ofStuttgart’s College of Urban and RegionalPlanning in Stuttgart, Germany and at theRoyal Technical University’s School ofArchitecture in Stockholm, Sweden. Hewill present lectures on mixed-use urbanand suburban developments in the UnitedStates, and work with the students.

Professor Larry Peterson is also on leaveduring 2006-07. He has been retained asDirector of Planning and Development forthe Babcock Ranch project in CharlotteCounty, FL, working for Kitson & Partners

(K & P). Syd Kitson purchased the91,000-acre ranch from the Babcockfamily and sold 74,000 acres to the Stateas a wildlife preserve—the largestpurchase in Florida’s history. K & P willbuild a new town of 45,000 people onthe remaining 17,000 acres, whileplacing over half in permanentconservation easements. Mr. Kitson hasstated publicly that the new develop-ment will be a new model ofsustainablilty and energy-efficiency intown planning and community design.

Associate Professor Richard Rome,Director of the Master of LandscapeArchitecture Program, will be onsabbatical during the Spring Semester,2007. While on leave, Professor Romewill complete research on “Non-residentCredit-Generation Activities forGraduate-level Courses.” This researchfocuses on such activities as “StudyAbroad, Internships, Independent

Deborah LaGrasse Takes Expertise to Wales

Instructor Deborah LaGrasse was one ofonly 14 artists selected from the UnitedStates and Wales to participate in a “SandCasting Symposium” at the BerllanderiSculpture Workshop in Raglan, WalesMarch 28 - April 4, 2006. The sympo-sium was a pre-conference activity for theFifth International Cast Iron Conferencein Coalbrookdale, England, the site of thefirst cast iron bridge.

spatial imprints on the land. The focus ispath, not only my own, but also theevolution of ley lines and the placementof stones on hilltops as locators. Iron oresometimes found in quartz and pyritestones is imbedded in my iron sculpturesjust as paths and roads are imbedded inour landscapes,” notes LaGrasse.

“I use collective, universal, and timelesssymbols that emphasize the instabilityand stability of life. The layering ofopposites as a continual process ofalchemy and the use of combiningvarious metals, materials, and processeshelp me define the mystery, strength, andpower of the human spirit.”

LaGrasse creating pattern for “Birmingham.”

Cast iron and stone piece: “Birmingham,”W 16” x L 24” x D 5”.

Please see page 9.

Publications

Sabbaticals and Leaves

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9 FACULTY AND STAFF

Activities continued from p.8

Studies, and Thesis Completion, as wellas courses that utilize Distance-learningand Web-based technologies.” Theincorporation of such activities into theSOA graduate programs will ensure thatthey remain competitive to otherprofessional degree offerings at peerinstitutions, and they will increasegraduate student credits generated by theSOA as mandated by new Universityguidelines.

Conferences

Assistant Professor Beth Lewis(Dobson), AIA presented a peer-reviewed paper at “Intersections,” the22nd National Conference on theBeginning Design Student held at IowaState University in Ames, Iowa in April2006. Her paper, “Enter-SectingEnvironmental Cube Constructions:Designing Folding Portable Cubes as anEcologically Friendly EnvironmentalStage Set,” was published in theconference Proceedings.

A new elective architecture course at theSOA is one outcome of AssistantProfessor Beth Lewis’s (Dobson), AIAinterest and research in energyconservation. She served on the PassiveTechnical Review Committee and asChair/Moderator of the conferencesession titled, “Toward Zero-EnergyBuildings” at the American Solar EnergyConference. The conference, “Solar2006,” was held in Denver, CO in July2006. “Sustainable Construction: GreenBuilding, LEED Preparation, ZeroEnergy Buildings” (ARC 6291/4291) isoffered during the fall 2006 term and isopen to both graduate and undergraduatestudents.

Grants and Research

Assistant Professor of LandscapeArchitecture Matt Powers obtained an$7,500 grant from the National Institutesof Health’s (NIH) Center on MinorityHealth and Health Disparities to conducta comparative study of alternative meansof transportation on college campuses asthey relate to physical fitness and theenvironment. The study examined theenvironmental design and culturalfactors at play and tested whether theyencourage or discourage student bicycleuse on college campuses. FAMU andFSU were used for comparative analyses.

The results of the study were presentedover the summer at Harvard School ofPublic Health in Boston. One of thesignificant aspects of the grant award is thefact that Professor Powers was one of thefew grant recipients who is not in a medicalor health-related field. The next step inProfessor Powers’ research will be to lookat the same factors in two communities,one in Gadsden County, FL, and one inBoston, MA.

Service

Professor Tom Pugh was one of about 30volunteers from his church to participate inhurricane relief work in New Orleans, LAand Pass Christian, MS. His labors haveincluded “mucking out” as well as newconstruction. According to Prof. Pugh, it isimpossible to convey the impact of thedevastation or the experience of workingalongside joyful and hope-filled peoplewho have lost everything, yet countthemselves blessed. The church began itsrelief efforts after hurricane Ivan and nowsends about 30 people (along with foodand building materials) on four-day worktrips about every two months.

Assistant Professor Beth Lewis (Dobson),AIA is the President-elect of theTallahassee Chapter of the AmericanInstitute of Architects (AIA). In that role,she represented the chapter at the 2006 AIAGrassroots Conference in Washington,D.C. She met with state senators anddistrict representatives and/or their staffson current legislation affecting the builtenvironment and the profession andpractice of architecture in Florida. Also inher role as President-elect, Professor Lewisserved as a convention delegate at the June2006 AIA National Convention in LosAngeles.

Creative Activities

Associate Professor Valerie Goodwin wasone of 12 fiber artists from around thenation invited to exhibit her work in theshow “Artists of the Cloth: Trends inContemporary Textile Art—Ladies inWaiting.” The exhibition was held June 15-August 5, 2006 at upstairs [artspace] inTryon, NC. One of her four piecesexhibited—Labyrinth of the HiddenGoddess, painted, pieced, and quilted withthread and embroidery—was selected asartwork for the promotional materials forthe show. The same piece was featured in

the summer 2006 issue of FiberARTSmagazine, p. 32. (See photo above.)The theme of the issue was “Land-scapes, Maps, and Nature,” and itincluded information about the quilt andProf. Goodwin’s work. To see her workin color, please visit her website atwww.quiltsbyvalerie.com.

Professor Goodwin was also invited toexhibit her quilt Riverside Settlement inthe “Changing the World One Thread ata Time” exhibition at the 12th annualCarrefour Européen du Patchwork inVal d’Argent in Alsace, France. Thatshow ran September 14-17, 2006.

Instructor and sculptor DeborahLaGrasse was invited to include hercast bronze work, Elemental Paradox,in the “Suitcase Exchange SculptureExhibition” at the Expressions Art andEntertainment Centre in Upper Hutt,New Zealand. This is the last year(2006) of the five-year, travelinginternational exhibition.

The traveling invitational exhibition,“Micro Monumentals” at the Brush ArtGallery and Studios in Lowell, MAincluded another of Ms. LaGrasse’sworks: Hypostrophe, a small cast ironand stone sculpture. This piece wassold to the gallery owner before theexhibition even opened!

Labyrinth of the Hidden Goddess, anoriginal art quilt by Prof. Valerie Goodwin.

Conferences

Grants and Research

Service

Creative Activities

www.famusoa.net

10SOA Student Awards, 2005-2006

STUDENTS

Students who excelled during the academ-ic year were recognized on two occasions.On April 29, 2006 the graduating studentswere honored at a reception for theirfriends and families, and those awardwinners were announced. On September27 continuing-student award winners wereacknowledged at a special School-wideceremony. (See box below for recipients.)

In addition to medals, certificates, and

On Saturday afternoon, April 27, 2006,graduating students from all SOA degreeprograms were honored at a reception heldin the North Atrium. The space waspacked with friends and families whoenjoyed an array of refreshments.

Dean Rodner B. Wright, AIA welcomedthe guests and congratulated the students.Each class was recognized, and a groupphotograph was taken. For studentsgraduating with master’s degrees, theadvising faculty formally signed theirrespective thesis documents. (See pp. 11-12 for photos.)

In addition to the presentation of studentawards by the Dean, Assistant DeanAndrew Chin, and Director of theLandscape Architecture Program,Professor Richard Rome, Ms. KarlaCastellon [B.S. ’00, M.Arch. ‘02],Secretary of the SOA Alumni Network,presented to each graduating student onbehalf of the Network a speciallyembroidered sash commemorating theirdegree and year.

Sixty-two students were awarded degreesat the commencement ceremony onSunday, April 28, at the Civic Center. TheSOA congratulates and welcomes each ofthese students to the ranks of the alumni.Students graduating with the four-yearBachelor of Science in ArchitecturalStudies and/or the professional, five-yearBachelor of Architecture degrees are listedon the following page.

Graduates Honored

DeGraff Memorial Award—First YearTesfa McCalla

First-Year Design AwardDerek Dewolf

DeGraff Memorial Award—Second YearMaximino Gonzalez

Second-Year Design AwardTom Yohe

Rhodes + Brito AwardDavid Graham

Technology Award—Lower DivisionSean Morgan

Technology Award—Upper DivisionTim Watson

History/Theory Award—Lower DivisionDerek Dewolf

History/Theory Award—Upper DivisionEmmanuel Cofie

Third-Year Design AwardSimon Barrow

Most Promising Student—Third YearMatt Dana

Fourth-Year Design AwardLeon Williams

Most Outstanding Fourth-Year StudentNicole Taylor

Graduating Senior with Highest GPARandy Olaes

Alpha Rho Chi MedalThomas Brokaw

Pella Fifth-Year Jurist AwardKirsten Dahlquist

books contributed by the organizationsindicated by the awards, sponsors of cashawards were alumni firm Rhodes + BritoArchitects, Inc. in Orlando ($1,000); PellaWindows and Doors ($1,000); the FloridaFoundation for Architecture ($1,000); andthe Jacksonville Chapter of the AIA($1,500). The School thanks all the awarddonors and congratulates the honorees whowere selected by the faculty or by the jurorsfor project awards.

Pella Fifth-Year Jurist AwardJohnathon Essa

Pella Fifth-Year Jurist AwardIstvgh Peterascz

Pella Fifth-Year Jurist Award—MostOutstandingMichael Kruger

Florida Foundation for ArchitectureBronze Metal—Graduating StudentKirsten Dahlquist

Florida Foundation for ArchitectureAward—Continuing StudentSommer Spencer

AIA Henry Adams Medal—B.Arch..Michael Kruger

AIA Certificate of Merit—B.Arch.April Plummer

AIA Henry Adams Medal—M.Arch.Crystal Jackson

AIA Certificate of Merit—M.Arch.Janice Ratner

MLA Award—First YearJohn Urban

MLA Award—Second YearYun Cao

Jacksonville AIA Foundation Award ofHonorKelli Graham

Jacksonville AIA Foundation Merit AwardShelly-Anne Scott

Jacksonville AIA Foundation Merit AwardShayla Stallworth

SOA Alumni Network Secretary, KarlaCastellon, welcomes graduates as newalumni and presents class sashes.

Award Recipients

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STUDENTS11

Please see page 19.

Graduates continued from p.10

Student Selected forSummer Research WorkshopAtwaul Bennett [B.S.‘06], a current first-year graduate studentin the landscapearchitecture program,was selected to be afellow in the RonaldE. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achieve-ment Program. TheProgram is designed tohelp students fromhistorically underrepresented populations prepare for entry intograduate programs. The FAMU Summer Research Workshopprovided 13 FAMU graduates with intensive assistance in the

Students who attended the graduation reception and received theprofessional Bachelor of Architecture degree. (Lowest level, l-r):David Chase and Larry Mitchner. (Second level, l-r): JonathanEssa, April Plummer, Vickie King, and Kirsten Dahlquist. (Thirdlevel, l-r): Sean Sukhu and Erika Hagan. (Top level, l-r): ToddHinkle and Michael Kruger.

Students who attended the graduation reception and receivedthe Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree.(Clockwise, beginning with lowest seated): Johathan Essa,Lawrence Kaiser, Kirsten Dahlquist, April Plummer, MichaelKruger, Sean Sukhu, Atwaul Bennett, Ava Joseph, LarryMitchner, David Wallace, Andrew Telker, Randy Olaes, ToddHinkle, Shannon Terry, Lyndia Mesidor, Kwabena Owusu, ErikaHagan, and Jennifer Marshall. (Bottom to top, center column):David Chase, David Castro, Sheldon Clark, Eric Polite (left),and Leon Williams.

`

Bachelor of Architecture

Bennett, AtwaulCastro, DavidClark, SheldonHarrison, EricHernandez, MartinHodge, LendlHollinsworth, JuanKaiser, LawrenceLamb, PatriceMarshall, JenniferMcIntosh, Garth

Mesidor, LyndiaNoone, MatthewOlaes, RandyOwusu, KwabenaPolite, EricRios, ErikRittner, RobertRochester, KenloyScriven, TehranShaw, ZoionTaylor, Nicole

Bachelor of Science in Arch. Studies

Telker, AndrewTerry, ShannonTucker, StevenWallace, DavidWashington, VeronicaWilliams, LeonWilson, CarmaWilson, PatrickYounkin, Kathryn

Behar, JordanBoone, Devin*Chase, David*Dahlquist, Kirsten*Essa, Jonathan*Fayas, Robby*Hagan, Erika

*Hinkle, Todd*King, Vickie*Kruger, Michael*Mitchner, LarryMoore, JohnnyNemethy, Christopher*Plummer, April

Savage, Jonathan*Sukhu, Sean

*Student earned both aB.S. and a B. Archdegree

Prof. Richard Rome (l) with Atwaul Bennett.

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12

FACULTY& STAFFTEM

STUDENTS

Students graduating with the M.Arch. orM.L.A. degree worked long and hard ontheir thesis projects and presented theirwork at the end of the semester to thefaculty, other students, and guests. Ourcongratulations to each on the successfulcompletion of the degree. The presentersand their thesis titles are listed below:

Master of Architecture

Gabriel Andrews, The Expression ofCulture Through Architectural Semioticsin the Service of Education | A NewDesign Proposal for Sakkara YouthInstitute

Thomas G. Brokaw, Architecture’s Rolein Sustaining Community

Matthew Lee Houchin, Placemaking:Architecture as a Catalyst

Crystal J. Jackson, Architectural Commu-nication: Bridging the Gap betweenArchitects and Laypersons

Ryan N. J. Mullin, Architecture ThatSustains Place

Ayonna Marie Patterson, A Model forEnhancing and Fostering Creativity in theBeginning Design Studio

Janice Melissa Ratner, Accessible BuildingMeasures: A Study of Attitudes

Sarah Marie Hefner Robertson, MainStreet U.S.A.: A Reinterpretation of anAmerican Urban Icon

Charner A. Rouse, II, Low-Cost Housingand the Potential of Cob Construction

Nicholas Allen Sneed, Creating PlaceThrough Connections

Valerie Strom, Layers of Time: TheArchitectural Intersection of Past and

Graduates continued from p.10 Present within a Suburban HistoricDistrict

Luke White, The Establishment ofDesign Guidelines For Mixed-UseGreyfield Redevelopments: ThroughCriteria Developed From Community andMixed-Use Design Literature

Ameenah K. Williams, CollectiveMemory and Architecture: A Critique ofInterpretative Strategies Used atGoodwood Plantation, Tallahassee,Florida

Master of Landscape Architecture

Cheryl C. Callender, EcologicalSensitive Design: Residential Develop-ment Adjacent to the Boundaries ofNatural Protected Areas in Panama

Kemuel Stephen Cox, The Role ofLandscape Architects in FutureBrownfield Redevelopment Projects

Students who attended the graduation reception and received theeither the Master of Architecture or Master of LandscapeArchitecture degree don their newly bestowed sashes from theAlumni Network. (Left vertical column, bottom to top): GabrielAndrews, Luke White, Ayonna Patterson, Janice Ratner, andNicholas Sneed. (Middle column, bottom to top): ThomasBrokaw, Crystal Jackson, Ameenah Williams, and CharnerRouse. (Right column, bottom to top): Ryan Mullins, CherylCallender, Matthew Houchin, Sara Robertson, and Valerie Strom.

We Need Your Help

One of our most difficult tasks is keeping up with thewhereabouts of our alumni. Without a mailing address, wecan’t get this newsletter or other mailings to you. Since thenewsletter is published only twice a year, we also need youremail address so we can send important information betweennewsletters. In addition, the School’s accrediting agencyrequires that we report on what our alumni are doing, wherethey are working, etc. Please help us with this task.

The best way to give your contact information is for you tocomplete our online alumni database form. This tool wascreated as a service to alumni who may be looking forprofessional networking and collaboration opportunities or justlooking for an old friend from the SOA, but it also helps theSchool. The database is easy to use, is password protected,and features individual privacy settings.

To be included, simply go to our website (famusoa.net) andclick on “People/Alumni/Alumni Database.” There, click on the“Complete My Database Information” link on the left. Theform allows you to specify which of the information you wantkept private and which you are willing to have posted on thesite for other registered alumni. Once it’s done, all you haveto do is update it as your circumstances change. Do yourselfand the School a favor. . .complete the database form.

At the very least, please send your email address TODAY toalumni-info@famusoa.net so we can contact you electroni-cally. Thank you!

www.famusoa.net

13Students Tour Construction Site at Bainbridge CollegeSTUDENTS

Students from two sections of the“Materials and Methods of Construc-tion” (M & M) class and those from the“Environmental Technology II” (ET)class joined their instructors on a field

trip to Bainbridge College in Bainbridge,GA on March 30, 2006. Professors BobGoodwin and Peter Stone (M & M) andProfessor Tom Martineau (ET) arrangedthe trip with alumnus Sam Andras[B.Arch. ‘93] who is a principal at 2WR/Andras Architects in Columbus, GA.

Mr. Andras is the new Architect of Recordfor the completion of the Charles H. KirboRegional Center, a conference centerlocated on the campus of BainbridgeCollege. The original project begun byanother firm went so far over budget that itwas cancelled upon reaching the dry-inphase of construction. At that point, theCollege asked Andras to consider takingover as project architect. After newconstruction documents are completed, anew construction manager will be hired.

A tour of the site led by Mr. Andras wasinstructive for the students. They wereable to see firsthand some of the importantdesign and construction issues that werenot properly detailed. They were also ableto compare the original drawings of thebuilding to drawings of another buildingcompleted by 2WR/Andras for thecampus. Mr. Andras discussed with thestudents how they proposed to increasethe size of both the auditorium and thedining area.

All three faculty members have expressedthe same comment about the trip: “Thestudents were very excited during the tourof the building, and they continued to talkabout it afterward. It was a most success-ful field trip.”

April 7-8, 2006 was a special time forthe Seshait Chapter of Alpha Rho Chi.For the first time in over 10 years,fraternity members reunited to celebrateand renew their bonds through Reunion2006: Reflections of a Timeless Design.Approximately 75 people (over 50alumni + actives) joined the fun andparticipated in the variety of activitiesplanned for them.

Festivities began on Friday evening withregistration and a reception held in theSOA Gallery. Attendees receivedinformation packets about the weekend,viewed 24" x 36" posters and othermemorabilia on exhibit in the Gallery,and were given the opportunity topurchase APX polo shirts. Afterregistration, people gathered on the stepsunder the bridge to play Taboo. Thisallowed late arrivals to register whilethose playing games enjoyed eachother’s company.

At 9:00 p.m., the group moved toHarry’s, a New Orleans-style restaurantin downtown Tallahassee, where theyfilled most of the tables. In addition toenjoying the food and catching up withold friends, they celebrated currentstudent George Johnson’s birthday.

On Saturday morning, the revelers werein for a treat. A 10:00 a.m. breakfastunder the bridge included the works:

pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit,Danish, yogurt, etc.—all provided by themembers. Following was an awards brunchin the “Red Room” with a presentationrecapping the 2005-2006 APX accomplish-ments. These included the largest Job Fairin SOA history (Feb. 24, 2006); the SecretGarden: Midnight in the Garden of Goodand Evil (Feb. 24, 2006); the National APXConvention in Denver, CO (March 17-19,2006); this first annual Seshait Reunion; andthe welcoming of 16 new members over thecourse of the year. Many were recognizedfor their hard work in organizing theseactivities, and the alumni were appreciatedfor their continuing support.

The afternoon was spent in a fierce game ofdodgeball at the SOA. Punctuated byscreaming and sideline cheering, all therunning, blasting the ball, and hiding woreeveryone out. There was no rest for theweary, however. It was time to head home toget ready for the culminating event thatevening—the White Rose Formal at theSilver Slipper restaurant.

Everyone was elegant in formal attire.Unusual centerpieces of clear cylindricalvases with live beta fish placed on crispwhite tablecloths with APX embroiderednapkins added another level of distinction tothe event. A salad bar and buffet of lemon-glazed chicken, Greek-style ocean fillet, ricepilaf, and vegetable medley were topped offwith cherry cheesecake for dessert. The

guests were entertained with a videopresentation that included photos of thefounders when they were at the SOA andmoved through APX history to currentactive members. Finally, the chaptershowed its deep appreciation with a giftto 2005-06 President Crystal Jackson[B.S. ‘04, M.Arch. ‘06] for her hardwork throughout the year.

With plans to make the reunion an annualevent, the alumni returned home onSunday while the actives got back to theirschool work. The School congratulatesthe chapter for its many accomplishmentsthroughout the year and for its successfuland enjoyable reunion.

Seshait History. Back row (l-r): KennethHawkins, Seshait Founder [B.S. ‘91,B.Arch. ‘93]; Brian Swilling, SeshaitFounder; Anson Stuart [B.S. ‘94, B.Arch.‘96]; Jeff Bush, Seshait Founder [B.S.‘9M.Arch. ‘98]; and Peter Thompson [B.S.‘95, M.Arch ‘96]. Front row: Karen Williams[B.S. ‘02, M.Arch. ‘05]

Alpha Rho Chi Sponsors Reunion

Field trip to Bainbridge College. (l-r) Prof.Martineau and Sam Andras with studentsClifford Achilles and Emmanuel Coffie.

www.famusoa.net

ALUMNIAlumni Jury Critiques Final Projects

Marketa Clark

14

Competition winner Michael Kruger presents his project to the enthralled jury.

For the second year, the SOA AlumniNetwork coordinated the return of 12alumni on Friday, April 21, 2006 to serveas jurors for the final projects for fifth-year students seeking their professionalBachelor of Architecture degree. Theprocess is considered a competition inthat the jury must select the winner of thePella Fifth-Year Jurist Award, a $1,000cash prize for the student with the bestproject. Pella Windows and Doorsprovides this annual award.

The day began early with a breakfastsponsored by the Network held at theRadisson Hotel. Joining the jurors forbreakfast were Network Co-Chair andlocal architect Akin Akinyemi [M.Arch.‘88] and Assistant Dean Andrew Chin.Mr. Akinyemi spoke to the group andexplained the goals and objectives of thealumni organization. Prof. Chin orientedthe jurors to the project, explained theprocess and structure for the day, andemphasized the importance of their roleas alumni and their contributions to theSchool.

After breakfast, the group moved to theSOA where until lunch they reviewed allthe student projects exhibited in the southatrium. The jurors were provided theparameters for the project, definitions forthe scoring points, and a log for scoringeach parameter for each project. Theywere asked to consider the following:

Concept: Articulation of thematicintentions and conceptual resolutionthat demonstrates critical thinkingand a concise understanding of thestudent’s project research.

Site/Context: Definition andutilization of site relationships,creation of architectural identity,expression of intent development,and reinforcement of conceptualform.

Functionality: Resolution andorganization of programmatic spatialcomponents into meaningfulproximities and relationships.

Structure/HVAC Assemblies:Selection and integration of service

and structural assemblies that areappropriate technological solutions.

Building Envelope: Selection andintegration of exterior materials that areappropriate technological solutions.

Communication: Communication ofwork completed in a professional andwell-organized manner.

Overall: Demonstration of acomprehensive understanding andmastery of the content and skills onewould expect from a graduate of theB.Arch. curriculum.

During a working lunch, the jurors werecharged with selecting three finalists topresent their work to the jurors. Afteranalysis of the individual scores and

Jurors begin their review of all the fifth-year projects exhibited in the South Atrium.

Please see page 15.

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2006 Alumni Jurors

ALUMNI15

Marcus Barnes, B.S. ‘05Graduate ArchitectCuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLCOrlando, FL

Karla Castellon, B.S. ‘00, M.Arch. ‘02Graduate ArchitectElliott Marshall Innes, PATallahassee, FL

Seth Coffin, B.Arch. ‘00Graduate ArchitectElliott Marshall Innes, PATallahassee, FL

Ed Budnick, B.S. ‘79Real Estate ConsultantPhiladelphia, PA

Christian Dino, Assoc. AIA, B.S. ‘01AssociateDulaney ArchitectureGreenwood Village, CO

Nicole Fore, B.Arch. ‘04OwnerFore Construction and Design, LLCCrawfordville, FL

Lennox Russell, M.Arch. ‘01Intern ArchitectTimothy Gaus, AIA, Inc.Altamonte Springs, FL

Tim Scarbrough, AIA, B.S. ‘81, M.Arch. ‘85Principal, Advance Planning GroupJacobs Facilities, Inc.Atlanta, GA

David Vincent, B.S. ‘84, B.Arch. ‘89Sr. Vice President and PartnerJRA ArchitectsTallahassee, FL

Dan Waterman, AIA, B.Arch.‘00Partner and Project DirectorAi GroupAtlanta, GA

Bryant Watson, B.Arch. ‘05Intern ArchitectReynolds Smith and HillsJacksonville, FL

Keith White, AIA, B.Arch.‘00AssociateBullock Tice AssociatesPensacola, FL

considerable discussion about the projectsmoderated by Keith White [B.Arch. ‘00],the group decided to ask for presentationsby four students instead of three. Thegroup signaled the end of theirdeliberation, and all the students and theirprofessor, Michael Alfano, gatheredanxiously in the atrium for theannouncement of the projects chosen forpresentation. The four finalists were:Kirsten Dahlquist, Jonathan Essa,Michael Kruger, and Istvan Peteranecz.During a 15-minute break for the jurors,the selected students prepared for their

presentations.

After impressive presentations by each ofthe students and probing questions fromthe jurors, the group retired for theirselection of the winner of the $1,000 PellaJurist Award. And the winner was. . .Michael Kruger who designed a mixed-use transit center in Tallahassee. Thejurors were impressed with all aspects ofhis project. Our congratulations toMichael for a job very well done!

For a listing of all the jurors, please seethe box at the left. For comments fromsome of them, please see p. 16.

2006 Alumni Jurors: (Seated, l-r) Christian Dino, Karla Castellon, Nicole Fore, Keith White,Seth Coffin, and Marcus Barnes. (Standing, l-r) Dan Waterman, Lennox Russell, DavidVincent, Ed Budnick, Bryant Wilson, and Tim Scarbrough.

During a working lunch, the jurors deliberated and selected four finalists for afternoonpresentations of their work.

Alumni Jury continued from p.14

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ALUMNI

2006 Jurors Comment on Their Experience

16

I really appreciated the hard work thefifth-year students put into their finalprojects. I wish them luck on theirtransition from school to the workplace.The best word of advice I can give is tobe excellent in all areas of your life. Thatmeans being on time, on task, and on topof any challenges that come your way.Remember, when they see you, they seeFAMU. Represent yourselves well in theworkplace, and doors will open for futureFAMU graduates to enter behind you.

Marcus Barnes, B.S. ‘05Cuhaci and Peterson Architects, Orlando

I want to thank everyone for inviting meto participate. Perhaps more importantthan the invite is the respect shown to meand the other jury members—respectfrom the faculty, the administration, andthe students. The group dynamics wereespecially interesting. We, as the jury,were able to make decisions (I think) as aproduct of the SOA—26 years of history,from me (1979) to Nicole Fore, MarcusBarnes, and Bryant Watson (2005). Wehave all learned to make decisions withlimited information. This is a credit to theFAMU SOA. I look forward to sharingmy observations with Mike [Alfano] andAndrew [Chin] and pledge myavailability for future contributions toSOA juries/design sessions.

Ed Budnick, B.S. ‘79Real Estate Consultant, Philadelphia

I was grateful for the opportunity to be analumni juror, this being my second year.Not only do I approach this task as ameans of giving back to the School ofArchitecture, but it is also a way to helpthese new graduates transition into the“real world.” The rigors and highstandards to which Prof. Chin and histeam hold these fifth-year students wasstill apparent. However, it would beinteresting to see the final-year project bestructured as a standard “designcompetition.” All the students would begiven the same project typoplogy todesign (for example, a natatorium, amuseum, etc.), and the major elementwould be glass, steel, or concrete. Soundlike a plan?”

Lennox Russell, M.Arch. ‘01Timothy Gaus, AIA, Inc.,

Altamonte Springs

I for one really enjoyed coming back to theold alma mater! I was impressed with thequality of the work and how far the Schoolhas progressed from when I started.(Jacobs has) a very robust intern programthat we are recruiting for. . . so if there areany interested interns, we have openingsthroughout our offices (Orlando; Atlanta;Dallas; St. Louis; Washington, D.C.; LosAngeles). Keep up the good work.

Tim Scarbrough, B.S. ‘81, M.Arch. ‘85Jacobs Facilities, Inc., Atlanta

As a whole, the students did not show usthe same level of concept, design, andpresentation as the class from the previousyear. There were, however, a handful ofprojects that were exceptionally done fromconcept through presentation. The projectsthat were most interesting to review werethe ones that created conversation anddebate among the jurors. We all agreed onthe top three projects and identified twoothers that were worthy of being

recognized among their peers. Thesestudents clearly put forth the time, effort,and commitment to produce a successfulproject. . . .our agenda for the day wasbetter organized and thought out this year,which made our time spent more valuableto the students.

Dan Waterman, B.Arch. ‘00Ai Group, Atlanta

year research project:Process Guidelines forHigh PerformanceBuildings.

In reflecting on her years atthe School, Judye said thatshe is grateful for thefriendships, experiences,and memories, and for howmuch she has learned aboutarchitecture since joiningthe SOA. She tries not to dwell too muchon what she will miss after leaving andconcentrates instead on her vision ofretirement.

Some of the things Judye is lookingforward to are slowing her life pace, takingtime to reflect, spending more quality timewith friends and family, learning to kayak,working with her plants and garden,traveling, reading, and writing. Herhobbies include organic gardening, fitnesstraining, swimming, backpacking, buildingthings, cooking, animals, sewing, andpottery. A former all-state athlete, Judye isalso eager to become reacquainted with thebasketball goal she was given on her 40th

birthday but has had little time to enjoy.

Thinking about her retirement, Judye said“Though everyone has a ‘work life’ and a‘home or personal life,’ the dichotomy forme has been fairly dramatic. I’ve felt as ifI’ve been leading two lives. One is in thecity, heavily scheduled, technologydriven, and highly stimulating. The otheris rural, timed by nature, worked by hand,and deeply relaxing. Each is a full-timeendeavor. As I get older, I look forwardto focusing on my life in the country,allowing me to slow down and enjoy thebeauty and bounty of what I truly love—nature.”

McCalman continued from p.6

Judye McCalman with first Alumni NetworkExecutive Board members (l-r) AkinAkinyemi, Dion Storr, and Anthony Payton,2003.

Finalist Kirsten Dahlquist answersquestions from the jurors.

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ALUMNI 17

Alumni Notes

Local Firm Celebrates Addition of Alumnus Partner

Please see page 18.

For those in the Tallahassee built-environment community, the annualGallie Alley Rally is an event not to bemissed. This year’s party—the 26th

annual—was celebrated in honor of SOAalumnus Doug Barlowe [B.S. ‘82,B.Arch. ‘87]. Beautifully catered byAndrew’s Catering, over 250 people wereentertained in the creatively decorated“Alley” on May 16, 2006.

After working with several local firmsover the years since his graduation, Dougmade the move to become the third

partner at Barnett Fronczak BarloweArchitects. The title was made official inJanuary ‘06. Doug has had over 24 yearsof experience in architecture, and he hasserved as past president of the TallahasseeChapter of the American Institute ofArchitects (AIA). He has also served onthe Board of Directors of the AIA/Floridastatewide association.

We join the community in congratulatingDoug and wishing him and the firm asuccessful partnership.

Though still the Director of Design forJohnson Peterson Architects inTallahassee, for the next two years HughBosely [B.Arch. ‘96] will be spending75% of his time in San Francisco. Whilethere, he plans to earn a M.Arch. fromBerkeley, get more professionalexperience, enjoy the city, and surf. Aftera few offers from large firms, Hughdecided to work with Soularch Design, asmall firm owned by a fellow surfer. Itoffers not only interesting work but alsoallows the flexibility needed for takingclasses. Hugh loves San Francisco. Helives in the Cole Valley neighborhoodnear the entrance to the Golden Gate Parkand is within walking distance of greatrestaurants, shops, and clubs. Otheractivities are only a short skateboard rideaway. “The car leaves the garage only onweekends,” he reports, “when I take tripsto the coast to surf and explore.”

Both spring 2006 graduates from theM.L.A. program immediately landedpositions in Florida. Cheryl Callender[M.L.A. ‘06] is working as a Junior

Associate in the Landscape ArchitectureDivision of Keith and Schnars, P.A. in FortLauderdale, and Stephen Cox [M.L.A.‘06] is a Landscape Designer with HDREngineering in Panama City.

Since 1997 Lisa Mills Cook [B.Arch. ‘89]has been the Facilities PlanningCoordinator at St. Petersburg (FL) College,and she is also currently the 2006-2007President of the Florida EducationalFacilities Planners’ Association, Inc.(FEFPA). Lisa lives in Clearwater with her12-year-old daughter, Christi, and she iscurrently working toward a master’s degreein public administration at Florida GulfCoast University.

Kevin Foster [B.S. ‘03] is celebrating a50th anniversary this year. McCar Homes,the 40th largest home builder in the nationand where Kevin is employed, marks its50th year in business. Kevin started atMcCar in Alpharetta, GA in late 2004 as anintern architect but has been promoted toProject Manager. His responsibilitiesinclude training new architectureemployees in Architectural Desktop 2006and Data CAD-11, maintaining andupdating all current home plans, creatingand maintaining a time line for new homedesigns, and finalizing all plans before theyare released to the builders. McCar buildshomes primarily in the southeast region,with Atlanta being its top market. Theirprojects include single-family homes andtown houses ranging in price from $150kto $700k. In 2003 Kevin married FAMUCIS alumna Raven Bobo, and their sonQuentin was born April 13, 2004. Kevin

treasures spending time with Raven andQuentin at their home in Dallas, GA.When he gets a break from his busyschedule, he also enjoys conceptualdrawing, watching football, and tellingthe occasional joke.

Congratulations to Tiombe JenkinsGarmon [B.S. ‘93, M.Arch. ‘96] and herhusband Demone on the birth of theirfirst child, Hassan Samir, born on Dec.21, 2005. While Tiombe was on a four-months maternity leave from the Orlandooffice of Jacobs Facilities, Inc., thecouple decided to leave Orlando andmove to the D.C. metropolitan area.Tiombe is now back at work in theJacobs Arlington office where she iscurrently focusing on schematic designdevelopment for Dept. of Defense localand international operations facilities.

Recent graduates Crystal Jackson [B.S.‘04, M.Arch. ‘06] and Thomas Brokaw[B.S. 04, M.Arch. ‘06] have now settledin Orlando. They are employed by twofirms who participated in the 2006 JobFair, and they join other alumni in thoseorganizations. Crystal is with ForumArchitecture and Interior Design, Inc. inAltamonte Springs, and Thomas isemployed by Schenkel ShultzArchitecture in downtown Orlando. Thecouple intends to become licensed in afew years and, from there, “the sky’s thelimit!”

José Jaramillo, AIA [B.S. ‘95, M.Arch.‘97] is looking toward the third

After working for more than five years atalumni firm Cronk Duch Miller inJacksonville , FL , Peyman Ata-Abadi[B.S.‘97, M.Arch. ‘00] has opened hisown firm in Jacksonville—P.A. Studio,Inc. Peyman says he “learned a lot” whilewith Cronk Duch Miller, including “howto survive,” but he was ready to explorehis own architectural journey. Currently,he collaborates with other Jacksonvillearchitects and developers who specializein boutique-type projects.

www.famusoa.net

18ALUMNI

Alumni Firm Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Alumni Notes continued from p.17

Please see page 19.

On April 27, 2006, the alumni firm ofRhodes + Brito Architects, Inc.celebrated their 10th anniversary indowntown Orlando at the Courtyard atLake Lucerne. More than 100 guestsjoined Ruffin Rhodes [B.S. ‘82, M.Arch.‘89], Max Brito [B.S. ‘85, M.Arch. ‘89],and the entire firm team, including alumniStephanie Mendez [B.Arch. ‘05] and DonWilliams [B.S. ‘95; M.Arch. ‘98], in thecelebration of their 10 years of success inOrlando.

The guests were entertained in a courtyardgarden by a four-piece, jazz/rhythm-and-blues band. In addition, a number ofguests spoke at the event to congratulatethe firm. They included representativesfrom several of the firm’s clients as well asOrlando dignitaries. The client speakerswere: Interim Dean James Douglas,FAMU College of Law; Dr. JeraldinePerkins, retired Principal of Nap FordCommunity School; and Mr. Gary Cain,President and CEO of the Boys & Girls

Club. Others publicly congratulating thefirm were: Orlando City CommissionerDaisey Lynum and City of OrlandoDowntown Development Board ExecutiveDirector Frank Billingsly.

Rhodes + Brito Architects, Inc. has beena strong supporter of the SOA since 1999when the firm began the first alumni-awarded sponsorship of a student byinitiating the annual “Rhodes + BritoScholarship Award,” a cash award to adeserving third-year student selected bythe faculty. In addition, the firm made theinaugural contribution to the SOA’s firstScholarship Endowment Fund. Thesegenerous and unsolicited donations brokenew ground in the School’s history and setthe tone for future fund-raising activities.

We congratulate Ruffin, Max, and theirteam on their 10 years of success andgrowth, and we wish them a bright andprosperous future.

Max Brito (l) and Ruffin Rhodes.

anniversary of owning his own firm inLake Worth, FL—The ArchitecturalGroup. Along with partner MarkBrodnick and two other architects, TheGroup takes on a variety of projects

including commercial, industrial, andresidential work. After graduation andprior to opening his business in January2004, José joined the firm of RLCArchitects in Boca Raton, FL and stayedwith that firm for seven years. There hegained experience primarily in commercialprojects, working with corporations like

IBM and Office Depot as well as some ofthe larger local companies. He earned hisFlorida license in 2003. Married for over10 years, José and his wife Brisset (aCPA) spend their spare time enjoyingSamuel, their 2½-year-old son, andparticipating in church activities.

Congratulations to Igor Reyes [B.Arch.‘93] on being promoted to Associate in thefirm of Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe inCoral Gables. Igor has been with the firmsince 2003. Concentrating on the designeffort in the office, his primary focus nowis on large residential and hospitalityprojects. He enjoys his work, comment-ing: “It’s going really well. I can’t believethey’re still paying me for this!” Igor andhis wife of three years, Nara, have two“beautiful and energetic boys” ages 4 and2 who fill their lives with joy.

On Oct. 8, 2005, William JermaineRichardson [B.S.. ‘97] married CrystalCuby, a high school math teacher andPh.D. candidate at GA State University.(Crystal also holds a master’s degree inelectrical engineering from GA Tech.)The couple lives in the Atlanta area whereJermaine is employed by the Dallas-basedfirm, The Samuel Group Architects. Thefirm has done work for various bankingclients throughout the country, includingBank of America, Wachovia, and SunTrustas well as La-Z-Boy Furniture Showroomsand 7-11 Stores. He is also pursuing theMaster of Divinity degree at TurnerTheological Seminary at the Interdenomi-national Theological Center in Atlanta.

Thanks to a little help from our friends,another “lost alum” has been found! Afterreceiving his degree at the SOA, KurtSchneider [B.S. ‘82] designed a LakeJackson home for Andy Reese and hisfamily, owners of several Tallahasseerestaurants. Thereafter, Kurt moved toAtlanta and worked for a couple of firmswhile he studied for and took the GeorgiaRegistration Exam. He received hislicense in 1986 and moved to Roswell,GA where he operated his own practiceuntil 1998. The following year he retiredand moved to Fairhope, Alabama. In2002, he bought a cottage and set up anoffice in the sunroom where he creates allhis drawings by hand. When he’s not atthe drawing board, he’s sailing on MobileBay.

www.famusoa.net

IN MEMORIAMALUMNI REUNION 19 ALUMNI

Workshop continued from p.10

completion of a “mini-thesis” project thatrequired them to select a research topic,complete a literature review, design aresearch methodology, conduct theirresearch, and document it in a scholarlyformat so that it can be published injournal format. Each student was assistedby a mentor from the graduate faculty inthe program to which they have beenaccepted.

The McNair fellows work closely withtheir mentors not only on their ownresearch for the McNair summer program,but they also assist the mentor in his or

her ongoing scholarly research. AtwaulBennett’s mentor was Richard Rome,Director of the Graduate Program inLandscape Architecture. She assisted himin his research, which seeks to identifyoff-campus, credit-generating activitieswithin graduate programs in landscapearchitecture.

The FAMU students also presented theirresearch at the National McNair ScholarsResearch Conference in Nashville, TN.Of the 13 FAMU students, six receivedawards for their work. Atwaul Bennettreceived 1st Place in the Poster Presenta-tion Category. Her research addressed thetopic of the potential of built landscapes to

Frederick Botelho1970-2006

The School of Architecture is sad to reportthat alumnus Frederick Botelho, 35, diedFriday, April 14, 2006 as the result of a caraccident. A Mass of Christian Burial washeld on April 18, 2006 at the St. John theEvangelist Catholic Church in Boca Raton,Florida, followed by entombment at theBoca Raton Mausoleum. Fred receivedboth the Bachelor of Science inArchitecture Studies and the Master ofArchitecture (1993 and 1995) from theFlorida A & M University School ofArchitecture.

Fred was born in Pawtucket, RhodeIsland, but the family moved to Miamiwhen he was 17. He is survived by hisparents, Nelson and Cecilia; his brother,Alex; his matenal grandparents, John andMaria Farias; and his longtime girlfriend,Marianela (Mary) Gomez.

After earning his degrees, Fred accepted aposition with Carlos Zapata Design Studioin Miami where he was employed for fiveyears. During that time, Fred played aninstrumental role in the design andconstruction of the Publix supermarket inMiami Beach and the design of ConcourseJ at the Miami Airport. In 2000 he movedto M.C. Harry + Associates, also in Miami,and remained there until 2005 when hetook a position with OppenheimArchitecture + Design where he workeduntil his death.

Fred was an accomplished, dedicated,talented, and successful architect. Over thecourse of his short career, his work wasrecognized in publications and withawards.While a student, his work was selected for“Architects in the Making,” an exhibit in theNational Building Museum in Washington,D.C. He also earned the Alpha Rho ChiMedal and was tapped as a member of TauSigma Delta, national honor society forarchitecture and the allied arts.

In 1999 Fred was featured in Architecturemagazine’s article on young architects, andthe following year, his work was published inGeorgia Houses and Abitare Magazine. In2001 he was honored with the AIA UnbuiltDesign Award of Merit for the GrahamCenter Expansion at Florida InternationalUniversity in Miami.

Out of the office he always took his passionhome where he managed to fuse it into allthe other aspects of his life. He relishedhome improvement projects and his hobbyfor cars. On his down time you could alwaysfind him in front of his computer, eatingItalian ice and discussing BMW topics onforums where he befriended fellow members.He was as faithful to his friends as he was tohis career, always keeping in contact withchildhood friends and traveling as often ashe could to see them. Fred has left a legacymanifested not only by landmarks hedesigned but also through the people hetouched in the course of his life, the life hedesigned for himself—his best work to date.

improve the physical and mental healthof users. She specifically addressed thecharacteristics of built landscapes thathave the potential to reduce stress inusers. Atwaul intends to continueresearch in this area of study in herMLA thesis studies while a student inthe SOA graduate program.

“The McNair summer research programis one of the best orientation programsto graduate student research of which Iam aware,” Prof. Rome noted. “Ipersonally salute the Director, LisaMcClelland, for making this program asgood as it is.”

Oppenheim Architecture + Design hasinitiated the Fred Botelho TravelingFellowship in Fred’s honor. Memorialcontributions may be made to the fund.For more information, please see thearticle about the Fellowship on p. 1.

We extend our deepest sympathy to allFred’s family and friends.

Fred with girlfriend Mary Gomez.

Fred doing what he loved the most—architecture at Oppenheim Architec-ture + Design.

www.famusoa.net

20ALUMNI

On August 20, 2006, Keino Furbert-Jacobs [B.Arch. ‘97], his wife (Enid),and their two children (Jaiden, aged 4½,and Mya, almost 3) moved into theirnew home in Pembroke, Bermuda. Thehome is part of a small developmentconceived of and designed by the couplethrough their company, E4 DesignsArchitectural Services. They opened thecompany upon Keino’s return to hisnative Bermuda in August 2004. Thecompany currently services 53 clientswith 15 active developments and anotherseven currently under review by thelocal Planning Department.

The new family home, referred to as theGrand Garden Home, is one of fourhomes in the development called Ja-MyaColony Homes. The name was createdfrom the names of their children: “Ja”from Jaiden and “Mya.” The projectbroke ground in October 2005, and thefirst certificate of occupancy wasreceived August 2006.

The family’s new four-bedroom homehas four levels: a basement, first andsecond floors, and a mezzanine. Abody-building competition winner,including a stint as “The 1997 Mr.Tallahassee” when he was a student,Keino included a well-equipped gym inthe basement.

With new and renovated space totaling8,500 sq. ft., the development includesthe renovation of two existing 2-bedroom, 1-bath attached GardenHomes; the addition of one new 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath, basement, three-levelCity Home; and the 4-bedroom GrandGarden Home. The interior finishes forall are inspired by and radiate an eclecticcombination of Mediterranean and Asianinfluences.

“The E4 work ethic is very similar tothat of the studio hours at the SOA inthat work starts at 6:00 p.m. and carriesthrough to 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.,” Keinoobserved. The idea is to “do more nowin order to rest and reduce stress later inlife.” Because the company consists ofonly Keino and his wife, it is family-oriented. “Family time is alwaysrespected, and the majority of businessis conducted when the children areasleep,” Keino reported. “Generally,overhead is low, which effectively helpskeep costs attractive to middle and

Family-owned Architecture Firm Thrives in Bermuda

upper-middle market clients.” The name“E4” comes from “Euphoric and EclecticDesigns for Evolutionary and EventfulLifestyles.”

If you are wondering why work begins at6:00 p.m., it is because Keino also hastwo other jobs. In September 2004, hewas hired by the Bermuda LandDevelopment Co. (BLDC) as a ProjectManager but was quickly promoted toProject Architect and Project Manager. Prior to Keino’s joining BLDC, anotheralumnus, Stephen Tucker [B.S. ‘96]held the position of Facilities Managerand was later appointed to Acting V.P. ofFacilities Management.

Recently and after the many successfuldevelopments, both Stephen and Keinowere invited by the Government

Ministry to work with the BermudaHousing Corporation (BHC) on residentialinitiatives in various stages of develop-ment. They make recommendations to thegovernment and serve as liaisons withother professionals. In general, their roleis to create and enhance an informeddecision-making process in the govern-ment as it relates to commercial, industrial,residential, multi-use, and sustainabledevelopments.

Keino’s productive professional life beganupon his graduation when he was hired byFugleberg Koch Architects in Winter Park,FL. During his seven-year tenure there, helearned the ropes for designing andimplementing large, multi-family develop-ments. His projects include the 334-unitTwin Oaks development on east CapitalCircle in Tallahassee that is spread among30 buildings. It includes a clubhouse,tennis courts, and several other ancillarybuildings. A few others of the 33 Floridadevelopment projects under his belt areAbacoa in Jupiter, Park Central inOrlando, and Royal Palm NurseryApartments in Bradenton. Six more arelocated in Michigan. In short, “I have notstopped since my graduation from theSOA,” Keino reports.

Our congratulations and best wishes toKeino and his family on the completion oftheir new home and the continuing successof their business.

(l-r) Enid, Jaiden, Keino, and Mya Furbert-Jacobs.

Furbert-Jacobs new family home anchors Ja-Maya Colony Homes development.

www.famusoa.net

The Executive Board of the FAMU SOA Alumni Network needs your help in building the organization. To do this, weneed each SOA graduate to participate so the organization can become a vibrant entity to help support the students,faculty, administration, and staff.

The Executive Board has been involved in a variety of activities to support SOA students. Over the past year, we haveaccomplished the following:

• Organized and participated in a Professional Development Seminar at the SOA.• Coordinated the Alumni Jury for the B.Arch. final project and annual pre-jury breakfast.• Provided and presented commemorative sashes to the 2006 professional-degree graduates.• Represented the alumni during the February NAAB re-accreditation visit.• Participated in the February Job Fair organized by Alpha Rho Chi.• Completed a Network promotional brochure.• Organized a football Tailgating Party in Atlanta, GA.

Please see the back cover of this newsletter and join us in the first 2006-07 activity—a reception celebrating the retirement of AlumniCoordinator Judye McCalman.

For additional information on the Network, please call or email Network Chair Dion Storr any time at 614.282.1458 orwdstorr@yahoo.com. He looks forward to hearing from each of you.

We Need YOU!

ALUMNI REUNIONBarbados Alumnus Designs for Florida’s Panhandle 21 ALUMNI

We were pleasantly surprised thissummer by a visit from Doug Luke[B.Arch. ‘90] who was on his way toreview several projects his firm currentlyhas in the Florida panhandle. Doug is anarchitect and director at Gillespie & SteelAssociates Ltd. in Barbados (WestIndies), and the firm is part of the teamworking on Rosemary Beach, a newurban town about seven miles east ofSeaside and approximately twice its size.

Doug’s firm has developed the

Barbados Alumnus Designs for Florida’s Panhandle

swimming pool and its attendantbuildings, aptly named the “BarbadosPool.” They are also responsible for alive/work building called “TheSavannah,” a four-story residential/commercial building that covers an entireblock. The firm has also designedseveral residences—cottage-type beachhouses—at Rosemary Beach.Appropriately, the theme for the town isAnglo/Carribean architecture influencedby Barbados, St. Augustine, NewOrleans, and Charleston.

Also in the panhandle, Gillespie & Steelis one of the firms that designed thecoastal village of “Draper Lake,” situatedon a dune lake. Split by a river, thevillage is located about 10 miles west ofSeaside. Doug was part of the designteam for the master plan, and the villageis currently developing its amenities.Following the village theme of theAdirondacks, Gillespie & Steel hasdesigned two pools and their associatedbuildings.

A third project underway is a 500-acredevelopment called “Sky” located northof Panama City. Gillespie & Steel hasdeveloped its master plan with JuliaSanford Architects, Duany Plater-Zyberk, and Dungan NequetteArchitects.

The Gillespie & Steel approach to designplaces considerable emphasis on problemsolving in the local context. They haveconducted studies of traditional islandarchitecture and use what they learned aswell as their extensive experience todevelop the use of traditional designelements in a contemporary way toproduce an up-to-date Caribbeanarchitectural style that works well withinthe climatic, financial, and technicalconstraints of the region. For more onDoug’s firm and their work, seewww.gillespieandsteel.com.

Barbados Pool at Rosemary Beach, FL by Gillespie & Steel Associates Ltd.

www.famusoa.net

22ALUMNI

While cleaning his office recently, Associate Professor Enn Ots came across this poemwritten over 15 years ago by alumnus Tom Cardinal [M.Arch. ‘90]. Tom died inJanuary 2004.

After earning a degree in health sciencesin 1975 from Kyushu NationalUniversity in Japan, Fuji Shono, AIA[B.S. ‘81] moved to the States, came tothe then-new School of Architecture atFAMU, and earned her B.S. in 1981.After graduation, she moved around abit, living in Chicago, the District ofColumbia, and Florida before startinggraduate school in Oregon in 1985.While living in D.C. in 1982, shemarried fellow architect, Rick Browning.After earning the M.Arch. from theUniversity of Oregon, Fuji worked inEugene for three years. The couple thentook off five months for around-the-world travel. Upon their return, theymoved to Portland in 1991.

Two years later, Fuji and Rick openedBrowning Shono Architects, LLP inPortland. Though the firm is small, theyhave worked on a wide range of projectsincluding small commercial and mixed-use renovation, institutional remodeling,

industrial/office buildings, and residences.They have also done several urban design/planning projects for the City of Portland:main street development, alternativetransportation-related retail, bicycle parkingfacilities, etc. In addition, they have

completed study/research projects such aswriting a building maintenance manual forthe State and design guidelines for theCity of Newberg, OR. For more on theirfirm, please visit their website atwww.browningshono.com.

Between 1993 and 1996, Fuji taughtJapanese architecture classes at PortlandState University. During the spring 2006,she taught a design studio at theUniversity of Oregon, Eugene campus.This year, she is teaching a seminar onJapanese architecture at the UO’sDepartment of Architecture PortlandCenter. Fuji is now interested in pursuingmore teaching and research possibilitieson Japanese architecture, past and present,on various topics such as sustainableaspects, energy-conscious traditionalliving customs, spatial concepts ofJapanese architecture, preservation ofKyoto mixed-use houses, materials anddetails, Japanese urbanism, etc.

Fuji and her husband, Rick, at home with (l)Bare, formerly Barefoot, rescued from theOregon Humane Society and (r) Dale whowas rescued by Rick while on a bike ride inGoldendale, WA.

Archi-tectureisBuild-ing

Fuji Shono: A 25-Year Update

Alumni Notes continued from p.18

Anson Stuart [B.S.‘94, M.Arch. ‘96]has recentlycompleted hissecond novel,Runaway Love: lstBorn. After spendingthree years writingand another twoediting and

formatting the book, Anson and hisfriends celebrated its official release onAugust 30, 2006 at The Bohemia Roominside Power Studios in Miami. Forpreview chapters of each of his novels, goto www.runawaylove.com.

Congtratulations to David Vincent [B.S.‘84, B.Arch. ‘89] who has been promotedto Senior Vice President and Partner atJRA Architects in Tallahassee, FL. Seearticle about his recent work on p. 23.

Lost Alumni: WhereIn the World Are You?

Due to limited space and the growingnumber, our usual list of “Lost Alumni” isposted on our website. Please visit us atfamusoa.net/alumni/lost.

Architecture Is Building by Thomas John Cardinal

Architecture is buildingBuilding as dwellingDwelling is the experience of being in a placeDwelling place, peace, safeguarded, free from harm

skyearthdivine

Space is “made room for”Space is interval

Time is event, time is activityEvents are the patterns of place

Place is space in time—a processProcess is dwelling in placeBuilding is the soil of process

cultivatenurturegrowth

the essence of building is “letting Dwell”

Light is the form giverLight is divineLight is the energy of place

Building is architecture of light as space

www.famusoa.net

ALUMNI REUNION 23 ALUMNISOA Alumni Help Revitalize Bond Community

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 was a banner dayfor the Bond community near FAMU. TheRickards High School band played,majorettes twirled their batons, and thecrowd of more than 200 was jubilant. Theoccasion: the ribbon cutting for the newBond/Wesson Elementary School at Saxonand Campbell Streets—the first newschool on the south side in 30 years!

Dignitaries including School Boardmembers Maggie Lewis and Joy Bowen,former Superintendent Bill Montford,Superintendent Jim Croteau, and CountyCommissioner Bill Proctor looked on asPrincipal Pamela Hightower proclaimed,“It’s a good day in the neighborhood!”

After the ceremony, attendees toured the

facility and marveled at its many beautifulfeatures. In addition to standard schoolspaces like classrooms, the new $17million building houses a dance studiowith bamboo floors and mirrored walls,state-of-the-art computer and science labs,and a well-equipped media center. Eventhe playground is full of colorfulequipment, including a climbing wall.

Founded in the 1930s by people in theneighborhood, Bond Elementary hasremained an important part of thecommunity with current neighbors stillheavily involved. After the announcementfive years ago that the Bond and WessonSchools would be closed, Bond alumni andneighbors organized. The communityworked with City, County, and School

Board officials to place the school on thesite of the existing school. In order toaccommodate the new facility, one streetwas closed to allow direct access toexisting playfields, and the City allowedthe stormwater to be held at the newregional facility being constructed for theBond community.

SOA alumni David Vincent [B.S. 84,B.Arch. 89] and Mario Nunez [B.S. 88]of JRA Architects worked with com-munity leaders, district staff, teachers,and the City of Tallahassee for more thantwo years on the design of the school.With so many parties having so muchinterest in this project, the greatestchallenge facing the design team wasassembling, organizing, and implement-ing the enormous amount of input into asingle coherent design. “But it wasworth the effort,” noted Vincent. “It isone of the true pleasures of architecturewhen you can not only see your designcome to life but when you can also see ithave such a positive effect on an entirecommunity.”

This project also signified the “passing ofthe torch” for JRA Architects and FAMUSOA. Founding partner, projectPrincipal-in-Charge, and SOA alumnusBobby Cresap [B.S. ‘79] retired fromJRA during the early phase of construc-tion documents and was replaced byDavid Vincent as Senior Vice Presidentand partner at JRA. To complete thecircle, recent SOA graduate BrianCannady [B.S. ‘06] joined JRA shortlyafter Mr. Cresap’s retirement and wasinstrumental in the completion of theproject.

Main entrance to the Bond/Wesson Elementary School designed by JRA Architects.

School in a state of equilibrium. Since sheassumed the position of Assistant to theDean, there has been an incredibleincrease in the productivity and morale ofthe entire support staff.

She is truly committed to her position andconsistently goes beyond its normaldemands. She has an uncanny ability tohandle difficult situations for which thereare frequently no precedents and aboutwhich she has no particular experience ortraining. In short, she is an outstandingfront-line person.

I have also observed her acting as a veryeffective administrator. She commands

the respect and loyalty of both staff andfaculty as a facilitator and problem solver.Ms. McCalman does, indeed, function “toenable others,” and this is most refreshing asit constantly serves to elevate the academicclimate of our School.

If you ever need to convince the University toraise her position or to increase her level ofcompensation, I would hope that you wouldcall on me and other faculty members forsupport. I can assure you it would begratefully forthcoming.

Sincerely,

R.E. ShaefferProfessor

Reflections continued from p.7 Tim WhiteProfessor

Judye has always been my model andguru for impeccable organization; clearwriting; getting things done efficiently;and positive, cooperative approaches toleading and participating in groupefforts. If ever I needed a copy ofsomething, no matter how many yearsback it was produced, I went to Judye.She not only had it, but knew right where itwas in her files. I worked with her in editingmy books, and I’m sure I drove her crazywith my insistence on breaking grammati-cal rules. I have enjoyed many conversa-tions with her about larger life issues andadmire her thoughtful perspective. I’velearned from her professionalism and willalways value her friendship.

www.famusoa.net

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTALLAHASSEE FLPERMIT NO. 236

SOANEWSFlorida A&M UniversitySchool of Architecture1938 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.Tallahassee, Florida 32307-4200

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

The FAMU SOA

Alumni Network Executive Board

Cordially Invites You To A

Reception

Honoring Judye McCalman

During Homecoming Week

On Friday, October 27, 2006

7:00 p.m.

At

Huffman/Tarmey Architecture

450 St. Francis St.

Tallahassee, FL

Some of you may know that Alumni Coordinator Judye McCalman retired on September 29,2006. The FAMU SOA Alumni Network Executive board is honoring her 27 years of dedicated

service with a reception. Without Judye, the Network may not have been established. Thisorganization is one of Judye’s legacies at the SOA.

Please Join Us For This Celebration!