Congratulations to Michael Sullivan and the rest of his team at Looney Ricks Kiss Architects. The Downtown-based architectural firm recently won four “aurora” awards at the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando.
The awards are administered by the Florida Home Builders Association for projects with superior and unique and well-planned designs. The competition is for builders, developers, architects and interior designers involved in projects in a 12-state region in the southern U.S. and the Caribbean.
The firm won two auroras for designs in Dallas, one for a project in Ave Maria, Fla. and one in Tennessee. At the conference, the firm also received a special recognition and was commended for its design of a private residence.
Designs for the award-winning properties vary. Some are residential, some multifamily and some, mixed-use.
Mixed-use properties are properties that include residential as well as commercial spaces.
Regardless of the types of property, Sullivan was pleased with the recognition of them all.
“All had individual characteristics making each project unique,” Sullivan says.
The design for the town of Ave Maria is one that Sullivan is most proud of, and he’s thrilled that others recognize its importance.
“This project is all about smart growth, and that’s a big deal” he says. “Our firm really believes in smart growth like creating walkability and keeping cars off streets. It all helps bring a synergy to the area.”
The town is the first “new urbanist” town developed as a “college town.” It includes town center commercial services such as a college bookstore and coffee shops. It also includes residential housing for young students, families and even retirees.
Currently, the firm is involved with designs for the Nocatee Town Center. They’re also designing the master plans for St. Joe Town Center in Rivertown.