For campuses of all sizes, student centers pose unique challenges and opportunities. They serve as hubs of activity and connection for a diverse range of student groups, each with their own unique needs and expectations. How do we cater to diverse tribes of students, administration personnel, and parents touring the campus all in the same building? Our Agile Design approach shines in developing these projects, creating flexible, inclusive, and engaging spaces. Let’s examine the mindsets and needs unique to student centers and uncover valuable lessons learned from past projects.
The University of Florida Student Healthcare Center delivers cutting-edge healthcare design in the heart of the University of Florida. But it's more than just a fancy building - it symbolizes a shift in focus. For generations, the previous building was known as "the infirmary." UF's vision: to create an environment that promotes student well-being over illness treatment. By focusing on fostering wellness, the 46,000-square-foot facility showcases the power of WELL Certification in guiding design priorities. Read more
In today's higher education landscape, the approach to designing research space is evolving. Universities are aiming high and striving to secure vital funding. But to succeed long-term, these research spaces must foster flexibility and collaboration. Let's explore the future of research facilities through the lens of our Agile Design philosophy. What can we learn from our recent projects, and what insights have we gained from emerging trends?
In today's rapidly evolving landscape of scientific and technological advancements, institutions are facing the challenge of adapting to changing research methodologies and collaborative work dynamics. At Walker Architects, we have worked at the forefront of reshaping research environments to meet the demands of these institutions. Through our Agile Design approach, we have revolutionized the way science and technology spaces are conceptualized, designed, and utilized. Here’s what makes The Walker Way different.
Whether called Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Task Order, or Continuing Services, this unique contract type is an important tool in the tool box of any owner who is a habitual buyer of Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) services.
January 10, 2024 — No Comments
The University of Florida Gateway just received the first SITES Gold Level Certification in the State of Florida!
The Newell Gateway and Northeast Gateway projects achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving the SITES Gold level certification, setting a precedent for the University of Florida and the entire state. Led by GAI Consultants, the entire project team demonstrated an impressive commitment to sustainable landscape design, using the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) as a guiding force.
We are excited to celebrate this Earth Day by sharing our commitment to sustainable design and how it aligns with our focus on people and the planet. Our Agile Design approach emphasizes flexibility, well-being, accessibility, and environmental impact, allowing us to create buildings that can serve multiple uses and remain adaptive over many decades. As we celebrate Earth Day, we’d like to share our enthusiasm toward the importance of sustainable design, our Agile Design approach, and how it all comes together to build a better future for all.
September 22, 2022 — No Comments
Florida Ballpark is the first of its kind to receive 3 Green Globe certifications
The Condron Family Ballpark (previously known as the Florida Ballpark) has been awarded 3 Green Globes! It is the first premier collegiate stadium in the United States to receive this certification.
We are proud to announce that two of our own Walker Architects team members are now WELL Accredited Professionals! Iris Meeker (Director of Sustainability) and Samantha Ramos (Project Coordinator) earned their WELL Accredited Professional™ (WELL AP™) credential through the International WELL Building Institute. They have become experts in the WELL Building Standard™ and are committed to advancing human health and wellness in the built environment.
Walker Architects is proud to have achieved a JUST label! For us, this label signifies our ongoing commitment as a company that embraces integrity, quality, empathy, passion, collaboration, and passion in all we do.
We were excited to attend NeoCon!
What is NeoCon, you ask? One of our interior designers, Taylor, describes it as “an expo for interior manufacturers of furniture, materials, and finishes. Basically, the fashion week for interior designers.”
Walker Architects teamed up with Scorpio to update multiple branches of Radiant Credit Union.
Formerly called “SunState Federal Credit Union,” the organization underwent a branding overhaul to better represent their reliable, straightforward service and friendly, youthful approach. Our team was charged with transforming their branches into bright and positive spaces to reflect their fresh new image and community-centric values.
Greenbuild, in partnership with USGBC, hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide, where attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability and quality of life in our buildings, cities and communities.
This year’s event was held on September 21-23, 2021 in San Diego, and our Director of Sustainability, Iris Meeker, attended the event to keep abreast of the most pressing issues surrounding the green building movement and to further advance our commitment to sustainability.
Tags: events
Most people spend up to ninety percent of their lives indoors. With that in mind, we believe that design to promote human wellness is critical.
A building designed for occupant wellness can include features like biophilic elements, ergonomic work areas, healthy building materials, and acoustically sensitive and agile spaces that support healthy choices by the end-user. All of these design elements work together to make us healthier and happier.
We believe in designing people-centered spaces by asking the right questions:
- How can the design encourage a healthy lifestyle?
- How can the space provide for greater occupant comfort and well-being?
- How can the space feel welcoming and inclusive for all?
- How can design connect people with place and nature?
- What materials can support a healthy environment?
We are a firm who actively listens — and what we’ve heard from our clients is that outdated collegiate spaces are getting in the way of progress. Hundreds of higher education projects over the last decade have taught us that spaces are constantly challenged with evolving needs. The architecture that supported innovation in the classroom of yesterday might stand in the way of progress today. While we can’t anticipate every trend, we can design spaces to be ready to support organizations as they adapt and grow.