Our Firm This is a milestone year for RLF as we celebrate 75 years of providing architectural, engineering and interior design services. Founded in 1935 by renowned architect James Gamble Rogers II, RLF has grown from a proprietorship of 18 to a multi-disciplined firm of 132 providing integrated, world-class design solutions for healthcare, educational, cultural and federal projects. Gamble Rogers proudly served the Central Florida community for 61 years completing numerous noteworthy projects and establishing an architectural character and standard for the Winter Park and Central Florida communities, and also was commended as an AIA Fellow. In 1978, Gamble Rogers handed over the daily operations to his younger son, Jack Rogers, who served the profession of architecture at RLF for 41 years, retiring as Chairman and CEO in 2006, and, like his father, as an AIA Fellow as well. With projects spanning 27 states and four continents, RLF has continued the Rogers’ legacy as an influential member of the architectural community by continually championing the advancement of the profession through innovative designs that help to enrich our daily lives.

Summary StatementFrom decades of service, RLF is nationally recognized for innovative client-focused design solutions that not only serve our clients, but our communities as well.

Our PeopleRLF has long embraced the value embodied in our founder’s guiding principles: respect for people, honesty as the foundation for long-term relationships and service with integrity. Our diverse group of professionals works out of Winter Park, Florida, creating collaborative solutions to achieve a truly integrated environment. Our architects, engineers and interior designers pursue the highest level of success for our clients, telling their story, not ours. The combined efforts of our professionals result in designs that reflect our clients’ goals and dreams while blending within their communities.

RLF’s continued success is due to our long-term client relationships that focus on a team approach to design with an open and honest communication style. While many firms have downsized or closed their doors in the recent economy, RLF has continued to grow over the last 12 months - from 98 employees to our current total of 132. Our staff is large enough to produce major projects around the globe, yet small enough that our senior design professionals continue to offer personal attention to each client.

Our Office

RLF has occupied its current location on Lincoln Avenue since 1948 when renowned architect Gamble Rogers first purchased the building. What started as a small residential-scale structure has evolved over the last 60 years into a two-story contemporary workplace. Wanting to take advantage of the natural environment of the site (which includes massive ancient oak trees) and to fit within our neighborhood, we incorporated natural materials to create a relaxing and life-affirming space. The project was given an Award of Excellence in the ‘Office’ category in the “Best of 2009” competition held by Southeast Construction

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Our CommunityAs we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, we recognize our connection to the Winter Park community threads through decades of design ~ from Gamble Rogers’ residential designs, to our work on the Rollins College campus, expansion of the Winter Park Memorial Hospital, and recent design for expanding the Charles Hosmer Museum of American Art. We know this community – the culture, the people, and the ‘feel’, because we live and work here every day. Sam Stark, former president of the Winter Park Chamber, once said “[Jack Rogers/RLF] is the person [firm] people turn to for appropriate and lasting design, scale and character for Winter Park.” We take this legacy and commitment very seriously. Our connection to the community is further enhanced through our commitment and ongoing volunteer involvement in local charities. Led by the firm’s Volunteer Committee, RLF emphasizes community service striving to represent our profession and dedication to the communities we serve.  For the past 10 years, RLF has participated in the local CANstruction competition, raising money and awareness for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The RLF replicate of the Guggenheim Museum not only took top honors as the “Juror’s Favorite,” but through our efforts we collected over $4,000 in donations and purchased 2,500 cans of food for the local food bank.

For the past five years, RLF has been involved in the Relay for Life Event of Winter Park organized by the American Cancer Society. To help raise money, RLF sponsors an annual ‘Paint Your Own Masterpiece’ Competition during the Winter Park Art Festival. Original staff-created artwork is auctioned to the public and reproductions are available for purchase online. All proceeds collected benefit the American Cancer Society in support of Relay for Life. Through fundraising and company donations, RLF contributed over $2,000 to the organization in 2009.

 

In 2008, RLF joined Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland to spearhead an effort to raise money and sponsor a Habitat House as a retirement gift honoring Jack Rogers, retired Chairman and CEO of RLF. Construction of the 1,100 sf, 3-bed/1-bath Craftsman-style bungalow commenced in December 2008 allowing the deserving family to move in just in time for Christmas 2009.

Volunteers from RLF, supplemented by volunteers from neighboring schools and Habitat, hammered nails, cut wood, painted walls, landscaped grounds and more to complete the house. RLF’s Steve Schoene, Habitat board member, oversaw the year-long ‘Saturday build’ and organized volunteer efforts of the firm. The “House that Jack Built” marks only the second home built by Habitat for Humanity of Winter Park-Maitland sponsored wholly by individuals rather than a church, business, philanthropic foundation, educational institution. The home’s dedication took place in March 2010.

In support of RLF’s mission to be sustainability advocates, a team of 32 RLF volunteers helped glean 2,000 pounds of citrus which would have otherwise gone to waste. The fruit is edible but unmarketable, so growers allow the Society of St. Andrew’s Gleaning Network to gather it. Each year, the society gathers more than 15 million pounds of food for the needy.

For the past five years, RLF has held bi-annual blood drives on-site for Florida’s Blood Centers. Each drive averages over 17 participants, consisting of RLF employees, business partners and community members. RLF encourages employee participation by providing paid time to donate during the workday.  Over the past 10 years, RLF volunteers have provided continuous support to the Great Oaks Village; a foster home for children ages 6 to 17 that provides a safe and nurturing environment for children with the hope that they will be able to return to their home of origin once the family is stabilized. Total contributions by RLF staff members exceed $30,000 since the initiative began; more importantly, RLF volunteers have never failed to contribute when essential support was required.

For the third year in a row, RLF has partnered with the City of Winter Park to provide employee volunteers to give trees to city residents on Earth Day. Residents are able to choose from different species of trees including Maple, Magnolia, Cedar, Live Oak and Sandhill Live Oak.  RLF volunteers have contributed in excess of $20,000 in disaster relief efforts for the tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and recent earthquakes in Haiti.

 

Over the past year alone, RLF has also helped support the following organizations: Boy Scouts of AmericaBoys and Girls Club of Central Florida March of DimesHarbor HouseAmerican Diabetes Association Junior Achievement Valencia Community College Orlando HealthCentral Florida ASHRAEFlorida Hospital FoundationAmerican Health AssociationHeart of Florida United WayMuscular Dystrophy AssociationUnited Way

Select Publications (Past 5 years)

“Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Nona.” The National Center for Simulation, Mar 2010. Stawicki Azam, Melanie. “Orlando Health to Build $24M Proton Therapy Facility.” Orlando Business Journal , Jan 2010. Altier, Mike. “Rogers, Lovelock & Fritz – Firm From the Sunshine State Gets Defensive.” American Builders Quarterly, Fall 2009. “City Projects: Casa Feliz.” City By Design, An Architectural Perspective of Orlando, 2009. Panache Partners, LLC.

“Industry Leaders: Hollis Center at Stetson University.” City By Design, An Architectural Perspective of Orlando, 2009. Panache Partners, LLC. “Industry Leaders: MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.” City By Design, An Architectural Perspective of Orlando, 2009. Panache Partners, LLC.

“Industry Leaders: Olin Library at Rollins College.” City By Design, An Architectural Perspective of Orlando, 2009. Panache Partners, LLC.

“Lake Highland Preparatory School, Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts.” Architectural Portfolio, 2009. American School & University / Nov 2009. Fluker, Anjali. “Orlando VA Medical Center.” Orlando Business Journal, Oct 2009.

“Architectural Showcase: Keesler AFB Hospital Addition.” Healthcare Design Magazine, Sept 2009. Editor. “Work Starts on $21M Winter Park Hospital Project.” Orlando Business Journal, Aug 2009. Gibbons, Timothy J. “Stimulus Funds Roll out to First Coast Military Projects.” Jacksonville News, May 2009.

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Our ClientsRLF’s versatile portfolio includes a long history of design and planning for healthcare campuses, educational and cultural facilities, and community-based facilities for both private and federal clients.  We designed our first healthcare facility in 1938 and have continued to be a leader in cutting-edge healthcare design from basic clinics to highly sophisticated structures housing proton beam technology.  Our expertise in healthcare programming, planning and design includes technologically advanced and demanding solutions for medical projects at home and around the world. RLF began its history with higher education clients in the 1940’s and has continued to develop learning spaces that positively affect campuses and neighborhoods beyond building walls. RLF has a long-standing history with the federal government providing design and engineering services for both medical and educational facilities for the US Navy, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force military installations and the Veterans Administration (VA).  Our relationship with the Department of Defense is deep seeded in respect and support of our armed forces and their families stationed here on U.S. soil and abroad.  Our current work with the VA will yield the largest Veterans Administration hospital in the world – nearly 1.5 million square feet. 

Our ProjectsRLF projects are wide and diverse in that we design for multiple sectors for public, private and federal clients.  Whether a 10,000 sf museum expansion or a complex 1.5 million sf medical campus, we are committed to our clients to create places of lasting value that enrich our daily lives. 

Commissioned by Robert Barbour in 1921, James Gamble Rogers II modeled Casa Feliz after a Spanish courtyard farmhouse, incorporating authentic Spanish details with a mix of elements inspired by other Mediterranean styles. The house is organized around an interior courtyard surrounded by a series of rectangular interior living spaces on all four sides. Spanish architectural details are evident in the pointed arch, rounded turret, heavy timber balcony, bell tower and broken brick arches.  When the home was threatened with demolition, RLF quickly joined the forces of city neighbors and residents to save the structure and to create an historic home museum within the Winter Park community. RLF president, Jack Rogers, organized the “Friends of Casa Feliz” who worked with community leaders to raise more than $1,000,000 to move the home and restore it to its original condition. The historic home was recently added to the National Register of Historical Places.

Today, Casa Feliz serves the Winter Park community as a historic home museum and rental location for private parties, weddings and business events.  

Casa FelizLocation: Winter Park, Florida | Owner: Casa FelizCompleted: 1935 (original); 2001 (restoration)

Designed in the Classical style, the Florida State Supreme Court Building features a six-columned pedimented Doric portico. Three entryways, each with large double doors, lead into the central space, which is surrounded by eight columns of antique marble with white Ionic capitals and bases of marble. A marble replica of the Supreme Court seal is laid in the floor of the circular space. Doors beyond the domed rotunda space lead into the courtroom. Two-story office wings, with basement and sub-basement levels, flank the center section. The use of the temple front and dome, with their historical and architectural associations with Roman precedents such as the Pantheon, emphasize the prestige and dignity of the court. Construction cost for the 50,000 sf building was $1.5 million in 1949 dollars. In 1992, the Florida AIA awarded the Supreme Court Building its “Test of Time” award, given in recognition of the lasting value of good architectural design.  

Florida State Supreme Court BuildingLocation: Tallahassee, Florida | Owner: State of Florida, Florida Supreme CourtCompleted: 1949

Olin LibraryLocation: Winter Park | Owner: Rollins CollegeCompleted: 1986 (New) / 1999 (Addition) 

The Olin Library is a four-story, 58,000 sf state-of-the-art library and education facility providing stack and reading areas for 300,000 volumes, 400 study carrels, individual research offices for faculty, classrooms, meeting rooms, computer conference center, rare book room and administrative spaces.

Disguised in a two-story tropical Spanish fenestration, the facility seamlessly blends with the existing 150-year old campus. Using the sloped site, RLF designers partially buried the ground floor below the grade, giving the illusion of a smaller scaled structure that complements the surrounding buildings. Elaborate stonework, barrel tile roof materials, textured stucco walls, copper roofs and light fixtures made of wrought iron and textured glass further enhance the Spanish Mission architectural style.

In 1999, RLF was asked to design an addition to technologically update the facility. This included 12,000 sf of new construction and 40,000 sf of renovations. Rollins past president, Rita Bornstein, described the addition as “so well integrated into the site and the building that it looks as though it were part of the original design.”  

Mary, Queen of the Universe ShrineLocation: Orlando, Florida | Owner: DioceseCompleted: 1993

The 57,000 sf Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine is the last Marian Shrine constructed in the United States within the 20th century. Hosting more than 250,000 visitors annually, the Nave seats 2,000 with standing room for another 1,000 visitors. Separate chapels seat 100 for daily mass and 40 for prayer. The Basilican form was adapted from the plan and overall dimensions of the Basilican Church of St. Peter in Rome which was erected by Constantine in 330 A.D. Facilities also include a Museum of Religious Art, an outdoor chapel and Rosary garden. In 2009, Pope Benedict designated the church a Minor Basilica, a distinction given for historic significance, architectural beauty or ministerial uniqueness. Currently there are only 63 churches within the United States with this prestigious distinction.  

The Hollis Center, Stetson UniversityLocation: DeLand, Florida | Owner: Stetson UniversityCompleted: 2000

The Hollis Center at Stetson University is an intramural and student center housing recreation, wellness and nutrition classroom facilities.  Sensitive design maintained context, human scale and compatibility with surrounding buildings and open spaces.  The central atrium serves as a welcome center for visiting students and parents. A “Victory Bell” enriches tradition for the intramural athletic program. The project was recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Florida AIA and a “People’s Choice” Design Award from the Orlando Chapter, AIA.  Perhaps more important, the center is one of the most frequented buildings on campus and it contributes significantly to connecting the University to the surrounding DeLand community. 

Spangdahlem Replacement HospitalLocation: Spangdahlem AB, Germany | Owner: US Air Force Completed: 2002 (Design)

The design of the Replacement Hospital at Spangdahlem Air Force Base was driven by the following owner established goals: Consolidate the ten existing medical services into a single modern facility; reflect the scale and architectural character of the surrounding village buildings; conform to the German code requirements; arrange internal functions for maximum efficiency and shorter walking distances; and provide adequate space to allow for future expansion.

The design is split, then rotated to follow the natural curvilinear contours of the site. This allows natural daylighting, views and ventilation into the clinical areas and offices while reducing the overall massing. The exterior skin reflects the prevailing trends of German architecture while conforming to the Air Force Base architectural requirements. A green roof composed of succulent plants over crushed brick is incorporated for enhanced environmental sustainability.  

MD Anderson Cancer Center OrlandoLocation: Orlando, Florida | Owner: Orlando HealthCompleted: 2003

The MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando is composed of a large ten-story tower of sweeping bars of brick and glass anchored by a two-story plinth of earth and water. The massing is bold and monumental matching the existing hospital while new delicate and transparent elements have been incorporated that enliven the building façade and harmonize with the overall campus. The iconic cancer treatment facility seamlessly integrates into the existing hospital in regard to function and aesthetics while creating a dynamic community presence in a life-affirming healing environment focused on the patient and user. Completed in 2003, the project has been recognized for multiple design excellence awards by The Center for Health Design, Healthcare Design Award, AIA, AAH, Modern Healthcare Design and International Interior Design Association. 

Sigonella Education and Community Center FacilitiesLocation: Sigonella, Italy | Owner: Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)Completed: 2004

Supporting the military population at the Signonella Naval Air Station, the Education and Community Center Facilities were designed to blend with the traditional Italian architecture of Sicily. The facilities consist of Department of Defense Dependents (DoDD) elementary and high schools, the Morale Wellness and Recreation Complex (MWR), and seven new community center buildings. RLF created a master plan that maintains architectural consistency throughout and creates consolidated and efficient buildings with layouts that give an open and flowing impression to the base. This was accomplished by using the same types of materials as the existing community and by clustering the buildings around courtyards, allowing easy access to the training rooms, instructional and administrative spaces. The project was recognized with a Merit Award for “New Facility Design” by the Design Awards Program of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and with the “Outstanding Achievement through Value Engineering Recognition” from the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Dr. P. Phillips Women’s Pavilion ExpansionLocation: Winter Park, Florida | Owner: Winter Park Memorial Hospital – A Florida HospitalCompleted: 2007 (Phase 1A) | 2010 (Phase 1B)

Since 2004, RLF has partnered with Winter Park Memorial Hospital by providing master planning recommendations for its future campus growth. Expansion of the Women’s Pavilion completes the first phase of an overall half-million sf, 160-bed expansion and 300-bed replacement to the healthcare campus. With the grand opening planned for April 2010, this three-level addition provides desperately needed expansion of the hospital’s birthing unit. Connecting back to the existing hospital on all three levels, this addition enhances the current operations of the facility. As envisioned, the new architecture reflects Spanish and Italianate forms offering simple arched ways, punched openings and tile rooms. Thick battered walls accentuate the base of the building, with tall first floors and loggias or colonnades incorporated below. The new aesthetic is based on the desire to create a more ‘hospitality-oriented’ experience for the patient. Drawing on the community’s history and the desires of the hospital’s administration and staff, the architecture was modeled after the ‘old Florida’ resort hotels built in the 1930s. 

Harriett Coleman Center for the ArtsLocation: Orlando, Florida | Owner: Lake Highland Preparatory SchoolCompleted: 2008

The Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts serves as a centerpiece for developing the performing arts program at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida. The design team was charged with creating a cutting-edge performance arts facility that reflects both the school’s excellence and vision for its students while reinforcing the campus as a “sense of place.” The resulting design solution is a 29,200 sf facility that boasts a 774-seat theater, stage, dressing rooms, costume shop, orchestra pit, main lobby, clock tower, various support spaces and a separate building that hosts the black box theater. The outdoor veranda bridges the performing arts theater to the black box theater and is a perfect outdoor room for receptions and other social gatherings. In a recent letter to RLF, Lake Highland’s President, Warren Hudson, remarked – “Our students thank you, the community thanks you, and we thank you.” This project was recently showcased in the December 2009 issue of American School & University. 

Orlando Health Downtown Campus Master Planning StudyLocation: Orlando, Florida | Owner: Orlando HealthCompleted: 2009

RLF has provided master planning for the Orlando Health campus in Orlando since 1998. Updates to the plan have resulted in a series of projects that create a well integrated and efficient modern medical campus. RLF performed a detailed analysis of existing conditions providing recommendations for campus expansion, relationships with parking, office and clinical support buildings, demolition and phasing, transportation, traffic patterns, retention/open space, campus circulation and wayfinding. The current 2009 Master Plan Study proposes a five-phase campus expansion to the south, with options. The multi-phased plan is for incremental expansion with minimal affect to operations. Integrated service zones are developed to leverage existing programs by consolidating services.  The first phase of the master plan shows the new Cardiovascular Center of Excellence with an expanded Emergency Department and separate ambulance and walk-in entries. Future phases call for expanding and replacing older facilities and will ultimately help establish a new architectural identity as a “Medical District” that will better serve the Central Florida community.

Andrews Ambulatory Care CenterLocation: Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, Maryland | Owner: Department of DefenseProject Completed: 2012 (est.)  

This four-story free standing Ambulatory Care Center will be a world-class medical facility serving the Navy and Air Force at the prestigious Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility. This medical center consolidates all medical support departments from various buildings into one new facility and will provide comprehensive healthcare for military personnel. The mission of Joint Base Andrews is to provide safe and reliable airlift and logistical support for the President and other high ranking U.S. and foreign officials. This base also serves as the premier CONUS gateway for wounded soldiers returning from a tour of duty. Led by the 79th Medical Group, the new Ambulatory Care Center will provide the critical and necessary medical services in support of all Navy and Air Force missions.  

Veterans Affairs Medical Center Location: Orlando, Florida | Owner: U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsCompleted: 2012 (est.)

RLF is part of a joint venture providing design and construction administration for the new Veteran Affairs Medical Center campus located within Lake Nona development’s “Medical City.” Accommodating approximately 1.2 million sf,, the campus is the largest Veterans Affairs facility in the world. Facilities include a 134-bed hospital, 120-bed nursing home, residential rehabilitation, diagnostic and treatment beds, multi-specialty care clinic, chapel, support and administration areas.  The design team worked with multiple user groups to address and identify desired goals of the project. This project was recently given an Award of Merit in the ‘Unbuilt Category’ by AIA’s Orlando Chapter. RLF is also providing gratis design and fundraising support for the Veterans Memorial Park, adjacent to the VAMC. RLF Chairman, Ronald W. Lowry, AIA, was recently appointed to the Memorial Park Foundation’s Board of Directors, and is overseeing the project. 

Conferences / EducationRLF continually strives to maintain all levels of awareness and updates within the architectural arena by way of participation in the IDP program, seminars, webinars, conferences, conventions, professional certifications, significant coursework and as speakers within their specialties. We also consistently invite consultants or vendors to provide informative presentations to our staff. These presentations cover the full spectrum on materials or technology that typically end in sustainability solutions for our environment. Members of our staff have been asked to speak on occasion for various industries and five of our young architects teach at community colleges throughout Central Florida. We also seek out innovative facilities and often pay visits or take tours of facilities to learn how new technology or materials might be advantageous for our clients and the environment.

 For the last two years, RLF has been asked to conduct tours of the award-winning MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando and Winter Park Memorial Hospital at the ASHE PDC and Healthcare Design conferences. At HD ’09 and ASHE: PDC 2010, RLF senior architects led the architects in the Healthcare Organizations Forum. The interactive and open discussion was designed to address administrative and practical issues within the delivery of healthcare projects.  In October 2009, an RLF Principal co-presented at the Southeastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators (SRAPPA) conference on the collaborative, hands-on approach of retro commissioning for educational facility operations as the most immediate method to manage the energy resources of large campus facilities. In 2008, RLF also co-presented at the AHCA Conference held in Orlando.

AIA InvolvementRLF has a long history with the AIA, dating back to Gamble Rogers as the founding member and first president of the AIA Orlando Chapter. Gamble was made an AIA Fellow, posthumously, for his design achievements and impact on the Central Florida community.  RLF currently has 25 AIA members and two active board members – Gregory Stock, AIA, Treasurer and Steve Langston, AIA, Director of AAH Committee. Langston previously served as the Programs Director and is also a past recipient of the President’s Award. RLF architect, Rebecca Talbert, AIA, LEED AP, has had extensive involvement with AIA over the last six years including the Board of Directors and Program Committee for the Orlando Chapter; Chair and Member, Young Architects Forum Orlando; State Director, AIA Florida Committee on the Environment; AIA Florida COTE Taskforce. Rebecca received the AIA Outstanding Member Award in 2005 and was the 2009 recipient of the Fred H. Pryor Young Architect Achievement award. In 2008, retired RLF President/CEO, Jack Rogers was designated a Fellow and received the prestigious honor in recognition of his many contributions to healthcare initiatives throughout Central Florida.  Senior Healthcare Architect and Principal of the firm, Robert Yohe, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP, was awarded the 2009 Nils M. Schweitzer Community Service Award.  Senior Healthcare Architect, Vincent Della Donna, AIA, serves as the Forum Coordinator for the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health and is currently serving on the Program Committee for Healthcare Design 10 Conference.

Technology in ArchitectureRLF has historically maintained a goal to research and incorporate industry-related advances and has used Building Information Modeling (BIM) in developing over 30 separate projects ranging from 10,000 to 1.2 million sf. These efforts include both single and joint-venture projects, which have included structural models for collaboration. The firm’s BIM implementation focus includes architectural, interior design, equipment planning, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection deliverables. With the use of BIM, RLF develops more integrated solutions, allowing the client a better understanding of building spaces, systems and construction methods.

 The advances in BIM technology and practice allow RLF to maintain and enhance our design services. Through research and training, RLF has taken the opportunity to engage its resources by developing a process that creates an internal transition from a CADD drafting-based format to the industry’s target for BIM. The parametric and automated functions allow RLF to complement its workflow, as well as meet the demands of its continual growth and various client needs. This technology opens doors to introduce new potential markets related to facilities management and other project lifecycle opportunities. Our aggressive approach has led us to the forefront of this industry evolution so much so that RLF has been asked to speak at Autodesk University, the buildingSMART alliance™ and the National Institute of Building Science functions. Several of our professional staff teach BIM courses at local universities and community colleges.

RLF has embraced sustainable design for many years. All disciplines of architecture, and electrical and mechanical engineering participate from the very beginning of the design process to incorporate sustainable features and energy savings into every project. RLF has 41 LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professionals representing over 30% of RLF staff.  Our architects and engineers are trained in energy and water conservation techniques; recovering materials and reducing waste; preventing pollution; efficiency in resource and materials; and developing safe environments. Because of the long-term cost savings, RLF typically designs to LEED standards whether or not the client plans to complete the certification process.  We are committed to implementing green solutions and sustainable design throughout our practice. Our in-house “Green Team” focuses to keep green design and conservation issues at the forefront of our corporate philosophy. Using the USGBC LEED System as a guide, we have developed a corporate Green Impact Plan consisting of six focus areas: transportation, water and energy use, office consumable, indoor air quality and office renovations. We use an integrated approach to develop sustainable processes and practices and follow this document as a guideline for implementing sustainable practices into our own working environment - ‘practicing what we preach.’

 RLF encourages client and employee environmental advocacy through programs such as our Sustainable Design Brown Bag Lunch series and professional associations. RLF is a USGBC member firm and also pays for employees’ individual membership dues. RLF employees serve on the Florida American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (COTE) which lobbies for environmentally responsible legislation at the state level. In addition to our in-house efforts, RLF supports and promotes sustainability by participating in local events. For three years, we have partnered with the City of Winter Park by providing volunteers on Earth Day to give trees to residents. We have also been a big supporter of the City’s initiative to develop a commercial recycling program and expressed interest to the Winter Park Mayor and Commissioners in helping this vision come to fruition. In 2009, RLF was the recipient of the Keep Winter Park Beautiful Green Award.

Sustainable Design – The Green Initiative

In SummaryWith 75 years of integrated design services, RLF remains a constant, creating lasting solutions for local communities and clients around the globe.  Built upon tradition and service, RLF is proud of the successes we have achieved.  Our designs not only contribute to the built environment, but inspire creativity and help enrich the lives of the people who inhabit them. Our ability to create lasting design, nurture the best professionals, and stay client-focused speaks volumes for our firm.