Past Events
2025
Saturday, July 19, 2025
On the sunny morning of July 19, 2025, more than 66 architecture and arts enthusiasts gathered for OFA’s sold-out behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Welcomed by OFA Chair Debra Lemons, AIA, the group began their journey at the foot of the Massey Family grand Staircase.
Special thanks to Jen Seppi, Major Gift Officer at the Dr. Phillips Center, who shared the inspiring story behind the center’s creation, highlighting its namesake and the community’s collective effort to bring this cultural landmark to life. She emphasized how the center’s mission—to be an inspirational place where people love to be—is captured in its tagline, Arts for Every Life.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
The Orlando Wetlands Tour was a huge success! More than 40 people met at the Orlando Wetlands Education Center to learn "Why Design Matters" in the 1,650-acre man-made wetland.
Engineered in the 1980s, this innovative system naturally treats up to 35 million gallons of reclaimed wastewater daily, using plants like cattails and bulrush across 18 “cells” to remove nitrogen and phosphorus. By preventing algal blooms, it safeguards the St. Johns River and Florida’s ecosystems while supporting over 200 bird species and wildlife like alligators.
This nature-based design exemplifies how thoughtful architecture drives sustainability, ensuring cleaner water and thriving biodiversity for future generations.
Architecture on Tap +1 at Forward Slash
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Thank you to our OFA members and future members that joined us at Forward Slash in Winter Park for Architecture on Tap+1 on Wednesday, April 23rd. We had a very diverse group and there was a lot of conversation about the creation of the Orlando Center for Architecture and Design (OCAD) as well as plenty of networking opportunities. Keep an eye out for the next Architecture on Tap+1 coming up this summer as we continue the discussion on WHY DESIGN MATTERS in Central Florida.
Sydonie Mansion Tour
Saturday, April 12, 2025
This past week, we had the pleasure of touring one of Central Florida’s hidden historic gems, the Sydonie Mansion located near Tangerine, Florida. About 40 OFA members and friends came for a tour of the grounds and the mansion, given by the owners who also did the lion’s share of the work restoring the old beauty to its current splendor.
Besides the architecture itself, the owners have filled the house with rare and unusual antiques from their travels while working abroad. The house sits on a beautiful spot on the lakefront and is used as an event venue. Besides their stories of restoration pitfalls and successes, the owners shared stories about problems dealing with the county permitting department and the far places they traveled to dig up history and photographs of the original owners. The best part was the view from the shade of the boathouse terrace.
Pickleball Night
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
The Orlando Foundation for Architecture hosted a spirited Pickleball Social at the Winter Park Racquet Club, bringing together 40 participants for an afternoon of fun, networking, and friendly competition. The event was a smash hit, with players of all skill levels enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and great company.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, RGD Engineers & BBM Structural for making this event possible—we couldn’t have done it without you!
Scholarship Awards
Thursday, April 3, 2025
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Architecture Scholarship Awards. Your support made this inspiring evening possible as we recognized the hard work, creativity, and promise of this year’s scholarship recipients. Congratulations to our outstanding winners, who represent the future of architecture with their innovation, passion, and dedication to the built environment.
Together, we awarded over $15,000 in scholarships to students from Valencia, UCF, and UF CityLab, thanks to the funds raised by the AIA Orlando Annual Golf Tournament. Each recipient was selected based on academic excellence, design potential, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
If you or someone you know is pursuing a degree in architecture, we encourage you to apply for next year’s scholarships—applications will open in [month/year]! Stay connected with us for updates and deadlines.
Thank you again for being part of this special evening and for investing in the future of architecture.
Baldwin Park Sketch Walk
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Baldwin Park Sketch Walk! It was a beautiful day of creativity, connection, and community as participants explored the neighborhood’s charming streetscapes and vibrant public spaces through sketching. Artists of all skill levels came together to capture the architectural character and scenic views that make Baldwin Park so unique.
Downtown Orlando Walking Tour
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Thank you to everyone who attended the Downtown Orlando Walking Tour this month!
We had 40 attendees join OFA on a guided tour by Arlenne Gill, AIA, on Saturday, March 15th for a casual morning of learning about historic Downtown Orlando & conversation about WHY DESIGN Matters in Central Florida.