Author Archives: Currie Sowards Aguila Architects

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects Announces New Principals

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) recently announced the appointment of two new Principals, Keith Beal and Jose "JJ" Jaramillo, AIA, LEED AP. Seasoned professionals active in the South Florida region for nearly three decades, Beal and Jaramillo joined the award-winning firm in 2017 as Senior Project Managers and quickly impressed the lead Principals with their creativity, technical skills and leadership qualities.

"This is a very exciting time for the firm as we continue to build CSAA based upon the core values of design excellence and service which have defined our reputation for over 50 years," said Jess Sowards, AIA and CSAA Principal. "We are proud to include Keith and JJ as trusted stewards of our firm and look forward to their continued contribution to the growth of our portfolio."

Keith Beal has 29 years of project experience in restaurant design and general construction, in addition to having a strong background in advanced computer skills including work in 3-D environments. During his tenure with CSAA, he has been focused on key projects including the Monroe County Courthouse and the Delray Beach Hampton Inn.

Jose "JJ" Jaramillo has 24 years of project experience designing buildings in both the public and private sectors of varied size and scope including a significant portfolio of office/industrial/warehouse projects. He is the Senior Project Manager for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre renovation project and the St. Gregory's Church Master Plan.

"Watching employees ascend to the ownership level is very satisfying," stated Jose Aguila, AIA and CSAA Principal. "Jess and I feel very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team to work with as we expand the firm's legacy."

About CSAA:

Established in 1969, Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (CSAA) is a visionary firm, having designed and master-planned public and private projects throughout South Florida including the catalyst of the city of Delray Beach's revitalization, the Old School Square Cultural Arts Complex. A drive, walk, or bike through communities around the tri-county region and the Florida Keys offers a snapshot of the firm's architectural portfolio including civic centers, fire rescue stations, parks, community clubhouses, hotels, restaurants and theatres. These projects are the cornerstone of the organization, where creating special and sustainable public spaces and venues for the community's enjoyment, coupled with functional and fiscally sound design, remains their first priority.

CSAA has been recognized for more than fifty years as a highly respected team of professionals, whose vision for communities continues to serve as the inspiration of their practice. Honored with more than 65 building and planning design awards, in 2000, CSAA was presented with the Firm of the Year Award by the Florida American Institute of Architects. But beyond these accolades, what has defined the firm's legacy is the contribution CSAA has made within the local community, "giving back, by design and service."

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) recently announced the appointment of two new Principals, Keith Beal and Jose "JJ" Jaramillo, AIA, LEED AP.

Related link: http://www.csa-architects.com/

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects to Design Pompano Beach Bridge

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) is proud to announce they will be designing yet another South Florida bridge. The City of Pompano Beach has tapped the Delray Beach firm to transform the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge. The architects received international acclaim for their design of the nearby Pompano Beach Pier Parking Garage. The new bridge will echo this structure's style.

The bridge and surrounding streetscape will be built in partnership with Burkhardt Construction at an approximate cost of $1.5 million. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on December 11, 2017.

"We are honored to be designing another important structure for the City of Pompano Beach," said CSA's partner, Jess Sowards. "The east side transformation of this city has been remarkable thanks to the City and the CRA's strategic redevelopment plans. Their understanding that parking garages and bridges are symbols of the city, not just functioning structures, has set the style for the type of businesses, hotels and developments that now want to be part of this growing community."

The Atlantic Boulevard Bridge will display a playful design concept which incorporates sail-like components and a marine-themed mural at the bridge tender house base.

"When people see the bridge, they will probably assume we were influenced by the sail-like components and art work of our garage design, however, we actually designed the bridge first," explained Sowards. "We knew these two structures needed to have a cohesive style, but we created each with its own personality. This area will truly be a gateway to the city, and we thrilled that our designs will be welcoming residents and visitors alike for decades to come."

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects is one of the leading bridge designers in Florida, with a stellar array of projects in their portfolio.

The Ocean Avenue Bridge in Boynton Beach was a tale of two cities. This whimsical structure connects the City of Boynton Beach and the Town of Ocean Ridge, two very diverse coastal communities. The 21' structure replaced a dated and substandard bridge crossing the Intracoastal Waterway. Native sea life provides the artistic palette for the bridge's metal trellis work which serves as the base for spire-like towers emerging from the bascule piers. Separate pedestrian and bicycle access is provided along with illuminated waterfront communal space under the bridge. The bridge served as an integral piece of Boynton Beach's downtown revitalization.

The Flagler Memorial Bridge, much like the Ocean Avenue Bridge, is the connecting point for the City of West Palm Beach and the Town of Palm Beach, two distinctly different South Florida communities. The bascule bridge serves as the replacement for a 1938 structure and spans 2,400 feet over the Intracoastal Waterway. CSA as a sub consultant to KHA provided services to FDOT for a PD&E study and met with the community to determine location of new bridge, height and the architectural style of the bridge. The team then developed a criteria package for a design build project delivery and assisted FDOT with the selection of the design build team and provided plan review of documents for compliance with the RFP.

The Crosstown Parkway Bridge in Port St. Lucie is the largest and most industrial of the Currie Sowards Aguila bridge designs, and includes an approximately 3/4 mile long fixed flyover of a sensitive estuary called the North Fork St. Lucie River. CSA created architectural features at each corner of the approach spans that signify the entrance to the estuary and conveys the community's value for the natural environment. The inclusion of the commissioned art work by Guy Harvey which features the River's natural habitat completes the design of the bridge aesthetics.

The CSA design team has also transformed several bridge tender houses including Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Hillsboro Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard.

About Currie Sowards Aguila:

Founded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm's bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team's creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial / mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.

The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.

Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of "giving back by design and service."

Learn more online at: http://www.csa-architects.com/.

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects is proud to announce they will be designing yet another South Florida bridge. The City of Pompano Beach has tapped the Delray Beach firm to transform the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge. The architects received international acclaim for their design of the nearby Pompano Beach Pier Parking Garage. The new bridge will echo this structure's style.

Related link: http://www.csa-architects.com/

Currie Sowards Aguila Design Maltz Jupiter Theatre Expansion – Architects Renowned for Performing Arts Portfolio

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- There have been numerous standing ovations at the performance venues designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com). For the past five decades, the award-winning Delray Beach-based architectural firm has played an instrumental role in designing some of South Florida's key cultural venues, and recently their designs for the expansion of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre received approval.

CSA was part of the initial transformation of the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in 2005. Additionally, the firm has designed the Mizner Park Amphitheatre in Boca Raton and Old School Square's Crest Theatre, Arts Garage and the new Arts Warehouse, all located in Delray Beach.

"We are honored to once again be working with the leadership at Maltz Jupiter Theatre to expand and enhance their incredible venue," said Jess Sowards, partner at CSA. "The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a treasured cultural institution, and this new design will allow them to have an even greater cultural impact."

The plan, which has been approved by the Jupiter Town Council, would double the square footage of the building without impacting the 617-seat audience chamber's intimacy. CSA's design will enhance the back of house with a larger stage house, a new multi-purpose flex space, new dressing rooms, rehearsal studios, prop and costume shop. The Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts has been a successful program for the Theatre and that too will be expanded to meet the growing needs of the community.

The architects have also designed the expansion to the Imagine Room, a multi-purpose space for meetings and entertaining. Construction for the Imagine Room expansion will be completed prior to the beginning of the 2017 season.

"Currie Sowards Aguila has been a tremendous partner in our success," said Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director/Chief Executive of Maltz Jupiter Theatre. "The firm has a strong affinity for arts and entertainment design, and we are delighted with the new plans for our theatre."

One of CSA's first theater designs was the Crest Theatre at Old School Square in Delray Beach. The historic high school was transformed into a 323-seat venue that has become a cultural jewel presenting world class musicals, variety shows and Broadway cabaret performances.

The firm designed the masterplan for the Old School Square campus in the 1990's which led to the economic revitalization of the entire downtown area. CSA is currently designing the new masterplan which includes an enhanced amphitheater with a 2,500-seating capacity, making it a competitive force in the South Florida concert scene.

The Mizner Park Amphitheater is another CSA design dating from the 1990's which is still drawing huge crowds today. The venue has featured an array of top performers from opera legend Jose Carreras to Grammy-winner John Mellencamp; free festivals to the renowned Festival of the Arts BOCA.

Arts Garage in Delray Beach, opened almost 7 years ago, and designed by CSA and has become an extremely popular venue featuring Grammy award-winning jazz artists and critically acclaimed theater productions.

Most recently, CSA is looking forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach as construction is expected to conclude in the next few weeks. This magnificent new venue with its whimsical color scheme and cube inspired design will become a leading incubator space for the arts community featuring gallery and makers spaces, multi-use areas, classrooms, computer labs and other amenities.

For more information about Currie Sowards Aguila please visit http://www.csa-architects.com/.

There have been numerous standing ovations at the performance venues designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Architects. For the past five decades, the award-winning Delray Beach-based architectural firm has played an instrumental role in designing some of South Florida's key cultural venues, and recently their designs for the expansion of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre received approval.

Related link: http://www.csa-architects.com/

Pompano Beach Parking Garage Designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Celebrates First Anniversary

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- One year ago, South Floridians were introduced to one of the most stylish parking garages ever built. The Pompano Beach parking garage, designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com), drew raves for its "wow" factor focal points including large Led-lit canvas sails that wrapped the exterior, a giant fish mural and a glass elevator.

The word "iconic" has been associated with the 599 space parking garage since its debut, and in the past year, a surge of economic development has begun around the garage, in the area known as the Pompano Beach Fishing Village.

Construction is currently underway for an oceanside restaurant and plans are set for several other restaurants and retail shops.

"Good design is an integral part of stimulating economic development, and this garage is the perfect example," said Bob Currie, partner of the 48-year old architectural firm based in Delray Beach. "Any parking structure can provide its intended functional task, but when you are looking to create excitement, interest and community pride, designing a statement piece that your city becomes recognized for is a critical step in attracting developer interest."

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects were honored to have been selected to design this structure, which has played an essential role in the ambitious plans by the City of Pompano Beach and the Pompano Beach CRA for the expansive redevelopment of the beach front.

"The leadership was strategic in understanding the importance of establishing a parking garage first, to allay any concerns about parking for potential restaurants and retailers," said Jess Sowards, partner and principal on the parking garage project. "But equally important, they understood that design is essential to branding a city's image."

For almost five decades, CSA has partnered with municipalities to transform functional structures into branding pieces from parking garages to bridges, fire rescue stations to courthouses. The architects' award-winning designs have helped cities across South Florida create their own distinctive character.

"It has been our privilege to work with city leaders from West Palm Beach to The Keys," continued Sowards. "We take a very proactive partnership approach with municipalities to create structures that are not only cutting-edge all aspects of design, but we also help the leadership "sell" the project to city boards, commissions, neighbors and other stakeholders by having them understand the project and take part ownership in the design process."

About Currie Sowards Aguila:

Founded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm's bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team's creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial / mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.

The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.

Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of "giving back by design and service."

Learn more online at: http://www.csa-architects.com/

*PHOTO Caption: Pompano Beach Parking Garage. Photo by Dan Forer.

One year ago, South Floridians were introduced to one of the most stylish parking garages ever built. The Pompano Beach parking garage, designed by Currie Sowards Aguila Architects, drew raves for its "wow" factor focal points including large Led-lit canvas sails that wrapped the exterior, a giant fish mural and a glass elevator.

Related link: http://www.csa-architects.com/

Choli Aronson of Currie Sowards Aguila Architects Addresses Social Responsibility and Healthy Communities at American Institute of Architects National Conference

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Last week's American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference in Orlando united the country's leading decision makers from across the industry for innovative presentations on the best practices for building a better world. Choli Aronson, Senior Associate at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects (www.csa-architects.com) in Delray Beach, addressed the hot button topic of social responsibility in architecture.

Discussing the success of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), she examined emerging issues in the affordable housing category.

"There are several topics that must be addressed in order to build the kind of affordable housing which will nurture healthy families," explained Choli, AIA, LEED AP BD&C. "During my presentation, I discussed current housing issues including grandparents as child care providers, aging in place designs and multi-generational/multi-income communities."

Choli spoke of the need for affordable housing units to adjust age restrictions to allow for the expanding trend of grandparents assuming the role as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. She also addressed the nature of design to enhance the elderly's independence. And she showcased the importance of restoring the street grid to integrate affordable housing into the community while mixing multiple generation, multiple incomes and multiple housing options in one area.

Choli was encouraged by the partners at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects to serve on the Delray Beach Housing Authority, and during the Orlando conference she highlighted a successful partnership that transformed the historic LaFrance Hotel into a low income senior housing complex.

When the LaFrance opened in the late 1940's it was the only Black-owned hotel between Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale. In 2004, the Delray Beach CRA purchased the LaFrance to redevelop the property while preserving its history. CSA Architects was hired to renovate the original 3,800 SF hotel building and include a 4,000 SF addition. Now used as low-income senior housing, the complex contains eight studio units, six 1-bedroom units, laundry facilities and storage, all built around a common courtyard.

"This project exemplifies social responsibility," said Aronson. "This redevelopment preserved an historic site, one of tremendous pride for the community, while creating much needed affordable senior housing, assuring that the older residents would have an opportunity to remain in their beloved neighborhood."

About Currie Sowards Aguila:

Founded in 1969, the award-winning architecture firm's bold designs have enriched communities around the globe. The team's creative inspirations have graced cultural centers, residential communities, commercial / mixed-use developments and an array of municipal projects.

The versatile practice, known for its distinctive designs, has garnered acclaim for their singular ability to transform once utilitarian facilities into iconic structures for municipalities. From community centers to parking garages, fire stations to bridges, CSA allows design to be experienced in unexpected ways.

Their practice is augmented by the commitment of the partners to community involvement. Bob Currie, Jess Sowards and Jose Aguila have defined their legacy through their philosophy of "giving back by design and service."

Learn more about Currie Sowards Aguila Architects at: http://www.csa-architects.com/.

Last week's American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference in Orlando united the country's leading decision makers from across the industry for innovative presentations on the best practices for building a better world. Choli Aronson, Senior Associate at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects in Delray Beach, addressed the hot button topic of social responsibility in architecture.