Services

MLD Architects is a full service architectural firm with several award winning projects. Our services include design, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration services for both new and renovation construction projects.

In addition to full service building and renovation design, MLD Architects has extensive experience in roof design and consultation. Randy Lewis is a recognized roofing systems expert, and has written articles for Florida AIA magazine and Florida Roofers magazine. MLD Architects has earned an excellent reputation for diagnosing roof problems, and offering corrective solutions. Due to his expertise, Mr. Lewis has provided expert testimony on numerous cases.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Beth Eby

BETH EBY, AIA
Project Architect

Mrs. Eby joined MLD Architects in 2006, after moving to Tallahassee from the Baltimore area. Her experience encompasses commercial, institutional, and residential architecture, with an emphasis on architecture and social justice related issues. She has volunteered for Architecture for Humanity, where she provided administrative assistance for their fundraising efforts, the Gadsden Arts Center, where she assists with the curatorial department, and is a volunteer with the Knight Creative Communities Initiatives Illuminate Tallahassee program. Beth is one of our key Project Architects, where her attention to detail and dedication to client service makes her an asset on any project team.

EDUCATION
  • Masters of Arts Administration, Florida State University, Spring 2010
  • Bachelor of Architecture, University of Arkansas, 1990
  • Summer Studio, Harvard Graduate School of Design, 1989

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
  • Registered Architect #93810, Florida
  • Registered Architect #2768, Arkansas

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
  • Member of the American Institute of Architects
  • Member of American for the Arts
  • KCCI Volunteer, Illuminate Tallahassee Initiative
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

  • ArchiCAD Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software
  • AutoCAD Software
  • Grant Writing

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

  • Gilchrist Elementary School South and West Wing Renovations
  • Cobb Middle School Renovations
  • Cobb Middle School Music Suite Addition
  • Pineview Elementary New Pre-K and Kindergarten Classroom Building
  • Code Analysis for Richards Building
  • Code Analysis for RO Ranch Equestrian Park for the Suwannee River Water Management District, Live Oak, FL 
  • Thomasville Cultural Center Facility Study and Grant Writing Assistance for Save Our National Treasures Application, Thomasville, GA
  • Mission San Luis Governor’s House Reconstruction
  • Historic High Springs Community Center Renovation, High Springs, FL
  • Renovation of the Marianna Post Office, Marianna, FL
  • Business Incubator, Port St. Joe, FL

Iain Harnden

IAIN HARNDEN, IIDA, LEED AP
Interior Designer – Senior Project Manager
Vice President

Mr. Harnden joined MLD Architects in 2001, after interning with the firm during his senior year at FSU. Iain was a member of the FSU Track and Field Team and is a former 2000 Olympic athlete. He understands the value of performing to your personal best and has the skills required to perform well under pressure. As Vice President of the firm, Iain is responsible for all aspects of project management, including oversight of project coordination, schedules and budgets. In addition, he is LEED certified and is head of our interior design department. He is a graduate of the FSU Department of Interior Design, where his final interior design project was awarded an honorable mention.

EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Florida State University, 2001
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
  • NCIDQ Certificate No. 019373
  • Registered Interior Designer No: ID4790, State of Florida
  • LEED Certification, 2009

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
  • International Interior Design Association
  • Associate AIA member
  • USGBC Member

OTHER INTERESTS
  • Olympic Athlete, Sydney 2000
  • Former FSU Track and Field Letterman and Atlantic Coast Conference Honor Roll
  • Former Volunteer Assistant Coach, FSU Track and Field Team

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

  • Ringling Museum reroofing, Loggia waterproofing, ADA renovations, Sarasota, FL
  • FSU Band Practice Field
  • FSU Card Store Walkway Canopy addition
  • Ca D’Zan waterproofing and structural repairs, Sarasota, FL
  • Doak Campbell Stadium repairs
  • FSU Publishing Warehouse addition
  • FSU Interim Medical School, Phase I, II and III
  • Talquin Electric Member Services Building, Crawfordville, FL
  • Shield’s Marina Ship Store, St. Mark’s, FL
  • Premier Health and Fitness Center
  • Hillside Building, Summit East
  • Lafayette Presbyterian Church addition
  • URS interior build-out, Hillside Building
  • Naumann Group Office, Panacea, FL

Randy Lewis

RANDOLPH G. LEWIS, AIA
President, Principal in Charge

Randy Lewis joined Trent Manausa AIA in 1984, following a Master’s in Architecture and ten years as a building contractor. He became a full partner of Manausa & Lewis Architects in 1987 with a commitment to providing excellent architectural services to its clients and developing client relationships Under his leadership, the firm built a well deserved reputation for providing quality architectural services and well detailed technical, proficient construction documents, as well as unparalleled roofing, waterproofing expertise and extensive historic preservation experience. As the president and principal architect of MLD Architects for the past ten years, Randy takes an active role in all projects and is the key client contact, providing guidance into the future and building on the strong reputation the firm has earned.

Randy lives in Shell Point and enjoys boating, fishing and bird hunting at every opportunity in his spare time.

EDUCATION
  • Florida A & M University, BS and Masters of Architecture, High Honors, 1984
  • Florida State University, Business, Finance, and Urban Planning Classes, 1972 - 1973
  • Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 1971
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
  • Certified Building Contractor, State of Florida License #CBC005577 (inactive)
  • Registered Architect Florida #11582, Georgia #012572, NCARB #66743
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
  • American Institute of Architects
  • AIA Tallahassee – Treasurer, Secretary, V.P., President, and Board of Directors
  • Roofing Consultant, Roofing Consultants Institute (RCI)
  • Tallahassee Trust for Historic Preservation – Board of Directors, Chairman, 2006-2008
  • Tallahassee - Leon County Architectural Review Board, 1994 - 2005, Chairman, 1996
  • Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC), USGBC Member
PROJECT EXPERIENCE:
  • John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL: Reroofing, waterproofing, loggia & statuary
  • Ca’d’Zan, John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art: Structural Renovations, waterproofing, and window restoration
  • Prime Osborn Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL: Exterior restoration, waterproofing, reroofing, and skylight replacement
  • Tulley Gymnasium: Retrofit reroofing
  • FSU Card Store Canopy and Storm Drainage
  • Strozier Library: Reroofing and waterproofing
  • Dodd Hall: Roofing and waterproofing
  • Premier Health and Fitness Center
  • Gilchrist Elementary School Renovations
  • Kate Sullivan Elementary School Renovations
  • Jefferson County Courthouse Annex 

    Friday, October 8, 2010

    Florida State University Band Practice Field

    Photo Library

    The synthetic turf Band practice field was designed to meet a variety of needs for the Florida State University. First and foremost it needed to stand up to the foot traffic of the band members every afternoon as they practiced their routines on the exact dimensions and field markings of the game day football field. When or after it had rained, the football team would utilize the field as their practice fields would be too wet to practice on. The field had to be extensively researched to find the best available product on the market that would hold up to this traffic each and everyday and at the same time create a safe, playable surface. The markings on the field were designed to match the FSU Football teams’ game day markings so that the band would be able to memorize their routines. Lacrosse markings were also designed into the field for use by the FSU lacrosse team.

    The site was in a low lying area which was prone to flooding and extra care was taken to provide the correct amount of drainage from the fields playing surface so that it could be utilized during or immediately after a rain storm.

    Florida State University Westcott Reroof

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Public
    Completion Date: 2003
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $691,000

    Role in Project: Principal
    Architect: MLD Architects, Inc.
    Randy G. Lewis AIA Principal / Project Architect
    Roosevelt Bivens Project Manager

    "The Westcott Building houses the chief administrative offices for Florida State University, and is the primary focal point of the campus."

    Due to extensive water intrusion in the third floor offices, our team of roofing and waterproofing experts was called upon evaluate the existing roofing, and make corrective recommendation. We then proceeded with design and construction documents for the project. We negotiated a lump sum contract for reroofing, window replacement and waterproofing, following the university's selection of a qualified roofing contractor.

    The fourth floor dormer windows, copper roofs and siding were replaced. The low slope gravel built-up roofs and modified bitumen membrane were replaced with a new modified bitumen roof system, including additional tapered insulation. Additional slope was installed in the built-in gutters to increase flow to the new roof drains. The stone coping joints were ground out and sealed with premium silicone sealant, and an elastomeric coating was applied to the inside of parapet walls. The existing clay tile roofs were reinstalled over a new waterproof underlayment, and the fastening was increased to comply with the new Florida Building Code. Clear water repellant was applied on all brick wall surfaces above new roof areas. The Westcott Building is historically significant, and all work of this project complied with the Secretary of Interiors' Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.

    Florida State University Computer Store

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Public
    Completion Date: April, 2004
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $236,400

    Role in Project: Principal
    Architect: Manausa Lewis & Dodson Architects
    Jodie Dodson, AIA Principal / Project Architect
    Iain Harnden, IIDA Project Manager

    This project was developed when Florida State University decided to relocate the existing University Computer Store to a more central location. The University chose the old post office, located in the heart of the Oglesby Student Union, for the Computer Store’s new location. While presenting an ideal location, the building, which had been used for campus mail processing, was very dark and uninviting.

    It was our task, as the Architect and Interior Designer, to transform the interior into a vibrant space conducive to selling computers. The space’s synergy had to parallel with the technology of the computer age and the ever-growing focus of merchandising.

    Our original concept divided the space into two main segments, the public merchandising area and the private storage and repair area. While the employee portion remains utilitarian, the public areas incorporate upgraded finishes and a more organic design. Curvilinear lines accentuate the ceiling and cabinet edges, lighting focuses the eye, and perforated sheets of metal emphasize technology. This is also enhanced by the openness provided by the new window openings.

    Archbold Biological Station Reroofing, Venus Florida

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Archbold Biological Station
    Completion Date:
    Location: Venus, Florida


    Role in Project: Principal

    During 1930-33, John A. Roebling, II (1867-1952), grandson of John A. Roebling, designing engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, and son of Washington Roebling, who built the Brooklyn Bridge, built six concrete buildings, and a 70,000 gallon steel, water-storage tank, for his 1,058-acre Red Hill Estate in southern Highlands Co., Florida. The extraordinary Roebling buildings, in Industrial Vernacular design with pigmented coquina stucco, soundly built of poured concrete using excellent materials and construction practices, were originally the support and storage facilities for a mansion that was never built. On July 28, 1941, Roebling gave his Red Hill Estate to Richard Archbold (1907-76), a biological explorer and patron of science. Thus, Archbold founded the Archbold Biological Station and became the Resident Director. At his death in 1976, he left his fortune as a permanent endowment, and with Archbold family leadership, the Station continues to thrive.

    The project was focused on the restoration of the historic roof of the Main Building including the seven storehouse modules, with their imposing saw-tooth construction, and the more traditional Main Residence south section. The funding of the project was from two separate Florida DHR Special Category Awards (one for four roof modules, the other for the remaining three roof modules and the Main Residence section) and with matching funds from Archbold Biological Station. Although funding was in two phases the timing of the construction process was essentially continuous during March – November 2007.

    Photographs provided by Hilary M. Swain, Executive Director of Archbold Biological Station or Bert G. Crawford, III, Operations Manager of Archbold Biological Station

    Franklin County Health Facility

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Public
    Completion Date: 2001
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $250,000.00

    Role in Project: Principal
    Architect: MLD Architects, Inc.
    Randy G. Lewis AIA Principal
    Jodie Dodson AIA Project Architect

    This new county health facility has several exam rooms, two with 100% exhaust for infectious disease control. A conference room that serves as employee lounge and a community meeting center, and patient education room with acoustical privacy.

    The Nurses Station is open to patient communication with physical separation, having a view of each exam room. The Receptionist Office combined with Business Office has visual access to the Lobby and sound control. Custom casework in many areas, including: WIC, Reception/Business Office, Interview Stations, Exam Rooms, Conference Room.

    Talquin Electric Bradfordville Office

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Private
    Completion Date: October 1999
    Location: Bradfordville, Florida
    Construction Cost: $1,250,000.00

    Role in Project: Principal

    Project was designed as an emergency operations facility. It includes a warehouse, operations facility, administration office, and customer service lobby and teller. Renovation of the existing building was done in phases with the Owner remaining fully operational. The site design was very complicated due to area NEW OPERATIONS BUILDING & WAREHOUSE: confinements and the attenuation of stormwater. Hard bid project that came in under budget.

    Trinity Classroom Addition

    Photo Library

    Public/Private Client: Private
    Completion Date: 2002
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $2,600,000.00

    Role in Project: Principal

    Trinity Catholic School consisted of an 18,000 square foot elementary building constructed of load bearing single with structural bricks with a steel joist and structural deck metal roof covered with standing seam metal panels.

    The building houses the campus administration offices and 12 elementary classrooms. The building is structured cabled for networking and contains an extensive fire alarm and intercom system.

    The building is contextually designed to fit into the surrounding residential neighborhood and related to the adjacent church.

    Subsequent phases of the project included the installation of aluminum walkway canopies, the renovation of the 12,000 square foot middle school, and converting four classrooms into an art and music room. The project was hard bid and came in under budget.

    Florida State University Walkway Canopy

    Photo Library

    This project incorporated a multitude of design problems including site drainage, existing vegetation, sight lines, security, light levels and useability. The main focus of the project was to create a space that would keep the FSU Card Store patrons out of the elements. During the summer and winter orientation sessions, hundreds of students and parents would line up outside the Card Store and a temporary canvas canopy would be set up to house these crowds. The new canopy needed to protect from the rain and the heat of the sun while still providing some day lighting and natural ventilation. Due to the split-level sidewalk, visual access needed to be maintained to the Card Store as well as the adjacent Suntrust bank. The bank also housed ATM machines and security was created by keeping the canopy as open and visually accessible as possible. Seating was incorporated into the design to create a social gathering corridor where students, teachers and visitors can interact.

    The new canopy needed to protect patrons from the rain and the heat of the sun, while still providing some daylight and natural ventilation. Due to the split-level sidewalk, visual access needed to be maintained to the Card Store, as well as the adjacent SunTrust bank. The bank also housed ATM machines, and security was created by keeping the canopy as open and visually accessible as possible.

    Seating was incorporated into the design to create a social gathering corridor where students, teachers and visitors can interact.

    Thursday, October 7, 2010

    Cape San Blas Lighthouse Restoration

    Photo Library

    St. Joe Lighthouse Restorations Cape San Blas, Florida Completed 2008 Budget: $500,000 The St. Joe Lighthouse was a Florida Department of State Preservation Grant project, which included complete lead paint abatement/sand blasting, industrial painting, structural steel replacement and repairs, railing replacement and waterproofing/wet glazing.

    The St. Joe Lighthouse was a Florida Department of State Preservation Grant project, which included complete lead paint abatement/sand blasting, industrial painting, structural steel replacement and repairs, railing replacement and waterproofing/wet glazing. MLD Architects, after restoration of the Keepers’ Quarters, was selected for Phase II of the project, which includes the restoration of the adjacent lighthouse.

    The Cape San Blas Lighthouse project includes structural stabilization and extensive lead abatement; cast iron remediation and replacement are a major element of this project.

    The lighthouse was restored in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and closely coordinated with the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historic Resources, Florida Department of State.

    The Historic Capitol Reroof


    Photo Library

    The historic Capitol, which had been restored ten years earlier, suffered from serious water damage during the ensuing years. The perimeter gutter system at the base of the dome had been covered over, which caused the rain to corrode the existing ornamental metal work. MLD designed a new copper gutter system and balustrade to correct the problem, and replaced the badly corroded copper urns. The existing shingle roof was replaced, deteriorated windows repaired and sealed, and the original mortise and tenon construction was shored up. Following the exterior renovation, the damaged interior areas were restored.

    Villages of Lake Sumter 'I House' Restoration

    Photo Library

    Constructed about 1885 and added on to several times over the years, the Brinson-Perry house is located east of Oxford Florida. The reconstruction of CR 466 to a four lane urban facility pushed the road too close to the house. In order to preserve the historic structure and return it to its turn of the century appearance, the house was moved approximately four miles southeast to a visually prominent position, adjacent to a new fire station. The structure was rehabilitated to fire department offices and file storage.

    Wakulla County Jail Restoration

    Photo Library 

    Wakulla Jail Restoration, Phases 1, 2
    Wakulla County, Florida
    Completed 2005
    Budget: $150,000

    The Wakulla County Jail is the only surviving example of Art-Deco Architecture in Wakulla County and is the headquarters to the Wakulla County Historical Society. This project consisted of reroofing the building. There were exterior masonry and stucco repairs, and a new waterproof coating system was applied after completion of the repairs and reroofing. Phase 2 of the project consisted of window replacement and lead paint abatement.

    Wednesday, October 6, 2010

    The Grove Renovations



    Photo Library

    The Grove has been the private residence of the Call-Collins family for over 160 years, with the current residents being Mrs. Mary Call Collins, widow of Governor LeRoy Collins. In 1985 through an agreement with the State of Florida, the Grove was designated to become a house museum. MLD has performed several projects on the site, including the original house museum renovation study and the structural study and repair of the building’s exterior.

    The Governor Martin House

    Photo Library

    Completion Date: 1997
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $420,000.00

    Architect: MLD Architects, Randy G. Lewis AIA, Principal
    Consultant: Tomlinson Peterson and Assoc., J. Terry Peterson, Project Manager

    The Governor Martin House, was built between 1929 and 1935. In 1996, the 5,000 square foot house was rehabilitated to provide space for the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs. The Governor Martin House rehabilitation project was the recipient of the 1999 Tallahassee/Leon County Preservation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Civic County Resource Preservation. The project included the transformation of the existing house, which was in severe disrepair, into the new office and display space for the State Department’s Division of Cultural Affairs. Rehabilitation of the historic structure included restoration of the large open space with exposed wood beams and paneling and exterior envelope repairs.

    The objective of this project was to stabilize and rehabilitate the rapidly deteriorating building, create office space for the Division of Cultural Affairs, create a facility to exhibit and honor Governor Martin and his work, and to ensure the site, building and its history are accessible to the public.

    Special Requirements:
    • The house is located on the oldest Spanish settlement in Florida, requiring complete archeological observation and screening of all exterior disturbances.
    • Maintain the integrity of the original design of the house, while meeting the needs of the new end user
    • Relocate an entire department from a 10,000 s.f. office space to a 6,000 s.f. office space with no staff reduction.
    • Match the existing wood paneling where new paneling was required was difficult because of the size needed and lack of availability.
    • Coordination with the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation

    The Brokaw-McDouggall house



    Photo library

    The Brokaw-McDouggall house was home to the Tallahassee Board of Historic Preservation during these renovations. A new sprinkler system and interior renovations were required to accommodate the change to public assembly occupancy. The projects included the installation of a fire alarm and sprinkler system, replacement of the existing cedar shake shingles, interior renovations, and the selective abatement of asbestos containing plaster.

    Avalon Plantation


    Avalon Plantation is Ted Turner’s Capps, Florida hunting lodge. Prior to this project, the turn of the century plantation was in remarkable condition, except for the existing roof system. During this project the roof was replaced with a new copper roof, and the rotten balustrade was repaired. An interesting aspect of the roofing project was the roofing of the two half moon wings that connect to the main house. The roof panels had to be custom cut and shaped to match the building’s radius.

    Tuesday, October 5, 2010

    Levy Park Pool

    Photo Library

    Client: City of Tallahassee
    Completion: 1991
    Location: Tallahassee, Florida
    Construction Cost: $612,000.00

    The existing 1950's swimming pool and bathhouse complex was unable to meet accessibility requirements and building code criteria and was therefore demolished by the City of Tallahassee to accommodate a new facility. The client requested a simple block building with a tan and brown color scheme, which had been the city criterion. The architect felt this did not provide the best approach to a stimulating summer respite and one of the major design objectives became the creation of a building, which expressed the excitement of childhood.

    After convincing the city that a new approach might succeed, the design was realized with children's preferences in mind. This was accomplished by using eye-catching colors, rough-textured walls and open breezeways. The designer also endeavored to accommodate adult needs by providing covered spaces for parents along the building edge.

    To accomplish the goal of making the building a focal point of summertime water-oriented community activities, the new building and pool were made larger than the original and a classroom building with considerable storage space was added. This allowed the Parks and Recreation Department to expand its instructional services and provide storage for various types of recreational equipment.

    Since the pool opened, attendance has increased and hours of operation have been extended to accommodate the increased demand. Most important, however, is the fact that the building has helped change a long-standing attitude toward the value of thoughtful design of public recreation buildings.

    Premier Health & Fitness Center

    Photo Library 
    Interiors Library

    Premier Health & Fitness Center
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2000
    Budget: $8,000,000

    Recipient of a 2002 Design Merit Award from the Tallahassee Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Tallahassee Memorial Health Care desired a building that would redefine the local community’s expectations of a health club. The health club would become a wellness center, developing the occupant’s bodies, minds, and sense of well-being. Our design goal was to produce a building that, when utilized by the occupant, communicates a since of openness and vitality. Locally commissioned artwork, depicting the active human form, transforms the building itself into a work of art.

    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555

    Aerial Photography provided by Ralph Davis of Streamline Roofing / Prop Busters Aerial Photography, 545-8852

    Blessed Sacrament Church

    Photo Library

    Manausa Lewis & Dodson has designed or renovated the entire campus at Blessed Sacrament Church.  The original church design completed in 1985 is an example of our firms ability to design a building that is contextual to its environment.  The recently completed new elementary school building and middle school renovation helped unify the architectural style of the entire campus.  The parish hall includes a full service kitchen with an attached meeting/dining hall.  Both buildings utilize masonry construction and are similar in size and scope to the proposed project.

    The program requirements included the design of a new sanctuary, a day chapel and access to existing church, (future parish hall). The site was a very restricted triangular area bounded by two streets and the existing sanctuary. We designed a faceted structure, projecting upward from the corner of the property. Exterior berms, planters, and landscaping are used to reduce the scale of the building and materials were selected which maintain the area’s residential quality. The interior seating radiates slightly upward away from the alter and all seats are within 50 feet from the alter. Stain glass, furnishes and fixtures were included as a integral part of the total design.

    John and Mable Ringling Museum, Sarasota Florida

    Photo Library


    Reroofing and waterproofing the Ringling Museum of Art was a very challenging and detailed project involving tear off and reroofing of the existing roof and the loggia walkways and waterproofing the loggia walkway decks. This project was performed while the Museum was in full operation and exhibiting over 300 million dollars worth of insured artwork in the Ruben Gallery.

    • Reroofing North and South Wings
    • Reroofing East Wing
    • North Wing Loggia Waterproofing
    • South Wing Loggia Waterproofing
    • Cast Stone Balustrade and Statuary Repair

    Remove existing low slope roofing system, install temporary roofing, rigid insulation board and insulating lightweight concrete deck, new modified bitumen roofing system, copper flashing, new HVAC duct and support stands, pigeon control, providing temporary environmental/climate control in art museum during construction.

    Remove existing marble tile flooring and mortar bed around courtyard and loggia. Install sloped concrete deck filler, modified bitumen membrane waterproofing underlayment (roofing), drainage mat, mud set base, marble tile flooring to match existing, and new plaza deck drains to new storm water downleader system.

    The Ringling Museum of Art is the largest museum/university complex in the nation. The objective of the project was to replace the existing roof to ensure the priceless artwork in the galleries below was not compromised in any way.

    The project consisted of the removal of the existing low slope roofing system, installation of temporary roofing, rigid insulation board and insulating lightweight concrete deck, a new modified bitumen roofing system, copper flashing, HVAC ducts and support stands, pigeon control, and providing temporary environmental/climate control in the art museum during construction.

    The Contractor also removed the existing marble tile flooring and mortar bed around the courtyard and loggia, installed a sloped concrete deck filler, modified bitumen membrane waterproofing underlayment (roofing), drainage mat, mud set base, marble tile flooring to match existing, and new plaza deck drains to new storm water down leader system.

    The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the largest museum/university complex in the nation. A new roof was needed on the main museum to ensure the artwork inside the galleries was not compromised in any way. The balustrade rail, cornice, cast stone and statuary were repaired and a clear repellent sealer applied to prevent further damage. The interior renovation project included the addition of two handicapped accessible restrooms, modifications to the existing restrooms, and a wheelchair lift, all of which reflected the architectural style of the museum.

    The beautiful marble loggia was in need of replacement, as cracks had appeared in the tile floor and water was leaking into the basement below. Under the project, the marble was removed and replaced to match the existing marble and a waterproof membrane was applied to prevent damage to the storage rooms .

    Remove existing marble tile flooring and mortar bed around courtyard and loggia. Install sloped concrete deck filler, modified bitumen membrane waterproofing underlayment (roofing), drainage mat, mud set base, marble tile flooring to match existing, and new plaza deck drains to new storm water downleader system.

    Jones Tenant House and Corncrib


    Photo Library

    Jones Tenant House and Corncrib
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2005
    Budget: $167,500

    Jones Tenant House and Corncrib are located on Tall Timbers Research Station and were built in the early 1900’s. The Jones House is an original tenant farmhouse with an adjacent corncrib. They had fallen into severe disrepair due to their age and the weather. It is one of the last remaining tenant farmhouses located on public land, in its original setting. The Tall Timbers Research Station drew on historical restoration funds to return this landmark to its original state for use as a House Museum to educate school groups. An archeological investigation was performed below the house; it was believed that an older structure was located here before the Jones House was built.

    Mainline Information Systems Corporate Headquarters

    Photo Library

    Mainline Information Systems Corporate Headquarters
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2000
    Budget: $4,500,000

    Defining the employee-centric building “A Life Enhancing Environment” The very survival of companies in this century depends on their ability to recruit and retain talented and highly skilled professionals. This building was designed to provide an employee-centric workplace as a cost-effective advantage in the competition for human resources. It provides an amenities-rich and aesthetically appealing workplace that actively supports and enhances the satisfaction, productivity and success of the company and its workforce. The Mainline Information Systems building was featured at the International Interior Designers Associations National Convention dinner.

    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555

    Cape San Blas Keepers Quarters Restorations


    Photo Library

    St. Joe Lighthouse Restorations
    Cape San Blas, Florida
    Completed 2008
    Budget: $500,000

    The St. Joe Lighthouse was a Florida Department of State Preservation Grant project, which included complete lead paint abatement/sand blasting, industrial painting, structural steel replacement and repairs, railing replacement and waterproofing/wet glazing. MLD Architects, after restoration of the Keepers’ Quarters, was selected for Phase II of the project, which includes the restoration of the adjacent lighthouse.

    The Cape San Blas Lighthouse project includes structural stabilization and extensive lead abatement; cast iron remediation and replacement are a major element of this project.

    The lighthouse was restored in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and closely coordinated with the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historic Resources, Florida Department of State.

    The St. Joe Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters was relocated from the cape to more stable ground. This project included structural stabilization and extensive renovations. MLD Architects has completed pre-construction and started on the construction phase. The Keepers' Quarters will be rehabilitated with the Secretary of Interior Standard for Rehabilitation, and coordinated with the Bureau of Historic Preservation. MLD Architects has been reselected for Phase II of the project which will include the restoration of the adjacent lighthouse.

    City of Tallahassee Historic Waterworks

    Photo Library

    City of Tallahassee Historic Waterworks
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2007
    Budget: $1,752,000

    With funding assistance from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, project work included selective demolition, underpinning, foundation repair and regrading, extensive masonry repair and tuck pointing, roof framing repair (including the distinctive well hoistways), installation of new roof decking and metal shingle roofing matching the original treatment. Exterior stucco was patched and repainted, and a limited number of wood windows were restored. Significant as a remnant of “modern” engineering civil engineering improvements implemented in Tallahassee during the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the Old City Waterworks is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also has been designated a Civil Engineering Landmark. This project, which met the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, ensured the future.

    Summit East Hillside Building

    Photo Library 
    Interiors Library

    Hillside Office Building
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2005
    Budget: $560,000

    A 60,000 square foot building, with one and a half floors being occupied by one tenant with the remaining floors occupied by separate tenants. Building access, security and site planning were major design issues on this project and were successfully completed. Computer renderings and animations were provided for the building and office park marketing. The project was delivered using a fast track design build team. The Summit East Office Park was created to provide a new kind of workplace. A high technology, high amenity, commercial campus, supporting forward thinking companies and their employees in the 21st century. Mainline's global headquarters is the park's prototype building.

    Mainline is a Fortune 500 high technology company that needed a facility to meet today's technology needs and tomorrow's technology growth. The company's president envisioned a technology campus surrounded by nature. He wanted the building to take advantage of and incorporate the natural features of the pristine site, while still promoting the image of a "High Tech Global Company." He wanted free public access to portions of the building, while maintaining a high level of security in work areas. Creating a feeling of home for employees and an interaction between staff and administration was paramount.

    In our design, the building became the campus with program areas being connected through open "living" areas. We developed two axes to differentiate between the public vs. private spaces and the "man made" office vs. the "organic" living areas. Each axes focuses the occupant's views and leads them toward select natural features of the site. The building was constructed of split faced concrete block and glass to elicit a feeling of the building growing from the earth, as the site slopes to the adjacent pond. The building is comprised of open office team environments with two story glass walls, providing breathtaking views. The administration suite is strategically located at the opposite end of the building from the entry, promoting interaction.

    Concept Sketch Hand Rendered The Hillside Office Building is the second of our three commissions in the Summit East Technology Park. The building was designed to convey the technology theme of the park, while retaining a strong connection to nature and the surrounding environment. The building is built into the side of the site’s hill with a partial basement floor. The building contains multiple meeting rooms, offices, and a food service cafeteria.

    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555

    Finley Engineering Group Corporate Offices

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    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555

    Talquin Electric Wakulla Office Building

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    Talquin Electric Cooperative Member Services Facility
    Crawfordville, Florida
    Completed 2008
    Budget: $1,300,000

    Extensive programming was utilized to provide our client with the ideal building for their new Member Services Facility for Wakulla County. The new building was designed to fit in with the surrounding residential neighborhood, while presenting a coastal feel. Metal roofing and hardiboard siding were incorporated to cut down on maintenance issues. The building was designed to withstand hurricane force winds, as this facility would house emergency vehicles for countywide coordination efforts. High end radio and telecommunications equipment were incorporated into the facility, as was a bank teller and drive through. Security was very important to the client because this facility collects utility payments from throughout the county and surrounding areas.

    The project includes all work required to construct the Wakulla Area Office Building, microwave building and radio tower for Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. Including; exterior wood frame construction and pre-engineered wood trusses, installation of gypsum drywall partition systems, installation of new doors, finish hardware, floor and ceiling finishes, concrete ramps and stairs with handrail and guardrail systems, standing seam metal roof systems, installation of mechanical, electrical, fire alarm and plumbing systems.

    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555

    Rudd Building State Warning Point and OP Room

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    Florida Emergency Operations Center
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Completed 2008
    Budget: $680,000

    In the months leading up to the 2008 hurricane season, MLD Architects was asked to design and administer the total renovation of the Emergency Operations Center “War Room” and State Warning Point. The scope of work included the relocation of the Sate Warning Point (while in operation) and the total overhauling of the war room, including new furniture, new cabling and networking, new raised floor systems, flooring, paint, lighting, and new mechanical and electrical systems. Upon completion, we were personally thanked by the head of the Florida Department of Emergency Management for a job well done.

    Photographs provided by Lefstead Photography (850) 766-1555