My Forsyth _ Spring 2023

currently a Registered Architect in Georgia and Florida, NCARB Certified
and a LEED-AP. I maintain professional memberships with organizations
such as the American Institute of Architects and the National Council for
Architectural Registration Boards.
Q Do you specialize in commercial or residential architectural design?
A While with MSSA-PBK I exclusively focused on the programming, design,
and project management of K-12 facilities in Georgia. I enjoyed my role
working as a Project Architect with the Facilities Department on various
projects for Forsyth County Schools including the South Forsyth High School
Additions, Alliance Academy for Innovation, Academies of Creative Education
(ACE) and The FoCAL Center. After completing the design of ACE and The
FoCAL Center an opportunity opened in the Facilities Department to shift my
focus and dedicate my experience and enthusiasm to Forsyth County Schools.
I applied and was hired as the Facilities Planning Manager.
Q What are the differences between the two?
A Like with most professions, architecture offers a chance to specialize
in what most interests the individual. Residential architects are hired
in the private sector by an individual or general contractor to design
places where people live. Commercial architects work on a larger
scale and more technical projects designing buildings such as banks,
hospitals, office buildings for private sector or projects such as K-12
and higher-ed for public sector. Whichever the specialization the
architect needs to be well versed in building, life safety, ADA and other
codes and regulations.
Q Are you known for a particular style, or does the client dictate the
style and aesthetic choices of the project?
A In commercial K-12 architecture the client plays a key role in the
development of the design style and aesthetics. As a Project Architect I
believed it was essential to have clear communication and collaboration
with my clients. Meetings were held at milestones throughout the design
process to ensure expectations were met. Every Client benefited from my
ability to plan and prioritize based on deadlines and urgency, attention
to detail, and an enthusiastic approach to each project. I’ve always been
committed to realizing project goals while obtaining a balance between
innovative design and cost-effective solutions.
Q Can you tell me how this project came to life?
A There was a need for a facility to support the fine arts programming
of the District’s schools, with secondary service to the local community
through access to quality arts and cultural entertainment and space
for rehearsals/performances, trainings, meetings and other gatherings.
This building was built with funding provided by the 2018 voterapproved
Bond referendum. The visioning team was formed from
key individuals representing Forsyth County Schools and MSSA-PBK
including myself (with MSSA at the time as Project Architect) Jennifer
Caracciolo, Fonda Harrison, Catherine Keyser, Tim Amerson and
Greg Pruitt from Forsyth County Schools, and V. Smith from Manley
Spangler Smith Architects. Staring in March 2018 the visioning
team visited several performing arts centers in Georgia to gather
information, further define the program spaces and design options.
MSSA-PBK also contributed their specialization in performing arts
center design. After a 4-month Programming Phase with the visioning
team, Forsyth County Schools, MSSA-PBK and their consultants
Carter Engineering Group (for civil), Haines Gipson & Associates (for
structural), MBA (for mechanical & plumbing), AH&P (for electrical),
Camacho Associates (for food service) and Stage Front (for production
systems) started the design process. Additional design input was
provided by Newcomb & Boyd (for acoustical) and Brian Tam (for
kitchen layout).
Q Were there any particular challenges unique to this project?
A The biggest design challenge was how to incorporate 1,813 seats with
only one cantilevered balcony. This building needed to have a balance
between theatrical and musical performances. This was achieved
through working closely with the structural engineer and the use of Cad
32 MYFORSYTHMAG.COM SPRING 2023