Group 4 is super excited to see "Spyglass" moving along.  Spyglass will be an apartment project in Baymeadows that will feature a new modern style not present elsewhere in the vicinity.

G4 recently started the design process for a new multi-story/high-end residential project that will be built near the intracoastal in Jacksonville! Here are some of our designers preparing for a presentation

Group 4 made the top 50 fastest growing companies in Jacksonville. Very exciting times for us! See the article http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/print-edition/2013/07/19/bj50-11-group-4-goal-stay-small-and.html

Valerie Backmann joined Group 4  back in February 11,  2013 (we have been so busy we didn’t even had the time to post this!) as an Interior Designer.  She comes to us with 8 years of experience.  She has previously worked on a variety of projects, including: Corporate, Hospitality, Education and Federal/Department of Defense.  She earned her Bachelor of Interior Design from Auburn University.  She is NCIDQ certified and is licensed in the State of Florida.  She is very excited to join our Interiors Studio and for the opportunities of creative collaboration with the whole team.  She enjoys hanging out with her husband and their dog Captain!   She also likes photography, traveling and exploring their new neighborhood; Atlantic Beach!

Becky Craig will be leading the efforts of our newly created Landscape Architecture Studio!  She comes to us with over 20 years of experience.  Becky is a registered Landscape Architect in the State of Florida.  She earned her Bachelors in Landscape Architecture in 1984 from University of Florida (Go Gators!)  She also studied abroad for a semester at the University of Italy for Foreign Students in Perugia Italy!!! Me piace molto la lingua italiana!!!  She has two daughters and lives in Tampa, so she will be commuting back and forth! She is fantastic and we are thrilled to have her with us.

Preston Linck just graduated back in May 2013 from Pennsylvania State University! Wow! He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture there.  He also completed an internship at the Penn State Center in 2012.  His goals include becoming registered in the next  5 years and get involved in the urban sector of landscape architecture.  He is interested in focusing on community design, planning and urban design that encourages social and recreative engagements in public spaces.  He also enjoys pottery and photography.  He will be working alongside Becky in the newly created Landscape Architecture Studio.

In case you haven't noticed, Group 4 Design has a new office space.  We moved on January 1st, 2013 to 1520 Prudential Drive on the south Bank of Downtown Jacksonville.  With our new office space we have more square footage to be even more creative and productive and service our clients more efficiently.  Come by and pay us a visit sometime! 

Group 4 Design, Inc. is happy to announce the addition of Jack Braxtan as Project Architect to the team to help develop the upcoming Multi-Family projects.  Jack graduated from Auburn University and holds an architecture license in the state of Florida.  He comes to us with over 6 years of project management experience in the corporate and education markets.  He is looking forward to tackling the new and exciting projects here at Group 4 Design.

Group 4 Design is proud to be giving back to our community.  We recently have joined in to support the “K9S for Warriors” project.  K9S for Warriors provides service canines to warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries as a result of injuries they received during wars and conflicts since 9/11.  Their goal is to empower them to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.  95% of all K9s trained come from rescue shelters.  We encourage our friends and visitors to learn more about this honorable cause that supports those who have fought for us by visiting their website www.K9sforwarriors.org or contact the organization’s president Ms. Shari Duval at 904.686.1956 or shariduval@K9forwarriors.org

What is a charette?

The G4 team of Karie Kovacocy and Joey Rivera are at work on the design of a contemporary ocean front residence located in Vilano Beach at Porpoise Point.
This presentation prepared for the client is a perfect example of a typical design charette at G4 – defined as a short term intense and focused period of work by one person or a team.  Thought to originate from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the 19th century, the word charrette is from the French for "cart" or "chariot" – a vehicle to reach the ultimate design solution!

Group 4 Design is excited to have completed the Bid documents for two projects.  The Hacienda Club, a 300 unit rental community designed in the Spanish Revival style that was popularized in the first half of the 20th century mainly in the states of California and Florida.  The Hacienda Club includes an 8,400 sq. ft. Clubhouse with fitness area, business cyber café and open air terraces overlooking a pool deck.  

The second project is Evander Square at Celebration, FL.  Evander Square is a 400 unit rental community that boasts two clubhouses, and other exciting amenities.  Evander Square was designed in the traditional style typical of the town of celebration.  The main clubhouse  was conceived as a Town Home gathering place and includes fitness areas, Cyber café, a game room and a media room.  The second Clubhouse is smaller and has a more rustic feel to it.  It was conceived as a River home complete with exposed rafter ceilings and metal roofs.

Group 4 Design is thrilled and honored to have Lori Avampato join our firm as a Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager.  Lori comes to us with 30 years of experience in the business of Interior Design. An alumni from University of Florida and a registered Interior Designer in the state of Florida, Lori has provided comprehensive interior design services for both commercial and residential project types during her career. Her extensive portfolio consists of varied experience including corporate, hospitality, education, restaurant and healthcare.  She has a proven track record for project success with a focus on meeting and exceeding client goals through excellence in design.