PK Studios is pleased to announce that our firm has been awarded a 2009 AIA Florida Design Award for Unbuilt Merit for the design of the Kayak Launch for Collier County. The Kayak Launch was also the recipient of a 2007 local design award from AIA Florida Southwest.

Recognition from our colleagues at the state level reaffirms the project’s unique design. We are pleased to be recognized in the company of such names as Oppenheim Architecture, Arquitectonica, and Zyscovich Architects.

We are also pleased and honored to see Bruce Gora awarded posthumously with the Silver Medal Honor Award. Bruce, a Fort Myers architect and friend of many in our community, passed away in 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

We caught up with Brandt Henning, who was responsible for the majority of the Kayak Launch design to ask a few questions:

How do you feel about winning the award?

“It is great to be recognized on the state level in the same category as all these great architects – and it’s judged by your peers rather than a random jury, which makes it all the more meaningful.”

What do you like most about the design?

“Its simplicity and clean lines, and the use of natural materials, as well as the minimum impact on the environment. The intent of the design is to be part of a bigger plan for the area. It brings people into nature and blurs the boundaries between nature and the built environment.

It’s nice that the facade is ever-changing, with kayak storage integrated into the structure. The use of the facility is celebrated, so that as you walk up, you know exactly what it is.”

What was your design inspiration?

“I researched Rural Studio (design-build studio at Auburn University) – taking typical construction methods and materials and creating an inexpensive and interesting design.”

The AIA Florida website has posted the entire list of award winners (PDF).