Dear Friends …
In our daily lives, the spaces we occupy have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, thoughtful design can encourage healthier habits, improve comfort, and create more positive experiences. As the focus on wellness continues to grow, architects and designers are finding new ways to shape environments that support the people who use them.
One important aspect of wellness design is movement. Buildings can encourage physical activity through visible and inviting stairways, walkable circulation paths, and spaces that promote exploration rather than relying solely on elevators. By making movement a natural part of the built environment, designers can help support healthier lifestyles while creating more engaging spaces.
Air quality also plays a critical role in occupant health and comfort. Access to fresh air, proper ventilation, and high-performing filtration systems can improve indoor environmental quality and contribute to productivity and overall well-being. Healthy indoor environments help occupants feel more comfortable while supporting long-term health outcomes.
In addition to physical health, architecture can positively influence mental well-being through biophilic design, natural daylight, and opportunities for social interaction. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, indoor vegetation, and views of the outdoors can strengthen our connection to nature. Spaces that provide moments of rest or reflection help reduce stress. By considering wellness throughout the design process, architects can create environments that function effectively and enhance the quality of life for those who experience them.
Taking Shape
Tru by Hilton Gainesville, Florida
A new Tru by Hilton is coming to Gainesville, Florida, bringing 98 modern guest rooms to a growing development near Interstate 75 and SW Williston Road. The four-story hotel is designed to provide a comfortable and efficient stay with amenities including a fitness center, meeting space, self-service dining, and inviting lounge areas. Featuring a clean, contemporary design with a blend of brick and EIFS, the project will serve as a welcoming destination for travelers visiting the area.
Owner: Raines Company | Civil: NV5 Technical Engineering | Structural: Taylor & Viola | PME: Wilde Engineering
Gastonia Multifamily Gastonia, North Carolina
Located just outside of downtown Gastonia, this new apartment development with thoughtfully designed three-story walk-up buildings features a timeless blend of brick and fiber cement siding, creating a warm, welcoming streetscape that complements the surrounding residential aesthetic. The community is designed to provide future residents with an attractive, connected place to call home while contributing to the continued growth and vitality of this emerging corridor by engaging the street with ground-level commercial along New Hope Road.
Owner: Aria Communities | Civil: R. Joe Harris & Associates | Structural: Taylor & Viola | PME: Wilde Engineering
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando, Florida
This Orlando hotel is getting a fresh new look with a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation designed to meet Marriott’s latest brand standards. The transformation modernizes both the guest experience and the building’s curb appeal, creating an updated hospitality destination that is scheduled to welcome guests soon.
Owner: Auro Hotels | Structural: Taylor & Viola | PME: C2 Engineering Solutions
Extra Extra
ODA’s Newest Addition!
Please join us in welcoming recent UNC Charlotte Master of Architecture graduate Cameron Avery to the ODA Architecture team as our newest full-time Designer! Welcome to the team Cameron!
ODA Pool Party
ODA enjoyed some quality time out of the office and in the sun at our annual ODA Pool Party! The team enjoyed good drinks and great food provided by grill master Matt Gower.
Fergus Crossing Ground-Breaking
Our team was excited to join the Fergus Crossing development team for the groundbreaking celebration of their first building in this exciting new project. The event marked an important milestone as construction begins on the first phase of this thoughtfully planned development.
We enjoyed celebrating this achievement alongside the owners, partners, and project team who helped bring the vision for Fergus Crossing to life. We look forward to watching the development progress and are proud to be part of this exciting journey.
