My Blog

Ken Buschle, head of quality control and specifications for Gora/McGahey Architects since 1988, was selected by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Florida/Caribbean Regional Council to serve on a Haiti Relief Planning Panel. The Florida/Caribbean Region consists of eight USGBC chapters in Florida, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Members of the panel participated in the “Sustainable Rebirth of Haiti Charrette” that recently took place in St. Petersburg. The Charrette included USGBC representatives from throughout the region, representatives from various Haitian Ministries, as well as individuals with disaster relief experience in Haiti and New Orleans. The panel studied methods and strategies for local USGBC Chapters to provide meaningful assistance to the people of Haiti.

“One idea is to identify local craftsmen and artisans knowledgeable in traditional construction methods, materials, and techniques and adapt these to sustainable residential reconstruction. Technical and vocational training centers could then be established to teach these skills to local youth thereby laying the groundwork for the people of Haiti to move from relief to rebuild,” says Buschle. “It has been a very fulfilling experience work hand-in-hand with the people of Haiti in their redevelopment efforts. We will continue to support them with our expertise, resources and suggestions.”

About Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture
For the past 29 years, Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) has been Southwest Florida’s leading architectural design firm. Earning recognition from the Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects, The Florida Home Builders Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association, the firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit http://www.gora-mcgahey.com/.

Gora/McGahey Architects was honored by the Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization (F.I.E.R.O.) for its design of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District’s Station 32. Gora/McGahey was the only Florida firm to earn the international recognition.

The nonprofit group, which primarily serves fire safety professionals in the Southeast, presented Gora/McGahey Architects with an award for the new three-story, 12,290-square-foot fire station located on Fort Myers Beach. The station includes a ground floor with three apparatus bays, bunker gear storage and a laundry/decontamination room; a second floor with living quarters, including six individual bunk rooms, an exercise room and a radio room; and a third-floor emergency operations center with offices, an open work station area and meeting/training facilities.

For the past 28 years, Gora/McGahey Architects has been Southwest Florida’s leading architectural design firm. Earning recognition from the Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects, The Florida Home Builders Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association, the firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit http://www.gora-mcgahey.com/

Ken Buschle, head of quality control and specifications for Gora/McGahey Architects, was a featured speaker at the ninth annual Retail Best Practices Symposium Jan. 28 at the Marco Ocean Beach Resort. Sponsored by Store Opening Solutions of Murfreesboro, Tenn., the symposium provided up-to-the minute advice and guidance to retailers from across the country.

Buschle, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional, discussed the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Retail green building rating system.

Buschle joined Gora/McGahey Architects in 1988 as a contract administrator. During his tenure, he has led the company’s 20-year pursuit of sustainable design. He has implemented environmentally sound practices and oversees the firms LEED certification education program. Buschle is an officer of the USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the local Construction Specifications Institute Chapter as well as a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

For the past 28 years, Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) has been Southwest Florida’s leading architectural design firm. Earning recognition from the Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects, the Florida Home Builders Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association, the firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit www.gora-mcgahey.com.

Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) designed and provided construction administration services for FineMark National Bank & Trust’s new Shell Point location.

The 1,300-square-foot banking facility features a client reception area, financial advisor areas, two teller stations, coupon room, safe deposit, meetings room and a lounge area for employees. The facility features traditional wood treatments, granite surfaces and stone tile flooring.
Dan McGahey of Gora/McGahey Architects served as the principal in charge and Ramon Acevedo was the project manager. Brian Eaglestone was the project coordinator for FineMark Bank. BDC Contractor was the general contractor.

About Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture
For the past 28 years, Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) has been Southwest Florida’s leading architectural design firm. Earning recognition from the Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects, the Florida Home Builders Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association, the firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit www.gora-mcgahey.com.

Renowned local architect Rick McCormack has joined Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) as project architect and marketing director. McCormack has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and served as principal architect of his own firm prior to joining GMA.

“We are so pleased to welcome Rick to the Gora/McGahey leadership team,” said Dan McGahey, president and principal architect with Gora/McGahey Architects. “Rick has forged longstanding relationships with many major developers throughout Florida and we look forward to sharing his expertise with our clients.”

McCormack has designed some of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in Southwest Florida, including two marinas at Cape Harbour, North Star Yacht Club, DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, White Sand Villas at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, Lover’s Key Resort, The Rivers IV, St. Nicole at Pelican Bay, Galeana Chrysler Plymouth, Regency Autohaus Mercedes Benz, Galeana Pontiac, Metro Park Center, Via Royale and the Lee County Building Industry Association office building.

“I’ve known the principals of the firm for many years and have always had great respect for their firm and the work they do,” said McCormack. “For years we have talked about joining forces, and I’m thrilled to see that come to fruition. I’m pleased to join a group of great architects.”

McCormack received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA); AIA Florida; National Council of Architectural Registration Board; Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism. He previously served as a member of the City of Fort Myers Historic Preservation Commission.

About Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture:
For the past 28 years, Gora/McGahey Architects (GMA) has been Southwest Florida’s leading architectural design firm. Earning recognition from the Florida Southwest American Institute of Architects, The Florida Home Builders Association and the Lee County Building Industry Association, the firm has provided award-winning architectural and interior design services for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors, including several leading area developers. For more information, call 239-275-0225 or visit www.gora-mcgahey.com.