2011 Aurora Award Judges
 John Fought Baker Street Designs St. Petersburg, FL |
After working for several architectural and construction firms throughout the Tampa Bay area, John created his own firm, Baker Street Designs. Primarily a residential design office, Baker Street Designs projects have varied from small FHA housing to multi-million dollar estate homes as well as commercial jobs. As a frequent Parade of Homes judge across the state, John has been recognized as a consummate professional and industry leader. He is also involved in his professional society, the AIBD, American Institute of Building Design as a past state director and officer. As one of twelve current national examiners for the NCBDC, the National Council of Building Designer Certification and an officer as well, it keeps John as well informed on codes and issues that relate to the residential design industry. Baker Street Designs has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel Home Section. John also earned several awards for new home design and for major renovation/additions. For the past nine years John has been the chairman for the Concept Awards competition, a portion of the Southeast Builders Conference Aurora Awards program. |
 Nea Poole, AIA Poole and Poole Architecture Richmond, VA |
Nea May Poole is managing partner and Chief Operating Officer of Poole & Poole Architecture. Ms. Poole manages the design direction for the company utilizing her over 23 years experience in both architectural design and project management. Though experienced in many architecture building types, Nea's specialty is in multi-family developments ranging from high-rise condominiums, to mixed-use urban infill projects. Historic preservation as well as custom home design and product development for production builders round out her diverse portfolio. Nea's historic renovation of an eighteenth century merchant's home into an office for Cheswick Homes brought her national recognition as the featured cover story for Country Living magazine. She was also lead designer on Post Walk at Olde Hyde Park Village, which won “Best in Multi-family, New Construction” from Units magazine. Nea has won many distinguished awards including the 2007 Grand Aurora for Best in the State of Georgia and the prestigious Monument Award for Special Achievements in Overall Amenities and Environment for an Existing Community from the National Capital Building Industry Association. She participated several times as a judge for the Aurora Awards--a yearly industry-wide award presented to outstanding builders, planners, architects, developers and other housing-related professionals in a 12-state region. Nea leads 2PA's well-trained team of designers and architectural interns and imparts her many years of experiences through numerous lectures as part of a substantial in-house continuing education program. Nea is a graduate of the University of Virginia's School of Architecture and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree. She holds her architectural license in Washington, District of Columbia. |
 Steve Hoffacker Hoffacker and Associates West Palm Beach, FL |
Steve Hoffacker, AICP, CAASH, CAPS, CGP, CMP, CSP, MCSP, MIRM, is dedicated to helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and salespeople have better results, create more buzz, and enjoy themselves while being successful. Steve is a sales and marketing coach, business strategist, consultant, photographer, commercial real estate broker, podcaster, blogger, teacher, author, salesman, writer, mentor, and motivational speaker. One of the keys to success in business is Steve’s innovative customer connection program of intentional lead generation, customer rating, social networking, and post-visit contact that lets you reach out to potential customers, attract new leads, identify those people who are ready to make a decision, and maintain appropriate contact with others who need more time. As a result, you will be making sales that otherwise might not have happened, and you can eliminate unnecessary expenditures of time, money, and energy in the process. |
 Mike Poole, AIA Poole and Poole Architecture Richmond, VA |
As managing partner and Chief Executive Officer of Poole & Poole Architecture (2PA) in Richmond, VA and Atlanta, GA, Mike Poole, has over 16+years experience in architecture and historic preservation. Poole holds architectural licenses in 15 states and is eligible for nationwide licensing. A graduate of the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, Poole earned both a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation and architecture and also a master’s degree in architecture. In addition to his expertise in residential and commercial architectural design, Poole has facilitated several restoration projects in historic districts, ranging from façade restorations and full-scale renovations to mixed-use and urban infill development, blending new construction with contextual infill. Mike manages the computer applications used in the company. He personally leads the 3D-computer design and visualization projects, as well as imparts this knowledge to his staff through a series of in-house university programs. Mike has also participated as a judge for the prestigious Pillars and the Aurora Awards--yearly industry-wide awards presented to outstanding builders, architects, planners, developers and other housing-related professionals in a 12-state region. Poole has won several awards for his single-family projects and design work, including the prestigious Monument Award for “Special Achievements in Overall Amenities and Environment for an Existing Community” from the National Capital Building Industry Association. Additionally, Poole was commissioned to design renowned chef and Food Network favorite, Paula Deen’s original restaurant, The Lady & Son’s, in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. Poole’s technological knowledge, as well as his inherent understanding of appropriate architecture as it relates to historic preservation is what sets the firm apart from the competition. In 2005 and 2006, “Multi-housing News,” an industry publication, distinguished Poole & Poole Architecture; a firm started by Poole and is wife, Nea, in 2000, naming them to their “Top 100 Multi-family Architects” list for the quality and volume of their work. |
 Nancy Anderson, AIA Senior Associate/Senior Architect Dahlin Group Architecture Planning San Fransisco, CA |
Ms. Anderson has over 21 years experience as an architect and project manager overseeing large custom residences, recreational facilities, country clubs. She also has previous experience with an international food service consulting firm. Anderson graduated from the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR with her Bachelor of Interior Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is licensed in California AIA and NAHB Professional Affiliate. Anderson’s many projects include: Bussey Residence; Blackhawk, CA Garaventa Residence; Concord, CA Goulding Residence; Walnut Creek, CA Hing Nguyen Residence; Alameda, CA Hites Residence; Danville, CA Kleinman Residence; Monte Sereno, CA Lam Residence; Hillsborough, CA Lam Penthouse; Vancouver, BC, Canada Lenahan Residence; Alamo, CA Manley Residence; Santa Clara County, CA Morasch Residence; Hillsborough, CA Pan Residence, Lost Altos Hill; CA Penland Residence; Danville, CA Peterson Residence; Blackhawk, CA Rivera Residence; Blackhawk, CA Seeno Residence; Alamo, CA Spears Residence; Oakland, CA Taghioff Residence; Fremont, CA Trachtenberg Residence; Santa Rosa, CA Tsao-Zaul Residence; Oakland, CA Vu Nguyen Residence; Fremont, CA Weber Residence; Alamo, CA Luxury Villas: Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, China Luxury Spec: Cupertino, CA, The O'Brien Group Fremont, CA; The O'Brien Group San Martin; CA; The O'Brien Group San Jose, CA; Viking Development Spec Home: Blackhawk, CA; E. B. Driggs Construction Tiburon, CA; Masma Construction Thousand Oaks, CA; UDC Homes Evergreen-San Jose, CA; Shapell Industries of Northern California |
 Janis Ehlers The Ehlers Group Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
After an extensive corporate career with two homebuilding companies and opening over 50 multi-family, single-family and senior communities, Janis R. Ehlers, MBA, formed her company –The Ehlers Group - to be a different type of service business. She knew from the client’s perspective what would be of the greatest value. Her company offers one-on-one contact with the company principal and flexibility in using creative talent best suited to a client’s need and budget. The Ehlers Group, established in 1994, is an award-winning strategic communications and marketing company well known for helping clients grow their business. With offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Fairfax, Virginia, The Ehlers Group offers services which marry creativity, details and cost effectiveness. Every client shares a concern about the return on their investment and getting the most bang for the buck. By gaining an understanding of a client’s goals and learning about customers and audiences, result-oriented strategies are developed and implemented for the optimum success. Our clients' businesses as well as ours are based on relationships with customers. The philosophy that people do business with people they read about, hear about and see drives our company’s creative thinking for clients. Creating buzz, generating traffic, building referrals and spreading the word are core principals behind the effective co The book, Marketing Senior Housing, written by Janis R. Ehlers, MBA, has received a bronze recognition in 20th annual National Mature Media Awards competition, the nation’s largest awards program that recognizes the best in marketing communication, educational materials and programs for adults age 50 and older. Ehlers published the second edition of the book in November, 2010 to assist senior housing communities with marketing challenges from launch through various phases of occupancy. She draws on her career experiences having opened more than 50 communities in the country as well as serving as a consultant to independent, assisted living and continuing care communities and housing geared to the active adult population segment. The book offers checklists and tips including a how-to guide for creating a marketing budget and plan, building an outreach network, social media and special events. “It’s very satisfying to be acknowledged in this competition,” said Ehlers, president of The Ehlers Group, a strategic marketing and communications company with offices in Florida and Virginia. |
 Ed Binkley, AIA Ed Binkley Design Oviedo, FL |
“ed binkley design” originated in July of 2009 after Binkley’s ten year tenure with BSB Design as a Partner and National Design Director; prior to that Binkley was VP of Architecture with The Evans Group in Orlando, Florida. Ed Binkley, AIA, has been instrumental in responsive housing design since 1985 with a focus on an affordable, green, systems approach to housing highlighted through his recent development of “the shelter series”, a collection of small rapidly built homes. Ed’s experience includes national and international green housing projects and the design of demonstration homes highlighting sustainable design principals. Ed is a frequent speaker at symposiums internationally, contributing editor to publications and has been featured on HGTV and radio programs presenting his green and affordable building philosophies. Ed has a strong belief that green design starts with a responsible program and client… and the end result is only as successful as that collaboration is strong. |