Schenkel Shultz

Schenkel Shultz, a Central Florida-based architecture and design studio, announces the groundbreaking of Quest Therapy Center & Academy. Led by Ekta Desai, AIA and Zoran Lozanovski, this new educational facility symbolizes Quest, Inc.’s unwavering commitment to inspiring and improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. For over six decades, Quest, Inc. has transformed the lives of thousands of adults and children with developmental disabilities in the Orlando area. Through adaptive reuse of the organization’s existing building at 1509 E. Colonial Drive in downtown Orlando, the design team is converting the existing aged structure into a modern academic and therapy center. With a project cost of $7,700,000, this 16,070 square feet building will become a ‘North Star’ for individuals with Autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, learning delays and related disabilities. Read more about it below. https://lnkd.in/eAsrAKEc

One of Central Florida’s largest architectural firms is readying to move into a new space in the heart of Winter Park. In January, Orlando Business Journal reported exclusively that Schenkel Shultz — which underwent a rebrand in 2023 and is one of the region’s Best Places to Work — would move from its downtown Orlando offices to a space on North Orange Avenue in Winter Park. The firm is preparing to move into the entire 12,000-square-foot building at 834 N. Orange Ave., which is undergoing a substantial transformation valued at about $1.05 million, based on permits issued by the city of Winter Park. Read more at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gA6QDg5n https://lnkd.in/eWesWse4

The Town Center at Middleton is the centerpiece of the latest 'Family Village' concept at The Villages. Blending education, recreation, and retail, this vibrant hub is designed for living, working, and socializing. Fostering connection and community, the mixed-use development features inviting spaces, including a civic park, outdoor stage, school commons, and retail areas. A green spine extends from the town center, linking surrounding schools and educational campuses through a network of parks, trails, and bike paths. The Cannery, a prominent visual landmark, frames the adjacent civic park—a main attraction for family gatherings and community events. Its distinctive allure and scenic vistas enhance the town center's appeal as a cherished community space.

At the heart of Schenkel Shultz lies our people—the backbone of everything we do. Each individual plays a vital role in our story, shaping who we are. Our recognition as one of Orlando Business Journal's Best Places to Work is a testament to this commitment, celebrating a culture where communication thrives, leadership inspires, and each team member is valued, supported, and empowered to drive our collective success.

By integrating biophilic design into our spaces, we bridge the gap between people and the natural world, infusing environments with inspiration, empowerment, and revitalization. Our design for the Orlando Economic Partnership exemplifies this approach. Featuring a living wall and lush vegetation woven throughout, the building fosters a sense of calm and connection, bringing the outside in and promoting cognitive and emotional well-being among its occupants. This design harmoniously integrates an inspiring, restorative, and healthy space into the functionality of the office ecosystem. By embracing these elements, we affirm our commitment to sustainability and human-centered design, nurturing both people and planet. Photo credit: Chad Baumer Photography

Sustainability is central to our AIA 2030 Commitment and LEED® initiatives. Since 2003, Schenkel Shultz has led over 50 LEED projects, steadfastly pursuing our mission to achieve Net Zero across all projects by 2030. Our recent Silver LEED® certification for Sarasota County Fire Station 23 is a testament to this dedication. In close collaboration with Sarasota County, we integrated sustainable operational strategies into the station’s design, aligning with our AIA 2030 goals. This project not only enhances the well-being of its crew, first responders and the broader community but also exemplifies our deep commitment to environmental stewardship. The integration of solar panels was pivotal in securing Silver LEED®. Through cove.tool analysis, we discovered the project surpassed expectations in achieving Net Zero status. This milestone highlights our informed approach and ability to guide clients toward impactful design choices.

Reflecting on our annual firm update this past week, it’s clear that the heartbeat of Schenkel Shultz lies in the strength and unity of our studio team. Every project, design, and interaction resonates within our walls, cultivating an environment rich in connectivity, creativity, and innovation. This synergy is the foundation of our impactful designs that drive our vision forward. As we celebrate our milestones and insights, we are inspired by upcoming projects across education, aviation, civic, cultural, and community sectors. Our relocation to a new office marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to embracing fresh opportunities and continued growth. Set against the backdrop of the award-winning Porter Family Center for Innovation & Academics at Lake Highland Preparatory School—a project we proudly designed—the meeting highlighted our collective strides over the past year and a glimpse into our future. The day concluded with guided tours of the building, our team clad in our branded gear, a fitting tribute to our accomplishments and an opportunity to forge ahead with renewed passion and purpose.

Schenkel Shultz is proud to be recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as the second-largest architectural firm in Central Florida based on local billings. This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of our studio team, the trust our clients and stakeholders place in us, and the unwavering support of our community. With immense pride, we embrace our role within this vibrant landscape and are grateful for the opportunity to shape its future. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!

At the FEFPA Summer Conference, Schenkel Shultz had the honor of presenting our award-winning project, the Porter Family Center for Innovation & Academics at Lake Highland Preparatory School. There, we spotlighted our site planning methodologies, programming, and processes that are reshaping the educational landscape across Florida. The conference provides educational facility planners, engineers, architects, contractors, and manufacturers a rich backdrop for exchanging insights and exploring new avenues in design. It was an opportunity to connect with peers who share our commitment to elevating educational facilities and creating environments that foster growth and innovation.

At Schenkel Shultz, we foster talent and shape the future of architects and designers across our studio. Our interns play a pivotal role, bringing fresh perspectives and gaining invaluable hands-on experience from our team of professionals in a collaborative setting. From development to spatial planning and material selection, our interns are fully immersed in our creative processes transforming their ideas into inspiring designs. Join us in applauding the dedication and creativity of our interns as they evolve and redefine the future of design. Their passion and commitment drive our mission to inspire through impactful design.