Christian Alonso of Studio A.D. Architect wins AIA Award

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dec. 11, 2024 - PRLog -- Christian Alonso, an architectural project manager at Studio A.D. Architect, was recognized with Merit Award for Architectural Graphics for his graduate study thesis: "Redefining a Building Envelope: Through Construction Details, Joints and Structural Details" at American Institue of Architects (AIA) Florida Southwest's Design and Honor Awards Gala on Dec. 7 at Artis-Naples. The annual event celebrated exceptional architectural achievements, community members and industry partners.

"We are so proud of Christian, who just rejoined us earlier this year after completing his Master of Architecture degree," said Albert Dambrose, architect and founder of Studio A.D. "He served as an intern with us while he was studying. What a great honor for him and our firm as we celebrate our 20th year."

The research project for Alonso's degree at the University of Florida School of Architecture (SoA), guided by professors Donna Cohen and Bradley Walters, looked at ways to update the facade of a mid-century modern building in New York City through case studies, scale models and digital modeling. The idea was to envision how to make the building more energy efficient by designing a new building facade, while honoring its original structure and connecting the people using it with the environment.

Alonso said the award recognition is significant for him because it not only acknowledges his work, but the influences he has had so far in his career, at the University of Florida SoA, which encouraged him to explore his creativity, and now working with Dambrose and the Studio A.D. team.

"I think about all the people who have helped me along the way," he said. "This is something I carry with me. I've been taught to be a sponge, soaking up the experiences and information of others to explore options and ideas to create what is needed."

Alonso interned at Studio A.D. from 2018-20 while studying architecture at the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Design degree and Master of Architecture degree. As an architectural project manager at Studio A.D., Alonso is responsible for developing projects from the initial schematic design to construction documents until construction is complete.