08 Jan Honored to Support OCAD at AIA Orlando’s Year-End Celebration

Just before the holidays, BBM Structural had the pleasure of attending the AIA Orlando Holiday Party and Board Induction Ceremony, an evening that brought together architects, design professionals, and community partners to celebrate the year and usher in new leadership for 2026.

During the event, BBM President Bora Erbilen was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Alex Straughn, outgoing AIA Orlando President, in recognition of BBM’s involvement with the Orlando Center for Architecture + Design (OCAD) project. It was a meaningful acknowledgment of BBM’s collaborative spirit and support of initiatives that advance the profession. OCAD is an exciting new community space in downtown Orlando, envisioned as a vibrant hub where people can engage, learn, and explore the power of design and architecture in shaping the built environment.

The Orlando Center for Architecture + Design has been in development for more than 25 years and is a joint effort between the Orlando Foundation for Architecture and AIA Orlando. Once complete, it will serve as a dynamic destination for exhibits, educational programming, public events, and more, and will bring together professionals, students, and the public to celebrate why design matters.

Joining Bora at the event was Associate Karen Petersen, who both found the night’s activities a platform to continue the firm’s ongoing connection to the design community and share our enthusiasm for spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and public engagement. The evening offered a great opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, connect with our colleagues, and look forward to new opportunities in 2026.

We’re grateful for the warm welcome from AIA Orlando and proud to be part of a community that champions design excellence and meaningful impact.