Walker Architects, Inc.

Project Spotlight: UF Health Shands Inpatient Dialysis Suite How Can a Hospital Dialysis Unit Support Staff and Patient Well-being? UF Health Shands Hospital places patients and communities at the heart of all they do. Our people-first approach at Walker Architects was a perfect fit for the renovation of an existing office suite into a state-of-the-art, seventeen-bay inpatient dialysis suite. For many patients, dialysis treatment is a lifeline, a process that filters their blood and restores it back into their bodies. This critical treatment, often lasting up to four hours and required three times a week, can be emotionally taxing. Recognizing this, our design prioritized well-being by giving patients direct access to natural daylight and scenic views to alleviate stress and create a soothing atmosphere. Our design goals encompassed both the well-being of patients and the satisfaction of the staff. We aimed to provide a light and calm palette to reduce patient stress while giving the staff space to work and recharge. Our collaboration with Shands Hospital involved meticulous adherence to building standards, construction details, hardware, and finishes. It was a complex, multifaceted effort with input and checkpoints to seamlessly integrate this renovated suite into the hospital's systems, both functionally and aesthetically. The new inpatient dialysis suite is a tranquil, functional, and efficient environment for both patients and staff. We are proud to have been a part of this transformative project, improving the lives and daily experience of those who rely on these vital services. Learn more about this project: https://lnkd.in/guQEMMZt #DesignForAnAgileWorld

At Walker Architects, designing sports venues is much more than constructing new facilities—it’s a process of discovery. By listening deeply to the people who use each space and adapting our work to their specific needs, we deliver environments that achieve modern goals without losing the tradition that makes them special. For instance, our expansion and enhancement of University of Florida's Condron Family Ballpark united next-generation facilities—like advanced athlete amenities and fan-focused upgrades—with a careful nod to Gator history. The resulting ballpark not only supports peak performance on the field but also offers a memorable experience for attendees. Meanwhile, our revitalization of UF's Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium addressed everything from improved player facilities to optimized fan flow, creating an energizing space where top-caliber athletes thrive and spectators can connect with the game on a deeper level. We also had the privilege of transforming the Gator Marching Band Practice Field with a purpose-built, open-air shelter. Featuring high-volume ceiling fans, improved utilities, and a column-free design, the new structure lets up to 300 band members rehearse comfortably—ready to bring their best on game day. Throughout these projects, our agile, user-centered approach led to spaces that unite communities, inspire teams, and uphold the University of Florida’s rich legacy. By balancing time-honored tradition with forward-thinking design, we uncover new ways to help every athletic environment thrive. #DesignForAnAgileWorld?

Meet architectural designer Ameya Yawalkar! Ameya is an accomplished architectural designer with a global perspective and a passion for creating innovative, sustainable spaces. As a LEED Green Associate, Ameya integrates environmentally responsible practices into every project, utilizing advanced tools and methodologies to deliver forward-thinking designs that align with modern sustainability standards. With expertise in computational design and advanced visualization, Ameya contributes to complex, high-profile projects, bringing both technical precision and artistic vision to the table. His adaptability, commitment to excellence, and creative approach make him an integral part of the Walker team, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the built environment.

At Walker Architects, every project—whether it’s a new build or a renovation—offers a chance to uncover possibilities that might not be immediately visible. A key component in that discovery process is the feasibility study. Rather than functioning as a one-size-fits-all checklist, feasibility studies can pave the way for an agile design approach that adapts to a project’s evolving needs. Our newest article takes a look at how feasibility studies serve as a guiding force, why it’s crucial to identify the “why” behind a request, and how combining them with agile design can help clarify the “unknown” to shape and refine a project’s ultimate direction. Give it a read here > https://lnkd.in/eSVEV3Yx

The Walker team had a fabulous time at University of Florida's PDC Annual Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser last Friday! Thank you to UF for putting this amazing event together to raise funds for the UF Campaign for Charities, which supports more than 100 local nonprofits that provide essential services for our community.

Meet Walker's newest project architect, Taylor Kitchens! As an architect with a background in food retail, healthcare, and residential work, Taylor enjoys engaging in the details of a project's scope, from construction detailing to code analysis. His passion is for exciting and engaging projects that make a positive impact on people's lives. Taylor holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Georgia Tech. He is based out of Walker's Atlanta office.

At Walker Architects, working with historic buildings is more than simply updating old structures—it’s a process of discovery. By respecting a building’s past while adapting it for modern needs, we create environments that support contemporary uses without losing the character that made them significant in the first place. Our agile design approach helps us address changing project requirements, ensuring each outcome aligns with both the original intent and today’s functional demands. One project that illustrates this approach is the rehabilitation of Norman Hall at the University of Florida. Originally envisioned as an HVAC upgrade with a conference center addition, the project really evolved once we took a closer look at the building’s underlying needs. Read more about the rehabilitation of this historic UF building (and see more before/after photos) in our newest article, "Making the Old New: Agile Design and Historic Rehabilitation at UF’s Norman Hall"> https://lnkd.in/esjqmm97

It's job fair season! KSU students, come learn about agile design and Walker Architects at KSU's ARCH 2025 Job Fair, today from 12:30 to 3:30 at KSU's Marietta Event Center. Stop by and say hi to Kevin and Andrew!

The Technical College System of Georgia is not just changing workforce development—they’re building entire educational ecosystems that help people reach their potential. In the latest inspiring episode of our Design for An Agile World podcast, Joe sits down with Brendan Bowen, Senior Executive Director of Capital Planning at TCSG to talk about how his organization has impacted more than half a million lives by provide training and pathways to career opportunities that help students succeed Listen here > https://lnkd.in/gsDiRS4U

Hey, Yellow Jackets! We're looking forward to Georgia Tech's Architecture and City and Career Planning Career Fair tomorrow at Tech's Exhibition Hall (10 am to 2 pm). Stop by and say hello to Kevin Lackey and Andrew Mesa at our table to learn about Walker Architects and our philosophy of agile design. See you there!