The Collage Companies

The Collage Companies is proud to announce the successful completion of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) – Apopka Service Center project. The 17,000 sq ft multi-use office and training facility was constructed using the Design-Build approach, which allowed for streamlined communication between the contractor, subcontractors, and owner, resulting in faster project completion, increased collaboration, and cost savings. In addition, SJRWMD Apopka Service Center was designed and constructed as a Florida Green Building meeting the highest standards for sustainability. This GOLD level certification is awarded by The Florida Green Building Coalition, a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to providing statewide green building programs that define, promote, and encourage sustainable efforts with environmental and economic benefits.

“We are thrilled to have delivered the Apopka Service Center as a green building project using the Design-Build approach, following best practices of the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA™). Our team of design and construction professionals worked collaboratively with the SJRWMD to ensure that the project was designed and built meeting all of the goals for time, budget and sustainable performance.  Design-Build is an excellent choice for many projects and promotes close collaboration amongst team members.” says  – Rob Maphis, President, The Collage Companies.

The Collage Companies, in partnership with Straughn Trout Architects and TLC Engineering, utilized eco-friendly materials and systems to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental responsibility. The facility will serve as a modern and functional space for SJRWMD staff to work and train, while also being a model for sustainable construction in the state of Florida. The successful completion of this project highlights The Collage Companies’ commitment to delivering exceptional Design-Build services and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.

“As a leader in sustainable engineering solutions, TLC Engineering is proud to have partnered with The Collage Companies and Straughn Trout Architects in delivering a Florida Green Building GOLD level certified project for SJRWMD Apopka Service Center. Our team leveraged our expertise in energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials to promote environmental responsibility, reduce energy consumption, and increase the facility’s sustainability performance. We are honored to have contributed to this project and congratulate The Collage Companies on their commitment to delivering exceptional Design-Build services.”  – Gary C. Krueger, Vice President, Executive Director, TLC ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

“From the beginning, the design-build team was focused on crafting a creative architectural solution that embodied the ethos of the St. Johns River Water Management District. I believe the SJRWMD Apopka Service Center achieved that goal,” said Jon Kirk, Principal at Straughn Trout Architects and Project Architect for the project. “The resilient materials selected for the building façades not only unite the structure with nearby landscapes but also provide a maintenance-free exterior for the client. Additionally, through natural daylighting efforts, more than 80% of occupants have views of the exterior. This modern, sustainable space sets a design standard for the District—one of environmental responsibility—while providing a highly functional, efficient, and comfortable interior environment for all SJRWMD staff. We are grateful to have partnered with The Collage Companies and TLC Engineering Solutions to deliver this benchmark project for the SJRWMD.”

The Collage Companies is an established integrated services firm with expertise in Design Build, Construction Management, and General Contracting – Collage has served Florida and the southeast since 1982 from their headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida. Collage’s community–centric projects in the hospitality, religious, transportation, education, government, and parks and sports sectors have produced a long list of award-winning projects in both the public and private sectors.