The Collage Companies

Ken LaRoe Honored with DBIA Florida Leadership Award

This fall, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Florida Region honored Ken LaRoe, President of Climate First Bank, with the prestigious “Thomas “Tommy” Rawls Distinguished Owner Award at its annual gala. A long-time client and community partner of The Collage Companies, Ken was nominated by Collage in recognition of his commitment to advancing design-build as the preferred project delivery method and his innovative approach to sustainable banking facilities across Florida.

A Long-Standing Partnership Built on Design-Build

Ken LaRoe and The Collage Companies have maintained a strong, collaborative partnership for over a decade. Throughout this time, Ken’s projects have consistently employed the design-build approach, demonstrating its advantages in terms of speed, cost efficiency, and cohesive teamwork. His unwavering commitment to design-build is evident in six successful projects with Collage over the past seven years, ranging from branch renovations to the construction of new facilities for Climate First Bank.  The decision to nominate Ken for this award was an easy one for Collage, given their shared commitment to excellence in sustainable design and delivery. Collage’s team has witnessed firsthand how Ken’s leadership has championed the design-build method, particularly in eco-friendly construction, where he has pushed boundaries to achieve ambitious sustainability goals.

Advancing Sustainable Banking through Design-Build

Ken LaRoe stands out as a leader who integrates environmental stewardship into his business endeavors. As the founder of First Green Bank, Ken established one of the first banks in the eastern U.S. to prioritize environmental and social impact alongside financial performance. After successfully growing First Green Bank, Ken founded Climate First Bank, where he continues to implement design-build as the primary method for constructing environmentally conscious facilities. One of the most notable projects resulting from this approach is the Winter Park branch of Climate First Bank, which features one of Florida’s largest vertical solar facades. The project exemplifies how design-build can deliver high-quality, innovative solutions, meeting goals for both sustainability and operational efficiency. Ken’s work has earned accolades such as LEED Platinum certification, while also showcasing the potential of design-build to achieve outstanding results in sustainable construction.

“Ken LaRoe’s commitment to sustainable innovation and his unwavering support for design-build have set a new benchmark in the banking industry. He not only understands the technical advantages of design-build but also leverages it to drive meaningful environmental impact. Ken’s long-standing partnership with The Collage Companies has been built on shared values and a mutual dedication to Design-Build Done Right®, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.” – Brian Walsh, Chairman and CEO, The Collage Companies

Ken LaRoe’s Broader Impact on Design-Build

Ken’s contributions extend beyond his own projects to the broader design-build community. His active involvement with DBIA, including participation in regional events and panels, has fostered greater awareness and understanding of how design-build can deliver complex projects efficiently. By sharing insights from his projects, Ken has helped others in the industry see the advantages of this collaborative approach. Ken’s recognition at the DBIA Florida Region gala is a testament to his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and holistic project delivery. His relationship with The Collage Companies exemplifies how a shared commitment to Design-Build Done Right® can transform complex visions into reality, benefiting not just clients but the entire community. As a client and industry leader, Ken LaRoe continues to inspire the next generation of professionals by proving that design-build is more than just a method—it’s a pathway to achieving meaningful change in the built environment.