Project Spotlight: Orlando First Baptist

When Principal, Paulla Shetterly, joined our firm we knew she came with a portfolio of very happy clients. So, when a past client reached out to us to continue that relationship, we were happy to step up to the plate. First Baptist Orlando is one of the largest churches in central Florida. With a congregation of 14,000, it’s home to 2 campuses and programs for young children, students, and adults.

Their most recent major renovation, The Kids Building, in which Paulla was Lead Designer with another firm, was completed in 2019. This renovation caters to weekly programs for each age range (kindergarten-5th grade) and hosts services for new moms and children with special needs. Its colorful environment and welcoming atmosphere have won the hearts of many, especially all the kids who can use the indoor SLIDES, to get from the top floors to lower floors. It’s no wonder that the church wants to continue this excitement to other parts of the campus.

When First Baptist Orlando contacted us, we were happy to take on the challenge to create similar exciting and welcoming environment for the student ministry to be located in Faith Hall. Faith Hall serves teen and young adult programs, and it also doubles as conference center and multiuse space. Working with the Orlando student ministry team, the student pastor, Chris Bacon provided his vision for the space – An industrial modern space that’s flexible enough to be a space for younger teens who are playing video games in the lobby as well as adults attending a conference.

The renovation will include an enlarged multiuse lobby, 16 classrooms, a café with casual dining seating, a video game zone, and a social seating alcove. MVMT, the student’s moto, is “designed to give middle and high school students a place where they can connect with God and with other people- and have fun” and we believe the design does just that! Construction is set to start in 2023.