Architect Bruce Gora joins elite group

Bruce Gora Bruce Gora has been nominated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows by his peers in the AIA Florida Southwest Chapter. The announcement was made by the Board of Directors and officers of the local AIA Chapter.

According to the AIA, "The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, founded in 1952, is composed of members of the Institute who are elected to fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society."

Gora, a founding principal in the firm Gora/McGahey Associates in Architecture, is a lifelong resident of Florida who has lived in Southwest Florida since 1977. In 1981, following four years with another local architecture firm, Gora opened his own firm. That firm became Gora/McGahey in 1985.

Throughout his 30-year career, Gora has remained cognizant of the importance of architecture to a community.

"We take the responsibility of our impact on the community's built environment very seriously. Every decision we make during the design process has a direct effect on the success of our clients," he said. "Design and planning decisions also have a lasting impact on the environment and our community's quality of life."

In 2006, Gora was recognized by the AIA Florida Southwest Chapter as the recipient of the W.R. Frizzell Medal of Honor. The award, presented to one outstanding architect each year, recognizes the contribution of that individual, "for distinguished service over a sustained period of time to the AIA Southwest Florida Chapter and the community, resulting in a profound impact on the architectural profession and the community."