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Jan 2025
51m 25s

#358 - AU - ‘Mastering Outdoor Space Des...

Evan Troxel & Cormac Phalen
About this episode

In this episode, Frank Cavanaugh from the Aria Group joins us to share insights on designing outdoor spaces, focusing on essential considerations for architects. From the importance of local ordinances and understanding health department requirements to the significance of context, lighting, and material selection, this episode covers it all. We also touch on unique challenges such as integrating landscape, seasonal usability, and maintaining brand consistency. Tune in to learn about the critical elements that create remarkable and functional outdoor hospitality environments.

About Frank Cavanaugh:

As Principal, Frank leads a talented team of architects and interior designers as a studio leader. As a member of the Board of Directors, he advises on the overall direction of the firm. Frank also is involved as a Project Designer on various small and large-scale projects, in particular Planning projects within the office.

Frank has led and designed many large-scale projects throughout his career at Aria Group. Large retail and mixed-use projects include City Park Retail Center, The Esplanade of Algonquin. Hospitality and Entertainment designs include the original Hawthorne Casino & Racecourse, Brookfield Zoo - South American Market Place, Blue Chip Resort Hotel and Casino, Viper Alley at City Park, Park Plaza in Bowling Green KY, and Alsea’s Italianni’s restaurant brand in Mexico City. Municipal projects include the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center entry addition and G Hall expansion in Rosemont, IL. Hotel projects include work with Hyatt, the Chicago Hilton, The Wit Hotel, the Palmer House Hilton and The Conrad in Chicago. Frank has also developed many new concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises over the years, including the design of several Wildfire restaurants. Frank also works with Served Well Hospitality in Massachusetts on several entertainment and hospitality projects.

In 1995 Frank joined Aria Group and was promoted to Principal in 2000. He began his career working at the office of Krueck and Olsen Architects. Frank moved on to the office of Lohan Associates where he became an Associate and Project Designer for several corporate and institutional projects including the DePaul Library in Chicago. In addition to producing architectural renderings for Aria Group’s designs, Frank also works at photography, drawing, plein air painting and studio painting. He has completed several painted mural commissions for his architectural clients as well as other publicly displayed work and is a member of the Oak Park Art League.

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Episode Sponsor: Bromic Heating

This episode has been made possible with generous support from Bromic Heating.

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