African Hospitality

Ilara-Mokin, Nigeria

"Chief Michael Ade-Ojo grew up in the village of Ilare-Mokin and has become one of the most successful businessmen in Africa. He loves his village with a passion and has determined to create a legacy there as an inspiration to young Nigerian men and women.

On the outskirts of the village, the Elizade Resort has begun with the construction of a Ron Garl designed golf course which will challenge golfers from all over the World. Elizade is synonymous with quality throughout Nigeria and the Chief has challenged me to create an ambience within the Elizade Resort which will impress visiting dignitaries with the wealth of culture and hospitality Nigeria has to offer."

The Conceptual Design Phase of the Hotel in Scotland nears Completion.

Broughty Ferry, Scotland

Guy Butler Architect is nearing the end of the design phase of the new hotel in Broughty Ferry, Scotland. The design is a mixture of the old and new. The client and the community want to see contemporary design introduced into traditional Broughty Ferry. To help blend the new styles into the surrounding landscape, the lower floors have traditional stone textures highlighted by classic window styles. Up above, however, the hotel features contemporary wall panels and glass handrails.

The project will feature an elegant lobby and upscale restaurant on the first floor, while a cookery school will top the hotel on the tenth floor. The ecstatic client had this to say about the project:

"Another mission complete!"

"That's why GBA is a successful practice, the client relationship is pure teamwork from Alpha to Omega, a win, win at the end of the day!"

View some artwork on this project in our portfolio.

Guy Butler, SchenkelShultz reach Milestones in Orlando

by Jack Snyder, Orlando Sentinel

Two architectural firms are marking anniversaries in Central Florida. Architect Guy Butler, whose design work includes the Capital Plaza complex in downtown Orlando, is marking 25 years in business. The native of Britain previously was a partner of Spillis Candella & Partners. While there, he was the architect of record for both Church Street Market and Church Street Exchange in downtown Orlando. Butler's international work includes the Carnoustie Hotel, Gold Resort and Spa in Scotland. Today, he operates Guy Butler Architect LLC, based in Orlando.

Years ago, Butler and a couple of other architects proposed a pyramid-shaped office building near the Orlando Chamber of Commerce Building off North Orange Avenue. The building was never built, Butler said, because developers didn't think the city market would ever support the $12.50-per-square-foot rent needed to make the project viable. Today, downtown rents can reach $28 a square foot.

Swinging Into Scotland

Orlando, Florida

Orlando architect Guy Butler just got a dream commission. He'll participate in the preparations for the British Open at Carnoustie in Scotland. Butler also helped in preparations for the 1999 British Open at Carnoustie. Work for the Open will range from laying out tent locations to expansion of the Carnoustie Golf Course hotel, pro shop, restaurant and bar. A small time-share development may also be built near the hotel. Butler is no stranger to that area of the world. He grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland.