Catalyst Orlando Staff Support AIA’s Milk District Design Charrette

September 1, 2026

Catalyst recently had the opportunity to sponsor and participate in the 2026 Milk District Design Charrette, hosted by the AIA Orlando Young Architects Forum in partnership with the Milk District Design Committee. This community design event brought together architects, landscape architects, planners, artists, students, and local stakeholders to explore ideas for the future of Orlando's Milk District. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants engaged in an intensive design process that encouraged creative thinking, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue around the district's evolving needs and opportunities.

Several Catalyst team members served as professional mentors, guiding student groups through the design process and sharing real-world insight into community-focused design. Through site analysis, visioning exercises, and brainstorming, teams developed concepts that reflected the character of the district and the aspirations of the people who live, work, and invest there. The charrette highlighted the importance of community engagement in shaping successful places, while providing students with valuable experience working alongside industry professionals.