Sisler Johnston Interior Design received Laurel Award honors for interior design excellence from the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council. The firm’s Laurel Awards include:

• Best Interior Merchandising in the under $100,000 category for the New Town model home by Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville (HabiJax)
• Best Interior Merchandising in the $600,001-$750,000 category for the Madeline model by ICI Homes at Tamaya
• Best Sales Office for the Anastasia Club at Del Webb Ponte Vedra

The three Laurel Awards are among 68 Laurel Awards the company has received in the event’s 20 year history. Sisler Johnston Interior Design has more than 30 years designing successful interiors for residential and commercial clients.

“I am honored to receive the Laurel Awards and appreciate the recognition from my industry peers,” said Judith Sisler Johnston, president of Sisler Johnston Interior Design and allied member, ASID. “These awards also acknowledge the outstanding product by the teams at HabiJax, ICI Homes and Del Webb/Pulte Homes. It is a privilege to contribute to the success of our clients.”

ICI Homes of Tamaya swept the annual Laurel Awards competition, receiving nine awards including the Grand Laurel. The annual Laurel Awards are hosted by the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) Sales and Marketing Council (SMC) and presented to those in the industry who have demonstrated sales, building and design excellence.

“We are genuinely honored to be recognized by the Laurel Awards judges and our peers in the building industry for our success at Tamaya,” said Don Wilford, president of ICI Homes’ North Florida Division. “The Laurel Awards are a testament to the dedication demonstrated by our team at Tamaya, where we aim to provide the highest quality of design and construction with an exceptional lifestyle. I hope this recognition will encourage everyone to visit our community and learn more about Tamaya.”

Tamaya received Laurel Awards in several categories including:

• Best Architectural Design ($401,000-$500,000 – Detached) – Marabella at Tamaya
• Best Architectural Design ($401,000-$500,000 – Attached) – Madeline at Tamaya
• Best Architectural Design – ($201,000-$300,000 – Detached) – Juliet at Tamaya
• Best Sales Office over 800 square feet – Tamaya Vision Center
• Best Logo – Tamaya
• Best Radio Commercial – Tamaya Grand Opening
• Best TV Commercial – Tamaya Grand Opening
• Site Agent of the Year – Emily Thompson, ICI Homes of Tamaya

Earlier this year, ICI Homes was recognized by NEFBA as the 2014 Builder of the Year.

HabiJax recently hosted 50 college students who contributed volunteer hours with the organization building homes in Jacksonville.

Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville, Inc. (HabiJax) recently hosted 50 students from various national colleges and universities as part of the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge.

During the first two weeks of March, HabiJax hosted students from Community College of Philadelphia; Simpson College; University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill; University of Notre Dame; and Vanderbilt University. Each student made a small financial donation and contributed volunteer hours building homes on the construction site. In partnership with Riverside Presbyterian Church, HabiJax provided housing, meals, refreshments, construction skills training and a safe, fun experience throughout the Collegiate Challenge.

“HabiJax is always grateful for our generous and dedicated volunteers who strive to better the communities in which we live,” said HabiJax President and CEO Mary Kay O’Rourke. “We enjoyed working with the students as part of the Collegiate Challenge and we look forward to continuing to do so through this great program in the future.”

Now it its 25^th year, Collegiate Challenge serves as an alternative spring break trip for energetic volunteers helping to further Habitat for Humanity’s mission of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since Collegiate Challenge began, more than 208,000 students have spent their spring break volunteering across the country donating more than $20 million to Habitat affiliates nationwide.

Clockwork Marketing Services President Maxine McBride accepted the award for Best Ad Campaign March 13

Clockwork Marketing Services recently received top honors at the Laurel Awards, winning Best Ad Campaign for its original concept advertisements on behalf of The John Gorrie a condominium.

Presented by the Northeast Florida Builders Association Sales and Marketing Council, the Laurel Awards recognize excellence in marketing, sales and design in the home building industry in Northeast Florida.

“Clockwork is proud to receive this award in recognition of our work on this historic condominium. We are pleased to be part of its success,” said Maxine McBride, president, Clockwork Marketing Services.

Clockwork Marketing Services’ “My Buyer” and “My Home” advertising campaign for The John Gorrie a condominium is a monthly series of print advertisements for Realtors and homebuyers that has been consistently published for more than one year and has established a readership following of its own.

Clockwork Marketing Services has received numerous other awards and accolades for its work on behalf of clients. For additional information on Clockwork Marketing Services, visit www.clockworkmarketing.com or call (904) 280-7960.

FHA and VA financing available at Cedar Bay in North Jacksonville

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions that many people face in their lifetime. It is often viewed as out of reach by those who question whether it is more cost effective to rent versus buy.

As the housing market and the national and local economic climates change, there are options for buyers of all ages in various financial brackets.

At Cedar Bay, a GreenPointe Homes community in North Jacksonville, several financing options are available to prospective buyers, including FHA and VA loans. Those who use a FHA loan may pay as little as 3.5 percent for a down payment and for first time home buyers eligible for a VA loan, no money down is needed and the home is 100 percent financed. Home and lot packages begin in the mid-$170,000s and Cedar Bay buyers can purchase one of the few remaining lots on the Broward River, a tributary of the St. Johns River, and select from GreenPointe Homes’ award-winning floorplans.

“The piece of information prospective homebuyers repeatedly find most surprising is that a brand new single family home could cost less money per month than a rental home or apartment,” said Margaret Jennesse, Chief Operations Officer of GreenPointe Homes’ East Florida Division. “Homes at Cedar Bay are available and ready for move-in now so your family can be settled in quickly.”

Cedar Bay’s proximity to regional military bases such as Kings Bay Naval Station and Mayport Naval Station, downtown Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville International Airport attracts established professionals, families and first-time homebuyers alike. Cedar Bay is located only one mile from Interstate-295, which provides a short drive to Interstates 95 and 10, giving residents access in minutes to nearly every section of the Jacksonville area. The Jacksonville International Airport is approximately five minutes from Cedar Bay, the drive time to downtown is 15 minutes or less and residents can be at area beaches in less than a half hour.

“North Jacksonville is a growing community and is just a short distance from all that the metro-Jacksonville area has to offer,” said Vicki Bratvold, president of GreenPointe Realty. “Residents at Cedar Bay enjoy its quiet, family environment. I encourage everyone to visit Cedar Bay and discuss available financing options.”

Homes at Cedar Bay range in size from 2,138 square feet to 3,022 square feet, boast open floor plans with high ceilings, tall cabinetry, and upgrade options are available. All GreenPointe Homes residences are equipped with a number of energy-efficient features. The community is also built with respect for its natural surroundings, features wide streets with sidewalks, and offers a community Park overlooking the river for residents that includes a play set and picnic tables.

For more information about GreenPointe Homes and Cedar Bay, call (904) 619-1928 or visit www.cedarbayjax.com.

Siena at Nocatee Town Center

New homes today are much different from the designs that you may recall from your childhood. Today’s lifestyles, along with new materials and new technologies, are changing the way we live and build.

Architects and designers are constantly transforming home designs to accommodate the changing needs and expectations of home buyers. Here are the top trends in today’s home design.

Tamaya featuring interiors by Sisler Johnston Interior Design

Great room plans. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multipurpose areas for family living and entertainment. Even in generous-sized homes, many new home buyers are choosing great room plans in lieu of separate formal living and dining spaces. When it comes to new homes, buyers are making smarter choices and using their space wisely. They want a home designed with living spaces they’ll use rather than purchase a home with rarely used or wasted spaces.

Super Kitchens. Kitchens are truly the heart of today’s home and have grown in size by more than 30 percent. Even the casual or novice chef desires a kitchen equipped with designer cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Kitchen islands with seating areas are also popular.

Flexible Floor Plans. Everyone wants their home designed to be unique and meet their individual needs. Not everyone wants a kitchen or bath designed in the same way. Many home designs offer flexible options so that the living space may be adapted for a variety of uses, such as a study, bedroom or formal dining room. Sliding doors and pocket doors also increase flexibility.

Outdoor Living Spaces. Bringing the inside out and the outside in is a key element in today’s home designs. Sliding glass doors leading to lanais and decks help to create a seamless transition. Today’s homeowner wants an outdoor living room with an expansive patio or lanai designed with upscale furnishings, lighting and décor. Outdoor entertainment areas may include seating, fireplaces, summer kitchens and water features.

Abundant Storage. Today’s homeowner wants storage space including spacious walk-in closets and built-in cabinets. Stop and drop areas, located near the garage or laundry, provide cubbies and places for shoes, keys and backpacks. The desire for storage has led to garages growing in size by 10 percent. Three-car garages with designated storage spaces for bikes, golf carts and other items are popular.

Energy Efficiency. Today’s homebuyers want their homes designed with materials and advanced technologies that address home energy consumption. ICI Homes offers the Nest Learning Thermostat, which creates a custom temperature schedule for your home, and automatically turns itself down when you’re away. Homebuyers are choosing more LED lighting fixtures, which do not have to be replaced as often. Dimmer switches are also popular and can enhance a room’s ambiance as well as save the homeowner money.

The best inspiration for home design can be found in builder model homes. Visit ICI Homes at Tamaya and at Siena at Nocatee Town Center.

About the Author

Mark Lucas is the director of product development for ICI Homes, where he leads the ICI Homes product design team in creation of innovative new floor plans and personal customization, an essential part of ICI’s business. In his free time, Lucas enjoys sailing, backpacking and travel, especially to European destinations where his interest in seeing medieval castle architecture provides some of the inspiration for his landmark designs.

Home improvement enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) annual Construction Industry Trade Expo and bring some fresh ideas home.

The event will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at the UNF University Center. Admission to the NEFBA Trade Expo is free and the event is open to the public.

Exhibit booth space is available to interested builders, developer and industry professionals. Sponsorships costs begin at $575.

For more information, contact Corey Hacker at (904) 725-4355 or [email protected].

Eric Ogle named Chef at Amelia National Golf & Country Club

Amelia National Golf & Country Club by ICI Homes has announced Eric Ogle as Chef of the property’s full-service restaurant, Amelia National 19th Hole Bar & Grill.

With more than 25 years in the restaurant industry, Chef Ogle has experience working in the golf community at established country clubs as food and beverage director/executive chef; and has been recognized as a top Food and Beverage Director within the golf industry.

“Chef Ogle brings a new twist to the dining experience at Amelia National,” said Don Wilford, division president for ICI Homes North Florida. “His experience in the kitchen and creativity with preparing delicious meals has been enjoyable for our homeowners and visitors.”

Amelia National 19th Hole Bar & Grill is open to all Amelia National Golf & Country Club members and their guests Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

Amelia National Golf & Country Club is a vacation-like community set on an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio, truly embodying country club living at its best. Interested homebuyers can visit the sales center at Amelia National Golf & Country Club 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and tour its amenities including the fitness center, tennis facility, golf course, dining room and swimming pool.

Leadership Jacksonville to host Celebration 2015 Thursday, April 9

Leadership Jacksonville, which was established in 1976 as a program to stimulate growth of leadership in Northeast Florida, will host Celebration 2015 and honor M.C. “Ceree” Harden, Connie S. Hodges and Cleve Edward Warren.

The event will take place Thursday, April 9, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

Leadership Jacksonville is one of Northeast Florida’s leading civic organizations – having graduated more than 3,000 youth and adults who serve in leadership roles throughout the community. The event raises money for the high school and college programs and celebrates the work of three community trustees:

• Connie Hodges, Former President, United Way of Northeast Florida
• Cleve Warren, Chief Financial Officer, Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Ceree Harden, Chief Executive Officer, Harden & Associates

To attend or for more information, please call Leadership Jacksonville at (904) 396-6263 or visit leadershipjax.org.

Have you thought about upgrading your lifestyle or considered a new way of living? Aphora is an ultra-luxury condominium where a spectacular life and sensational lifestyle is waiting for you.

“Our magnificent condominium offers a luxurious and carefree lifestyle,” said Gabe Bove, president, Bove LLC. “Are you ready to be free of the never-ending home maintenance? Are you ready for something exciting and new? Imagine what your life could be at Aphora.”

You write the script for life at Aphora. Wake up in a luxurious master suite as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy breakfast on your private terrace overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Your stunningly spacious and richly appointed home is your castle, offering the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends. Gather around the fireplace, prepare a meal in your gourmet chef’s kitchen or take in the panoramic views or a breathtaking sunrise or sunset.

Beyond the front door of your luxurious home, the possibilities are endless. Nestled among the marshlands, Marina San Pablo is a world unto itself. Aphora’s signature amenities set the tone for an unmatched Florida lifestyle. The lush rooftop oasis will offer an exceptional setting with a conversation pool, intimate spaces for gathering and entertaining, fireplaces, wine tasting room and private wine lockers, bar, landscaped gardens and spectacular panoramic views. Aphora will also have a day spa, auto spa and a private marina with slips available for purchase. Access to the Marina San Pablo Yacht Club, fitness center and heated outdoor pool is also part of the Aphora experience.

Aphora offers easy access to Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, Neptune and Atlantic beaches as well as the St. Johns Town Center and includes membership to Marsh Landing Country Club. The community is a short drive from the premier golf and social clubs at Ponte Vedra, Sawgrass and Tournament Players Club, a 20-minute drive from downtown Jacksonville and a 30-minute drive from the Jacksonville International Airport. When you want the freedom to jet off to Europe or the Islands, Aphora offers the freedom to “lock and leave” and the key to carefree maintenance.

“Aphora is simply life at its finest,” Bove said. “I encourage everyone to visit us and see if our exceptional offering is the right fit for you.”

Aphora is priced from $600,000 to $2 million. Residences range in size from approximately 2,500 square feet to 5,200 square feet. The Aphora sales gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. Visit Sales Director Jennifer Beck White at the Aphora sales gallery located inside the Marina San Pablo Yacht Club at 14388 Marina San Pablo Place. Marsh Landing Country Club Realty is the exclusive brokerage for Aphora.

Call (904) 515-5099 for more information or visit www.aphoracondos.com.