Florida, USA
HASTINGS is currently working with the Jim Moran Foundation to design its new 63,000-square-foot headquarters, which will house the Foundation along with the South Florida Operations of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.
The Jim Moran Foundation by HASTINGS, received an 2025 American Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Founded in 2000 by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of the Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested more than $230 million in its community and continues its founder’s generosity through its ongoing operations.
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, also located inside the building, facilitates a program for small business owners and nonprofit leaders. It was established in 1995 at the Florida State University College of Business and its mission is to cultivate, train, and inspire entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition, and leading-edge research.
The five-story building is a connected two-volume structure that features large open floor plates and varied components that include office and program space, shared event space, and archives exhibits.
Exterior surfaces and porches are clad in warm custom blended polished cast panels while glazing is framed in dark bronze curtain walls partially shielded with copper alloy metal screens. Engineered bamboo soffits within the building invite connection between interior and exterior; and human-scaled textures and materials reinforce the timeless nature of the design.
The exterior landscape is designed to enhance the environmental character and streetscape experience along Federal Highway US-1. Through the inclusion of shade trees, seating areas, shade structures, gardens, plaza elements, and open space, the site perimeter invites guests to interact and connect with one another.
A series of pathways dispersing off from larger plazas weave a continual walking loop around the campus. The material palette adopted for the pathway consists of earthen tones to complement the architecture, drawing inspiration from the natural elements found along Florida’s southeastern coastline and help minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands. Lush gardens surround the property to create resiliency from flooding.
The building is detailed and structured to resist Category 5 storm systems and is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold certification. It is estimated to be completed in the autumn of 2025.
Architects: HASTINGS Architecture
Design Team: Derek Schmidt, Rob White, Dillon Dunn, and Sierra Jensen
General Contractor: Stiles Corporation
Client: The Jim Moran Foundation
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
