OA+D Architects - Firm Profile









OA+D Architects formed in 1993 as a consulting Architecture and Land Planning firm providing a full range of professional services. The company is involved in planning and design activities that include initial consultations, feasibility studies, design, working drawings, specifications and construction administration.

The founding Principal, Danny Owens, AIA, started the firm after a number of years of employment at the Public Works Department of the Cayman Islands Government. He was later joined by Omar McLean, B.Sc. also of the Public Works Department. Together, they were responsible for producing the design and construction documents for a number of highly regarded public facilities throughout the Island.

OA+D can measure significant achievements since 1993, a relatively short time. From a modest beginning as a sole practitioner's office, we have grown to be Cayman's leading design consultant for the hospitality and commercial industries.




Recent projects include the winning entry to a design competition amongst local architects and firms for the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Hyatt Beach Suites. These projects are renowned both for their creativity and bottom line success.

Over the past few years OA+D has teamed with a number of international firms. We were appointed as local Architects for The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman in association with WAT&G Architects and EDSA and have teamed with Canon Design for the C.I. Government High Schools project.

Our designers know the Islands; having people who have lived and traveled all of their lives in the region gives us the ability to provide solutions that respond to the economics, politics, history , culture and art as well as to the climate, geography and architecture of each location.




MAJOR PROJECTS EXPERIENCE:

Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly Hyatt Beach Suites)

Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

New High School Campuses - Beulah Smith, Clifton Hunter, John Gray

Lighthouse School

Boatswain’s Beach-Cayman Turtle Farm

Sea Breeze Condominiums

Cayman Corporate Centre

G.T. Hospital – Emergency Room and Dietary Building

Red Bay Primary School

John Cumber Primary School, Assembly Hall

Island Heritage House

Residences at Britannia

 

National Gallery

 
Client
National Gallery Board of Directors
OA+D Architects won a design competition amongst five local architecture firms for the design of a new 12,000 SF art gallery. Designed as individual pavilions, Phase 1 has been completed.

The central pavilion accommodates the exhibition galleries and the low curved building houses the auditorium, library, café and studios.

The design explores the notion that a building is made up of parts and details relating to an ordering structure as a whole, that is not unlike the organization of a town or city.

The main determinants of form for our design are nature and geometry. The outdoor rotunda is used as an organizing device, quite like the traditional museum space. The building pavilions are joined to create an outdoor sculpture garden that the building is organized around.
 

Cayman Beach Suites

 
Client
Ellesmere Britannia Ltd
OA+D had a long standing relationship with this client and were hired to design a Hyatt branded beach expansion for the existing hotel.

We produced design and construction documents for fifty-three suites, meeting rooms, and retail space. The building has an area of 75,000 SF and a construction cost of $28 million.

At the time it was believed to be the largest hospitality project undertaken by a local firm and produced on Island.

This was a fast tracked Design Build project with the Owner’s construction team; site work and foundations were started before construction documents were completed.

Suites with potentially the best rooms on Seven Mile Beach are complimented on site with new pools, courtyard, and Hemingway's Restaurant in the garden.

 

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

 
Client
Condoco Hotel Limited
OA+D Architects were appointed the local architect for a 375 room hotel resort with destination spa, meeting rooms and restaurants on the finest beach in the Caribbean. Creates the ultimate in a vacation community. 245 villas on "Islands" within a nine-hole golf course with naturalistic waterways are joined with a colonnaded bridge to the beach side.
OA+D have been a participating firm in the conceptual design charette through construction administration. We provided concept design and planning services, AHJ reviews and coordination, construction administration and close out services. Recently we did the construction documents for Unit 612, the Fitness Center expansion and Seven restaurant patio.

 

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Unit 612

 
Client
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
OA+D Architects prepared construction documents and construction administration for the fit-out of this 7,000 square feet five bedroom condominium.
 

Sea Breeze

 
Client
The Alsation Land Company
OA+D Architects prepared design drawings, construction documents and construction administration for this 40,000 SF luxury condominium project on Seven Mile Beach.

The fifth floor features a penthouse unit and all rooms are ocean view. Wine cellars, state of the art electronics, dive lockers and a gym are some of the amenities of these homes.

Clifton Hunter and John Gray High Schools

 

Client
Cayman Islands Government

 
OA+D were the Associate Architect in a joint venture with Cannon Design, Chicago. We provided concept design and planning services, AHJ reviews and coordination, full construction administration and close out services.

We were recently re-hired to finish the partially complete gym in time for a NCAA tournament.
 

Lighthouse School

 
Client
CI Government
Architects for the only special needs school on the Island. Services including the hiring and management of a team of consultants including Interior Designer, Structural Engineers, MEP/F Engineers and Landscape Architect.

We provided construction documents, reviews with regulatory authorities, bid review and award, construction administration and close out services.

Building area of 50,000 including classrooms, gymnasium and a shared cafeteria with the OA+D designed Red Bay Primary School
 

Cayman Turtle Centre

 
Client
Cayman Turtle Centre
Cayman Turtle Centre
An interactive marine them park that encompasses the renovation of the Cayman Turtle Farm. With a project budget of $50M over 20 acres, OA+D Architects duties were the Owner's Representative and Architect for the buildings and was responsible for selecting the design team and managing the design process.

 

Island Heritage

 
Client
Atlantic Star Limited
OA+D were the architects and design team leader for a 22,000 square foot office building and interior fit outs.

This building is fully serviced for emergencies with a three week fuel supplied generator and a 15,000 gallon cistern on the third floor with provisions for a helicopter pad on the roof.

Design features of complimentary bold colors and Art Deco detailing provide a visual interest to one of the most distinctive buildings in Cayman.

 

Cayman Corporate Centre

 
Client
CCC Ltd
OA+D were the design architects for a speculative commercial building of 50,000 sq. ft. on a site of 5 acres, including the planning of additional buildings, parking, and services.

We also did interior design services for several fit-outs including offices for a financial services company and a Government entity.

Hard Rock Cafe

 
Client
Hard Rock Cayman
OA+D provided planning services and prepared the construction drawings based on design drawings by Fugman Dakich of Chicago.

This Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high- energy vibe serves burgers & American classics. The 8,000 SF restaurant features a merchandise store on the ground floor and bar and restaurant on the second level.


Walkers Design Competition entry
 

Walkers

 
Client
Walkers
OA+D were invited to participate in a design competition for a new seven storey headquarters for an international law firm.

Although not selected initially for the design, we were engaged to redesign some areas of the interior spaces and ceilings along with the roof deck to accommodate new Air-Conditioning and smoke exhaust systems.

Work involved new ceiling and wall configurations, acoustic separation between offices, A/C ducting schemes for the Engineer’s approval, decorative exhaust stacks in the atrium lobby and roof deck modifications.

 

Carenage Health Centre

 
Client
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
OA+D Architects were invited by local healthcare professionals in Trinidad and Tobago to submit a design build proposal in response to a Government RFP for a 10,000 SF health centre.

We engaged a team of healthcare planners, architects, engineers and cost consultants and submitted a full schematic design proposal and cost estimates.

 

Sangre Grande Health Centre

 
Client
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
OA+D Architects were invited by local healthcare professionals in Trinidad and Tobago to submit a design build proposal in response to a Government RFP for a 20,000 square foot enhanced health centre. We engaged a team of healthcare planners, architects, engineers and cost consultants and submitted a full design proposal and cost estimates.

The scope of services was to provide space for Administration, Pharmacy, Mental Health, Treatment Rooms, Consult/Examination Rooms, Out Reach Services, Ophthalmology and Audiology, Dental Clinic, Pharmacy, Wellness Centre, HIV Testing, (ECG), X-Ray Services, Phlebotomy, Mental Health and Medical Records, inclusive of all services, furniture, fixtures and equipment and all necessary external works.

OA+D Residential Projects

Danny Owens, AIA

Danny attended Iowa State University and North Carolina State University on Cayman Islands Government scholarships and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He founded OA+D Architects in 1993. Today, OA+D can measure significant achievements over the past twenty seven years. From a modest beginning as a sole practitioner’s office, they have grown to be Cayman’s leading design consultant.
With an interest in the history and culture of the Islands, Danny was honoured by the National Trust for his contributions to the organisation. He was a finalist for the Young Caymanian Leadership Award and was honoured during the Cayman Islands Quincentennial Celebrations as a Nation Builder. Danny is a Cayman Islands citizen by birth.
Professional Experience
 
November 1993 to present
Principal, OA+D Architects
January 1987 to October 1993
Architect with Public Works Department Cayman Islands Government
Education
 
September 1987 to May 1988
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Architecture
January 1983 to December 1986
Iowa State University
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
Other Training
 
September to November 30, 1990
Caribbean Development Bank, Barbados WI
Certificate in Project Preparation and Management
Honours
 
May 2003
Cayman Islands Quincentennial Celebrations, Wall of Honour as a Nation Builder
March 2000
Finalist, Inaugural Young Caymanian Leadership Award
March 1999
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Principal in charge of competition winning design
November 1993
National Trust for the Cayman Islands West Bay Historical Walking Tour
Affiliations
 
 
Member, American Institute of Architects
Registered Architect, States of Arizona and Florida, USA

Danny Owens, AIA

Major Projects
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
12,000 SF art gallery

Cayman Corporate Center, Grand Cayman
60,000 SF office building and interior fit outs

Island Heritage House, Grand Cayman
22,000 SF office building and interior fit outs

Boatswain’s Beach, Grand Cayman
Interactive marine theme park and turtle farm with construction cost of $60M

Sea Breeze Condominiums, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
40,000 SF luxury condominium villas on Seven Mile Beach

Hyatt Beach Suites, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Architect for a 75,000 SF hotel suites for Hyatt

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Associate Architect for a new full service resort

Britannia Estates, Grand Cayman
Various homes and condominium projects in Phase 2 and 3

Immigration Department Headquarters, Grand Cayman
New headquarters addition

Proposed Beach Bay Golf Course, Marina and Residential Development
Design of 275 acre resort development with 18 hole golf course

New Cayman Islands High Schools, Grand Cayman
2 new High Schools of 150,000 SF and cost of $100M each

John Gray High School Science and Technology Building, Grand Cayman
20,000 SF building completed in 4 months during the summer break

Lighthouse School, Grand Cayman
New 50,000 SF special needs school

Red Bay Primary School, Grand Cayman
New 30,000 SF primary school

West Bay Civic Center, Grand Cayman
New 15,000 SF civic center

Hard Rock Café, Grand Cayman
Theme restaurant and gift shop for the famous international chain

George Town Hospital, Emergency Room Clinic
New 5,000 SF clinic

George Town Hospital, Reception area and porte cochere
Work associated with the construction of a new hospital

George Town Hospital Dietary Building
Rebuilding of the cafeteria and kitchen after hurricane damage
 

Omar McLean, B.Sc

Omar is responsible for design and construction documents at OA+D and draws on his experience with the Cayman Islands Government and his past work with YRM Architects in England. His completed work includes health centres in Bodden Town and East End, the C.I. Credit Union Expansion and the new High Schools project.

Omar joined OA+D in 1997 as a partner and helped guide the firm through a busy period and growth when significant projects were on the boards. He has a strong sense of community and is a board member of the National Museum where he directs the Facilities Committee.
Professional Experience
 
May 1997 - present
OA+D Architects
January 1990 - April 1997
Architect, Public Works Department, C.I. Government
November 1978 - December 1985
Public Works Department, C.I. Government Draughtsman 1
Education
 
June 1980 - November 1981
Tampa Technical Institute
Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting
January 1986 - December 1989
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Bachelor of Science (Architecture)
Affiliations
 
 
Member, Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors and Engineers

Chairman, Facilities Committee, Cayman Islands National Museum
 

Rolly Munio, B.Sc

Rolly has over 20 years of experience as a Architect. Rolly joined OA+D Architects 15 years ago and remains a valuable member of our team; he provides services from presentation renderings to full production documents.
Professional Experience
 
November 2003 to present
OA+D Architects
George Town, Grand Cayman
September 2000 to September 2002
Al Mutlaq and Bu-nuhayah Consulting Engineers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
November 1999 to September 2000
Palafox Associates
Makati City, Philippines
Education
 
September 1984 to November 1988
Polythechnic University of the Philippines
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Affiliations
 
 
Registered Architect in the Philippines
Major Projects
Atlantic Star House, Grand Cayman
22,000 SF office building and interior fit outs

Boatswain’s Beach, Grand Cayman
Interactive marine theme park and turtle farm with construction cost of $60M

Sea Breeze Condominiums, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
40,000 SF luxury condominium villas on Seven Mile Beach

King Fahad Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arab

Asian Eye Institute, Manila, Philippines
 
New Cayman Islands High Schools, Grand Cayman
2 new High Schools of 150,000 SF and cost of $100M each

John Gray High School Science and Technology Building, Grand Cayman
20,000 SF building completed in 4 months during the summer break

Lighthouse School, Grand Cayman
New 50,000 SF special needs school

Hard Rock Café, Grand Cayman
Theme restaurant and gift shop for the famous international chain

George Town Hospital, Emergency Room Clinic
New 5,000 SF clinic

George Town Hospital Dietary Building
Rebuilding of the cafeteria and kitchen after hurricane damage
 

OA+D Architects




 
 
 

3 Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands

(345) 945-2979

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