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Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
April 2021
Capital campaign spotlight By Marcy Friedland, Capital Campaign & Planned Giving Director
T
his month, we would like to introduce you to the professionals designing the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.
James Knafo Architect, Inc. James Knafo Architect, Inc. was founded in 2003 in Naples, Florida. Since its formation, the firm has completed numerous residential, corporate, institutional and hospitality projects. Mr. Knafo began working on architectural projects in Southwest Florida in 1997. Since his licensure in 1993, he has been the project architect at design firms in New York City, New Jersey and Naples, Florida. He has also worked as the residential design consultant to Princeton University. As a graduate of Syracuse University, he received a bachelor’s of architecture in 1986. While studying abroad in Florence, Italy, he exhibited at the 1985 Venice Biennale, an urban design proposal for the contemporary expansion of an ancient Roman city. Locally, James has served as the board president of the American Institute of Architects, as well as in positions of leadership on local faith-based institutions and government bodies. The firm’s architectural designs are consistently well thought out, efficient, aesthetically clean, straightforward, and very client and site specific. Additionally, James has always taken a very hands-on approach to the building construction process for all the company’s designs. All
Jeffrey Feld (left) & James Knafo with model of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center construction projects are administered as the client’s representative with direct contractor communication, routine field inspections, review of all fabricator’s shop drawings and verification/certification of the contractor’s applications for payments. When we asked James to share with us what designing this project means to him, this is what he shared: In 2016, before serving on the Jewish Federation Board of Directors from 2017-2018, I designed a conceptual Jewish community center building for our community. This preliminary effort convinced me of the short- and long-term
importance of it, as well as the understanding that no local colleague could provide the effort, attention and dedication that I was committed to providing for this project to be successful. Subsequently, I served with Marc Saperstein in 2018 on the 2020 Vision Search for lease space, existing building purchase or a new land purchase with build to suit. The Temple Shalom land lease was ‘beshert.’ Marc now serves with Merlin Lickhalter a s t h e c u r re n t b u i l d i n g c o m m i ttee co-chair of our larger, very well organized and professional building committee, collectively committed to the successful execution of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. On a more personal level, this building will serve as the home of my 15-year-old son’s BBYO, and ultimately, as my daily community center when the time comes for me to slow down and retire.
Wegman Design Group Wegman Design Group (WDG) is an award-winning Naples-based interior design consultancy, working on local, regional and national projects. In its first 15 years, Wegman Design Group has a proven track record in successfully developing world-class designs and professional leadership. The firm’s areas of commercial design expertise are far-reaching, with specific focus in clubhouse, senior living, hospitality and medical work.
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Wegman Design Group’s collaborative process synthesizes the client’s need with a vison for each project, resulting in high-quality, distinctive environments. The firm is recognized for the team’s combination of expert design talent and insightful problem-solving abilities. Its emphasis is on creating space as experience and delivering unique possibilities for each client’s needs — engaging, touching, moving and inspiring. When asked, Lori Wegman shared what designing this project means to them: The big draw for WDG, initially, was the Federation’s clear vision of excellence. Furthermore, it is a fun and fulfilling project to design. Senior Project Manager to this project, Kelly Scott, was motivated by how a faith-based community enriches the lives of its members and the greater community of Naples and Lori Wegman, Wegman Design Collier County. It is humbling Group Owner to design something that is both beautiful and functional for the world we live in today. Security, safety a n d p ra c t i c a l function are foremost in the design, as is intergeneraKelly Scott, tional flexibility. Wegman Design The spaces will Group Senior suit the needs of Project Manager different participants and the rich variety of events and activities. Collaboration between the designers, construction teams and committee members from Temple Shalom and the Jewish Federation have been paramount in creating successful results. We are grateful to have been invited to be a part of creating the new home to the Federation for all the cultural contributions it provides to our local community.
