People
Joe Kelly, AIA, NCARB
Principal Architect
Joe Kelly, AIA, NCARB is a founding Principal of Hive Architects, where he shares responsibility with Gwen Leroy-Kelly for the vision and direction of the practice.
A Florida native, Joe earned his Bachelor of Design in 2001 and Master of Architecture in 2003 from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning, graduating summa cum laude. His architectural practice is grounded in modernism, with a particular focus on residential architecture, interior architecture, and the relationship between buildings, their sites, and the people who inhabit them.
Joe approaches each project as an opportunity to develop an architectural idea specific to its circumstances. His work explores how proportion, structure, materiality, light, and spatial relationships can be brought together to create architecture that is purposeful, clear, and connected to its environment.
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His experience extends from early conceptual design through documentation and construction, giving him a strong understanding of how architectural ideas are translated into physical buildings. His technical background includes the integration of structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, and other building systems into the architectural design. This understanding allows him to consider technical requirements as part of the architecture rather than as separate systems applied afterward.
Joe works closely with clients, consultants, and builders throughout the process, balancing design ambition with the practical realities of construction. His involvement across both design and technical development helps maintain a clear connection between the architectural concept and the way a building is ultimately constructed.
Joe’s work has received recognition from the American Institute of Architects, the University of Florida, and other regional organizations. In 2019, he received the University of Florida School of Architecture Young Architects Design Award for his contributions to the architectural profession.
Together with Gwen, Joe leads Hive as a collaborative practice in which design, communication, and technical understanding remain connected from the first idea through completion.
Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA, NCARB
Principal Architect
Gwen Leroy-Kelly, AIA, NCARB is a founding Principal of Hive Architects, where she shares responsibility with Joe Kelly for the vision and direction of the practice.
Originally from France, Gwen earned her Bachelor of Design in 2001 and Master of Architecture in 2003 from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction, and Planning, graduating summa cum laude.
Gwen brings a broad range of architectural experience to the practice, including residential architecture, interior architecture, commercial work, historic preservation, and public projects. Her work is characterized by clarity of thought, attention to architectural detail, and a strong understanding of how design decisions must respond to both the aspirations of a project and the realities of its execution.
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Her experience working across different project types has contributed to Hive’s multidisciplinary approach, in which architecture, interiors, materials, lighting, and building systems are considered as interconnected parts of the design. She is particularly attentive to the relationship between design intent, documentation, coordination, and construction.
Gwen works directly with clients and project teams throughout the design and construction process, bringing an organized and collaborative approach to complex projects. Her ability to coordinate diverse perspectives and disciplines has been an important part of the firm’s development.
Her work has received recognition from the American Institute of Architects, the University of Florida, and other regional organizations. In 2019, she received the University of Florida School of Architecture Young Architects Design Award for her contributions to the architectural profession.
Gwen is also committed to supporting the next generation of designers. She has served as a mentor with the ACE Mentor Program, introducing high school students to architecture, construction, and engineering while guiding them through their own design projects.
Together with Joe, Gwen leads Hive as a collaborative practice committed to thoughtful design, open communication, and the integration of architecture and interior architecture.
KAI -"Still Waters Run Deep, CGC"
Principal Barkitect
Elgin Still Waters Run Deep, call name “Kai”, is our Barkitect. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she was adopted by Joe and Gwen in April 2016. Now a true Floridian at heart, Kai enjoys long morning walks and sunning herself in the afternoons. She received several certificates of achievement for completing Puppy A and Puppy B classes and Beginner 1 and Basic 2 Obedience Class. Kai is registered with the American Kennel Club and successfully obtained her Canine Good Citizen Title in February 2017.
Friendly and social, Kai is an office dog who greets clients and visitors by wiggling her behind. She may bark at new faces, but it doesn’t take long to call new people her best friends. Kai also loves to chew on anything paper-related, such as boxes, envelopes, and paper towels…. However, no matter how much she loves paper, Ellie the elephant and Doggy the dog remain her favorite toys.