By Jim Carchidi

May 5, 2026

Creative designs and community engagement took the spotlight at this year's Golden Brick Awards as Interstruct Design + Build co-founder and CEO Ryan Young was named Downtowner of the Year.

Positive impacts

Guests check in outside Steinmetz Hall before the start of the awards ceremony. Photos by Jim Carchidi

Orlando's industry leaders and elected officials gathered in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center on May 5 to celebrate the award recipients. Presented by the Downtown Orlando Partnership, the Golden Brick Awards recognizes the largest positive impacts on the city’s central business district throughout the previous year. Winners are chosen from several applicants in 14 categories.

The event was hosted by Pozek Group founder and team leader, Ken Pozek. Photos by Jim Carchidi

Downtown Orlando Partnership President & CEO Jill Vaughan welcomes guests.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer introduces Downtowner of the Year, Ryan Young.

Young recounted the impact Orlando has had on his professional and personal life, adding that he first met his wife at former College Park pub, Scruffy Murphy's.

As co-founder and CEO of Interstruct Design + Build, Young has overseen several high-end projects throughout the greater Orlando area and beyond. The portfolio includes Primo at JW Marriott, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, and the Travel + Leisure headquarters buildout at 501 W. Church St.

Interstruct Design + Build projects include Ford-ify the Arts Courtyard at the Rogers-Kiene Building (above) and the Travel + Leisure headquarters buildout at 501 W. Church St. (below).

Additionally, Interstruct provided design and construction management at no charge for the ArtCube Gallery, Ford-ify the Arts Courtyard at the Rogers-Kiene Building, and aided renovations to Parramore’s historic Black Bottom House of Prayer.

Category winners

Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej announces the winner of the Hospitality & Dining Award.

Arts & Culture:  Frontyard Holiday Festival at Dr. Phillips Center

Commercial & Residential Development: Hamlin House

Community: Drive Out Holiday Hunger Initiative

Entertainment & Special Events: 2025 VANS Warped Tour Orlando

Hospitality & Dining: Sparrow

Pozek and Vaughan announce the winner of the Game Changer Award

Innovation & Technology: 2025 Orlando Game Jam, Orlando Public Library

New Local Business: The Good Pour, College Park

New Office Design: AECOM

Public Works & Placemaking: 407 Connect

Redesign & Renovation: Orlando Health Cancer Institute, BMT Expansion

Sports: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Sustainability & Resiliency: Habitat for Humanity, Creating Affordable Homeownership Opportunities in Parramore 

Game Changer: Travel + Leisure Co., Church Street Headquarters

Downtown Development Board & Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director David Barilla announces the winner of the Award of Excellence.

Award of Excellence: Steve Hogan and Florida Citrius Sports' 80 Years of Impact Celebration

Parting notes

During his speech, Young spoke of the opportunities Orlando presents to build community. He noted the Hourglass, Parramore, and Audubon Park districts as examples of thoughtful urban growth. He cited the planned Lake Eola Park upgrades, two-way development of Magnolia Avenue, and the Canopy Project as vital placemaking interventions. And suggested additional investments of funds and time in everything from affordable homes and sustainable food sources to healthcare and basic kindness as vital components in the future of the city.

"Here in Orlando we have an opportunity to truly build place. To be part of something special; something bigger than all of us. To be thoughtful of what we design, and what we build, and what we leave behind."

Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.

About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.