Y Studio - Yankopolus Architecture & Design Studio

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

This week, Y Studio celebrated the ribbon-cutting and opening of Jessie’s Village, a new affordable housing community in East Gainesville.

Developed by Brent Hutchinson and the Hutchinson Foundation, Jessie’s Village represents an investment in housing, community, and East Gainesville's continued growth.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve as the architect for this project and work alongside Brent and his team to bring their vision to life. Seeing it move from drawings, through construction, to a finished community ready to welcome its residents is incredibly rewarding.

Projects like this are an important part of shaping a stronger, more connected Gainesville—one where investment and opportunity reach every part of our community, and where East Gainesville is simply Gainesville.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make Jessie’s Village a reality. Y Studio is proud to have played a part, and we’re excited to see this community grow and thrive for years to come.

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07/09/2026

We're honored to share that Y Studio has been selected for the University of Florida's Continuing Professional Services Contract for Minor Projects.

As a Gainesville-based architecture firm led by University of Florida alumni, this opportunity is especially meaningful to us. It's an incredible privilege to have the chance to help shape spaces on a campus that played such an important role in our education and careers.

We're incredibly grateful to the University of Florida for their confidence in our team, and to every client, consultant, contractor, and community partner who has supported Y Studio along the way. Every opportunity and every relationship has helped us grow into the firm we are today.

We're excited to collaborate with the UF Facilities team, continue serving our Gainesville community, and help create spaces that make a lasting impact.

We're grateful, excited, and ready to get to work. 🧡💙

06/30/2026

Meet Our Awesome Summer Intern! 👋

We're excited to welcome Jamia Hunt to Y Studio this summer!

Jamia is from Newberry, Florida, and is currently studying Architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she's pursuing a passion for sustainable design. She believes architecture can positively impact both people and the environment, and we're looking forward to helping her explore that passion through real-world project experience.

Jamia first connected with Y Studio while participating in the design process for Dream on Purpose's new community center—a project that introduced us to her curiosity, creativity, and eagerness to learn. This summer, she'll continue developing her technical skills in Revit while learning how thoughtful, hands-on collaboration with clients, consultants, and project partners turns great ideas into successful projects.

At Y Studio, we believe investing in the next generation of architects is just as important as designing great spaces. We're excited to be part of Jamia's journey and can't wait to see what she accomplishes.

Welcome to the team, Jamia! 👏

04/30/2026

Big moment for our studio this week.

Yorlis Cintron Velez is graduating with her Master of Architecture from the University of Florida—and we couldn’t be more proud!

After 2 years with our studio, she’s stepping into a full-time role as we continue to grow.

From day one, she’s brought a level of thoughtfulness, curiosity, and independent follow-through that elevates everything around her. She asks good questions, pays attention to the details that matter, and genuinely cares about the work and the people around her.

We asked her what kind of designer she hopes to become:

“I want to be a designer that puts people first—creating spaces that are accessible, memorable, and reflect the people who use them.”

“I’m really excited to be part of a team that’s growing—especially getting more involved in construction and larger-scale projects.”

Proud of her—and proud of the kind of team we’re building.

01/22/2026

Y Studio is thrilled to partner with Dream on Purpose, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women in Gainesville through leadership, confidence, and essential life skills 💛

I’m deeply grateful for my time at St. Ursula Academy, and for everyone along my rowing and architecture journey who helped shape these values and continually encouraged me along the way.

Dream on Purpose is hosting a fundraising dinner this Saturday—if you’re able, I’d love for you to join us and support this meaningful mission!

https://tinyurl.com/3u5udykn

Local nonprofit preps to enter second decade of service.

01/22/2026

Y Studio is thrilled to partner with Dream on Purpose, an incredible nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women in Gainesville through leadership, confidence, and essential life skills. ❤️

Dream on Purpose is hosting a fundraising dinner this Saturday—if you’re able, we’d love for you to join us and support this meaningful mission!

Local nonprofit preps to enter second decade of service.

01/05/2026

Y Studio is proud to collaborate with the Hutchinson Foundation to bring Jessie’s Village to life, creating 22 affordable apartments in our Gainesville community.

We recently walked the site to inspect the framing and we’re thrilled about the progress being made!

Gainesville has always been home to us, and we hope we can make it your home too🏡🏘️

08/28/2025

We are in the permitting phase for our latest restaurant!

This project involves renovating a 3,800-square-foot business space in Gainesville to create a restaurant and bar.

The architecture and interior design aim to elevate the dining and socializing experience to an art form. They focus on space, light, and materials to reflect the owner's vision. The design is intended to create an unforgettable experience that highlights the chef's culinary creations.

From utilizing 3D modeling and holding multiple design meetings with the client, GC, and consultants, to presenting finishes and samples to the client, YStudio works to custom-design every detail. This streamlines the process, making construction go smoothly.

Investing in architecture and design lays the foundation for guests to enjoy memorable festive gatherings or intimate moments, strengthening their connection to the brand.