Rhodes+Brito Named Orlando’s Top Architectural Firm by Orlando Chapter of the AIA

 Byron Lastrapes, AIA, Principal who heads design of K-12 education at Rhodes+Brito Architects flanked by cofounders Ruffin Rhodes, AIA (left) and Max Brito AIA, (right).

Orlando, FL  --- Rhodes+Brito Architects, Inc. was recently named “Firm of the Year”  by the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), one of the most prestigious and influential professional organizations in the U.S.

Orlando International Airport Interior

This month Rhodes+Brito will start the design documents for portions of the new $1.9 billion South Terminal at Orlando International Airport.

Rhodes+Brito opened their downtown Orlando office 20 years ago. Since then the company has successfully completed hundreds of projects, including the landmark Florida A&M University College of Law, Citrus Bowl Renovation, countless schools, libraries, community centers, parks and administrative buildings.

“This is a milestone year for our firm and we are pleased to have received this designation from our peers,” Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner, said recently. “Starting our own company was a life-long dream of ours. 

"Over the last two decades we’ve worked hard to maintain our solid reputation as a quality firm. It is nice to have our dedication to the profession of architecture and accomplishments recognized.”

Max Brito said the firm’s rise parallels that of Orlando. 

Ruffin Rhodes

“We started the company at a time when the City was starting to experience new growth. With this growth, the vision for what the region could become was evolving.” Brito said.

 “We are proud of how the area has developed in these 20 years. Downtown Orlando is such a different place today. As the population has grown, the need for new or renovated facilities has grown, and we are honored to be part in that,” he said.

Rhodes+Brito has grown too, from an enthusiastic startup with just two employees to an intensely focused operation with a staff of more than 20, including seven registered architects and dozens of ongoing projects.

“We feel a deep sense of indebtedness to our current and previous employees, consultants, friends, peers, family and our wonderful clients, but also to this city. It’s our city, and we’re proud to live and work here,” Brito said.

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com