LOURDES SOLERA,
FAIA
M.C. Harry & Associates
SAY IT LOUD - FLORIDA Exhibitor
Florida Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The success of my staff in their projects is extremely rewarding. My involvement in the AIA, which allows me to mentor the next generation of AIA leaders, has given me a platform that helps communicate the value of architecture and the profession.
LOURDES SOLERA, FAIA
Bio:
The Great Designer Lourdes Solera, FAIA, NOMA, is a Principal at MCHarry and Associates, a third-generation owner of the 65 + year old architectural firm that specializes in public sector work. Lourdes is highly regarded as an architect committed to public service and advancing the cause of architecture and women in the profession. She has been a dedicated leader at the AIA, serving as 2022 AIA Florida President and 2004 AIA Miami President. She is co-founder of AIA Miami WIA and founder of AIA Florida WIA.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My grandfather and uncle were architects in Cuba and I grew up seeing their passion for design and construction. Legos were my favorite toys as a child and I knew I wanted to be an architect at the age of 10.
What do you do?
I am co-managing principal at a 30 person firm in Miami, Florida that specializes in public sector work. I manage the financial and administrative components of the office as well as mentor our emerging professionals and young architects.
What excites you in the work you do?
Going to the construction job site is one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy mentoring and watching our younger staff develop into confident and dynamic architects and designers with successful projects while giving back to the community.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The success of my staff in their projects is extremely rewarding. My involvement in the AIA, which allows me to mentor the next generation of AIA leaders, has given me a platform that helps communicate the value of architecture and the profession.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Being elevated to the AIA College of Fellows was a validation of my participation in AIA and the community. Founding AIA Miami and AIA Florida's Women in Architecture committees and seeing the impact that has made to the next generation is amazing.
Featured Project Name:
Miami Dade County Public Schools Prototype Elementary Schools
Featured Project Location:
Miami, Florida
Featured Project Completion Date:
2007 / 2008
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
Project was developed to build 4 new 1200 student station schools simultaneously. The goal of the ‘prototype system’ was to achieve high performance schools that delivered meaningful civic presence; responded to varying site conditions; and created an inviting educational environment. MCHarry Associates responded with a collection of ‘proto-parts’ to create a village-scale ‘campus’ organized around a central ‘Mainstreet’ pedestrian environment.
