Bio:
Maurita joined PHX Architecture in 2010. She is licensed in the State of Arizona and has attained her NCARB Certification and a LEED-AP. Maurita is a founding member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Arizona chapter. She served as Historian in 2021 and is the 2022-2023 NOMA Arizona Chapter President. She is also a member of the City of Phoenix Alhambra Village Planning Committee. Maurita received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kent State University. As part of her undergraduate studies, she also participated in the KSU CAED European Program in Florence, Italy, and Lugano, Switzerland. As a Senior Architect, she manages various restaurant and hospitality projects from design through construction. Maurita’s design inspiration comes from being family-oriented and wanting to create “gathering places”.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My mother’s cousin married an African-American Architect when I was in middle school. Until I met him, I had never even considered it as a profession. Once I saw what he did and the influence had on the built environment, I was intrigued.
What do you do?
I’m a Project Manager for Hospitality/Commercial projects in our office. I work on the projects from the beginning through construction. I manage the engineers, consultants, clients, client representatives and the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
What excites you in the work you do?
I love to see how people react in the space once it is complete - if they use it the way that we imagined and hope that it meets all of their expectations. I love to be able to drive by and show my family and friends a project that I have worked on.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
That I can be a part of something bigger than myself. I enjoy being a problem solver. The goal is always to leave a place better than you found it. I enjoy the teamwork and the lost sleep on the journey just as much as admiring the finished project.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Passing my license exam. I was the third African-American female to be licensed in the State of Arizona. It makes me proud, because I was able to prove not only to others, but also to myself that I deserve a seat at the table.
Featured Project 1 Name:
The Arizona Biltmore Resort, A Waldorf Astoria property, Spire Bar and Saguaro Pool Bar.
Featured Project Location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Featured Project Completion Date:
August 2018 - April 2021
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
The Arizona Biltmore Resort, originally opened in February 1929, Albert Chase McArthur was Architect
of Record. The new Spire Bar was a move to activate the existing event lawn and take advantage of the
outdoor experience in the heart of the resort. The Saguaro Pool bar is part of the 21 and over pool, that
is an oasis for the more relaxed crowd.
Photography Credit:
Michael Kleinberg
Featured Project 2 Name:
Serenity Hospice
Featured Project Location:
Sun City, Arizona
Featured Project Completion Date:
July 2011 - August 2012
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
This project was designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The space combines a modern atmosphere with an inviting feeling where residents feel at peace. The complex includes 14 private patient rooms with private patio, a living room, private family dining room and two patios. Also included is a full commercial kitchen and admin offices. Rooms are furnished with the necessary components of a hospital room, but maintain the look and feel of a personal bedroom.
Photography Credit:
N/A PHX Architecture Owns Rights
Featured Project 3 Name:
Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors
Featured Project Location:
Scottsdale, AZ
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2014 - December 2014
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
This 35,190 sq. ft. project serves as the headquarters for SAAR’s growing staff. SAAR enlisted the help of PHX Arch, including President Erik Peterson and Project Architect Maurita Harris. PHX was tasked with restoring a once vacant building into a gorgeous and useful hub with an event lawn, large and small meeting spaces, a café, tons of outdoor patio space and a leasable tenant space. The goal of the project was to make it a useful corporate office that also served the community as a whole.
Photography Credit:
Taube Photography
