Pinar Harris | Architect of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that our esteemed Vice President and Principal, Pinar Harris, has been bestowed with the prestigious “Architect of the Year” award by the AIA Miami division. With over 20 years of experience as a registered architect and principal at SB Architect’s Miami office, Pinar has been instrumental in the firm’s remarkable success.
“Since joining SB Architects in 2024, Pinar has been on an amazing trajectory, earning the respect of her peers, consultants, and clients along the way. Evolving alongside SB Architects, she’s been involved in all aspects of the practice, culminating most recently with several large-scale, high-profile, mixed-use, and multifamily residential projects in Florida, including One Fort Lauderdale and One St. Petersburg, which have both claimed the title of the tallest buildings in their respective cities.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary achievement by delving into her exclusive interview, where she shares invaluable insights into her remarkable journey towards this illustrious accolade.
What does it mean to you to be named “Architect of the Year”?
It’s a career-defining accolade. In our community, there are so many amazing and well-deserving architects, and I’m truly honored to be considered for this award, let alone to win it! This recognition is truly humbling and provides me with a moment for self-reflection. I’m immensely grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and for the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout the years.
What is your design philosophy, and how does it manifest in your work?
Functionality, user-centered design, and the pursuit of creating spaces and experiences that enhance the well-being and comfort of occupants are central to my thought process. Additionally, I’m deeply committed to social responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainable practices.
What does a typical day in your life as an architect look like?
This is one of the aspects I cherish about being an architect. My daily routine is highly dynamic, with a wide range of responsibilities that depend on my current focus. I engage in tasks that span from business development to site visits during project construction. However, what I find most rewarding is the collaborative aspect of my work, as I enjoy working closely with our clients and project teams. For me, the human element of the process is just as significant as the final product.
What’s been your biggest professional breakthrough or achievement so far?
Being a part of the design team and leading several of SB Architects’ iconic high-rise projects in Florida has been the defining highlight of my career thus far. I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to work on many more intriguing and distinctive projects in the future, and I’m pleased to share that some of these are already in the works.
What role do you think architects play in shaping communities, and how do you see your work contributing to that?
Architects play a pivotal role in shaping communities. We have the power to design spaces that foster social interaction, improve the well-being of their occupants, and enhance the overall quality of life within the community.
Development in Florida is at an all-time high, why do you think that is?
Development has consistently been in high demand in Florida, thanks to our state’s exceptional climate and natural amenities. When you combine these factors with economic opportunities and population growth, development becomes inevitable. However, it’s important to recognize that while development offers economic advantages, it also carries environmental consequences. Striking a balance between growth, sustainability, and the preservation of our natural resources is essential for the long-term well-being of our state.