Home
News
- Latest News
- Newsletter
Events
Membership
Careers
About
Partnerships
- Partnership Opportunities
- Advertising
Documents
Resources
- Resources
- Working with an Architect

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Photo Credit:Robin Hill Photography

Home Page » Cesar Cortes » Cesar Cortes

Cesar Cortes

Cesar Cortes

Allied Member

CPS Outdoors

Address 1470 16 StreetSuite 101Miami Beach, FL 33139

Contact Information

844-282-4277

[email protected]

Instagram

Who doesn’t love brunch?! But then a brunch couple

Who doesn’t love brunch?! But then a brunch coupled with great conversation surrounded by amazing Black women in architecture?! SAY LESS 🌟

Spots are limited so get your tickets now! 🥂

It’s that time of year again!!! Tickets are offici

It’s that time of year again!!! Tickets are officially live for the iconic gala to celebrate YOU. We’re going disco this year! 🪩🪩🪩

Last month at the AIA Conference on Architecture &

Last month at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026, we celebrated one of our own! 🎉

Congratulations to past AIA Miami President Amanda Barton on receiving the prestigious AIA Young Architect Award—one of the American Institute of Architects’ highest honors recognizing exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the profession early in an architect’s career.

Amanda’s dedication to advancing architecture, mentoring emerging professionals, and serving our community continues to inspire us all. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized on the national stage.

Congratulations, Amanda! Your AIA Miami family is cheering you on every step of the way. 💙

#AIA26 #AIAYoungArchitectAward #AIAMiami #Architecture #architect

What an incredible summer it’s been! ☀️🏛️💙 As we

What an incredible summer it’s been! ☀️🏛️💙

As we head into our final week of AIM Architects in the Making Summer Camp, we’re taking a moment to look back on all the unforgettable memories we’ve made together.

From exciting field trips and behind-the-scenes architectural tours to hands-on design challenges, our campers have had the opportunity to explore, create, and be inspired every step of the way.

A huge thank you to all of the incredible architects, designers, engineers, and industry professionals who generously shared their time, knowledge, and passion with our campers. Your presentations and mentorship have made a lasting impact, helping inspire the next generation of designers and leaders.

To our campers, families, volunteers, and partners—thank you for making this summer so special. Here’s to one more amazing week together! 🎉✨

#AIMSummerCamp #ArchitectsInTheMaking #AIAMiami #FutureArchitects #DesignEducation

Your work is too good to not be honored. Submit fo

Your work is too good to not be honored. Submit for the 2026 AIA Miami Design Awards Today! 🏆

Registration for the 2026 Design Awards open Friday, June 12th ❗️

Design Awards Schedule:

Friday, June 12th - Registration opens at 9:00 am
Friday, August 21 - Final deadline for Registrations
September 15th - Final Submission - Uploads Due
September 21 - the submissions go to the jury
September 28 - the results come back from the jury
October 23rd - Design Awards Celebration

Tickets and Sponsorships will be available soon!

🔗 Link in Bio for more info!

Join us next week for Bowling for FAPAC Cocktail

Join us next week for Bowling for FAPAC

Cocktails, lanes, and a cause worth rolling for. Every pin counts toward protecting our profession.

📅 June 17 | 6–9PM
📍 BirdBowl, Miami
🔗 Sponsor. Bowl. Donate.

Link in bio.

🪩 SAVE THE DATE – THE BLACK & SILVER BALL 2026 🪩✨

🪩 SAVE THE DATE – THE BLACK & SILVER BALL 2026 🪩✨

Get ready for an extraordinary evening where architecture, creativity, and inspiration take center stage. 🪩

Join AIA Miami for the Black & Silver Ball, a signature celebration of design excellence featuring an immersive experience filled with art, beauty, innovation, and unforgettable connections. ✨🪩

📅 October 23, 2026

Step into a world where creativity blossoms, design comes alive, and South Florida’s architecture and design community gathers for a night of elegance, inspiration, and celebration. 🪩✨🌿

✨ More exciting details are on the way—follow AIA Miami and stay tuned for what promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. 🪩🥂✨

MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER Gabriela DePillis Al

MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER

Gabriela DePillis
Allied Director
Roofing Sales, Soprema

Gabriela is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She came to Miami in the summer of 1999 with 2 suitcases and lots of hope. She finished her bachelors in business at FIU while also working as a waitress in South Beach. After she completed her bachelors she started her career in sales. She has been in sales for 18 years now.

Gabriela started with Soprema as Roofing Sales Specialist 10 years ago. It has been a challenging learning curb but one of the most rewarding at the same time. Some of the projects she’s worked are Porsche building, Hard Rock Hotel and Armani Residences. On her personal side, she has a 17 years old son and share the same passion for skiing.

It is an honor for Gabriela to be part of the board of AIA Miami. She says she is at a point of her career that she could bring value to the association. She is a good team player that can interact and work with groups with different personalities.

MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER Lourdes Solera, FAIA

MEET OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER

Lourdes Solera, FAIA, NOMA
Director
Principal, MC Harry & Associates

Lourdes Solera, FAIA, NOMA, RID is a Principal at MCHarry & Associates, with 30+ years of professional practice. Lourdes' experience in both the private and public sector has given her a clear understanding of the intricate relationships and coordination needed to successfully deliver projects that fulfill the client’s needs and budget. Her firm focuses on public agency clients; and she focuses on educational projects as well as historic preservation & restoration.

Lourdes is highly regarded as an architect committed to both public service and advancing the cause of architecture. She has been a dedicated leader at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for many years leading the institute in many positions. Including AIA Florida President in 2022, AIA Miami President in 2004 and was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2012. She is co-founder of AIA Miami’s Women in Architecture Committee and founder of AIA Florida’s Women in Architecture Committee. Through her activities, Lourdes has elevated the public awareness of the power of design and the influence of architects through leadership and community initiatives.

Lourdes holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Mississippi State University and has a Master of Architectural History from the University of Virginia. She is a Florida registered Architect, Florida Registered Interior Designer and a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council.

Another great ckldp session! Thanks to our sponso

Another great ckldp session!

Thanks to our sponsors

AVI-SPL @avispl, Nu Art Signs @nuartsignsmiami and Kibler Construction @kibler_construction

Thank you to our speakers

Austin O’Mahony (and happy hour sponsor AVI-SPL) and Lisle Bowen (CMO of the underline) and Daniel Perez (Perez Perez Architecture) and Romina Nabhen and Osirys Mendez

🎳 It's time to BOWL for a cause! 🎳 AIA Miami's 2nd

🎳 It's time to BOWL for a cause! 🎳
AIA Miami's 2nd Annual FAPAC
Bowling Tournament is HERE and we want YOU on the lanes!

📅 June 17th

🕕 6PM – Registration, Networking & Warm-ups

🕖 7PM – 9PM – Official Play + Light Bites & Cocktails 🍹

Grab your crew (6 people per team) and spend the evening bowling, connecting, and supporting FAPAC! Your ticket includes 3 hours of bowling, appetizers, and drinks — all for a great cause.

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Questions? Reach us at info@aiamiami.org

Spaces are LIMITED

👉 Link in bio to grab your tickets & learn more.

Thank you to our current sponsors

Awards Sponsor: @studio_mcg_architecture

Dessert Sponsor: Energy Cost Solutions Group

Food Sponsor: @soprema_usa

Beverage Sponsor: Compeling Solutions

Leadership is not only about titles. It is about s

Leadership is not only about titles. It is about showing up, listening first, doing the work, and staying connected to the people, chapters, and communities we serve.

As a candidate for AIA Florida Vice President, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue building bridges across our components, supporting emerging leaders, and elevating the role of architects in resilience, preparedness, and community recovery.

My leadership has always been rooted in service, mentorship, and follow-through – and I look forward to learning from chapters across Florida, understanding what matters most to them, and helping move our shared ideas forward with purpose and heart.

Naomi Harrison

Leadership. Service. Vision.

✨ What an evening. 🪑💬 Last night, we pulled up ou

✨ What an evening. 🪑💬

Last night, we pulled up our chairs and were inspired.

Our Veranda Chats brought together three incredible authors — Rosa Lowinger of RLA, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA of DPZ CoDesign, and Vanessa Smith-Torres, AIA of Perkins&Will — for a conversation that was as warm and rich as the room itself.

Thank you to every person who showed up and shared a piece of the evening with us.

A thank you to our generous sponsors who make these moments possible:

DPZ CoDesign
The Bierman Group
Armstrong World Industries
Bildworx Design

Until next time — connect, share, inspire. 🌿

🛋️🖼️🪴🪑Join AIA Miami’s Women In Architecture Commi

🛋️🖼️🪴🪑Join AIA Miami’s Women In Architecture Committee for a night of Veranda Chats!

Pull up a chair and join the conversation with:

Rosa Lowinger

Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA

Vanessa Smith-Torres, AIA

May 19th, 2026

6pm-8:30pm

DPZ Codesign 1023 SW 25th ave Miami, FL 33135

Thank you to our sponsors:
@wearedpz @thebiermangroup @armstrongcommercialceilings Bildworx Design (Engineering Consulting Services)

AIM 20th Anniversary! This years “Architects In

AIM 20th Anniversary!

This years “Architects In The Making” Summer Camp is from June 15th - June 26th at Florida International University.

Come join us at our fun-packed AIA Miami summer camp program!

- Students learn the fundamentals of Architecture & Design from licensed architects

- Career Guidance and Portfolio Creation Assistance

- Educational Field Trips

- Make new friends!

AIM Summer Camp 2026 has limited capacity, reserve a spot for an Architect in the Making today!

LINK IN BIO TO REGISTER OR BECOME A SPONSOR
CONTACT: marilyn@aiamiami.org || 645-222-1610 for more info

🎳 It's time to BOWL for a cause! 🎳 AIA Miami's 2nd

🎳 It's time to BOWL for a cause! 🎳
AIA Miami's 2nd Annual FAPAC
Bowling Tournament is HERE and we want YOU on the lanes!

📅 June 17th

🕕 6PM – Registration, Networking & Warm-ups

🕖 7PM – 9PM – Official Play + Light Bites & Cocktails 🍹

Grab your crew (6 people per team) and spend the evening bowling, connecting, and supporting FAPAC! Your ticket includes 3 hours of bowling, appetizers, and drinks — all for a great cause.

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Questions? Reach us at info@aiamiami.org

Spaces are LIMITED

👉 Link in bio to grab your tickets & learn more.

Thank you to our current sponsors

Awards Sponsor: @studio_mcg_architecture

Dessert Sponsor: Energy Cost Solutions Group

Food Sponsor: @soprema_usa

Beverage Sponsor: Compeling Solutions

AIA Miami and AIA Fort Lauderdale hosted the annua

AIA Miami and AIA Fort Lauderdale hosted the annual South Florida Young Architect Awards on May 7th in Miami to celebrate South Florida’s next generation of Emerging Professionals, up-and-coming Associates, Architecture Students, and the firms that best support them.

The awards recognize excellence in the Architecture profession by architects who have achieved licensure within the past ten years and Associates or AIAS members currently pursuing licensure.

We're so grateful to everyone who came out to honor our nominees and winners! We hope you had as much fun as we did. 🥂🎶

A huge thank you to the sponsors who made this celebration possible 👏
🎧 DJ Sponsor
@studio_mcg_architecture

🍸 Bar Sponsors
@stantec
@ddscad
Cuesta Construction

🎤 Technology Sponsor
@acousticarchitects

🥤 Refreshment Sponsors
Rochell Engineering
Uzin Utz

🤝 Friends of AIA
SSA / Sarah Medcalf
@brodsoninc
@schlutersystemsna
@americanscreensolutions
RCI Engineering

Congratulations to our 2026 Young Architect Award winners:

Best Place to Work — Peacock Architects

Best Portfolio — Catalina Cabral-Framinan

Mentor of the Year — Vanessa Smith-Torres, AIA

Project Manager of the Year — Elliot N. Young, AIA

Rising Star of the Year (Associate) — Ecem Aksoy, Assoc. AIA

Rising Star of the Year (Young Architect) — Bryce Bounds, AIA

Studio Project of the Year — Yuva Nest by Ecem Aksoy, Assoc. AIA

Volunteer of the Year — Alyssa Scherger, Assoc. AIA

Your work, leadership, and passion are shaping the future of our profession!

*link in bio for Photo Gallery*

A Special Thank You To Keely Brunkov, Candela Cicinelli, Jheier Azocar.

- Photography Credits To Sandy Dewitt @sandydewittphoto

Meet The Jury For This Year's @aiamiami & @aiaftlc

Meet The Jury For This Year's @aiamiami & @aiaftlchapter Young Architect Awards!

A special thank you to @aiaeastbay for a full day of deliberations and casting in your votes.

Good luck to all the candidates and nominees. See you tomorrow night!

5/7/2026
6pm-9pm

*link in bio for tickets*

Meet The Jury For This Year's @aiamiami & @aiaftlc

Meet The Jury For This Year's @aiamiami & @aiaftlchapter Young Architect Awards!

A special thank you to @aiaeastbay for a full day of deliberations and casting in your votes.

Good luck to all the candidates and nominees. See you tomorrow night!

5/7/2026
6pm-9pm

*link in bio for tickets*

🎟️ GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎟️ We're giving away free ticke

🎟️ GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎟️

We're giving away free tickets to the 2026 Young Architect Awards — a night of dinner, drinks, and celebrating South Florida's next generation of architecture talent! 🌿✨

📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
🕕 6:00PM – 9:00PM
📍 EOS Garden at the Kalamata Tiki Bar, Miami

HOW TO ENTER:

1️⃣ LIKE this post
2️⃣ TAG a friend in the comments who deserves a night out!

Multiple Winners announced Wednesday afternoon. Must be able to attend in person.

Good luck! 🏆

Giveaway sponsored by SSA — People. Products. Solutions.
—
🤝 Presented by @aiamiamifl & @aiafortlauderdale

#YoungArchitectAwards #AIAMiami #AIAFortLauderdale #ArchitectureLife #MiamiEvents #Giveaway #YoungArchitects #SouthFloridaArchitecture #EmergingProfessionals

We are incredibly proud to celebrate one of our ve

We are incredibly proud to celebrate one of our very own — Zamorah Barley, an AIM and BAM @bam.miami student at Design and Architecture Senior High @dashschool , who has been awarded a Full Scholarship to Cornell University's City Visionaries Summer Program — a $13,000 value with no tuition due!

This five-week program, hosted by Cornell's prestigious College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) in New York City, gives high school students the opportunity to explore architecture, urban design, and the future of cities through real-world challenges and hands-on design studios.

Zamorah's achievement is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the power of community.

AIA Miami is honored to have played a role in her journey through the AIM and BAM programs, and we cannot wait to see everything she builds next.

Designing today. Building tomorrow. 🏙️

A Mediterranean botanical garden, warm Miami night

A Mediterranean botanical garden, warm Miami nights, string lights, great food, better drinks — and the most creative minds in South Florida all in one room.

That's the Young Architects Awards 2026. 🥂

📍 5808 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL

📅 Thursday, May 7th | 6:00 PM

Hosted by AIA Fort Lauderdale & AIA Miami!

Whether you're an emerging talent or an established firm, come celebrate, connect, and enjoy the kind of evening that only happens once a year.

⏳ Limited tickets remain — don't miss it.

🔗 RSVP via link in bio

Join AIA Miami's Women In Architecture Committee f

Join AIA Miami's Women In Architecture Committee for a night of Veranda Chats!

Pull up a chair and join the conversation with our 3 authors:

Rosa Lowinger

Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA

Vanessa Smith-Torres, AIA

May 19th, 2026

6pm-8:30pm

DPZ Codesign 1023 SW 25th ave Miami, FL 33135

link in bio for tickets

Join AIA Miami's Hard Hat Committee as we tour the

Join AIA Miami's Hard Hat Committee as we tour the Soleste On The Bay.

In Collaboration with @formgrouparchitects @pcedesign @theestatecompanies

May 13th
3pm-4pm
Link in bio for more info

Soleste on the Bay is a 28-story mixed-use tower in the final stages of construction in North Miami Beach, located in close proximity to Oleta River State Park. Developed by The Estates Companies, the project is a sister development to the nearby 23-story mixed-use property to the north.

The building comprises 363 residential units and more than 14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space along Biscayne Boulevard. A comprehensive amenity program includes two swimming pools, a spinning studio and game room, a 2,400+ SF fitness center, a 1,400+ SF spa, a 1,400 SF bar and lounge, and over 10,600 SF of recreation space across the 9th-floor deck and rooftop. The structure features a 21-story tower above an 8-story podium with a parking garage accommodating over 600 spaces. Project completion is anticipated in summer 2026.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

South Florida’s development landscape is being res

South Florida’s development landscape is being reshaped by the realities of extreme weather, from rising temperatures and flood risk to escalating insurance costs. In this environment, resilience has emerged as a core economic driver - fundamentally influencing how projects are designed, financed, and evaluated.

Developers are increasingly viewing resilient, high-performance buildings not just as a sustainability measure, but as a capital strategy that strengthens asset durability, supports long-term performance, and aligns with evolving investor expectations.
Resilience-driven strategies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy demand, lower operating costs, and help stabilize insurance exposure - ultimately positioning assets for stronger financial performance and market competitiveness.

This forum explores how resilience is shaping the next generation of South Florida real estate, reframing building performance through the lens of value creation, risk mitigation, and long-term asset optimization.

Thursday, May 14th
Ironside Miami
@usgbc @miamiironside

AIA Hours:
2 LU

Link in bio for more info! (agenda, speakers, credits and hours)

AIA Miami Members may email jheier@aiamiami.org for a member discount code

Get ready to mix, mingle, and marvel at the Young

Get ready to mix, mingle, and marvel at the Young Architects Awards 2026 hosted by AIA Fort Lauderdale & AIA Miami.

📍 5808 NE 4th Ct, Miami, Fl
📅 Thursday, May 7th | 6:00 PM

This is THE event to connect with South Florida’s most dynamic design community. Whether you're an emerging architect or an established firm—this is where bold ideas collide and futures are shaped.

✨ Limited tickets remain—secure yours NOW before the room is packed and the stories are told without you!

🔗 RSVP with link in bio

For 20 years, AIM has been more than a camp...it’s

For 20 years, AIM has been more than a camp...it’s been a community.

Students, mentors, and future architects learning side by side.

Interested in joining us this summer as a student or counselor?

We’d love to have you be part of the legacy!

Sponsorships are limited!

See link in bio!

#kidssummercamp #miamisummercamp #soflosummercamp #summerschool #summerfun #Kidscamp

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community 🌇🍹

The Emerging Professionals Committee is hosting a Networking Happy Hour at Regatta Grove on Thursday, April 23rd. The perfect opportunity to meet and connect with fellow emerging professionals across the industry.

More importantly, this is your chance to come together and build momentum ahead of the Young Architect Awards. Let’s show up strong, support one another, and celebrate the next generation of leaders in our field.

Good vibes, great people, and meaningful connections. You won’t want to miss it.

📍 Regatta Grove
🗓 Thursday, April 23rd

Wrapping up another incredible day on the course a

Wrapping up another incredible day on the course at AIA Miami’s 2026 Annual Golf Tournament ⛳️

A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and all the golfers who came out and made this event such a success. Your support and energy are what continue to elevate this tournament year after year.

Events like this go far beyond the game. They create real opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth within our industry. From tee box conversations to post-round celebrations, this is where relationships are built and the community gets stronger.

We’re already looking ahead… and trust us, next year will be even bigger and better.

Stay tuned. You won’t want to miss 2027. 🔥

Recap Video Coming Soon!

Thank you to our 2026 AIA Miami Golf Tournament Su

Thank you to our 2026 AIA Miami Golf Tournament Sunscreen & Tee Sign Sponsors!

@cpsoutdoors
@studio_mcg_architecture
@brizofaucet
@koda_miami

Stayed Tuned For Our Golf Recap Video!

Follow on Instagram

Join Our Mailing List

Join our subscribers list to get the latest news, updates and events directly to your inbox.

Email

Our Partners

Temporary mailing address:
c/o 10 Design
2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Suite 1000
Coral Gables, FL 33134

645 222 1610
[email protected]

Quick Links

Home
News
Latest News Newsletter
Events
Events Calendar Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Recordings of Past Events Photo Galleries
Membership
Member Directory Allied Member Directory Join AIA AIA Florida Update Profile
Careers
View Jobs & Resumes Post Resume Post Job Continuing Education
About
AIA Miami Board & Staff Committees History of AIA Design Awards Hall of Fame Contact
Partnerships
Partnership Opportunities Advertising
Documents
Resources
Resources Working with an Architect

Twitter Facebook Instagram

AIA Miami 2026 © Data Security Policy Advertising Partnership Opportunities Login Site by Mobius

Home
News
- Latest News
- Newsletter
Events
Membership
Careers
About
Partnerships
- Partnership Opportunities
- Advertising
Documents
Resources
- Resources
- Working with an Architect