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Home Page » Raul Mercado » Raul Mercado

Raul Mercado

Raul Mercado

Gold Partners

Principal / CFO

ARPE Engineering Inc.

Address 2020 Ponce de Leon BoulevardSuie 1002Coral Gables, FL 33134

Contact Information

305-444-9809

[email protected]

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The AIA Miami Hard Hat Committee invites you to jo

The AIA Miami Hard Hat Committee invites you to join AIA Members and people from allied fields for a Hard Hat tour of the Venetian Pool's restoration.

Please keep in mind that this is a very limited tour for professionals, only. Tickets are extremely limited and you must bring your ticket or confirmation email to the event to be admitted.

Date: October 2nd, 2025

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: Venetian Pool

Plenty of parking is available. The information will be shared with attendees.

Max attendee is 25 people allowed.

A bit of construction will be in progress during that time.

Everyone will be required to bring a safety vest.

You must bring your hard hat, safety vest and wear work boots as this is an active construction site.

*link in bio*

AIA Miami's Emerging Professionals committee is ho

AIA Miami's Emerging Professionals committee is hosting an amazing happy hour at HKS Architects located in Coral Gables.

Join us for some delicious sips n bites, followed by a fun night out networking with your peers and colleagues.

Location: HKS Architects

Address: 2020 Salzedo St 4th Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

link in bio to register

🌟 Join us for the 2025 AIA Miami Annual Meeting

🌟 Join us for the 2025 AIA Miami Annual Meeting on September 18th! 🌟 

Let’s reflect on the past year, look ahead to 2026, and celebrate our Fellows and Hall of Fame members. 🏆✨

📅 When: September 18th, 2025 

📍 Where: 7580 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33138

👥 RSVP: Go to the link in our bio to reserve your spot!

#AIAMiami #AnnualMeeting #Architecture #AIInArchitecture #MiamiEvents #Network #CelebrateArchitects

Deadline Extended For: - AIA Miami Design Awards

Deadline Extended For:

- AIA Miami Design Awards
- The RIVA Prize

Friday, September 5th @ 5pm

Submissions are due Monday, September 15th.

link in bio for registration

Join AIA Miami’s Hard Hat Tour Committee, FDOT a

Join AIA Miami’s Hard Hat Tour Committee, FDOT and GMX for a hard hat tour of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Project. This project is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Greater Miami Expressway Agency (GMX) Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027 at a cost of $840 million.

- This is a ticketed event

- Note that there will be a lot of walking.

- This is a hard hat tour, so wear work boots and hard hats.

- Note: This is for industry professionals ONLY. No students or general public are permitted.

- Space is extremely limited.

LINK IN BIO FOR TICKETS

✨🎉AIA Miami 2025 Design Awards Gala🎉✨ M

✨🎉AIA Miami 2025 Design Awards Gala🎉✨

Mark your calendars for the architectural event of the year!
Join us on October 24th at the iconic Hialeah Park & Casino for a night of celebration, honoring outstanding design and innovation in Miami’s architecture community.

Date: Friday, October 24th, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Location: 2200 East 4th Avenue Hialeah, FL 33013

Tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening-cocktails, dinner, networking, and award ceremonies.

Get your tickets today: [Link in bio]

#AIAMiami #DesignAwardsGala #MiamiEvents #Architecture #Networking

The Silver Medal recognizes an individual architec

The Silver Medal recognizes an individual architect for his or her accomplishments over an extended period of time for either Design or Leadership and Service to the profession; and who, by their example, advances the cause of architecture, the profession and provides inspiration to their fellow architects. The Silver Medal is the highest honor AIA Miami awards.

Register through the "Honor Awards" (link in bio)

Join @usgbc Florida for a Building Transformation

Join @usgbc Florida for a Building Transformation Forum at the recently LEED v5 certified CitiGroup Center - the first LEED v5 certification in Florida.

We'll explore practical tools, resources and strategies to foster resilience in the built environment followed by a Leadership Series event focused on the latest version of the LEED green building rating system including a case study of our venue.

*link in bio for more info and registration*

Join us for an empowering 2-day leadership summit

Join us for an empowering 2-day leadership summit designed to inspire, connect, and elevate women across the architecture and design industries.

This dynamic event brings together trailblazers, changemakers, and emerging leaders for two full days of networking, education, and entertainment.

What to Expect:

Insightful panels & keynote speakers

Leadership workshops & skill-building sessions

Interactive networking opportunities

Evening mixers and entertainment

A community of supportive, driven professionals

Whether you're a seasoned architect, a student, or a creative professional passionate about the future of design and equity in the industry, this summit is for you.

Tickets & Sponsorships Available Now!

(link in bio)

Alton Bay Miami Beach is a nine-story housing deve

Alton Bay Miami Beach is a nine-story housing development planned for Miami-Dade County, Florida. The community will feature 178 multi-family units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. The homes will measure 560 square feet to 1,410 square feet each, according to sources.

Homes come with 10-foot-high ceilings, marble-framed bathtubs, glass-enclosed showers, and other high-end amenities. Communal amenities comprise an elevated pool deck, BBQ area, outdoor gaming area, gym/yoga studio, resident lounge, co-working spaces, dog park, pet wash, and more.

LINK IN BIO TO REGISTER

🌟 Shape Your Future with AIA Miami Scholarships

🌟 Shape Your Future with AIA Miami Scholarships & Grants! 🌟

Whether you’re an emerging professional, a student, or a passionate advocate for diversity in architecture, we have opportunities designed to support your journey. 🏛️✨

📅 Applications are now open!

Don’t miss the deadlines. 🔗

Visit the link in our bio for more details and apply today!

#AIAMiami #Scholarships #Grants #WomenInArchitecture #BlackAmericanScholarship #DiversityInArchitecture #ArchitectsOfTheFuture #ShapeYourFuture

Join us for a dynamic two-day A/E/C Project Manage

Join us for a dynamic two-day A/E/C Project Management Bootcamp designed exclusively for architects and industry professionals. This intensive program dives deep into the essential skills every project manager needs—from business development and financial planning to realistic scheduling, client management, and leading high-performing teams.

With expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on tools, you’ll walk away with strategies to elevate your leadership, increase profitability, and drive project success across your firm.

Click the link in our bio for more information!

Another successful year at AIA Miami's 2025 Archit

Another successful year at AIA Miami's 2025 Architects in the Making Summer Camp!

Thank you to all our students, counselors, parents and sponsors. We would not be able to perform every year without your help!

See you next year!

(LINK IN BIO FOR SUMMER CAMP PHOTO GALLERY)

Join us for Serve and Sip, a fun-filled evening of

Join us for Serve and Sip, a fun-filled evening of pickleball, networking, and design inspiration hosted by JC White and AIA Miami! Taking place on Wednesday, August 13th from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, this social event welcomes architects and industry professionals of all skill levels for casual pickleball play—no tournament pressure, just great vibes.

JC White will also be unveiling their newly redesigned showroom, giving guests a fresh look at innovative workspace solutions. Enjoy beverages courtesy of JC White, light bites sponsored by AIA partners, and guided beginner games led by a Pickleball Pro. Refreshments will be served in the café. Don’t miss this unique chance to serve, sip, and socialize with colleagues while celebrating design and community.

Space is limited—RSVP today!

@xleratorusa Türkiye’s Istanbul Grand Airport (

@xleratorusa Türkiye’s Istanbul Grand Airport (iGA) Airport is a premier global transfer hub and aviation center. With more than 76 million passengers passing through its gates annually, the iGA Airport is committed to creating a seamless travel experience with the safest, most efficient facilities. This is why this airport chose the world’s number one dryer, the XLERATOR® Hand Dryer with Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) Filtration to provide travelers with a hygienic, convenient hand-drying solution that is proven to remove 99.999% of viruses and 99.97% of bacteria from the airstream at 0.3 microns.

By installing XLERATOR hand dryers in the restrooms of the world’s busiest airport, the facility managers are able to save a significant amount of money. With the significant traffic that these restrooms face daily, this airport would have to pay a drastic amount of money on paper towels cases. By installing touchless, high-speed hand dryers this facility can achieve up to 95% cost savings.

In addition to the significant cost savings, the sustainable XLERATOR hand dryers reduce the waste that would accumulate quickly with the amount of travelers that this airport experiences.

By eliminating paper towel waste, this facility can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 94% versus 100% recycled paper towels according to a recent Life Cycle Assessment while saving the precious time of maintenance teams to attend to more pressing issues.

Additionally, by having these hygienic solutions as a part of their restrooms, iGA was able to earn Europe’s Cleanest Airport award from the International Airports Council, further cementing how touchless hand drying solutions solve the problem of having restrooms littered with paper towel mess.

Excellence in Sustainable Design with AIA architec

Excellence in Sustainable Design with AIA architect of the year and RIVA Spain – S2E22

We’re exploring a powerful new chapter in architectural recognition: the launch of the RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design, a bold initiative by RIVA Spain in partnership with AIA Miami. This prize isn’t just a celebration of beautiful buildings—it’s about rewarding architecture that responds to the climate crisis with creativity, craftsmanship, and care.

First, Borja Iglesias, CEO of RIVA Spain and co-founder of the RIVA Prize—a visionary who turned a family legacy in wood into a global commitment to quality and sustainability.

And second, Claudio Salazar, Principal at RooTSDNA and recipient of the first-ever RIVA Prize, whose award-winning design proves that thoughtful renovation can be both elegant and environmentally radical.

Together, we’ll unpack how this prize came to life, what it takes to win it, and why design rooted in sustainability is the future of our cities, our homes, and our planet.

Let’s dive in.

(link in bio for full podcast!)

DONATE TO FAPAC! Architecture is among the most

DONATE TO FAPAC!

Architecture is among the most highly regulated -- and most complex -- professions of any field. By investing in FAPAC, you raise the level of awareness of architects in the political process. Additionally, you can help elect lawmakers who are supportive of your political agenda, and most importantly, understand the nature of your profession.

In recent years, FAPAC has targeted candidates that have made a difference. Through our political efforts and local input, we contributed to candidates who were major players and were elected.

**link in bio to donate**

Join us for a presentation highlighting how V5 cer

Join us for a presentation highlighting how V5 certification focuses on climate change, resilience, equity, human health and well-being and biodiversity and ecosystem diversity.

5:30pm – 6pm Registration, Food & Drinks

6pm-6:30pm AIA Miami Resilience & Adaptation Committee Updates

6:30pm-7:30pm LEEDv5 Course

7:30pm-8pm Networking and Discussions

Date: 7/24/2025

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: 2800 Ponce De Leon, Coral Gables Suite 1300

Sponsored by: @socotecusa

**rsvp with the link in our bio**

Miami Dade College’s National Historic Landmark

Miami Dade College’s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower has stood as an icon on the Downtown Miami skyline since 1925. A storied location with deep connections to Miami’s Cuban American community, the Freedom Tower stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity.

Built in 1925 as a new home for the city’s oldest newspaper and a grand architectural assertion of Miami’s urban ambition, the Freedom Tower became an emblem of the ideal of the United States as a democratic haven for those seeking freedom and opportunity.

Vote for the Freedom Tower for the 2025 People's Choice Award.

**Vote with the link in bio**

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

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

The AIA Miami Design Awards are intended to encourage excellence in architecture, elevate public consciousness of good design, and recognize those architects whose work enriches our built environment.

Projects will be reviewed with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence; how the project betters the community and environment in which it resides.

All entries must be architectural projects designed by AIA Miami licensed architects or licensed architects with offices in Miami-Dade County or Monroe County. Projects may be located anywhere in the world and built projects must have been completed by January 1, 2024.

Projects may be submitted for recognition in the listed categories. The jury may move a project to a different category, upon their discretion.

Small Firm of the Year
Firm of the Year
Architect of the Year
Leadership in Education
Leadership in Government
Sustainable Design Architect of the Year
Emerging Professional of the Year
Associate of the Year
AND MORE!!!

*Link In Bio*

Sign up to Volunteer For The World Architecture Fe

Sign up to Volunteer For The World Architecture Festival!

(link in bio)

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) utilizes volunteers in various capacities to help organize and run the event. Volunteers assist with tasks like set-up, guest registration, information desks, and more. Specific roles may include assisting with the Crit Room, managing the Student Charrette, or helping with the Architecture Drawing Prize. Volunteering at WAF provides an opportunity to gain exposure to architectural trends and network with professionals.

Thank You for Making the 2025 FAPAC Bowling Tourna

Thank You for Making the 2025 FAPAC Bowling Tournament a Striking Success!

The FAPAC Bowling Tournament was an unforgettable night of fun, friendly competition, and meaningful impact — and it was all thanks to you! We are incredibly grateful to every firm, team, sponsor, and supporter who helped make this event a success.

Congratulations to our FAPAC Bowling Tournament Winners!

Highest Team Score: Lighting Dynamics with a score of 649
Highest Individual Score: Issac from Maxicon with a score of 163
Lowest Team Score: Louis J. Aguirre & Associates (lane 45) with a score of 424
Lowest Individual Score: Lili (lane 45) from Louis J. Aguirre & Associates with a score of 27

If you attended the event, please take a moment to complete our short survey to help us make next year’s tournament even better.

Thank you to our sponsors: ECF Engineering Consultants, Lighting Dynamics Incorporated, CPS Outdoors, FRM Lighting & Controls, DDA Engineers, Fenagh Engineering & Testing, Vode Lighting, Global Furniture Group

@ecfennellinc
@lightingdynamicsinc
@cpsoutdoors
@frmlightingandcontrols
@dda_engineers_pa
@fenaghtesting
@vodelight
@globalfurnituregroup

Thank you @ecfennellinc for being our Headline Spo

Thank you @ecfennellinc for being our Headline Sponsor for our first ever AIA Miami x FAPAC Bowling Tournament!

See you tomorrow on the bowling lanes!!!

Thank you @lightingdynamicsinc for being our Troph

Thank you @lightingdynamicsinc for being our Trophy Sponsor for our first ever AIA Miami x FAPAC Bowling Tournament!

See you on the bowling lanes!!!

MEET THE 2025 AIA MIAMI REPRESENTATIVE Eric Hanki

MEET THE 2025 AIA MIAMI REPRESENTATIVE

Eric Hankin completed his professional degree in architecture at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He passed the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design and maintains a license to practice in the State of Florida. His career as an architect includes participation in the master planning, designing and construction of projects ranging from institutional, commerical, high-end and low-income residential developments. He has a combination of 39 years work experience and has been a licensed architect for 30 years.

Eric has a full-time teaching position for Miami-Dade County Public Schools at Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH). He cultivated a program which introduces and prepare high school students ranging from 15-19 years of age for higher education in visual arts and the design professions of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning and related engineering and construction fields.

Eric has developed an ongoing DASH alumni network where former students return to the high school representing their colleges, lecturing and presenting professional work and acting as jurors for current student work.

Join us for an evening of design, drinks, and dial

Join us for an evening of design, drinks, and dialogue at Touzet Studio! This studio crawl is the perfect opportunity for architects and design professionals to connect over a glass of rum while exploring topics around resilience and adaptation in architecture. Whether you're early in your career or an industry veteran, come be part of the conversation on shaping a more sustainable, adaptable built environment — all in great company.

Let’s raise a glass to resilient design and lasting connections.

Date: 6/20/2025

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Location: Touzet Studio

1501 SW 8th Street, Second Floor, Suite B. Miami, FL 33135

**LINK IN BIO TO REGISTER**

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

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

The AIA Miami Design Awards are intended to encourage excellence in architecture, elevate public consciousness of good design, and recognize those architects whose work enriches our built environment.

Projects will be reviewed with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence; how the project betters the community and environment in which it resides.

All entries must be architectural projects designed by AIA Miami licensed architects or licensed architects with offices in Miami-Dade County or Monroe County. Projects may be located anywhere in the world and built projects must have been completed by January 1, 2024.

Projects may be submitted for recognition in the listed categories. The jury may move a project to a different category, upon their discretion.

Design Awards Schedule:

June 5th - Call For Submissions & Registrations open

July 25th - Deadline for Registrations

August 8th - Final Uploads Due

October 24th - Design Awards Celebration

**LINK IN BIO**

Save The Date!!! AIA Miami 2025 Design Awards Cel

Save The Date!!!

AIA Miami 2025 Design Awards Celebration will take place Friday, October 24th at the Historic Hialeah Park Casino & Racetrack!

Put on your Vegas Glam and join us for a celebration of the best of design from the best of South Florida's Architectural Community.

- Submissions for the Design Awards, Honor Awards, and RIVA Prize open June 5th!

**More Info Coming Soon**

Register for the RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sust

Register for the RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design

- First Prize is a trip to Spain

- Open to all AIA Members in All Chapters

- Submissions are open on June 5th, 2025

The RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design recognizes projects that demonstrate inventive, integrated, and contextually responsive approaches to sustainability in dynamic, climatic environments. Partnering with AIA Miami, RIVA Spain has offered this prize to AIA Architects throughout the US.

Submissions are open to all AIA Architects and their Studios, who present a clear, thoughtful architectural agenda for energy and environment.

**LINK IN BIO**

MEET THE 2025 AIA MIAMI STATE DIRECTOR A Univers

MEET THE 2025 AIA MIAMI STATE DIRECTOR

A University of Miami Graduate working in small Miami firms and now a partner with most work being in Residential, commercial work for restaurants, retail and business.

AIA has brought great value to Robert’s career with ways to network and keep up to date with our profession and follow the great advocacy that we do as the voice for Architects.

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Coral Gables, FL 33134

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Home
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About
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- Partnership Opportunities
- Advertising
Documents
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- Resources
- Working with an Architect