Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Orlando Architectural Partner
Founded in 1996, our firm has dedicated over three decades to delivering exceptional architectural solutions rooted in quality, integrity, and client-centric service. We prioritize building strong relationships with clients, consultants, and peers, guided by the philosophy of 'Designing Better Communities.' Our leadership team combines deep expertise with a commitment to innovative design, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of functionality and aesthetics. With a portfolio exceeding $2.7 billion in construction value, we specialize in educational, commercial, civic, aviation, and federal projects across Central Florida. Our team of 30+ professionals, including 40 LEED-accredited experts, emphasizes sustainability, hands-on service, and principal-level involvement in every engagement.Recognized as AIA Orlando's Firm of the Year, we maintain a collaborative culture that values continuous learning and community impact. Our approach integrates cutting-edge design trends with economic and demographic considerations to create spaces that positively transform communities. From K-12 education facilities to aviation infrastructure, we deliver tailored solutions that align with client visions while fostering social responsibility. This enduring commitment to excellence has earned us long-term partnerships with institutions like Patrick Air Force Base and Orlando Police Department.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Master Planning
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise with $2.7B+ in completed projects
- Our firm maintains principal-level involvement on every engagement
- 40+ LEED-accredited professionals ensure sustainable design excellence
- We provide hands-on service with immediate access to senior staff
- Recognized with AIA Orlando Firm of the Year and community leadership awards
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Architecture
Our Architecture as a Service model delivers comprehensive design solutions from concept to completion. We specialize in educational facilities, government buildings, and commercial spaces, integrating functionality with aesthetic excellence. With principal-led teams, we ensure every project meets budgetary constraints while achieving LEED certification standards through sustainable material selection and energy-efficient systems.
Interior Design
We transform interior environments through innovative spatial configurations and material selections. Our team creates functional, code-compliant interiors that reflect client brand identities while prioritizing occupant well-being. From corporate offices to public facilities, we balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like ADA compliance and maintenance efficiency across 1.3M+ sq ft of completed projects.
Sustainable Design
Our LEED-accredited professionals implement eco-conscious strategies including passive solar design, rainwater harvesting systems, and recycled material integration. We conduct lifecycle cost analyses to optimize energy savings while maintaining design integrity. This approach has resulted in 40+ LEED-certified projects that reduce environmental impact without compromising functionality or aesthetic quality.
Master Planning
We create visionary land use plans balancing growth with environmental stewardship. Our process involves stakeholder engagement to develop adaptable frameworks for urban centers, educational campuses, and mixed-use developments. Through GIS analysis and traffic modeling, we ensure long-term viability while maintaining aesthetic cohesion across 130+ education projects and municipal facilities.
Construction Administration
Our comprehensive construction administration services ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution. We provide RFI management, site visits, and quality control inspections while maintaining communication between contractors and stakeholders. This meticulous oversight has resulted in 98% client satisfaction ratings for completed projects meeting both aesthetic and performance specifications.
People
Ruffin Rhodes
Principal/Director of Operations
Co-founder with 30+ years architectural experience, specializing in project management and client relations. LEED AP BD+C accredited professional recognized for community leadership through the Purple Door Legacy Award.
Maximiano Brito
Principal/Director of Design
Co-founder and visionary behind the firm's design philosophy. AIA member with expertise in creating functional spaces that balance aesthetics with practical requirements across diverse project types.
Byron Lastrapes
Principal/Director of Education Design
Education design specialist with NCARB certification. Leads K-12 and higher education projects emphasizing collaborative learning environments that support modern pedagogical approaches and technological integration.
Adel Shalaby
Principal/Studio Director
LEED AP BD+C and PMP-certified principal with expertise in complex project delivery. Manages aviation and federal projects requiring specialized security protocols and compliance with stringent government standards.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, sustainable design, master planning, and construction administration for education, government, and commercial clients.
How long has your firm been in business?
Rhodes+Brito Architects has delivered architectural solutions since 1996, with our founding principals bringing combined experience dating back to the 1980s.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
We focus on educational facilities, government buildings, aviation infrastructure, and commercial spaces, with particular expertise in LEED-certified and community-centric designs.
What sustainability credentials do your team hold?
Our team includes 40+ LEED-accredited professionals who implement energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and water conservation strategies across all project types.
How do you ensure project quality during construction?
We provide comprehensive construction administration services including site visits, document reviews, and contractor coordination to maintain design integrity and compliance.
Can you handle federal government projects?
Yes, we specialize in federal architecture with experience at Patrick Air Force Base and other government facilities requiring strict compliance with security and regulatory standards.
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