Join AIA Miami Emerging Professionals, AIAS UMC and 4 Panelists of varied expertise and experience in architecture to answer questions for emerging professionals about the profession!

Speakers:

Eduardo Calil, Calil Architects:

After graduating from FIU, he worked at Oppenheim Architecture, Via Design Studio, and FIU as a professor and guest critic for various design presentations. He is now able to grow & evolve design philosophies at Calil Architects, where he is Co-Principal alongside his father, Eduardo Calil Sr.

Calil Architects has adapted to ever-changing obstacles, including the city's economic state and the generational preferences of each client. As a small business owner, Eduardo understands the importance of learning from others on how to better manage, market, and master designs.

His goal with AlA is to build interest for small businesses to become involved in the AlA, as well as help AlA assist small businesses with bettering their practices and furthering their involvement in their communities.

Naomi Harrison, MC Harry:

Naomi C. Harrison, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, is a Senior Project Manager and Lead Designer at M.C. Harry & Associates, where she has spent more than 26 years working on public projects, including K–12 schools and community facilities. She is Vice President of AIA Miami and President-Elect for 2028. She has mentored emerging professionals through the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program and other chapter initiatives.

Naomi is pursuing a master’s degree in disaster management at Florida International University. She looks forward to sharing what she has learned about leadership, finding your voice, and building a career that reflects your values.

Brianna Hunter, Gensler:

A Florida native, Brianna Hunter was born and raised in Fort Pierce before relocating to Miami to pursue her master’s degree in interior architecture at Florida International University. Immersed in Miami's vibrant creative culture, she developed a passion for designing spaces that foster connection, enhance experiences, and tell meaningful stories.

With over a decade of professional experience, Brianna specializes in workplace and hospitality design. She began her career at Perkins&Will, where she focused on hospitality projects, including premium airport lounge environments for American Express. She later joined MKDA, contributing to workplace environments and multifamily amenity spaces that blend hospitality-driven design principles with everyday functionality. Today, she is an Interior Designer at Gensler, where she works on workplace and hospitality projects for clients across a variety of industries.

Drawing from a background in paralegal studies, Brianna brings a unique balance of creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving to her work. She believes great design is rooted in both human experience and strategic execution. Outside of the studio, she is passionate about supporting nonprofit initiatives, discovering hidden treasures through thrifting, and spending time with her beloved cats. Her curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for the unexpected continue to inspire her approach to design.

Arturo Vasquez, Stantec:

Arturo is an accomplished architect, urban designer, mentor, and educator with considerable expertise merging architecture, campus planning, landscape urbanism, and city planning. Arturo brings a rigorous design vision and collaborative working spirit, implementing advanced technology integral to the process of design and implementation. He has over forty years of experience solving complex sites and programs in health and wellness, research and education, mixed-use, civic, and transit-oriented development. He has collaborated with developers, institutions, community organizations, and city agencies integrating teams in a variety of traditional and alternative project delivery models including Design-Build, P3, Design Assist, Target Value Design, and IPD. Arturo is a registered architect and NCARB Certified. Arturo’s has been widely published and his work recognized nationally and internationally. He is a dedicated educator and mentor and has taught and lectured at leading institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

Open to all Emerging Professionals and AIAS Students of any school!

Ask an Architect Panel - October

4 Panelists of varied expertise and experience in architecture to answer questions for emerging professionals about the profession