Company Profile
Rhodes+Brito Architects
Company History
Rhodes+Brito Architects, Inc. continuously strives to uphold the values instilled by our founders, Ruffin Rhodes, AIA and Maximiano Brito, AIA who established our firm in downtown Orlando in 1996. Their vision to create a people-centric architecture studio that ensures the delivery of quality projects through quality service has guided us throughout our journey. This shared ambition attracted the talents of Byron Lastrapes, AIA and Adel Shalaby, AIA who joined our team and quickly ascended to the role of Principals. In 2023, Adel joined Ruffin and Max as a shared partner, bringing with him valuable expertise in project management and design.
Guided by the belief that architecture is much more than a simple process, our leadership team is driven by the ethos of “Designing Better Communities”. Our profession is an embodiment of living one’s best life, and our design and business philosophy are built on this cornerstone. We prioritize establishing strong relationships with our clients, consultants, and peers, a commitment that has persisted since the inception of our firm approximately 28 years ago.
We value clear communication and focused collaboration, and strive to create spaces that respond effectively to project requirements, delivering pleasing and functional environments within the set schedule and budget. Since our inception, we have emphasized our “hands-on” approach, ensuring principal-level involvement in each contract. This means that a senior staff member is always available to respond directly to client queries and address issues efficiently – a business model that has earned us a laudable reputation for responsiveness.
The Rhodes+Brito team has grown to encompass approximately 40 professionals, and in 2018, corporate home office in Orlando Florida. Our company culture, which our staff often describes as a professional, family-centric working environment, remains intact. We provide a wide range of services including architecture, space planning, interior design, master planning, site analysis, programming, facility assessments, BIM, and feasibility studies - catering to clients in the education, government, aviation, and commercial sectors. We have been involved in projects worth an estimated $700 million, encompassing over 1.3 million square feet of new, renovations, and remodels in Florida.
Our efforts have earned us recognition from prestigious platforms. In 2016, we were honored as the “Firm of the Year” by the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and in 2019, Max Brito received the Orlando AIA, “Nils Schweizer Community Award”. In the same year, Ruffin was bestowed with the Purple Door Legacy Leadership award by the Harbor House of Central Florida - acknowledging his effort in creating positive change in the lives of domestic violence survivors. With every accolade, we are reminded of our responsibility to continue delivering exceptional services and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Notable Products / Brands
Multiple Markets
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Our efforts have earned us recognition from prestigious platforms. In 2016, we were honored as the “Firm of the Year” by the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and in 2019, Max Brito received the Orlando AIA, “Nils Schweizer Community Award”. In the same year, Ruffin was bestowed with the Purple Door Legacy Leadership award by the Harbor House of Central Florida - acknowledging his effort in creating positive change in the lives of domestic violence survivors. With every accolade, we are reminded of our responsibility to continue delivering exceptional services and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.