THE PRINCIPALS
Philip (Felipe) Fontanills - Architect, A.I.A
Philip Fontanills, a second generation architect, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Havana University in Cuba in 1961 with a degree in Architecture and City Planning. He was recipient of a National Society of Cuban Architects Scholarship for his honor roll status throughout his architectural education.
During 1960 and 1961 he headed a National Housing Research and Development Department in Cuba.
After arriving in the United States in 1961 and moving to New York state, he worked with architectural firms in Syracuse, New York. While there, he obtained architectural licenses from the states of New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Texas and Florida. He opened his first architectural firm in Syracuse, New York in 1968.
Philip Fontanills has been in Architectural and Planning private practice in Florida since 1970 and, as such, has designed numerous projects throughout the United States, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, the Caribbean Islands and other countries.
The majority of developed projects have been complex and have required a high degree of design creativity as well as expertise in construction and real estate development.
Philip Fontanills is the past President of the Confederation of Cuban University Professionals. He is also the President of the National Association of Cuban Architects and has presided over the organization for nine terms. In addition, he has been awarded by several organizations including the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) and the Society of American Registered Architects (S.A.R.A.) for his services to the profession and his community.
From 1993 through 2002 he was a participating member of the South Florida Building Code and Product Review Committee which oversees over two million inhabitants in Miami-Dade County. For two of those years, he chaired the Committee.
Philip Fontanills is a member of the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) and is a registered General Contractor in Miami-Dade County and a Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida - CGC1517548. He is known for his high ethical standards, professionalism and creativity.
Luis Fontanills - Architect
Luis Fontanills, a third generation architect, attended the University of Miami, School of Architecture from 1981 though 1985 and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Architecture. While attending the University, he collaborated with Fontanills & Associates as a principal designer on a wide range of projects both in the United States and abroad. From 1979 through 1981 Luis Fontanills studied Art and Architecture at Pratt Institute in New York City where he continuously maintained presidential honor roll status.
His interest in the visual arts has been lifelong and his paintings have been shown in a prestigious Bal Harbour, Florida art gallery. Prior to attending Pratt Institute, he received the highest award given to a student in the arts, Hall of Fame in Art, from Miami Coral Park Senior High School. As a senior he was even awarded an art study scholarship to the University of Miami.
Luis Fontanills is a licensed Architect in the state of Florida. He believes in the integration of art and architecture within each project thereby creating both economic and aesthetic value for the client and society.
He continues to paint and has several works of art, including a water sculpture, in private collections throughout the country. Other interests include the art of Bonsai and Bonsai pottery. One of his bonsai ceramic pots is on display at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C. He has an aesthetic vision which integrates the man-made, architecture and art, with nature.
