FIU Department of Architecture Industry Board
The Department of Architecture’s Industry Board is a dynamic group of leaders from the professional community who volunteer their expertise to strengthen the bridge between practice and FIU’s academic environment. The board engages in dialogue on contemporary issues in architecture, advises on curricular alignment with industry expectations, and supports student success and professional growth.
Aligned with FIU’s strategic goals, the board supports initiatives in technology, design innovation, resilience, and human-centered environments. Members contribute their expertise to curricular development, mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring that our students are prepared to design innovative, resilient, and responsible spaces for all.
By fostering partnerships and raising awareness of FIU’s Department of Architecture, the Industry Board connects education, practice, and community impact, advancing the University’s strategic mission.
Italo Pérez, RA
Fortune International Group.
Senior Project Architect.
Registered Architect in the State of Florida with over 10 years of experience in the design and project management for a multitude of mixed-use high-rise projects, including the award-winning One Thousand Museum, a residential tower designed by the late Zaha Hadid.
Experienced in all phases of a design project, from Schematic Design through Construction Administration.
Diana Aponte, RA
AECOM, Tampa, FL
Studio Design Lead.
Head of studio’ development strategies and goals to increase design value, graphic and technical standards, inter-office communication, and staff growth.
Notable project experience includes sports venues, master planning, residential & hospitality, mission-driven federal work, and delivering the largest cruise ship terminal in the Port of Miami.
An additional passion is in winning pursuits through intensive graphics, parametric modeling, and sustainability analyses.
Helena Hung, RA
HdA Architects, Boca Raton, FL
Founder and Principal.
Helena is a registered architect with extensive experience as AOR and BIM production. Her award-winning firm works in the high-end market of bespoke residences and high-rise towers, cultural landmarks and hospitality.
At HdA every commission is led personally by the founding partners. Their combined expertise spans luxury residential design, visionary urban planning, and advanced technical execution.
Sofia Mere, RA
HKS, Miami, FL
Associate Architect.
Sofia is a licensed architect in Florida, with over a decade’s worth of residential design and development experience. She brings her passion for health, wellness and the natural environmental environment to her practice, focusing in residential and hospitality projects.
Sofia’s passion for Miami and its Tropical condition is reflected in very project through thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape architecture.
Craig Aquart, RA
M.C. Harry & Associates.
Managing Principal
Craig Aquart, AIA, NOMA, CSI, is Managing Principal at M.C. Harry & Associates, dedicated to advancing architectural excellence through firm leadership, professional governance, and mentorship, fostering a more inclusive and impactful profession across Florida and beyond.