Professor Canavés has taught at FIU since 1978. He received his Master of Architecture (Urban and Regional Planning Track) and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Florida. He has an Associate of Arts from Miami Dade Community College. He is the founder and director of Bienal Miami + Beach and the School of Architecture Practice (SOAP). He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and has served on national and international juries for the Americas.