As Arquitectonica’s founding principal, Bernardo Fort-Brescia, FAIA has earned numerous design awards while overseeing projects spanning 59 countries. Bernardo Fort-Brescia’s accomplishments include receiving the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean, alongside partner Laurinda Spear.

The ULI recognition was presented within an annual Vision Awards event that includes categories “Project of the Year,” “Young Leader of the Year," and "Lifetime Achievement.” The award Arquitectonica received honors regional leaders whose efforts have shaped communities and transformed the urban architectural landscape.

This honor reflected a career that began in 1977 with an inspired vision of what contemporary Miami could attain as an international destination. This quickly translated into a portfolio spanning high-rises, resorts, cultural centers, and museums. A key stylistic feature within this design renaissance has been bold modernism. At the same time, Arquitectonica designs are uniquely humanistic in their use of patterns, geometry, and vivid colors. The practice now encompasses some 900 architects and is credited with bringing sustained globalization to the architecture profession.