Q&A with Lawrence Kline, Principal, Managing Director, Miami Studio

Q: Miami has grown significantly as a hub for architecture, art and culture. How do you see the firm’s work contributing to the city’s architectural identity?

A: Miami has evolved from primarily a tourist-based economy into a global city with a distinct cultural identity and a far more diverse business environment. Over its 28-year history, Perkins&Will has grown alongside Miami, contributing to its architectural identity through designs that blend global perspectives with local context. Our projects are crafted to respond thoughtfully to the tropical environment, emphasizing resilience as climate change reshapes how buildings are sited and constructed. By deeply understanding the environment, our design philosophy evolves organically, ensuring our work not only reflects the city’s growth but also its aspirations for the future.

Q: Perkins&Will is a global firm, can you explain how the Miami studio works within it? (Specializations, locations)

A: The Miami studio serves all of Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America as part of our mission, but we are not confined by geography. We take pride in exporting our design talent wherever we find great clients and projects that align with our values. For instance, our team has contributed to healthcare facilities in Africa like The Greater Accra Region Hospital at Ridge in Ghana, educational spaces in the Middle East like Princess Nora University for women in Saudi Arabia, and research and innovation hubs in Brazil like the L’oreal Research and Innovation Center. These projects exemplify our ability to apply local expertise on a global scale, showcasing our commitment to meaningful design solutions that transcend borders. This approach ensures that our work reflects both the studio’s versatility and Perkins&Will’s broader mission.

Q: What industries do you project will have major growth and new build needs in South Florida over the next decade? And what new spaces will they need to accommodate?

A: We anticipate significant growth in the healthcare, education, and workplace sectors in South Florida over the next decade. The post-pandemic era has highlighted Florida’s unique advantages, including its favorable climate, diverse population, and thriving business ecosystem, making the region increasingly attractive for both businesses and individuals.

In particular, we foresee a robust expansion in private education as corporations continue relocating to South Florida, driving demand for high-quality schools to serve the families of their employees.

While hospitality is not our primary focus, it is worth noting that the sector is also poised for growth as the influx of new residents and visitors increases the demand for accommodations and experiences. Overall, South Florida is uniquely positioned to adapt to these evolving needs with innovative and forward-thinking developments.”

Q: South Florida’s diversity is a hallmark of the region. How does the cultural richness of Miami influence your studio’s approach? 

A: The Miami studio is proud to embody the diversity of the community we serve. With team members who collectively speak more than six languages, our design meetings are often conducted in Spanish, Portuguese, and, of course, English. This multilingual, multicultural environment reflects South Florida’s unique vibrancy and aligns with our firm’s commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), which informs nearly every aspect of our practice.

Our studio is composed of talent from around the world, mirroring Miami’s evolution into a global hub that now attracts top professionals in ways it hadn’t in the past. As part of a network of 32 studios, we actively encourage architects to move between regions, sharing insights and influences from their experiences in diverse cultural and design landscapes. This dynamic exchange deeply enriches our work and our connection to Miami’s cultural depth.

Q: As Managing Director of the Miami studio, how have you worked to create a culture of professionalism and inclusiveness within the office?

A: Creating a culture of professionalism and inclusiveness begins with fostering an environment of equality and openness. In our Miami studio, this starts with an open-plan layout, eliminating the hierarchy and divisions that can come with private offices. It extends to prioritizing transparent communication, which we achieve through regular in-person interactions such as neighborhood meetings, breakfast gatherings, Friday happy hours, and, most importantly, maintaining accessibility and openness for conversations.

At the same time, we maintain a clear focus on our business goals, contributing to a portfolio of projects where design excellence is the primary driver. Our studio serves as a ‘living lab,’ where the culture we cultivate and the experiences we share influence and inform the corporate projects we design, ensuring they are both innovative and deeply human-centered.

Q: How do you approach mentoring the next generation of architects and designers in your studio? 

A: Mentoring the next generation of architects and designers in our studio is about positioning them for success while giving them the freedom to take calculated risks—even if it means occasional failures. I believe the greatest growth happens when individuals step outside their comfort zones to tackle challenges they haven’t faced before.

There’s immense power in that sense of accomplishment when they succeed. Allowing someone to take a leap, even if it feels a bit uncertain, builds confidence and resilience. When it goes well, there’s nothing quite like the pride and satisfaction that comes with achieving something new.

Q: Looking back on your career, is there a project or moment that you feel best embodies your design philosophy and personal values?

A: Looking back on my career, I’ve learned that the projects that best embody my design philosophy and personal values are those where there is a clear alignment with the client from the very start. Early on, I realized that saying no to a project or client whose values and vision don’t align with mine is often harder than saying yes—but it’s essential.

Most architectural projects span at least three years from design to construction, and working with a client who doesn’t share a commitment to excellence in design or respect for the process can make that journey incredibly challenging. For me, the key is ensuring that both the project and the client have shared values, allowing the collaboration to result in meaningful, impactful work.

Q: What advice would you give to young designers and architects aspiring to make a mark in South Florida?

A: My advice to young designers and architects aspiring to make their mark in South Florida is to identify where your true passion lies. Determine which aspect of architectural practice brings you the greatest professional fulfillment and growth—whether it’s design, technical expertise, project management, client relationships, or another area.

Once you’ve found it, lean into that passion wholeheartedly. Strive to become deeply curious and highly knowledgeable in that field. By cultivating expertise and enthusiasm in what you love, you’ll not only find success but also make a meaningful impact in your career.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind as both an architect and a leader in Miami’s design community?

A: One of my greatest mentors, the remarkable architect Hilario Candela, instilled in me the belief that a good reputation is one of the most valuable legacies one can leave behind. He taught me that building a strong reputation takes time, requires constant attention, and depends on consistently doing the right thing—in both life and business.

I hope my legacy reflects these values: leading difficult conversations with compassion and understanding, demonstrating that kindness and empathy are strengths, not weaknesses, and always acting with integrity. Reputation is a constant responsibility, and I strive to uphold it by leading with authenticity and a genuine commitment to excellence in every endeavor.