Firm hits charitable milestone of 10,000 hours donated to multiple causes

Baker Barrios Architects, a multidisciplinary architectural and design firm with projects across the U.S., is celebrating its 30^th anniversary with recognition of reaching multiple growth milestones, including the opening of its fourth practice site, located in Chicago, and a 50% increase in both billings and staff in the past five years. A reflection of the firm’s commitment to community, Baker Barrios Architects has also reached a level of 10,000 volunteer hours collectively worked by its leadership team and staff for the benefit of multiple organizations.

Founded in 1993 by Tim Baker and Carlos Barrios, Baker Barrios has designed a wide range of projects including multifamily and mixed-use housing, affordable and workforce housing, master-planned communities, government and municipal buildings, corporate headquarters, healthcare facilities, hospitality and entertainment venues, and university campus expansions. Initially focused on the Southeast, with practice sites established in Orlando and Tampa, the firm expanded to Nashville and Chicago in the last five years and is licensed in all 50 states. The firm is also in the process of planning its fifth practice site, located in Boston.

“Although we are central Florida’s largest architectural firm, we see great opportunity in other regions – specifically the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest – where there is tremendous potential for expanding our portfolio, particularly in the mixed-use, hospitality and healthcare sectors,” said Baker, CEO of Baker Barrios. “One of the benefits of having expertise in such a diverse range of sectors is that we are able to respond to the needs of many different markets, something that has fueled our growth beyond our Florida roots.”

Highlights from the Baker Barrios portfolio include:

• The Plaza, a mixed-use residential and office building with a 12-plex movie theater, restaurant and retail
• UnionWest, a 15-story mixed-used student housing development serving University of Central Florida and Valencia College
• Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Electronic Arts (EA)’s Orlando headquarters
• JW Marriott Clearwater Resort & Spa
• HostDime’s flagship data center

Supporting this growth trajectory is the firm’s investment in research and development, particularly in its design operations. “We’ve put significant time and talent into investigating how and when we can better utilize emerging or evolving technologies like AI in the design process,” said Baker. “Through the team’s research and experimentation, we’re developing a proprietary model for incorporating various AI platforms into the early phases of design that can save a week or more of time during that phase of development. This efficiency saves money for our clients while still leaving space for the artistic expression, creativity and problem-solving that is such a vital part of the process.”

Amid its prolific growth, Baker Barrios has remained true to its original core values of creating just and inclusive built environments, reflecting that spirit of diversity in its own team. More than half of the company’s leadership positions are held by women and people of color. “Long before the corporate vernacular included DEI initiatives, Carlos and I knew a commitment to building better places meant having representation from a variety of voices at the table – and keenly listening to those voices,” said Baker.

Also aligned with corporate responsibility is the Baker Barrios team’s volunteer work. Encompassing more than 10,000 hours, these efforts have supported various environmental initiatives, youth programming, mentorship to underserved groups, and assistance for those experiencing food insecurity.

“Our motto of ‘making tomorrow a better place’ extends far beyond the built environment. We consider supporting the health and well-being of the people and communities we design for as equally important to the projects we create,” said Baker. “The impact we have through our donations of time and talent is part of our ‘balance sheet.’”

As the firm celebrates its 30^th anniversary, the focus remains on the future. In the next 12 months, Baker Barrios anticipates more than 220 design projects across its multiple practice areas. The firm also looks forward to celebrating the construction progress and completion of several notable projects including Society Nashville, a residential high-rise in Nashville; VAI Resort, set to be Arizona’s largest resort and entertainment venue; The Edge, a mixed-use office and residential high-rise in Orlando; and a multipurpose building at the University of Tampa, which will be the largest building on campus to date.

For more information on Baker Barrios and to view current and past projects, visit www.bakerbarrios.com.

About Baker Barrios Architects:

Baker Barrios Architects was established in 1993, founded on the belief in creative excellence, innovative solutions and long-term relationships. The firm tells their clients’ stories through placemaking and creative design. Baker Barrios maintains a high level of involvement through a project’s completion to ensure the owner’s objectives are met and the integrity of design is maintained even after occupancy. The staff of highly trained professionals is experienced in a variety of assignments for developers, corporations, health care providers, religious organizations, state and local agencies, and colleges and universities, providing full-service planning, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture services.