Annabella Garcia, Intl. Assoc. AIA
Annabella Garcia, Intl. Assoc. AIA, is a Senior Project Manager and Designer with The Martin Architectural Group’s South Florida Division. She leads the design, documentation, and administration of a broad range of architectural projects—including residential, commercial, mixed-use, urban infill, and affordable housing developments—across the United States and internationally. Her depth of expertise in development planning for multi-acre sites enables clients to maximize land use and unlock the full potential of their properties, resulting in environments that are functional, thoughtful, and visually compelling.
With a strong and enduring focus on affordable and workforce housing, Annabella has dedicated her career to shaping communities that foster comfort, dignity, and long-term value for residents. Her work reflects a deep commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and design excellence, grounded in her belief that architecture has the power to meaningfully improve lives. Over the years, she has contributed to numerous award-winning and notable projects, most recently earning four prestigious honors—two platinum, one gold, and one silver—for a landmark development.
A lifelong learner and advocate for professional advancement, Annabella credits her mentors—including renowned land planner Andrew T. Sullivan—for influencing her leadership and design philosophy. Her leadership style blends encouragement with discipline, creating an environment where teams can thrive while she navigates the unique challenges of a competitive, minority-led career in architecture.
Outside of her professional work, Annabella enjoys horseback riding, a passion she has cherished since childhood, and values time spent with her family. She remains actively engaged in organizations such as the AIA Fort Lauderdale Chapter, NAHB, NCARB, ICSC, the U.S. Green Building Council, GCBA, Florida Housing Coalition, and several housing and builder associations. Through these affiliations, she continues to contribute to the broader dialogue on resilient, equitable, and impactful community development.
• Universidad José María Vargas - B.Arch.
• International Council of Shopping Centers, ICSC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, confidence, and a positive mindset—qualities that have guided me through challenges, kept me focused on my ambitions, and propelled my growth both personally and professionally. These principles have shaped not only my career but also the way I approach leadership, collaboration, and the meaningful work of creating communities that make a difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to believe in myself. Embracing this mindset has given me the confidence to pursue ambitious opportunities, trust my expertise, and navigate a competitive, male-dominated industry with resilience and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this industry to believe in themselves and remain committed to their goals. With determination, persistence, and confidence in your abilities, the visions you’re working toward can truly become reality.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in architecture today is the high level of competition—both within firms and across the broader industry. Yet this competitive landscape also offers opportunities: to distinguish yourself, refine your skills, and continually raise the standard and impact of your work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most dear—both professionally and personally—are honesty, sincerity, and staying true to myself. I believe these principles foster trust, cultivate meaningful relationships, and serve as a compass for making ethical, thoughtful, and impactful decisions.
Locations
The Martin Architectural Group PC - South Florida Division
6810 Lyons Technology Circle, Philadelphia, FL 19103
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