Her Story
About Naomi
Naomi Harrison is a licensed architect and Senior Project Manager at M.C. Harry Architects (MCHarry & Associates, Inc.) in Miami, Florida, with more than 26 years of experience in South Florida's design and construction industry. Throughout her career, she has partnered with municipalities and school districts on master planning, visioning, programming, renovations, restorations, and new construction, leading multidisciplinary teams on educational and civic facilities. She has directed multiple multimillion-dollar projects with cumulative construction budgets exceeding $140 million, guiding each from initial interviews and fee negotiations through design, construction, and closeout, and is recognized for her hands-on leadership, responsiveness, and ability to balance codes, budgets, schedules, and stakeholder needs.
Born in Jamaica, Harrison carries a strong sense of community and service into her professional life, values that shape her commitment to mentorship and expanded access within the architecture field. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami School of Architecture and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management at Florida International University, merging her design and project-management background with a growing focus on how architects can help communities prepare for, withstand, and recover from disasters. Her credentials include licensure as an architect along with AIA, NOMA, RID, LEED AP, LFA, and SAP Evaluator designations.
Harrison is deeply active in professional and civic leadership, currently serving as Vice President of AIA Miami and previously as Co-Chair of Black Architects in the Making, where she worked to introduce Black youth to the architecture profession across Florida. She has also chaired the AIA Miami Scholarship Committee and the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, served as past president of South Florida NOMA, and holds a seat on the AIA Florida Resiliency Committee. Guided by a belief that representation empowers people to see themselves belonging and leading within the profession, Harrison remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of architects and strengthening the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Naomi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and never giving up. I keep pushing forward, stand firmly by my values, and make it a point to share my views because I believe they matter. I also try to bring positivity to the people around me and to make a genuine difference wherever I can.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was not to be afraid to put myself out there. I was encouraged to find my passion, stand tall and proud in who I am, and stay resilient through every challenge.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to embrace change, because it's how you learn and grow. Success comes from never quitting, so I encourage them to advocate for themselves and always know their worth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see an ongoing opportunity to continue helping individuals and businesses by applying my expertise in master planning, visioning, programming, renovations, restorations, and much more.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication is key to everything I do. I value being kind and respectful to others, committing to continuing education, and being a great mentor to those coming up behind me.
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