2022 Slate of Candidates
2022 Slate of Candidates
AIA Florida gladly presents this special preview of candidates for AIA Florida offices. The AIA Florida Annual Meeting and elections will be held on Wednesday, July 27 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Breakers located at One South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Online delegate accreditation opens June 27.
First Vice President/President-elect (2024 President)
Rhonda Hammond, AIA
David Hugglestone, AIA
J.J. Scott, AIA
Secretary/Treasurer 2023-2024 (one position available)
Joshua Shatkin, AIA
Vice President 2023-2024 (two positions available)
Adam Gayle, AIA
Neyda Otero, AIA
Kelly Wieczorek, AIA
Associate Director at Large 2023-2024 (one position available)
Yoselim Bravo, Assoc. AIA
First Vice President/President-elect (2024 President)
Rhonda Hammond, AIA
Rhonda Hammond is a principal at Hammond Design Group Architects, LLC, located in Tallahassee completing its 22nd year in business. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture and her Master of Sustainable Design from the University of Florida. Rhonda is also an Associate Professor of Architecture at FAMU School of Architecture & Engineering Technology.
Rhonda served AIA Tallahassee in many positions; as president in 2019. Under her leadership, AIA Tallahassee received the Pullara Chapter Award and a National ECEL Award Scholarship. Demonstrating the value architects bring to their community, she helped coordinate disaster relief efforts when Hurricane Michael devastated the panhandle, organized a charrette between the city mayor and local architects to envision the future of Tallahassee’s downtown, and supports the ‘Architecture in Education’ program in local schools. Understanding the importance of leadership, she completed the Jacob Leadership Program.
At the state level, Rhonda serves as vice president chairing the Advocacy Committee in 2021 and the Professional Development Committee this year. And currently, chairs FAPAC. In service to her community, she’s served on Tallahassee-Leon County’s Architectural Review Board and is chair of the annual Market Days event supporting the Natural History Museum.
Philosophy
There is no more honorable a profession than that of an architect. We are privileged to design spaces influencing lifelong experiences shaping the character to our communities. This privilege brings responsibility. Architects are trained as critical thinkers; uniquely qualified to be the problem solvers of our time.
Effective communication is the over-arching key to our success. We must convey the value architects bring when confronting the challenges we face today. While our first priority is serving the needs of our members; we must reach out to those not yet taking advantage of the benefits AIA membership offers.
Steadfast advocacy assures our voices are heard. We must tend our relationships with state legislators and partake in the discussions establishing the policies which govern our practices.
Resolute leadership secures our future. We are the leaders that hold the tough conversations and develop the consensus to make the difficult decisions. We also demonstrate leadership through mentoring our emerging professionals throughout all stages of their career.
The challenges facing our state today are daunting. I’m confident through our collective voice and expertise we can meet those challenges sustaining the hope for our professional future. I’d be honored to continue my service to this association.
First Vice President/President-elect (2024 President)
David Hugglestone, AIA
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Originally from Southern Maryland, David earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Miami (1995) and his Master of Architecture (2005) at the University of South Florida. His architectural career consists of experience working in nearly every type and size of practice and role - from sole proprietorship and small three to four-person office, to local government and multi-national consulting firm. David is currently employed as senior project manager at AECOM, Buildings + Places.
In addition to architectural practice, David has taught as adjunct professor at both the University of South Florida and the Art Institute of Tampa. He stays connected to his community and industry, serving on numerous review and advisory boards for the City of Tampa and University of South Florida School of Architecture + Community Design (SA+CD).
David has served in nearly every local and state AIA leadership role, including president of AIA Tampa Bay (2014) and vice president of AIA Florida (2016-2017). David is currently secretary/treasurer of AIA Florida (2021-2022).
Philosophy
These are crazy times. As the world continues to rebound from unthinkable loss and tragedy, AIA Florida architects are uniquely qualified and up to the challenge of rethinking and redefining how we live, work, and safely come together. Perhaps more so than any other state, Florida must respond to the complex and compounded issues of climate change, aging buildings and infrastructure, affordable housing shortage, and a seemingly endless population boom.
As architects, it is our sworn duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. And we have the problem-solving mentality, expertise, and technology to affect great change. But it’s an uphill battle, fraught with hurdles, obstacles, and even opposition. Once considered the industry’s gold standard, the Florida Building Code was weakened by ill-conceived 2017 legislation. AIA Florida must continue to fight all attempts to weaken our building code, while working with legislators to incorporate much needed improvements that help to safeguard the public.
And for all these causes, we need to ensure a young and diverse pipeline of future leaders to see our vision and take on our mission. To AIA Florida, I say, ”Challenge accepted.”
First Vice President/President-elect (2024 President)
J.J. Scott, AIA
 J.J. is President/Principal Architect of MLD Architects, a 42 year-old Tallahassee firm. A lifelong Floridian, graduating with his B.S. of Architectural Studies (05) and M.Arch. (07) from FAMU. J.J. joined MLD as an intern in 2005, became licensed in 2012, assumed ownership in 2015, and is licensed in three states.
An active member of AIA since 2008, J.J. served AIA Tallahassee as associate director (08-11) and advocacy director (21-22). He served as AIA Florida’s associate director at-aarge (12-14), vice president (15-16), secretary/treasurer (17-18), vice-president (19-20). He has served on numerous committees and taskforces, including Professional Development, Dues, Advocacy, Membership, Communications, Emerging Professionals Taskforce, JLI, Convention, Finance, named to the inaugural class of Citizen Architects (2013), and is currently on the Florida Foundation for Architecture board and chairman of C-STAC.
J.J. serves on the boards of Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Mainstreet Monticello, Chairman of Tallahassee’s ARB and is a member of the International Institute of Building Envelope Consultants, and Florida Cattlemen’s Associations. J.J. is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee, a FAA Certified Drone Pilot, and coaches multiple youth sports. J.J. lives in Jefferson County with his wife Rachel and four children ages 4 to 14 where he has a farm raising laying hens, turkeys, honeybees, and beef cattle.
Philosophy
Florida architects have unique issues to consider; rising sea levels, hurricane recovery, deregulation, and seemingly constant attacks to erode our profession. Addressing those issues, AIA Florida must continue as a strong voice for the architectural profession, articulating the value our knowledge and services, conveying the importance of our involvement in our local community, and advocating for growth and solidarity within in our industry.
I believe AIA Florida should continue to educate the public about our profession and our important role in the intelligent development of robust and sustainable communities. AIA Florida must continue to empower the next generation of Architects by giving them a voice and platform, learning and responding to their needs, cultivating the future of our profession, and constructing the pipeline for their involvement in leadership, both in our association and in their local communities. We must clearly communicate our efforts to our membership, and in doing so, we will illustrate the value of AIA membership to those outside of the association, bringing them into the fold and increasing the volume of our collective voice.
I want to continue to help build on our strengths, explore our opportunities, amplify our voice, and help lead the way to a successful future. I ask for your support.
Secretary/Treasurer 2023-2024 (one positionavailable)
Joshua Shatkin, AIA
 I knew I was to be an architect at age 5. Born in Brooklyn and in Zambia and St. Thomas USVI, I transferred from the University of the Virgin Islands to UF, where I completed my Bachelor and Master of Architecture. I worked with Cavallino and Associates in Gainesville for 16 years before starting my own firm, Shatkin Architecture in 2010. I have been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects and numerous beautification awards from the City of Gainesville. I have organized many workshops, ranging from architectural design to spirituality. I served and chaired the Development Review Board of Gainesville from 2003 through 2009. For my local AIA chapter, I have served every board position. While on that board I met Joe Garcia, AIA, who encouraged me to serve at the AIA state level. I have been a state director and am presently the vice president of advocacy. I am honored to be part of AIA, especially proud of our AIA Florida reputation and the great work we do. I would love to continue the legacy and be of service to our architecture community in any way possible.
Philosophy
Being of service has been a big part of my life. My mentors have shown me that getting out of self and helping others is a reward in itself. One of my mentors wrote a two-page book:
Page 1: Listen
Page 2: And you have said enough
Listening and restraint are powerful tools that can be balanced with appropriate action. As I am a bit of a maverick, I believe if something is working and functioning well, then let it be, but if it can be improved, let’s think outside the box. As architects, we are taught to ask if that is really the best way, or how can we make it better. We are fortunate that our profession can assert positive influence on a wide range of issues. The saying “they did the best they could” has never sat well with me. There is always room to improve. Wherever I am able to be of service, I hope to improve whatever is in front of me, and that includes myself.
Vice President 2023-2024 (Two positions available)
Adam Gayle, AIA
 Adam Gayle AIA, NCARB, ID, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP is a principal at Level Architecture + Interiors, a full-service architecture and interiors firm in Gainesville, Florida. Since joining the AIA in 2017, he has held the position of treasurer, vice president, and president on the AIA Gainesville board, and has served on Membership and Marketing, Florida Foundation for Architecture, Professional Development and FAPAC committees. Adam is a graduate of the Jacob Leadership Institute’s first class, and during his past two years as an AIA Florida state director, has assumed roles on the AIA Florida Resilience, Professional Development and FAPAC Committees. Adam was featured in Florida Caribbean Architect’s Winter 2021 Emerging Professional Spotlight, participates in AIA National’s IDEA K-12 Member Group, established and runs a state-wide AIA/AIAS “Ask an Architect” Program, is an active AXP supervisor, and a participant in UF AIAS’ Mentorship Program. He is also currently a co-chair of this year’s AIA Florida Convention.
Philosophy
Adam is forever curious in using his design education as a conduit to bridge the gap between traditional practice, tangential fields, and emerging technologies, as well as the generational gap between older and younger practitioners, a reality he is acutely aware of during the great resignation of today and having entered the workforce during the great recession of 2008-09.
He believes that the future of practice will require architects to have a firm grasp of designing and detailing both physical and digital environments, and that AIA members should take pride in using their expertise and training to create meaningful spaces and experiences in these realms, as well as be at the table to take ownership (not just the liability) of the intellectual property that emerges from them.
In light of this, he is a firm believer in the 80-20 rule – “What is the fundamental (and often repeatable) 20% of work that get us 80% of the way to the finish line?” So that we can conversely spend 80% of our time and energy to resolve the 20% of design challenges and true issues to the profession.
Vice President 2023-2024 (Two positions available)
Neyda Otero, AIA
 Neyda Otero is an architect and senior associate with Perkins&Will Miami. She graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture. Neyda manages healthcare, corporate workplace and educational projects, with more than 30 years of professional experience in all aspects of large and small scale construction.
As senior vice president for HAKS Engineers, she managed strategic growth in Florida, overseeing operations, and business development. As vice provost, facilities management for Miami Dade College, Neyda led the facilities team in planning and executing capital improvements and deferred maintenance construction programs totaling over 500 million dollars college-wide across eight campuses. As director of project management and construction for a private school, she oversaw all facilities management projects for the $98 million dollar capital improvement bond program for two campuses.
Neyda serves on the AIA National Documents Committee, creating and revising AIA Contract Documents®. She serves the AIA Florida Finance Committee and represents AIA Miami on the AIA Florida Foundation for Architecture. In 2018, she became the sixth female AIA Miami President, and has served all board positions for the chapter. Neyda is a member of USGBC Florida, the Florida Educational Facilities Planner Association, and AIA Miami Women in Architecture Committee.
Philosophy
I have always been intrigued by how much architectural design influences how we feel in spaces. Whether a home, school, healthcare facility, or workplace, an architect’s design skills are extremely important to the quality of life of individuals, present and future. As architects we have an obligation to life safety and a critically important responsibility to design spaces that are adaptable, offer well-being to the occupants and sensitive and resilient to climate change while conserving natural resources.
In today’s times it is vital that architects set a focused goal on the collaboration between architecture students, emerging professionals and seasoned architects to find innovative ways to maintain the profession relevant and to convey the value of architectural design as a service to society for current challenges. Diversity and inclusion are critical to this collaboration, as creative synergy can only occur when people from different walks of life work together on equal footing. Underrepresented voices in the profession need to be nurtured, heard and valued as they bring a unique dimension to solutions.
I am honored to be considered for the AIA Florida board as vice president and commit to do my best to advocate and be a voice for all architects.
Vice President 2023-2024 (Two positions available)
Kelly Wieczorek, AIA
 Kelly Wieczorek, AIA, has over 17 years of experience in the Florida Panhandle. As a senior project manager with Goodwyn Mills Cawood her focus is in healthcare, education, and commercial design.
Kelly has served in the AIA Florida Northwest component in many positions over her career, from Associate Director to President. For her work within the local component, she was awarded the Associate Member Individual Honor Award from AIA Florida, and the Service to the Profession award from her local Chapter. With AIA Florida she served four years as a state director and one year as secretary/treasurer. She also served on several AIA Florida committees including Advocacy, Finance, and Membership. Kelly has been recognized as a Citizen Architect and was awarded an AIA Florida Presidential Citation (2014).
Kelly holds a Bachelors of Design in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. She is active in the Pensacola community and serves on several local boards including the City of Pensacola Urban Core Redevelopment Board and the Downtown YMCA Advisory Council. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons, visiting friends and relatives in her hometown of Detroit, MI and cheering for the Florida Gators.
Philosophy
My experience in the AIA has allowed me to participate at both the local and state level with fellow design professionals, community leaders, and students who all share my passion for architecture. I have been given opportunities to have a direct impact on the profession by engaging and collaborating with others on issues related to changes in technology, diversity, and sustainability. It is my goal to now give back and represent AIA Florida to promote those who work every day to transform our communities. I have a commitment to advocate for our members and demonstrate the value of Architects. I believe we can support our members by connecting with the public to exhibit our ability to foster meaningful impacts and to transform the communities we serve. I believe we should continue our mission to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, but we should also do more to educate the public on the value of design and the impacts of the built environment. Our profession is unique, and we should celebrate all that what we can do. I look forward to this opportunity to advance the goals of AIA Florida and its members.
Associate Director at Large 2023-2024 (One position available)
Yoselim Bravo, Assoc. AIA
 Yoselim Bravo is from Lima, Peru where she received her Bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas in 2016. In 2017, she moved to the United States of America and is currently a design professional on the path to licensure. She is a project coordinator in the healthcare market at Gresham Smith in Tampa, Florida.
Yoselim has always been passionate about volunteering. When she moved to Florida, she decided she wanted to continue to serve, and she started to get involved with the local AIA Chapter and in 2020 became the associate director for the AIA Tampa Bay. In 2020, Yoselim served as the co-chair for the Young Architect’s Forum in her local chapter. She has also volunteered for the Florida Foundation of Architecture in the program of Architecture in Education, introducing architecture to students. Thanks to the program, she has found that one of her passions involves working with children. Therefore, she enrolled to be a Guardian Ad Litem and since 2020, Yoselim has been advocating for foster children. She also served as the co-chair of the Women In Architecture in AIA Tampa Bay for two years and now she is the Communications Director of the Committee.
Philosophy
I believe architecture is a service. I started volunteering over 10 years ago and my first opportunity to volunteer led me to find my career path. My final year of college, thanks to my thesis project, I found my passion for healthcare architecture and research. Coming to the United States as an emerging professional was a big challenge because I was leaving behind what I knew to start from zero. That’s why I found the cause to help others who are struggling in the field of architecture deeply profound. I am a firm believer that hard work and getting involved with your community can help you with your personal and professional growth. We lead by example, and I believe that even if the road of our professional path is not easy, you don’t have to do it alone. My intent with the position of associate director at large is to empower and uplift the associates to find their voices and to use their skills to become great leaders and advocates in our profession.
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