Synalovski Romanik Saye Named “Architecture Firm of the Year”

Synalovski Romanik Saye (SRS) has been named “Architecture Firm of the Year” by the Fort Lauderdale chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA). According to the organization, the aims of the prestigious annual AIA Design Awards are to encourage excellence in architecture, elevate public consciousness of good design, and recognize those architects whose work enriches the environment. The awards recognize outstanding architectural projects, both built and unbuilt, that exemplify excellence in design while exploring the nature and science of the profession.

During 2021, in spite of the pandemic, SRS recorded a year of strength, transformation, and continuing excellence and successful outcomes.

“We completed a unique mix of projects that varied in scale and complexity, responding to the context and fabric of place with an elevated architectural language,” said Manny Synalovski, founding partner.

“Whether a residential development, civic buildings, a library, redevelopment of multiple city blocks, or a micro food hall, our work celebrates space and fosters buildings that enhance our communities,” Synalovski said.

Some of these notable projects include:

“Another aspect of the award criteria is the firm’s contributions to education and mentorship of future architects,” said Merrill Romanik, SRS principal. “In that regard our firm has mentored more than a dozen graduate architects who have become licensed professionals now practicing in South Florida. Most of these colleagues are AIA members, some of whom are recognized and awarded by their local AIA chapter.

“During this timeline, SRS has served as advisors and mentors to various graduate architects who are registered by NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.”

While AIA serves the needs of the profession, NCARB serves the needs of the public.

Romanik added that during 2021, SRS welcomed and mentored five architectural and interior design students as interns with the firm from the University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida A&M University, University of Michigan, and the David Posnack High School in Davie. These paid internships benefited the students, both financially and in terms of professional development.

“Likewise, SRS was rewarded with the students’ enthusiasm, energy, and cutting-edge capabilities,” said Romanik.

“Our dedication to public service is also legendary,” said Jose Saye, SRS principal. “In particular, during the pandemic, we reinvented the ways we participated and supported community programs, events, and needs. We fed first responders; supported an Alternative Prom, Class of 2021, Hallandale Beach High School; sponsored Artfest in the Pines, City of Pembroke Pines; and sponsored and attended the MLK Programs at the YMCA of South Florida, City of Lauderhill.”

Other recipients of SRS sponsorships are: Broward County Area Agency on Aging; Jewish Federation of Broward County; First Tee of Broward County; U.S. Holocaust Museum; Young Judaea Global; JAFCO; Chabad of Hollywood; B’nai Aviv of Weston; United Way, Broward County; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International; Multiple Sclerosis Society; Plantation Chamber of Commerce; Plantation Fraternal Order of Police; and Camp Judaea, North Carolina.

“In addition to our contributions and commitment to our regional landscape, our firm welcomes a multi-ethnic and diverse team of professionals who are a reflection of the South Florida population: team members from the United States, as well as Cuba, Colombia, Spain, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Venezuela, and Paraguay, each of whom brings a unique perspective and cultural richness to the creativity, complexity, and singularity of our work,” said Synalovski. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by our AIA peers as we take pride in our stewardship of the communities we serve.”