Today we’d like to introduce you to Margi Glavovic Nothard.
Hi Margi Glavovic, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and raised in Durban, South Africa. I came to the US for grad school, attending the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCIArc), a radical school in Los Angeles, at the forefront of innovative architecture education and practice. After graduating from SCIArc, I worked at Smith-Miller & Hawkinson architects, an exceptional design firm out of new york. My role was to assist in growing their LA office, where I worked with their clients in the film industry. I also taught at SCIArc, UCLA and Otis Parsons.
In 1997 I moved to Florida, and soon thereafter opened my practice, Glavovic Studio Inc, and architecture, art & urban design firm, with a focus on innovation, community and the environment. I also volunteered on many local boards in support of community engagement, the arts and preservation. This was a vehicle for giving back and for connecting to people with similar interests.
Three significant new construction projects in the first decade of our practice, are Young Circle Artspark, Young at Art Museum and Library, and Kennedy Homes Affordable Housing development. These large projects convey our commitment to design, community and environment.
Alongside these large multiacre projects, we also design and realized several adaptive reuse projects, from a small private gallery for women’s art and artists, called Girls’ Club Foundation, to a decade long renovation of the NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, the Boca Raton Museum of Art and eventually in 2022, we converted an existing commercial building into our own studio with a bar on the ground floor.
Affordable housing has been an integral and essential typology in Glavovic Studio’s work. From 2007 to current work, we have designed dozens of projects, ranging from The Renaissance Center in LA, to adapting an existing 1924 commercial building to affordable housing, to several large multifamily affordable housing projects throughout South Florida. We developed a partnership with a not-for profit, AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2017 to design replicable models of affordable housing, an important example is Little River Plaza, which is slated to be completed in 2026, and provides for 250 low-income resident housing in a beautiful building in Miami.
Our goal is to elevate the quality of life of residents through thoughtful and inspiring spaces, with long term sustainable solutions that benefit the public at large.
References
1. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article289499564.html
2. https://archinect.com/features/article/150145469/glavovic-studio-on-using-architecture-as-a-catalyst-for-environmental-stewardship-and-social-impact
3. https://www.archpaper.com/2016/12/studio-visit-glavovic-studio/
4. https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/a-wall-that-mends_o
5. https://architecturemagazine.co.uk/2024/12/05/margi-glavovic-nothard-on-socially-conscious-architecture/
6. https://venicemagftl.com/beyond-the-borders-of-architecture/
7. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2004/02/01/third-avenue-artists-a-diverse-crowd/
8. https://archinect.com/firms/project/2495276/young-circle-artspark/104262286
9. https://archinect.com/firms/project/2495276/kennedy-homes/104262287
10. https://www.dezeen.com/2024/04/03/glavovic-studio-periscope-walkway-everglades/
11. https://c3globe.com/sunset-hammock-by-glavovic-studio/
12. https://www.fau.edu/artsandletters/news/soa-addressing-affordable-housing-crisis/
13. https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2024/11/21/adaptive-reuse-is-an-underrated-solution-for-affordable-housing-in-dallas/
14. https://la.urbanize.city/post/aids-healthcare-foundation-break-ground-dtla-supportive-housing-june
15. https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2024/02/06/foundation-developing-affordable-little-river-housing-tower/
16. https://www.fau.edu/artsandletters/news/soa-addressing-affordable-housing-crisis/
17. https://www.aidshealth.org/2024/10/innovative-collaboration-shows-adaptive-reuse-can-ease-homelessness/
18. https://www.multihousingnews.com/mhn-asks-can-design-really-reduce-affordable-housing-development-costs/
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In some ways, the struggles (which we have had) seem like necessary steps along the way, to make sure we are creating positive opportunities that a smooth road would not inherently facilitate.
Change is difficult for folks, it asks us to accept the premise of what we have come to know, albeit fraught, will be worse than the new that is being proposed. This was manifest in several of our projects; starting with Young Circle Artspark in Hollywood. A 9 acre existing park that was underutilized on a day to day basis and very popular for big events throughout the year. We proposed a major change, that would draw more folks from downtown, into the park with new arts and community activities. Some folks in the community did not want this to happen and challenged this goal. Today, the ArtsPark is the pride and joy of downtown Hollywood, and has spurred redevelopment around the circle. Another example is Kennedy Homes affordable housing development. Some folks in the community objected to the redesign of this property, causing delays and increased costs. in the end, it was built and is considered a gateway project into the city, is embraced by the neighborhood and has seen a reduction in crime statistics in the area.
We’ve been impressed with Glavovic Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the founder & design director of Glavovic Studio, an architectural design and art studio. We are a small firm with 10 staff members both remote and in the office. We recently celebrated our 25th anniversary. In 2020, we expanded our team, opening an office in Hollywood, Los Angeles. We are committed to exceptional architectural design as a strategy to enhance the built environment and to preserve our cultural and environmental heritage. I am also an artist, with large scale public art projects in South Florida.
We are well known for designing great buildings and our commitment to clients and occupants. We believe in the common good and actively seek partnerships with a similar value system. I am most proud of our affordable housing and cultural projects, which bring inspiring experiences and quality of life to the general public. I am also proud of the probono work we do on boards and for not for profits, such as the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, the city of Fort Lauderdale’s affordable housing committee and others.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a journey that elevates the roles and outcomes of all involved, moving the dial forward in unanticipated positive ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glavovicstudio.com/
- Instagram: @glavovicstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glavovicstudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glavovicstudio/
- Twitter: @glavovicstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkzg2BEIUTg&ab_channel=SouthFloridaPBS
Image Credits
C&I – headshot
Robin Hill Photography
Glavovic Studio
