Bio:
The great Architect, Maurita Harris is a licensed Architect in Arizona. She is also LEED accredited and attained her NCARB Certification. She’s also a founding member of the NOMA AZ chapter. Growing up in Ohio - Maurita received both her B.S. in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State. She also studied abroad in Italy and Switzerland. In her role at PHX Architecture, she directs many of the firm’s hospitality projects from design through construction, while also mentoring junior staff.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My mother’s cousin married an African-American Architect when I was in middle school. Until I met him, I had never even considered it as a profession. Once I saw what he did and the influence had on the built environment, I was intrigued.
What do you do?
I’m a Project Manager for Hospitality/Commercial projects in our office. I work on the projects from the beginning through construction. I manage the engineers, consultants, clients, client representatives and the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
What excites you in the work you do?
I love to see how people react in the space once it is complete - if they use it the way that we imagined and hope that it meets all of their expectations. I love to be able to drive by and show my family and friends a project that I have worked on.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
That I can be a part of something bigger than myself. I enjoy being a problem solver. The goal is always to leave a place better than you found it. I enjoy the teamwork and the lost sleep on the journey just as much as admiring the finished project.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Passing my license exam. I was the third African-American female to be licensed in the State of Arizona. It makes me proud, because I was able to prove not only to others, but also to myself that I deserve a seat at the table.
Featured Project Name:
Serenity Hospice
Featured Project Location:
Sun City, Arizona
Featured Project Completion Date:
July 2012
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect/Manager
Featured Project Description:
This project was designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The space combines a modern atmosphere with an inviting feeling where residents feel at peace. The complex includes 14 private patient rooms with private patio, a living room, private family dining room and two patios. Also included is a full commercial kitchen and admin offices. Rooms are furnished with the necessary components of a hospital room, but maintain the look and feel of a personal bedroom.
Photography Credit:
n/a PHX owns the rights
Featured Project Name:
Historic Arizona Biltmore Resort
Featured Project Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Featured Project Completion Date:
Various dates through Fall 2020 and Spring 2021
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect/Manager
Featured Project Description:
The resort has years of storied history (originally constructed in 1928) - PHX Architecture, with Maurita Harris as the Project Manager was tasked with giving a refresh to the resort. The scope includes the addition of an Adult Pool with bar and cabanas, a new outdoor bar on the main event lawn and a new restaurant concept. In addition, there is an extensive renovation of the existing Paradise pool and entry building including a sculpture-like waterslide tower. Designed with AOA and Virserius.
Photography Credit:
Renderings by PHX, AOA and Virserius Studio
Featured Project Name:
SAAR
Featured Project Location:
Scottsdale, AZ
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2015
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect/Manager
Featured Project Description:
This 35,190 sq. ft. project serves as the headquarters for SAAR’s growing staff. SAAR enlisted the help of PHX Arch, including President Erik Peterson and Project Architect Maurita Harris. PHX was tasked with restoring a once vacant building into a gorgeous and useful hub with an event lawn, large and small meeting spaces, a café, tons of outdoor patio space and a leasable tenant space. The goal of the project was to make it a useful corporate office that also served the community as a whole.
Photography Credit:
n/a PHX owns the rights
