Don Yoshino

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Don Yoshino, FAIA is principal of Yoshino Architecture, PA, located in Boca Raton, Florida.  Since his graduation from CalPoly in 1965, he has embarked on a career with an international focus.  Beginning with a graduate program at Kyoto University in Japan, where he studied Japanese architectural history.  Don later remained in Japan as project manager and then as vice president-in-charge of the international division at several large international firms where he worked on projects for the U.S. government and the private sector in Asia.  He then returned to the US to apprentice under world renowned Italian architect and visionary, Paolo Soleri in Scottsdale, Arizona at Arcosanti.

Don’s portfolio comprises all facets of architecture from industrial to residential, with some of his most notable projects including an award-winning 23-story luxury condo in Fort Lauderdale, several high-end, single-family homes in South Florida, as well as hotel design in Spain and India.

Don began his engagement in the American Institute of Architects in 1971 as a member, and served in numerous leadership positions at the local, state and national levels and was elevated to the College of Fellows in 2007.  Don received his Fellowship (the highest level of recognition by the Association) in the category of Service to Society, for his leadership within the association and for his service to his community, most notably, as trustee and former BOT President of The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, where he continued his efforts to bridge the gap of understanding between Japan and America; and assisted in the seven-year development of the award winning Harriet & George Cornell “Rojien Gardens”.  Recently Don has traveled to Tokyo, Japan with students from FIU study aboard program and assisted in the 4th year design project for the Morikami Museum.

In 2017 Don was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays medal from the Foreign Ministry of Japan for his continuous work in bridging the culture between Japan and the United States.