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Architecture of Segregation

Invisible borders…designed to become inclusive or present barriers in the spaces we occupy

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About The Book

Jerel McCants traveled to over thirty countries across six continents to research this book.

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This book delves into the global history of segregation with an intriguing twist, presenting it through the lens of an architect. It’s interesting to think about how architects carefully design, plan, and build places that either bring people together or drive them apart. This perspective offers a unique and insightful exploration into the physical manifestations of societal divides.

“Spaces and places have significantly more power and psychological influence than one might imagine. This book seeks to capture the ingenuity and mastery with which structures have been built through the lens of an architect who traveled around the world exploring the meaning behind the hierarchy of spaces and places.โ€

โ€œThis groundbreaking work delves deep into the historical indigenous peoples of North America to the African diaspora through the Triangular Slave Trade, uncovering how architecture played a pivotal role in the subjugation of marginalized communities.โ€

โ€œA well-defined hierarchy of needs is based on the function of a building that encourages communication, community, and organization. This book focuses on the function of a building but almost equally emphasizes its themes, the feelings you want to invoke, and the architectโ€™s inspirations.โ€

Award-Winning Architect Unveils Passion for Decoding the Hierarchy of Spaces and Places.

Jerel McCants, from Chattanooga, TN, earned a B.S. in architectural engineering from Tennessee State University in 1996. University of South Florida, Tampa awarded him a Master of Architecture in 2001. He was privileged to be a Dwight D. Eisenhower “People to People for Understanding” Student Ambassador to the Soviet Union in high school in the summer of 1990. In 1999, he went abroad to Paris, France, through the USF Overseas Study Program, continuing his love of learning about various cultures. With this passion, he has traveled to over 30 countries and volunteered at his church with a Haiti Relief Mission to build shelters following the 2010 earthquake disaster.

Working for Nashville, Atlanta, and Tampa architectural and construction firms shaped his career. He rose to Project Manager by working on high-profile projects.

Jerel founded Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. during the Great Recession. A full-service boutique architectural business serving municipal, educational, cultural, residential, and federal markets. USF Florida Institute of Development awarded him a Community Real Estate Development certificate in 2010.

Jerel has served on the American Institute of Architectโ€™s, Tampa Bay Chapter President. He is a member of Plant City Lodge #206 of F&AM, Prince Hall and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He was elected as a Delegate to the 11th Congressional District Delegate for the DNC in 2008 and was elected to Precinct Committeeman, Precinct #207 for two terms.

Architecture of Segregation

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Architecture of Segregation

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Valeria Cristancho

Intern

A native of Venezuela, Valeria completed her high school diploma at Coral Springs, Florida, She has also completed an Associates in Arts Degree at St. Petersburg College. Currently, she is enrolled at USF School of Architecture and Community Design to pursue a Masters in Architecture. As an Intern, she has excelled and shown promise in becoming a well-rounded Architect and is an integral member of our team.

Eduardo Olarte

Project Manager

Mr. Olarte is a native of Colombia and has over 16 years of experience in interior design, architecture, light design, project management and client relations in his home country and the United States. He exhibits a strong ability to create unique and innovative spaces while looking to understand specific client needs. He is also highly skilled in many drafting and rendering software including motion graphics. Photography is another passion and ability to his skill set.

Eric Del Monte

Project Manager

Eric is a native of Miami, Florida and is a graduate of Miami Dade College and the University of South Florida with a Masters in Architecture. He contributes his knowledge in Revit, CADD, Lumion, Twin Motion and other 3D modeling software. Fluent in Spanish and English to provide services to a greater public to meet outreach goals to our community.

Terry Miller

Construction Administrator

Mr. Terry T. Miller brings over 34 years in architecture and construction, that ranged from project designer to project architect within architectural firms in the Tampa Bay area. His work experience includes all phases, from project inception through project completion and close-out. His extensive previous experience in the construction industry has proven to be invaluable in understanding the architectural and construction process in delivering the built environment.

Terryโ€™s main area of responsibility within the firm is in management/oversight which includes: Coordination and directing practice efforts in design, technical specifications and construction administration. He provides his extensive experience and skill set in the solution and problem solving skills of what it takes to deliver the built environment in an efficient, value-added, and pragmatic manner.

Manuel Alvarino

Project Manager II

Mr. Manuel is a native of Cuba and has lived in the United States for over 10 years. He has worked as an intern while in Cuba before coming to the U.S. to further his education. Currently, he is enrolled in Architectural Studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Manuel has an extensive range of experience in commercial renovation and residential. He has a multitude of experience in computer rendering and modeling with an advanced knowledge of multiple graphic software platforms. His abilities has added an extra dimension to our office environment.

Safoura Kazemilari

Project Manager I

Safoura has ten years of experience working for the City of Shiraz, Iran as the Urban Beautification Department Head. While at this position she lead multi-disciplinary professionals to produce federally funded projects throughout the City. Once is the United States, she carried her knowledge to various firms providing public/ private design and coordination services. We are excited to have her unquie skill set contribute to our expanding client base.

Ada Padilla

Office Administrator

Ada has over 30 yearsโ€™ experience in office management/ administration and human resources and has a degree in accounting. Her responsibilities have covered areas of business operations regarding payroll, bookkeeping, account reconciliation, customer services and vendor relations.

She has worked for various companies in the design and construction fields which has proven to be a valuable skill set when working with industry professionals. Her management of staff and involvement in day-to-day tasks improve our proficiency and response to better serve our clients and consultants.

Adaโ€™s expanded responsibilities covers contract agreements, business development and outreach in the community to promote the firmโ€™s vision and mission statement to enhance our impact into the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Jerel McCants AIA, LEED Green Assoc.

Principal-In-Charge

Mr. Jerel McCants established Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. in 2009. Mr. McCants has experience in many building types including Municipal, Educational, High-rise condominiums, Cultural and Residential.

Mr. McCants mission is to contribute to innovative architectural design and construction methods to residential and commercial markets as a Managing Principal based on his ability to direct staff members and communicate effectively with clients and contractors.

Mr. McCants believes that design is an action that is expressed: an act of many different disciplines uniting in a common cause which he terms โ€œResponsive Architectureโ€. His mix of small, medium and large (S,M,L) projects has allowed him to maintain a steady firm standing and consistent viability in the global marketplace.