
St. Lucie Ranch – Lessons on Land Planning & Architecture
On Site with Jorge Sanchez & Rafael Portuondo
Submitted for AIA CES Approval
Guided by owner and Landscape Architect, Jorge Sanchez, and architect Rafael Portuondo, the visit to St. Lucie ranch will include a morning discussion and presentation on the principle topic of land planning in a bucolic Florida setting. The designers will discuss their process, their decision guiding principles, and the careful interplay between Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and the Natural. We will tour the gardens, the land, and principal rooms within the home itself. After these tours, box lunches will be enjoyed on the property. The afternoon will include a guided sketch session, in which participants will be more able to learn by drawing the principles guiding the design.
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Speakers

Rafael Portuondo, Portuondo Perotti Architects
Rafael Portuondo, known as one of today’s top designers of classical architecture in America, is the president of Portuondo Perotti Architects. Ralph is the pride of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture after completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. His timeless designs capture the Old World European classical elegance and bring them to life in today’s luxury home creations. A sought after speaker at the Nation’s top architectural institutions, Rafael is the soft-spoken artist setting the standard for excellence in timeless American Architecture.
Jorge Sanchez, SMI Landscape Architecture
Jorge Sánchez’s interest in plants, architecture and history has led him to landscape design. SMI Landscape Architecture, Inc. maintains a philosophy which incorporates a “botanical garden” approach fused with the historic and classical formal garden design framework, creating exotic and thoughtful design solutions. In addition to creating beautiful, usable spaces, SMI is also known for its preservation and restoration of old landscapes. SMI is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Arthur Ross Award. Several of their designs have been published and continue to be published in many national magazines, as well as in their books, “The Civilized Jungle”, “The Making of Three Gardens”, and “The Private Gardens of SMI Landscape Architecture.” Jorge has dedicated many years to zoning and architectural boards for the Town of Palm Beach. He is the recipient of the Thomas N. Armstrong III Award in Landscape Design from the New York School of Interior Design. He is currently a Director of the Garden Conservancy.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SITE SPONSOR
AND OUR LUNCH SPONSOR
With Appreciation and Gratitude to our
Benefactor
Flower Construction - 2026
Marmotech - 2026
Woolems, Inc. - 2025
Patron Circle
Fairfax & Sammons | Flower Construction | Woolems, Inc.
& Henry Flagler
Amanda Lindroth Design | American Steel Windows & Doors | Belt | C.F. Knight | Cove Construction Group | Gil Walsh Interiors | LEEDS Custom Design | Marker Construction Group | Marmotech | MH Fine Hardware | Piedras International | Reilly Architectural | Reis Contracting | Shoreline Building Group

