Bootstrap beginnings: The rise of Rhodes+Brito Architects
In 1996, longtime colleagues Ruffin Rhodes and Max Brito founded Rhodes+Brito Architects Inc. in Orlando. While they both had experience working for other architectural firms, starting their own practice was new territory — equal parts exciting and nerve-racking.
Rhodes, who came from a family of entrepreneurs, was driven by the goal of creating and leading his own business. Both founders credit their wives’ unwavering support as vital during those early days.
Because they opted to bootstrap the venture rather than take out loans, the toughest challenge at first was finding projects. The duo felt confident in their abilities based on past work, but paying clients don’t show up overnight.
