For Ms. Marisa Fort, home has always been more than a place—it’s a legacy.
Growing up in Coconut Grove, she was surrounded by the architecture her family helped shape, the very buildings that marked the landscape of her childhood. The firm her family founded, Arquitectonica, is renowned for iconic buildings across Miami and beyond, including Brickell City Centre and the Kaseya Center. Today, Ms. Fort teaches architecture at both the Middle and Upper School at Ransom Everglades, continuing her family’s tradition in a deeply personal way.
“It is really nice to be involved at Ransom in such a tangible way, versus just going to alumni events. It’s a very tangible way to be involved, and I am enjoying it greatly,” Ms. Fort reflected.
Though Ms. Fort didn’t take architecture classes during her time as a student at Ransom Everglades—as they were not available, she opted for studio art with Ms. Astrid Dalins—her early education laid the groundwork for her successful career. “Ms. Dalins’ instruction in visual arts was invaluable. It’s the underpinning for architecture, and thanks to her, I was able to build a strong portfolio and develop essential skills.”
The inspiration for her career didn’t come directly from her school years but rather from her family. “I come from a family of architects, so my path was influenced by them,” she explained. Currently, Arquitectonica is involved in projects that blend sustainable architecture with community-focused design, reflecting their new approach to the modern cityscape.
Ms. Fort’s connection to Ransom Everglades goes beyond her own experience. Her mother attended the all-girls Everglades School, and she has lived in Coconut Grove her entire life. “I now live just down the street with my own family. Our architecture office is a five-minute walk from the school, making it convenient to juggle teaching and work,” she said.
“Ransom has always been central to my life. It’s almost like an analogy—geographically in the middle of my life and crucial to my personal and professional growth,” she added.
Looking back, Ms. Fort would offer her younger self and her current students a piece of wisdom: “Don’t feel too much pressure. You have to make 10,000 bad paintings before you make a good one. Respect the process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a crucial part of learning and growth.”
As she embarks on this new chapter, Ms. Fort is excited about the potential for developing a comprehensive K-12 architecture curriculum with her family. “We’ve been discussing it for a long time but haven’t taken concrete steps. Now, as I begin this new role, I’m excited to think deeply about what’s most important in architecture and how to teach it effectively.”
To her students, Ms. Fort’s class feels more like a collaborative space than a classroom. “She’s super approachable, and you can tell she’s really passionate about what she’s teaching. It’s not just about getting the assignment done; it’s about actually learning how to design,” said Stella Harris ’27.
Many students appreciate the creative freedom she gives them, allowing them to explore their own styles without feeling restricted. Her hands-on approach makes the projects feel real and relevant, helping students see the connection between classroom work and real-world architecture. “You leave her class feeling like you’ve actually built something, not just turned in a paper,” added Harris.
Ms. Fort’s ability to bring real-world experience into the classroom is what sets her class apart for many students. Whether she’s sharing stories about past architecture projects or offering practical advice on navigating the design world, her lessons go beyond theory. “Ms. Fort incorporates so much of her real-world experience into our lessons,” said Juli Salvat ’27. “You can tell she’s worked on actual projects outside of school, and that makes everything she teaches feel more authentic. It’s like you’re not just learning from a textbook; you’re learning from someone who’s really been in the field.”
“I’m so happy to be back at Ransom Everglades. I don’t think I would have contemplated teaching anywhere else. It definitely feels like an intellectual home in Miami. I don’t think there are any other institutions that have this much integrity around their mission.”
