ABOUT
Brillhart Architecture is a full service architectural office based in Miami, FL. Work ranges from residential and commercial projects to design-build endeavors, exhibitions, interiors, furniture and other speculative research projects. The firm has been honored with national and international design awards, and work has been featured in publications around the world.

As a design intensive office, Brillhart Architecture is interested in exploring the spatial and atmospheric qualities in architecture that move or affect one emotionally. Looking at those ingredients that create “chemistry of space”, the firm is always thinking about how buildings make one feel; what history and memory bring to a place; the importance of light; the clarity of structure; the honesty of materials; and so on. This is the common thread that links all projects together.

Jacob Brillhart has built his career as an architect, builder, painter and teacher. He is the founder of Brillhart Architecture and complements his practice as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Architecture.

Jacob has extensive construction knowledge, having worked as a general contractor in New York City for almost a decade for H.C. Kranichfeld, Inc.

In 2015, he published Voyage Le Corbusier: Drawing on the Road, a compendium of 175 travel drawings and watercolors done by Le Corbusier between 1907-1911 (published by W.W. Norton & Co).

Jacob earned his BA in Architecture at Tulane University and his Masters of Architecture from Columbia University.

Melissa Brillhart earned her Bachelor of Arts from University of Virginia and her Masters in Architecture from University of Miami. She joined Brillhart Architecture in 2013. As Principal, she leads the practice’s daily operations while also working on project design and competitions, publishing and marketing efforts. Prior to joining Brillhart Architecture, she worked for urban design firm, Dover, Kohl & Partners, and also served as a Development Manager for a local real estate development firm, overseeing design and construction of multi-family properties.

Rhys Gilbertson, Designer, joined Brillhart Architecture in 2017. He provides support to design, planning and coordination of projects.

Rhys brings a diverse set of design experiences to his work including residential & hospitality design at Myer Davis, New York and interdisciplinary design at wHY, Los Angeles.

Rhys earned his Bachelor of Architecture at The University of Miami School of Architecture.