Lawrence Kline

Principal, Managing Director at Perkins&Will

Lawrence Kline grew up in Miami Beach and studied architecture at the University of Florida before earning his master’s degree from Syracuse University and joining the preeminent Coral Gables firm of Spillis Candela & Partners in 1985. There, he began his career designing corporate, educational and civic projects. In 2013, Kline joined the globally acclaimed architectural and design firm Perkins&Will to lead its Coral Gables studio as Managing Director. Today, he focuses on the strategic growth of the studio, and works on a broad array of projects across Florida, the Caribbean, Latin America and even Africa, where he recently completed a sustainably designed hospital in Ghana.

Latest Achievement

Perkins&Will’s Coral Gables office recently received the Honor Award of Excellence for Interiors from the American Institute of Architects’ Florida chapter. The firm moved to its current space on Ponce de Leon Boulevard in 2018 and enjoys what Kline refers to as a living lab. “It’s an open, light-filled setting with a variety of collaborative spaces,” he says, “allowing us the flexibility to shift project teams easily across the studio.” Kline also donates his time and expertise to several community organizations, including the Bakehouse Art Complex, a nonprofit organization in Wynwood that provides space for emerging artists. He serves as vice president of the board and is helping rezone the property to allow for affordable housing for local artists, teachers and other creatives.

What He Says

On his inspiration to pursue architecture, Kline says, “My consistent exposure to some of the world’s best 1950s tropical modern architecture definitely influenced my career path. Miami Beach, and South Florida in general, are unique in that the architecture is rooted in the context of climate with an understanding of the impact of sun, shade and breezes informing most aspects of the designs.” As for his current projects, says Kline, “Right now, we’re working with Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables to repurpose the historic Coral Gables Police and Fire Station [on Salzedo Street, recently vacated by the city] into a new showroom and office space,” he noted, “and we’re writing a new zoning code for the City of Miami Beach.”