NILO PUENTES

PUENTES, NILO, 56, Registered Architect, of Coral Gables, FL passed away on March 22, 2011. His sudden departure leaves a huge void in his loving family and the hundreds of friends and colleagues who had the good fortune of associating, working, and studying with him. Born on March 28, 1954 in Havana, Cuba, Nilo emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 11. A graduate of Miami Springs High School, Nilo received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Florida. He later attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design, where he earned a Master in Architecture degree before moving to South Florida to teach architectural design for a year at the University of Miami and pursue his professional career. With over thirty years of experience in architecture and construction, Nilo's talents and attention to design detail earned him important project management and design assignments with several prominent architectural firms. His design of the Phillip and Judy George residence won the 1983 Residential Design Award by the South Florida Institute of Architects. His work in the architectural restoration of 2201 Ponce de Leon Blvd. earned a City Beautiful Award. Nilo's assignments at the firms of Spillis Candela & Partners, Rizo Carreno Architects, and AECOM, included Designer for the FPL Headquarters in Juno Beach, Project Manager and Architect for the Conference Center of the Americas at the historic Biltmore Hotel, Senior Architect and Production Manager for the South Terminal Expansion at Miami International Airport, Project Architect for numerous resort hotels throughout Florida and the Caribbean, and Technical Quality Team Leader for the multi- billion development of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum designed by Frank Gehry, the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Ateliers Jean Nouvel and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum by Foster & Partners. In the latter assignment, Nilo coordinated the efforts of the Miami architectural QA/QC review team with other design offices in London and Abu Dhabi. From 1991 to 1997 Nilo was the president and proprietor of CM Design Build, Inc. General Contractors, specializing in residential and commercial design and construction. Nilo believed in serving his community, and as beloved former Scout Master of Boy Scouts of America Troop 16, at the Church of the Little Flower, in Coral Gables, oversaw the restoration of the Scout Cabin and Playground. He also served on the City of Coral Gables Board of Architects from 1992 to 1994, and volunteered his service on various church and community projects. His wonderful personality, professionalism, commitment to service, and high principles touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate to know him. Nilo's love of architecture was only exceeded by the devotion to his family and his children. He will be terribly missed by all who knew and remembered him a s a wonderful man, outstanding father, excellent friend and superior architect. Predeceased by his parents Nilo Puentes and Candida Aldet. Survived by wife Analucia Schneegans, son Nilo Federico, daughter Lucia Margarita, brothers Chris and Carlos, and numerous brothers and sisters in-law who loved him as a brother. The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to the many friends and colleagues who offered their support, trust, and love to Nilo throughout his life. Visitation 1 pm - 3 pm Friday (today) at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES, 4600 SW 8TH Street. Funeral Mass 3:30 pm Friday at the Church of the Little Flower. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.