Industries from all over the world are constantly shifting toward inclusivity and diversity. Gone are the days when industries would often become male-dominated fields. This is especially the case for architecture firms, as Glow Architects is paving the way for women to feel empowered with their work and their craft.
Glow Architects is a women owned architecture firm. CEO and Chief architect Gloria Kloter has made it a point to inspire more and more women to embody the principles of grit, hard work, and determination within their careers, taking control of their own destinies.
Gloria Kloter herself has a success story unlike any other. Before establishing her firm in 2009, she was a student at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo), where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. She then received her Master’s Degree in Architecture at the University of A Coruña (Universidad de A Coruña) and Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Throughout her early childhood, she overcame obstacles that came her way. Gloria had to work since she started college in order to pay the bills. After a few years of struggles, she got her architect license and transferred to the USA. On June 15, 2020, she was blessed with a baby whom she loves dearly, and as a new archi-mom, she embraced the challenges that come with being a business owner and entrepreneur.
She has amassed over sixteen years of experience in architecture and interior design, working on various projects throughout her career. She began her career in 2004 working in the Dominican Republic with projects ranging from private commercial and residential clients. She led the design and development of a store by the famous fashion brand Steve Madden located in the Blue Mall in Santo Domingo. Her work on the project gained a lot of attention from the press, landing her on the pages of Arquitexto, a renowned architecture publication in Santo Domingo.
She has grown Glow Architects in many ways, yet apart from keeping herself busy with her firm, the renowned architect also allotted significant amounts of time to get involved in the communities of Tampa Bay, Florida. Gloria Kloter is an avid supporter of the community of architecture. She has taken it upon herself to give back to others in a variety of ways. She has volunteered for programs such as “Architecture in Education” at the Lee Elementary School for several years now.
“Architecture in Education” is an eight-week program that pairs professional architects up with fifth graders about Architecture. It aims to educate young minds on the discipline of Architecture, hoping to improve their mindset towards it and helping them pursue a career in the future.
Gloria Kloter also occupies a seat on the local AIA Tampa Bay chapter’s Board of Directors. She also founded various committees such as the Women in Architecture and Young Architects Forum in Tampa Bay. She serves as the chairwoman for both committees.
Throughout her illustrious career, the founder of Glow Architects has managed to receive accolades from far and wide. This includes the AIA Tampa Bay 2020 Kelley Award for helping young and aspiring architects. She also was spotlighted by NCARB, the AIA Florida Architect Journal, AYA YAF Connection, and the Women in Architecture committee in Tampa Bay in 2020. Gloria Kloter has also been featured in various publications such as HOY, Listin Diario, and Diario Libre in the Dominican Republic.
In the near future, Gloria Kloter hopes to continue her streak of inciting positive impact through her work. She aims to inspire others through her journey and through her amazing story. Ultimately, Gloria wants other women to overcome the challenges that they are facing today, and she wants to motivate them to reach for the stars. She also hopes to scale Glow Architects into a bigger company so she can create more projects that make a positive impact in the Tampa Bay community.
Learn more about Glow Architects by visiting the firm’s official website. To take a peek into the life of Gloria Kloter, visit her personal website.
