Fulvio Romano is a partner at Rabits & Romano Architecture, Planning and Design. Romano began his architectural career in 2008 after graduating from the University of South Florida with a master’s degree in architecture. His mentor, Robert Rabits, is one of the most experienced and respected architects in Central Florida.
Since being named partner in 2012, Fulvio, a native of Brazil, has positioned the firm as an emerging leader in assisted living and has opened doors within the Brazilian community in Central Florida, fueling outstanding growth.
Fulvio’s résumé includes a number of design projects on a variety of building types, including: luxury assisted-living facilities, office buildings, mixed-use and retail. Rabits & Romano was selected as part of the design team for the first Banco do Brasil Orlando, the first ground up branch in America. The design was awarded XI Grande Prêmio de Arquitetura Corporativa, one of the most prestigious designations in South America. The bank, which was designed in a Modern Brazilian style, became an iconic building with Brazilian immigrants in Orlando, as shown on March 13, 2016, when it served as a rallying point for immigrants to voice their opinions on political events happening back in their native Brazil.
One of Fulvio’s signature projects was I-Drive NASCAR, an indoor go-kart racing facility, for which he served as designer, coordinator and project manager. Rabits & Romano received an Award of Merit from ENR Southeast Magazine and was recognized in Qualified Remodeler’s 2015 Master Design Awards for that project. Romano also worked on other projects with national visibility such as the ShantiNiketan Condominiums, which were featured in the New York Times on March 25, 2016, and on National Public Radio on February 6, 2015.
Whether supporting his heritage, supporting his college alumni association or bringing new business to south Orange County, Fulvio Romano is actively engaged. In 2016, he was appointed to the City of Orlando’s Appearance Review Board, a seven-member panel that applies appearance standards from city code to assure that developments align with established redevelopment guidelines and growth management plans. Members must be nominated by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
Fulvio is also a member of several business associations, including the South Orange Chamber of Commerce, the Central Florida Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce and the University of South Florida Alumni Association. He is involved in Habitat for Humanity, donating services for Staghorn Villas in Orlando. He also takes a personal interest in helping new immigrants from Brazil invest in American business and get introduced to the community. Romano believes that by incorporating Brazilians and fostering investment in Central Florida, it will assist the economy and continue to strengthen ties with Brazil. This support was so appreciated that Romano has been awarded the Brazilian Business Award, which he will receive on May 5, 2016. This award is an annual prize by the Focus Brazil Foundation honoring the accomplishments of Brazilian businessmen.
When not planning and designing for his firm, Fulvio enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters in Cape Canaveral, at Disney World and cheering for the Orlando Magic.