Design and construction excellence

Hugo Velasquez, a Senior Registered Architect with the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) Department, exemplifies design and construction excellence through his leadership in creating innovative, inclusive, and community-focused park facilities while balancing operational needs and budgetary goals. His work on the design of a new recreation center, pool, and splash pad reflects a strong commitment to delivering high-quality public spaces that enhance both the user experience and operational efficiency.

Hugo has played a key role in balancing customer experience with budgetary constraints while ensuring designs support the needs of PROS operations and aquatics teams. Through ongoing collaboration with staff, he helps ensure that facilities are both functional and visually appealing, creating welcoming spaces that serve as strong first impressions of Miami-Dade County parks. His attention to detail also extends to operational functionality, including the design of restrooms that are easier to maintain and built for long-term durability.

A strong advocate for teamwork, Hugo actively engages with colleagues across departments and values diverse perspectives in the design process. He has facilitated cross-functional discussions, including site visits with aquatics staff, to better understand user needs and incorporate feedback into project designs. Hugo is also deeply committed to mentoring others, providing guidance on architectural reviews, leading consultant meetings, and empowering staff to take ownership of projects and professional growth opportunities.

Hugo consistently seeks innovative solutions that improve both functionality and cost efficiency. His efforts have resulted in meaningful project savings of approximately $67,000 without compromising quality or service to the public. He also ensures that facilities reflect the communities they serve and actively integrates sustainable and green design practices into his work. Recently, he identified accessibility concerns in a design and worked with consultants to ensure the space was more inclusive for individuals using wheelchairs, reinforcing his commitment to accessible design for all patrons.

Hugo’s dedication to excellence, collaboration, and inclusion is evident in every project he leads. His work continues to elevate the quality of Miami-Dade County’s parks and sets a high standard for design and construction across the organization, earning him the department’s Supervisor of the Quarter award.