EST. FLORIDA

RT Architectural
Design & Consultants

Preserving heritage.
Crafting the future.

THE PRACTICE

A life in architecture,
rooted in Florida.

Thoburn Russell is an architectural designer whose career spans historic preservation of the highest order and the creation of innovative modern environments. His journey began in Florida under the direct mentorship of Nils Schweizer, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright.

This apprenticeship instilled a profound respect for organic architecture — the belief that buildings must grow naturally from their place, materials, and purpose. That philosophy continues to guide every project.

From the meticulous restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Annie Pfeiffer Chapel to the land planning foundations of what would become Disney Springs, from secure defense facilities to 5,000-seat performance halls, the work is united by one principle: the seamless integration of function and beauty.

In recent years, in close collaboration with architect Michael Rust, the practice led the thoughtful redesign of the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapu, Maui — a project originally conceived by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s. The work honors Wright’s vision while adapting the course and its structures to contemporary needs and the dramatic Hawaiian landscape.

EDUCATION
  • Boston Architectural College
  • Rollins College
  • Miami Dade College
MENTORSHIP

Nils Schweizer, protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, was appointed by Wright as his Southeastern U.S. Representative to oversee Florida Southern College as the ‘College of Tomorrow.’

MICHAEL RUST, AIA
Stamping Authority & Collaborating Architect
EDUCATION
  • Taliesin School of Architecture
MENTORSHIP

John Rattenbury, protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, contributed to preparing drawings and details for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

DISCIPLINES

Expertise refined
over decades.

Historic Preservation

Authentic restoration and conservation of significant structures, with deep expertise in Frank Lloyd Wright textile-block construction and period-appropriate material replication.

Organic Architecture

Design that grows naturally from site, climate, materials, and human experience — continuing the living tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices.

Commercial & Cultural Design

Large-scale public and entertainment environments including theme park pavilions, airport terminals, and major assembly spaces that serve thousands daily.

Secure & Defense Facilities

ITAR-compliant, ATF-regulated, and classified environments for aerospace and defense clients. Tempest rooms, ordnance storage, and sensitive technology facilities.

Land Planning & Master Planning

Foundational site and district planning for major destinations. We also provide real estate valuation insights and property acquisition support — helping clients identify land or renovation opportunities that perfectly align with their architectural vision.

Event & Stage Design

Specialized large-scale performance venues including a 5,000-seat auditorium with custom theatrical systems, acoustics, and code-compliant egress design.

Residential Design

Private homes conceived as organic extensions of their sites. Emphasis on natural materials, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and architecture that honors the land it inhabits.

SELECTED WORKS

A legacy of
distinguished projects.

From sacred restorations to classified defense facilities — each project reflects a commitment to craft, context, and enduring quality.

Some projects remain confidential under client agreement.
“Through my work, I’ve embraced both the preservation of architectural history and the innovation of future designs — always focusing on the integration of function with aesthetic beauty.”
— THobURN RUSSELL
HOW TO BEGIN

Start with a focused
review. Commit to clarity.

Exceptional architecture begins with listening. For a focused $200 Initial Requirements Review, Thoburn Russell and the Design Team will personally study your vision, site parameters, program, and budget.

Real Estate + Design Integration: We uniquely bridge architectural design with property intelligence. Whether you need help finding the right land to build on, identifying promising renovation opportunities, or preliminary valuation context to align your project with smart acquisitions — this review includes actionable insights drawn from our active real estate work.

What makes this different
  • • Direct principal involvement from the first conversation
  • • Florida-specific regulatory and market fluency
  • • A true partnership mindset — your success is our reputation
$200
ONE-TIME FEE
Initial Design Review
MAILING LIST EXCLUSIVE
You receive:
  • Personal review of your written requirements and supporting materials by the Design Team
  • Detailed written summary + initial recommendations delivered within 5 business days
  • Preliminary Real Estate Opportunity Match: curated thoughts on land or renovation projects aligned with your goals
  • 100% of the $200 credited toward any subsequent full architectural services contract
PAY $200 SECURELY WITH STRIPE → ACTIVATE MY REVIEW

Powered by Stripe • Instant confirmation • Fully credited if you proceed with us

After payment: You’ll receive an automated receipt and be added (via our Stripe–Mailchimp data mapper) to the priority client sequence. We will contact you within 1 business day to schedule your review kickoff and collect any additional project materials.
DETAILED INQUIRIES

Prefer to share more first?

Submit a preliminary inquiry below. Note: Paid Review clients (above) receive priority scheduling and a guaranteed personal response from the Design Team within 48 hours.

This free inquiry path is best for initial outreach. For guaranteed Design Team review + real estate insights within 5 days, use the paid review above.

DIRECT
Thoburn Russell, Principal
RT Architectural Design & Consultants LLC
EMAIL
info@architectural-design-intl.net
LOCATION
Central Florida, USA
CONFIDENTIAL PROJECTS

Many defense, aerospace, and private commissions are undertaken under strict non-disclosure. Inquiries regarding past work are welcome with appropriate credentials.

Real estate clients: Ask about our integrated valuation + design packages for acquisition support.