MIAMI, Fla. — March 4, 2026 — Stratus Team, LLC (“Stratus®” or “the Company”), an integrated engineering, architecture, and consulting firm, joined Florida International University on March 4 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Sunblazer Hall with FIU students, faculty, staff, project partners, and members of the community.
Stratus is providing architectural design services for the 17-story, on-campus student residence in partnership with Moss Construction, the project’s general contractor.
Rising 17 stories, Sunblazer Hall will expand FIU’s on-campus housing with more than 1,170 student beds and six visiting faculty suites in a mix of apartments, studios, and resident assistant rooms. Four interconnected residential towers rise above a two-level podium and landscaped terrace, creating an open, walkable environment that strengthens connections across the university’s residential district.
Designed to support a true live-learn experience, the residence will feature study lounges on every residential floor, technology-enabled study spaces, and shared amenity areas that encourage collaboration and belonging. Open ground levels and a makerspace further connect the building to campus life and provide spaces for creativity and community.
“Sunblazer Hall represents the future of campus housing by creating spaces that support both academic success and community,” said David Harper, Principal Architect and Director of Higher Education at Stratus. “Designed to be a place where students can thrive, connect, and feel a strong sense of belonging, this facility brings together intentional design, modern amenities, and strong connections to the campus environment to create a true live-learn experience for FIU students. We are proud to help shape a residence that supports student success and elevates the on-campus experience.”
The design also prioritizes safety, sustainability, and long-term performance. A centrally located main entrance provides a single controlled point of entry with monitoring, while the building incorporates locally sourced materials, efficient systems, and prefabricated construction coordinated through Building Information Modeling to improve accuracy and reduce waste. The exterior combines precast panels, reflective metal cladding, and curtainwall glazing, and the project is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification.
Completion is expected in summer 2028.
About Stratus®
Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service, wherever projects take shape. For more information, visit www.stratusteam.com.