Sarit Sela

Background

About Sarit Sela

I am a licensed architect, planner, and LEED accredited professional with over 20 years of international experience in urban regeneration, design, economic development, historic preservation, and sustainability. As the City Architect at the City of Gainesville, I lead the design and planning of public projects that enhance the livability, vibrancy, and resilience of our city. I believe in site-specific and human-centered design, unlocking the potential of existing assets, and close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure holistic problem-solving and early buy-in. I am a creative visionary, as well as a practical doer, leading projects throughout implementation. In fall 2023, the Gainesville Downtown Strategic Plan I co-led was awarded the Achievement Award of Excellence by the International Downtown Association (IDA). In 2019, I was honored as a Citizen Architect by the Florida American Institute of Architects (AIA) for my advocacy and outreach efforts. I am also passionate about mindful movement and visual arts, and I enjoy teaching Nia and creating mixed media artworks.