We were lucky to catch up with Gloria Kloter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gloria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

When I moved to the USA in 2015, I thought I could seamlessly continue my architecture practice, which I had successfully established in the Dominican Republic. However, I quickly discovered that my architect license wasn’t recognized here, and I couldn’t even use the title “Architect,” let alone open my own firm. This unexpected barrier led me to work as an employee at an architecture firm for four years while I went through the rigorous process of getting my U.S. license. I finally achieved that goal in 2019, but by then, I was settled into the stability of a regular paycheck and the structure of traditional employment.

In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic and the arrival of my first child, I had to make a life-altering decision—for myself and my family. This is when I founded Glow Architects. I chose to take that risk despite the challenges of launching a business during an economic downturn. There was widespread uncertainty about the future, but I knew this was the right move.

In my book, The Architecture of Motherhood, I advise others not to let someone else’s limitations become their own. Many people, influenced by their own comfort zones, encouraged me to keep my steady job, but I realized their advice reflected their fears, not my aspirations. I knew I wanted more: the freedom to lead a practice that aligned with my personal and family needs.

Looking back, I’m grateful I trusted my instincts and started Glow Architects. With the unwavering support of my husband and family, we’ve been busy since day one. Being a small business owner has given me the flexibility and autonomy I needed to balance my roles as an architect, mother, and leader in the architectural community. Taking that leap was a risk, but one I’m proud to have made.

Gloria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Gloria Kloter, an architect originally from the Dominican Republic and now based in the U.S. I’m the founder and CEO of Glow Architects, an architectural firm in Tampa, Florida that blends innovative design with a deep focus on creating spaces that elevate how people live and interact with their environments. I’ve been fortunate to practice architecture in both my home country and the U.S., a path that required resilience, adaptation, and a strong passion for advocating for others who face similar challenges.

At Glow Architects, we provide architectural design services that prioritize professionalism and creative excellence, using tools like 3D render technology to give our clients a clear vision of their projects. What sets us apart is our dedication to making each client feel seen and understood. We design not only for function but also to spark inspiration and connection through carefully crafted spaces.

I’m particularly proud of the work I do to support immigrant architects, women in architecture, and mothers in the profession. Through my private mentorship online community, Foreign Architects, and my work with the Immigrant Architects Coalition, I provide guidance to immigrant architects and designers navigating the U.S. licensing process, drawing from my own experience of overcoming licensing barriers. I’ve been elected to serve on the AIA National Strategic Council as an 2025-2027 At-Large Representative and am proud to use this platform to amplify these voices further.

I’m also a published author, and in my book, The Architecture of Motherhood, I discuss my personal journey to balance motherhood with my career, offering insights for women who want to succeed in both. This mission to empower others extends to my co-authored works, City Shapers and Prospering in the U.S., where I share stories and practical advice for foreign-born architects and designers pursuing their dreams here.

The recognition I’ve received, from awards like the AIA Tampa Bay 2020 Kelley Emerging Professional Award or the Outstanding Leadership Award by Realty 2.0 to being honored in AIA’s Women Leadership Summit with the 2019 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Scholarship, and invitations to speak at leading conferences on Architecture and podcasts, humbles and motivates me to continue paving the way for others. As a speaker, I strive to reach and inspire fellow architects and industry leaders, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.

Glow Architects has been fortunate to gain recognition in several major publications, from Architizer to South Tampa Magazine, which have highlighted my journey and my work as an immigrant architect, business owner, and mother. At its core, my practice is about building communities—not only through the spaces we create but by empowering those around us to realize their full potential. I want my clients, collaborators, and supporters to know that Glow Architects is here to help bring their vision to life with authenticity, excellence, and a dedication to creating spaces that truly resonate.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Our most valuable source of new clients has always been networking and word of mouth. Over the years, we’ve nurtured long-lasting relationships with a wide network of professionals in the industry, including fellow architects, engineers, general contractors, investors, and developers. These connections have led to some of our most exciting projects and have built a foundation of trust and credibility around our work. I believe that these partnerships thrive because we’ve dedicated time to understanding our clients’ needs and aligning with other professionals who share our commitment to quality and innovation.

In addition to referrals, our online presence has also become a strong driver for new clients. Our website, Google business profile, and social media platforms, especially Instagram and Facebook, have proven powerful tools for connecting with clients who resonate with our approach to design. These channels give prospective clients a clear picture of our work, values, and expertise before they even reach out, which helps set the tone for a positive working relationship.

The way we present ourselves online—whether through project visuals, client testimonials, or design insights—has become an essential part of our brand and lead generation strategy. We strive to ensure that every piece of content reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and professionalism, which has helped build a reputation that speaks for itself. This blend of meaningful industry relationships and a thoughtful online presence has truly been the key to attracting new clients who are aligned with our vision and values.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my social media presence by focusing on my personal brand first, rather than my business brand, because I believe people connect most deeply with authentic stories and experiences. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to speak at many industry conferences, such as the AIA and NOMA National Conferences on Architecture, among others. These speaking engagements provided a powerful platform to share my journey as an architect, advocate, and mother, which has resonated with audiences and helped me grow a dedicated following.

Additionally, being interviewed and featured in prominent publications like Architizer, Thrive Global, and South Tampa Magazine, as well as on podcasts like Practice Disruptive Podcast and Context & Clarity, has allowed me to reach a broader audience. These features have not only given me credibility but have also helped me engage with people interested in the unique intersection of architecture, advocacy, and life balance.

My books, The Architecture of Motherhood and co-authored works like City Shapers and Prospering in the US, have also been crucial to building my audience. Each book represents a part of my journey, whether it’s navigating architecture as a new mom or overcoming barriers as an immigrant architect. Sharing these experiences in book form has allowed me to connect with others on a meaningful level and inspire those facing similar challenges.

Leadership roles and community involvement have also played a significant role in my online growth. Serving as a mentor, advocate, and leader in organizations like the AIA, NCARB, the Immigrant Architects Coalition, and Arquitina has positioned me as someone who genuinely cares about the community and is willing to give back. My online audience sees that I’m not just here to promote my work but to support others in the industry, especially immigrants, women, mothers, and small business owners.

As for advice for those starting out on social media, my biggest tip is to focus on providing value rather than just gaining followers. There’s a quote that resonates with me: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”, in other words, be a servant leader. Offer content that genuinely helps others, whether it’s advice, insights, or simply sharing parts of your journey that might inspire others. Lastly, engage with your audience! Respond to comments and private messages you may receive, answer questions, and connect with others in your field. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about building relationships, and that starts with being present and authentic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.glowarchitects.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriakloter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriakloter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriakloter/
• Twitter: https://x.com/GloriaKloter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GloriaKloter

Image Credits

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