Local success fuels architectural firm’s Dubai expansion

A homegrown architectural firm has left an indelible mark on St. Petersburg and the surrounding area. Behar + Peteranecz now hopes to replicate that success in a Middle Eastern metropolis. 

The company will open a “major” Dubai office in late 2025 or early 2026. Principal Jordan Behar said he is now finalizing paperwork and exploring potential projects in a city known for its grandeur. 

Dubai is home to about 3.9 million people and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at 2,717 feet. Behar noted his firm has a “pretty significant growth and expansion plan right now.” 

“To compete on the global stage is meaningful for us – we’re that confident in what we do and how we do it,” Behar said. “To be able to do it here in our hometown is what’s most important to us. But taking that and doing it on a global stage is also pretty exciting.” 

Behar + Peteranecz’s open studio fosters collaboration.

Behar + Peteranecz was founded in Clearwater in 2008. The firm typically carries 40 to 80 mostly local projects annually. 

Behar + Peteranecz opened a unique and expansive headquarters in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District in 2014. Principal Istvan Peteranecz noted the firm established an early reputation for discerning “tough solutions” for “complicated projects,” primarily in Clearwater Beach. 

He said that aligned with his previous experience completing “infill and just highly creative projects that were developer-friendly” in Washington, D.C. What began with three people now employs about 35 architects.

Behar said he spent the past few years “looking all through Saudi Arabia” for an ideal second location. “At the end of the day, Dubai is really the center and heart of that area for international growth and opportunity.” 

Some local architects will likely make the trek – a nearly 17-hour flight – to Dubai. Peteranecz stressed the importance of maintaining the firm’s culture, design standards and identity. 

Behar + Peteranecz’s recent St. Petersburg projects include the popular new restaurant Juno & the Peacock and the Florida Holocaust Museum’s much-anticipated redevelopment. Behar called it “meaningful” to win a competitive contract for an “extremely important” cultural institution.

An expanded Florida Holocaust Museum will soon open in St. Petersburg. Rendering provided.

The firm has designed Snell Isle mansions and a former poet laureate’s home on Beach Drive. Behar called that a “sleeper” project that kept the building, created with a “concept of stanzas and poetry,” from becoming a downtown development. 

“There are moments when I realize that I woke up in a house I designed, I drop my kid off at a school I designed, go to a brewery – I get my hair done at a salon I designed – every once in a while it hits you,” said Architect Tara Wood Dozark. 

“It’s hard to work away from your family for so many hours when you have small children. But then, to realize you’ve contributed to the built environment they encounter every day is a nice feeling. My kids are proud.” 

Peteranecz noted that delivering a community impact and the associated notoriety brings a level of responsibility. “If you mess up, you really mess up,” he said. 

Behar also stressed the importance of leaving a proud legacy. “You’re shaping a community that you, your family, your parents and your next generation will be living in,” he said. 

Dozark said outside developers who hire Behar + Peteranecz understand their commitment to the surrounding community. Peteranecz added that there is an “interesting dichotomy there,” as some builders believe local firms are less qualified for large projects. 

“We choose to be stationed here, but that doesn’t mean that’s all we’ve ever done,” he continued. “We can do that work – because we have done that work.” 

Behar + Peteranecz designed the Exchange Hotel’s redevelopment into a 28-story residential tower. The firm also led a 23-story mixed-use project overlooking Mirror Lake through the city’s approval process. 

New York-based Red Apple Group, the developer behind the Residences at 400 Central, recently purchased the property. Tampa’s Gianco Companies enlisted Behar + Peteranecz to help create a site plan for the storm-damaged 300 Central building’s redevelopment.  

“We’re one of the few in the area that actually competes on true high-rise projects,” Behar said. 

The firm is particularly proud of its culture and team. Dozark credited the open, collaborative studio for fostering young creative minds and attracting experienced architects who value its “vibrant energy.” 

Behar said the firm is proud to “imbue these buildings with meaning” that might not be readily apparent to the average resident. Peteranecz noted that their work belongs to the community. 

“It’s our building,” Peteranecz added. “It’s not just a building.” 

Architect Tara Wood Dozark showcases a 3D printed model. Behar + Peteranecz has embraced new technology to propel design efforts.