John Perez received his Bachelor of Design degree in Interior Design from the University of Florida College of Architecture in 1999.

After graduation, he was employed at a small design firm, where he had the opportunity to design various projects. Working at a small design firm offered him the opportunity to work hands on with his clients, contractors, engineers, and architects early in his career. He relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 2004, where he was employed at Rink Design Partnership Inc., a mid-sized, multidisciplinary architectural firm.

In 2010, he started Hota Design Studio. LLC, a small, boutique firm specializing in commercial and corporate design. Hota Design Studio. LLC has completed projects in Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Massachusetts, and Florida. Notable projects include Zeds Restaurant in Austin, TX, and the HMX-1 presidential helicopter maintenance hangar at Quantico, VA.

John’s continued commitment to the design community involves mentoring and guiding students seeking education in the field of design. He is actively involved with the IIDA, and is currently the IIDA North Florida Chapter VP of Student Affairs. He is state licensed in Florida and Georgia, and is also a member of the UF Alumni Association. He is an NCIDQ certificate holder, and volunteers his time at interior design departments at colleges and universities throughout Florida and Georgia.