Jane Lanahan Decker is an architect, public servant, author, and lifelong learner who believes that success isn't defined by a single career, title, or destination, but by the courage to keep growing, exploring, and embracing what's next.
A 2000 graduate of the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture, Jane spent nearly fifteen years in private architectural practice with Gail B. Baldwin, Architect, Inc., serving as project architect on numerous South Florida projects, including the Mayfair Hotel and Spa renovation, Grand Bay Tower, and the conceptual design of the 2222 Biscayne office tower.
Driven by curiosity about the broader development process, she earned a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Nova Southeastern University in 2011 and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida in 2019. She is also a 2022 graduate of the International City/County Management Association's Emerging Leaders Development Program.
In 2012, Jane discovered an unexpected passion for public service when she joined the City of Doral, Florida. Today, as Development Services Administrator, she leads multidisciplinary teams responsible for building, planning, zoning, code compliance, and related development services. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between government and the architecture, engineering, and construction industries through collaboration, innovation, process improvement, and exceptional public service.
A licensed architect, building code official, and certified floodplain manager, Jane was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the state's Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board in 2022. She is a past president of the South Florida Building Officials Association, a two-time recipient of its Member of the Year award, and a published contributor to ICMA's PM Magazine and the Blue Courage Illuminate® Journal.
Never one to stop learning, Jane continues her academic journey through Florida State University's Juris Master program, expanding her knowledge of law, public policy, and leadership. She is also a Florida real estate professional, bringing together her interests in architecture, development, and helping others recognize the possibilities in the built environment.
In 2023, Jane published her first book, Ready, Set, Architect!, sharing lessons on professional success, career transitions, and the freedom to pursue new opportunities without guilt.
Three years later, her imaginative superhero alter ego inspired a new adventure. Janie D's Architectural Adventures, a coloring and activity book for children ages 8 and up, invites young explorers to discover iconic buildings around the world, unleash their creativity, and imagine themselves as the architects of tomorrow.
When she's not navigating building codes, writing, studying, or dreaming up her next project, Jane enjoys traveling, golfing, baking, and spending time with family and friends. A proud mom and enthusiastic believer in reinvention, she continues to find inspiration in the places she visits, the people she meets, and the adventures still ahead.
Her philosophy is simple: There's always something new to learn, something wonderful to discover, and another adventure waiting around the corner.
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