TAMPA, January 2, 2025 – AIC Architecture proudly marks its 35th anniversary with Andrew Matson's promotion to President. He succeeds Mike Puckett, who will continue as a Senior Partner until 2027.
Andrew has been an integral part of the company for over two decades. He joined the firm in 2004 after earning his Master of Architecture from the University of Florida's College of Design, Construction, and Planning. His unwavering commitment to the firm and dedication to advancing the architectural profession has established him as a leader in the industry.
Since becoming a Partner in 2013, Andrew has excelled as an Architect of Record, overseeing production and quality control. He has built strong relationships with their long-term clients and consultants, contributing to the company's high percentage of repeat clients and referrals. Over the years, AIC Architecture has developed a diverse portfolio of experience including corporate offices, retail, restaurants, warehouses, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and medical offices.
In addition to his role at AIC, Andrew serves as Vice President of Programs for NAIOP Tampa Bay, the leading organization for developers, owners, and investors of office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use real estate. In this position, he helps coordinate professional events to advance the local commercial real estate industry with educational and networking opportunities. Several of AIC Architecture's projects have been winners of the NAIOP Best of the Best awards and the company was selected as "Best Architecture Firm of the Year" in 2013, 2016, and 2023.
"It's an honor to lead AIC along with Mike Puckett and the rest of our Partners, Denisse Cuevas-Bonilla, Ashley Bell, and Camila Sainz de la Peña," says Andrew. "Our talented staff is our greatest asset, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of design excellence and client trust established by our founders, Leigh Young, Don Whallen and Mike Puckett."
Outgoing President/Managing Partner Mike Puckett joined the AIC Architecture firm 28 years ago. With nearly 40 years in the industry and a specialty in corporate offices, he has left his mark on almost every office building in the Tampa Bay area.
Mike is an active sitting member of both the Board of Directors for the Homes or Regency Cove and Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity at the University of Florida, where AIC recently designed their new Fraternity house on the UF campus. He also has a passion for supporting nonprofit organizations by providing architectural services for many deserving causes including The Spring of Tampa Bay, Mary & Martha House, Friends of Strays, Dawning Family Services, and presently A Kid's Place. Although Mike is not retiring just yet, this leadership shift allows time to properly transition management responsibilities, focus on mentoring the staff, and enjoy greater flexibility to travel.
"Witnessing Andrew's evolution from the time I hired him as a young Spring Break Intern Graduate Student to one of Tampa Bay's top Architects has been remarkable," reminisces Mike. "I am confident that the firm is in capable hands, under the direction of Andrew and my three AIC Partners."
AIC Architecture is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary Architecture and Commercial Interior Design Firm offering a full range of design services. Originally formed in 1990, it consistently ranks at the top of design firms in the Tampa Bay Area. Centrally located in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa, AIC manages projects across the State of Florida and throughout the Southeast of the United States. To learn more, visit www.aicoll.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Bolli
Marketing & Business Development Director
AIC Architecture
813.247.3332
abolli@aicoll.com
