Principal Architect

Rick Gonzalez, AIA

President & Co-Founder

His award-winning designs have set the standard for excellence, shaping Palm Beach County’s architectural guidelines and being featured in the Florida CNU Guidebook and ULI Land Development Handbook.

Rick’s leadership has earned him appointments to the Florida Historical Commission and the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, as well as an appointment to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in 2020 and more recently reappointed in 2026 by President Trump. In 2020, Rick was honored with the Palm Beach AIA Gold Medal, the region’s highest recognition for design excellence.

Excellence, Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Teamwork, Adaptability, Positive Attitude, Creativity, Growth

Our team

Excellence, Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Teamwork, Adaptability, Positive Attitude, Creativity, Growth

Our team

Rick Gonzalez, AIA

President & Co-Founder

As president of the firm, Rick is a nationally recognized architect with over four decades of experience shaping landmark projects across Florida. Holding dual architecture degrees from the Catholic University of America and completing additional studies in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Miami-Dade College, Rick blends global perspective with deep local expertise. A recognized authority in historic preservation, he provides expert witness testimony, consulting services, and policy advisory roles that influence both public and private sector decisions. His award-winning designs have set the standard for excellence, shaping Palm Beach County’s architectural guidelines and being featured in the Florida CNU Guidebook and ULI Land Development Handbook. Rick’s leadership has earned him appointments to the Florida Historical Commission and the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design, as well as an appointment to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in 2020 and more recently reappointed in 2026 by President Trump. In 2020, Rick was honored with the Palm Beach AIA Gold Medal, the region’s highest recognition for design excellence.

Manuel Ayala, AIA, LEED AP

Vice President of Operations

Manuel Ayala, AIA, Vice President and second principal of the firm, is a Florida licensed architect with over three decades of experience spanning corporate offices, industrial facilities, retail spaces, multi-family residences, equestrian facilities, and educational buildings. He collaborates closely with the production team to ensure every project meets the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and consistency by reviewing progress sets for adherence to Florida Building Code, zoning laws, and industry regulations. Manuel plays a key role in quality control and risk management, identifying workflow efficiencies, resolving issues, and providing staff training on best practices. He also monitors performance metrics through the firm’s industry-leading project management software, BQE Core, and occasionally supports construction phases to ensure design integrity. Beyond his technical expertise, Manuel has served in leadership roles within the profession, including five years on the Board of the American Institute of Architects Palm Beach Chapter and a term as President from 2011 to 2012.

Brigitte Valbuena

Office Manager & Facilitator

Brigitte Valbuena oversees Human Resources and the office management/facilitation of REG. She is also a member of the Florida Paralegal Association. She joined the REG team in 2020 after her long-term career in the public sector. She is a licensed attorney in her native country of Colombia and continued her education in the USA further by obtaining a Master of Law in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami. Her experience in a broad range of legal fields has been adapted in the architectural field helping the company to effectively interact with clients, consultants, and colleagues, as well as supporting the administration aspect of the firm. Her motivation and effective collaboration with the team keeps promoting the growth of REG into the great company that it is today.

Dr. Brian Laura, D. Arch

Senior Project Manager

Brian Laura is an experienced Architectural Designer and a Senior Project Manager at REG with a demonstrated history of over ten years in historic preservation and new construction. Brian possesses exceptional skills in architecture, 3D modeling (BIM), and graphic design. He is a strong professional and crucial asset to the firm with a Doctor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii.

Christine Merrell, AIA

Senior Project Manager

Originally from Ohio, Christine Merrell is a Florida licensed and registered architect with over fifteen years of experience in the design, management, and execution of a wide variety of project types including restaurants, multi-family residential, municipal, community centers and educational buildings. Christine is a Senior Project Manager at REG providing guidance and solutions to her clients throughout all phases of a project.

Aleli de la Vega, Associate AIA

Senior Project Manager

Aleli de la Vega is a Senior Project Manager and lead Interior Designer at REG with over twenty-five years’ experience. In the past, she worked on numerous Miami-Dade, and Broward County projects. Responsible for a broad range of architectural services including, scope validation, maintaining project schedules, site planning, program development, design, cost estimates, bidding, negotiations, and construction administration. Previous professional experience includes design of complex town planning and mixed-use projects, pattern book, sustainable systems, architectural detailing, and concept development.

John Tuckus, AIA, NCARB

Senior Project Manager

John Tuckus is a Florida and California licensed Architect with over 20 years of experience in the design, management, and execution of a wide variety of project types including government buildings, hospitality, historic preservation, educational facilities, multi-family, commercial, and master planning projects. John is dual-trained in Architecture and Urban Planning, an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), NCARB-Certified, and a LEED accredited professional with a passion for Sustainable Design. He utilizes a hands-on detailed approach in providing quality projects with a standard of excellence that helps his clients optimize their goals and realize their mission.

Dominic J. Arresta, AIA

Project Manager

Dominic Arresta is a well-rounded architect with extensive experience in commercial, industrial, and residential design. Known for delivering functional, high-performance spaces, he brings a strategic and detail-oriented approach to every project. Dominic possesses strong Revit skills and a solid understanding of building codes, ensuring technical precision from concept through construction. Licensed in both New York and Florida, he maintains active architectural credentials while staying current with evolving industry standards. A graduate of SUNY Alfred, Dominic excels at balancing aesthetics, efficiency, and client goals. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), and Filitalia International, reflecting a commitment to professional growth and cultural heritage within the field of architecture.

Juan Ignacio Gonzalez, Associate AIA

Senior Project Designer

Juan Gonzalez is a Senior Project Designer with over ten years of experience across mixed-use, multifamily residential, hospitality, civic, educational, commercial, and industrial projects. He holds a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Originally from Colombia, Juan brings a culturally informed perspective to design, shaped by ongoing research into placemaking, urbanism, and community. He believes architecture should do more than respond to its context as it should foster connection, strengthen civic life, and create a sense of belonging. Juan is an Associate AIA member committed to design excellence and community impact. His work focuses on creating thoughtful, contextually responsive architecture that integrates sustainability, cultural influence, historic precedent, and innovation. With expertise in concept development, master planning, site planning, zoning analysis, visualization, and design communication, Juan helps transform complex ideas into compelling architectural narratives.

Ricardo Gonzalez III

Marketing Coordinator & Business Development

Ricardo Gonzalez III is REG’s Marketing Coordinator and Business Development specialist. As 3rd generation of REG, Ricardo’s bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship from Florida Atlantic University and prior work experience in the insurance and construction industries, has procured him the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain REG as one of the most prestigious architecture firms in Florida.