Principal Architect
Rick Gonzalez, AIA
President & Co-Founder
President of the firm and in charge of design and client relations, Rick Gonzalez is involved in pursuing new jobs, preparing proposals, conceptualizing designs, and providing design input through project’s development. As a licensed and registered architect in Florida and North Carolina, he is a member of the American Institute of Architects with over thirty-seven years of experience in the architectural profession.
More recently, he has been granted the status of Member Emeritus under the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation (FTHP) now serving as a lifelong member. Rick is also involved in the presentation of all REG projects to the public, in other words, planning and zoning, commissioners, citizens groups.
After a design phase is completed, Rick remains involved in reviewing the progress of the construction documents, progress of bidding and permitting and visiting job sites during construction for compliance with design intent. Completing his office duties include reviewing and providing management assistance with his business partner Manny and the daily office operations of the firm.
Our team
Our team
Personal approach
REG Architects, inc. offers the key personnel approach to assist government or non-profits achieve their design project goals. We will work with city staff and all city consultants to deliver a high quality environment. REG is capable of completing this assignment as we’ve done on previous continuing contract municipal projects because of our comprehensive team approach to project delivery.
Organization
Our office is organized into three departments supervised by three managing principals that are involved from inception to completion of each project at REG. Weekly meetings are held on all projects to review outstanding issues and plan the staff work accordingly.
Project approach
REG Architects, inc. project approach is consistent throughout; whether a large or small assignment, our philosophy and ideal is to satisfy our client’s goals with exceptional designs and built environments that will last and exceed the client’s expectations.
Personal Approach
REG Architects, Inc. offers the key personnel approach to assist Government or Non-Profits achieve their design project goals. We will work with City staff and all City consultants to deliver a high quality environment. REG is capable of completing this assignment as we’ve done on previous continuing contract municipal projects because of our comprehensive team approach to project delivery.
Organization
Our office is organized into three departments supervised by three managing principals that are involved from inception to completion of each project at REG. Weekly meetings are held on all projects to review outstanding issues and plan the staff work accordingly.
Project Approach
REG Architects, Inc. project approach is consistent throughout; whether a large or small assignment, our philosophy and ideal is to satisfy our client’s goals with exceptional designs and built environments that will last and exceed the client’s expectations.
Rick Gonzalez, AIA
President & Co-Founder
President of the firm and in charge of design and client relations, Rick Gonzalez is involved in pursuing new jobs, preparing proposals, conceptualizing designs, and providing design input through project’s development. As a licensed and registered architect of Florida, he is a member of the American Institute of Architects with over thirty-seven years of experience in the architectural profession. More recently, he has been granted the status of Member Emeritus under the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation now serving as a lifelong member. Rick is also involved in the presentation of all REG projects to the public, in other words, planning and zoning, commissioners, citizens groups. After a design phase is completed, Rick remains involved in reviewing the progress of the construction documents, progress of bidding and permitting and visiting job sites during construction for compliance with design intent. Completing his office duties include reviewing and providing management assistance with Manny and the daily office operations of the firm.
Manuel Ayala, AIA, LEED AP
Vice President of Operations
Manuel is a Florida licensed and registered architect with over twenty-five years of experience in the design, management, and execution of a wide variety of project types including office, retail, residential, and educational buildings. He was a Board member of the American Institute of Architect’s Palm Beach Chapter for five years, having served as the organization’s President from 2011-2012. As Vice President/Partner, he oversees the management of REG staff and consultants together with input on REG’s day to day office operations. Manuel also provides input to initial stages of a project to make sure schedules and project procedures are being implemented. His involvement continues with additional input in the construction documents, bidding, permitting, and finally in construction phases with emphasis in conflict resolution (when required) with staff, consultants, clients, building officials and general contractors. His many years of practical approach experience in the architecture and construction industry are the “glue” between REG’s creative force and a client’s satisfaction with the final built product.
Vlad Dumitrescu, AIA, LEED AP, Associate
Senior Project Designer
Vlad Dumitrescu is the Design Manager Associate of REG with over thirty-seven years’ experience. He manages all REG projects through the design phase and then assists the production manager and project managers in answering any design related issues that may arise during production of construction documents and construction phases. Vlad works very closely with Rick in reviewing projects program and developing design concepts for each of the firm’s assignments. In those assignments where interiors are included, he also collaborates with the Interiors department. Vlad and the staff in the design department meet with Rick on a weekly basis to obtain and coordinate design input from conceptual through planning and zoning through design development. He also coordinates with the Production and Construction departments managers as necessary to assist them with any design issues they may have.
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.
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 world of public insurance adjusting for property owners throughout the State of Florida, has procured him the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain REG as one of the most prestigious architecture firms in Florida.
Maria Beckwith
Accounting Services Manager
Darcy Ann Henry
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Henry has been in the field of architecture for 15 years, twelve of them with REG. She assists the president and vice president with marketing materials, contract preparation, and office operations. The firm also submits many requests for qualifications for local municipalities, counties and other government agencies and she spearheads this process.
Director Emeritus
Christine Merrell, R.A.
Project Manager
Originally from Ohio, Mrs. Merrell is a Florida licensed and registered architect with over 13 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. Skilled in AutoCad, Revit and Photoshop, Christine also assists in graphic design for clients for marketing purposes.
Ricardo Gonzalez, R.A.
Director Emeritus & Co-Founder
January 28, 1935 to July 17, 2022
Colin Price
Director Emeritus & Former Vice President