Richard McCree Jr, CEO, McCree General Contractors And Architects, Inc.

April 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Richard McCree Jr, CEO of McCree General Contractors and Architects, Inc., discussed the firm’s century-long legacy and integrated approach to project delivery. “Technology plays a major role in how we continue to improve,” McCree said.

What milestones have defined the company over its 100-year history?

There have been many milestones over the past century, and it is difficult to isolate just one in recent years because our growth has been cumulative. That said, one of the most defining developments has been our early adoption of the design-build model.

That philosophy dates back to my grandfather in the 1930s, and while it took time to fully realize, it has become central to how we operate. I have worked across varied delivery methods, including general contracting, construction management, owner representation, and design-build, with Design-build consistently producing the strongest outcome. It allows us to stay aligned with our core principle of designing and building right. Over time, we have expanded from residential into commercial and public-sector work while maintaining a diversified portfolio, but that philosophy continues to anchor everything we do.

How does your integrated design-build model create a competitive advantage in today’s fast-growing Central Florida market?

The biggest advantage is time. In a traditional model, a client hires an architect, develops plans, and only later determines cost and feasibility. That process can take months before a project is validated.

With design-build, we evaluate everything at once. When a client comes in with a concept, we are discussing budget, schedule, regulatory feasibility, and constructability simultaneously. Nothing is happening in isolation.

That approach significantly shortens the decision-making timeline. Instead of waiting six months to determine if a project works, clients can understand feasibility within weeks. In a market like Central Florida, where demand is accelerating, that efficiency becomes a major differentiator.

How is McCree incorporating technology to enhance efficiency and project delivery?

Technology plays a major role in how we continue to improve. We use tools such as REVIT and advanced 3D modeling to streamline design, and we incorporate virtual reality so clients can experience a space before it is built.

On the construction side, we are leveraging prefabrication and in-house production capabilities. We operate our own mill shop and use CNC machines that integrate directly with our design software, allowing us to move seamlessly from concept to production.

We are also exploring how emerging tools, including AI, can accelerate workflows. The goal is to reduce timelines across the board, from generating floor plans to estimating costs. The future of construction and architecture will be defined by how quickly and accurately these processes can come together.

How are you aligning your project pipeline with Central Florida’s continued population growth?

It starts with understanding the market. We spend a great deal of time studying demographic trends, economic activity, and migration patterns. Central Florida is experiencing strong population growth, and that drives demand across multiple sectors.

Once you understand who is moving into the region and what their needs are, you can identify where to focus. For us, that includes healthcare, senior living, housing, and energy. These are areas where demand is both immediate and sustained.

It is about being proactive. If you understand where the market is heading, you can position your company to serve those needs effectively.

Which sectors are currently generating the most activity for McCree, and what do they signal about the regional economy?

We are seeing strong activity in healthcare, retirement communities, and multifamily housing. Housing, in particular, is a major driver, and it often leads to additional development such as retail and supporting infrastructure.

We are also seeing growth in light industrial projects and continued demand in public-sector work, including schools and fire stations. These projects reflect the infrastructure needed to support a growing population.

Overall, the pattern is clear. Population growth fuels housing demand, which in turn drives commercial and institutional development. It is a chain reaction that reflects a healthy and expanding regional economy.

What concerns do you have about the pace of growth in Central Florida?

The main concern is whether the community can manage that growth effectively. Growth is positive, but if it happens too quickly, it can strain infrastructure and impact quality of life.

It is important for all stakeholders to remain thoughtful about how development is planned and executed. Managing growth responsibly is just as important as achieving it.

Looking ahead, what are the biggest needs for Central Florida’s continued development?

One of the biggest needs is greater economic diversity. Central Florida has strong industries, including tourism and healthcare, but expanding into a wider range of sectors will make the region more resilient.

A more diversified economy creates stability and supports long-term growth. When multiple industries are thriving, they reinforce each other and create a stronger foundation.

What has enabled McCree to sustain success over 100 years?

That is a question we think about often. Longevity does not happen by accident, especially for a family-owned business.

It requires clear boundaries, strong values, and a commitment to the principles that define the company. Over time, many organizations lose their identity, particularly through acquisitions or rapid expansion.

Maintaining our integrity and staying true to our philosophy of designing and building right has been critical. We focus on doing what is best for our clients and preserving the values that have guided us for generations.

That consistency, combined with a willingness to keep learning and evolving, is what has allowed us to navigate a century of change and continue moving forward.