Spotlight On: Rick Gonzalez, President & Co-Founder, REG Architects
June 2025 — Invest: spoke with Rick Gonzalez, president and co-founder of REG Architects, to discuss the highlights, trends, challenges, and growth opportunities in architecture, historic preservation, and community planning, with a particular focus on projects and developments in South Florida and Palm Beach.
What have been some of the main highlights and key milestones for REG Architects in the last year?
COVID was a game changer for us, especially here in South Florida and Palm Beach. It brought a significant influx of people to the area. Then, with the elections and the increased national spotlight on Palm Beach — since the president-elect resides here and it’s referred to as the “Winter White House” — things have accelerated tremendously. The local economy and development have really picked up. Looking ahead, I believe the next four years are going to be nothing short of spectacular for this area.
Are there any significant shifts in what clients are asking for or how projects are being approached to meet market needs?
On the technology side, we’ve fully adopted Revit and BIM programming, which allows us to create 3D drawings and collaborate more effectively across teams. Unlike traditional CAD systems, these programs help us produce more coordinated and accurate designs, resulting in fewer mistakes. Clients appreciate this because it leads to a better final product.
We’ve also been utilizing scanning technologies for renovations, especially for historic buildings. This process involves scanning an entire structure to create precise digital files that can be converted into detailed drawings. It’s a game changer, particularly for historic preservation, where accuracy is absolutely essential.
Another big trend is community engagement. Many of our projects are high-profile and have significant community impact, so we’ve been incorporating community feedback from the early design phases all the way through to post-completion. This collaborative approach helps ensure that projects meet local needs and avoid backlash. It has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment.
What specific areas or project types do you expect will drive growth for your firm in the coming years?
We’re seeing significant growth in mixed-use developments. This is especially true in areas like Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Riviera Beach. These projects often combine office spaces and restaurants but not much retail, mostly due to the rise of online shopping. For example, we’re working on a major office building for Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter. It’s a three-story, 45,000-square-foot building that will serve as their Florida headquarters.
The Palm Beach County School Board is another major source of work for us. With the recent approval of a sales tax, there’s been a huge push to address infrastructure needs in schools. Security upgrades, such as secure entry points and guard houses, have become top priorities. At the same time, we’re focused on creating safe, comfortable, and modern learning environments, which include everything from proper gymnasiums to updated restrooms and classrooms.
Historic preservation also remains a cornerstone of our work. At any given time, we’re involved in about a dozen historic projects across Florida. I’d say we’re among the top three historic preservation firms in the state, and we’re recognized nationally for our expertise. For instance, I served on the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation during the 45th presidency, which was an honor.
What makes Palm Beach and the surrounding area such an attractive destination for businesses and investors?
It’s a combination of factors. On a global level, people are constantly seeking safety and stability, and the United States often tops that list despite its challenges. Within the United States, Florida and Texas stand out as top destinations, and within Florida, the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach is particularly attractive.
Palm Beach, in particular, benefits from its unique position as a hub of connectivity. The Brightline and Tri-Rail link us to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, creating a metropolitan corridor that feels similar to major urban centers like New York. This kind of infrastructure is essential for attracting businesses and investors who value accessibility and efficiency.
The presence of the president-elect and the “Winter White House” adds to the area’s prominence. It draws attention, businesses, and opportunities to the region.
Is security becoming a larger focus across your projects?
Security is now a key consideration in all types of projects, from mixed-use developments to schools and office buildings. For instance, many new office buildings feature secure lobbies, multiple checkpoints, and on-site guards. People want to feel safe in their environments, and we’ve seen that demand reflected in nearly every sector we work with.
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