Leading architecture, planning and interior design firm FCA announced the addition of two noted Principals to its leadership team, Julio Braga, FIIDA, LEED AP, and Buzz Riley, LEED AP. The pair officially joined as principals in the firm’s New York City office on October 10 to oversee the growing corporate interiors practice, focusing on continued expansion for the firm, as the duo employ a collaborative process between clients and employees in pursuit of design excellence. Julio and Buzz bring a wealth of expertise and more than 20 years of experience in the architecture and design profession to the firm. A natural progression for FCA, the expanding corporate leadership team will build upon a strong foundation that is primed for future growth. 

“Welcoming such highly respected, inspired and award-winning professionals like Buzz and Julio to our team is an honor and represents a significant moment for our firm,” says FCA Principal Anthony Colciaghi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C. “The corporate studio’s portfolio is ever-increasing and the team has recently delivered numerous projects across the United States with a promising trajectory in the years ahead. While our team is expanding its footprint in New York, FCA is also making an even larger impact nationwide. We’re looking forward to continued growth alongside our clients for years to come.”

The new Principals provide the NYC corporate interiors team with additional support and guidance, assisting with broader firm-wide expansion efforts and business development goals. Earlier this year, FCA acquired Fred M. Humphrey & Associates, a legacy practice in Central Florida, to expand the firm’s national reach and strengthen the brand roster. The addition of Julio and Buzz reinforces FCA’s ongoing commitment to broadening the company’s reach and expertise while cultivating an outstanding and recognized company culture. The two distinguished leaders will continue to deliver FCA’s acclaimed client services and vision for the built environment as the organization grows its footprint throughout the country. 

“The depth of Buzz and Julio’s work is exceptional, and their knowledge and commitment to the New York business community is unparalleled,” says FCA Principal Mark Harbick, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP. “I’ve long admired each of them, both personally and professionally, and am thrilled to now have them on the team!”

Julio brings over two decades of experience in firm leadership, workplace design, and business development to his new role. Buzz has served in leadership positions with various notable corporate workplace clients throughout his nearly three-decades-long career. They boast an impressive shared history of collaboration over the last decade, with five years spent as co-managing directors at their previous firm. The two join FCA not as separate entities but as a dual force, providing a shared vision for the future of the corporate interiors division within the NYC practice. Together, they will build on FCA’s existing foundation of projects with notable clients such as EisnerAmper, McCarter & English, Fox Rothschild, and World Wide Technology to further solidify the firm’s regional presence in the corporate interiors sector.

“We are very excited to join FCA at such a pivotal time in the design industry,” says Buzz. “The firm’s work is well regarded and provides an incredible springboard to further evolve the practice. Julio and I have spent most of our careers in New York City and believe in its strength and legacy as the center of design excellence. We’re happy to be a part of FCA’s New York leadership team and are thrilled to continue building upon the incredible work of the organization.”

"FCA's core competencies in architecture, master planning, healthcare, and urban design will allow us to collaborate with a diverse team of design professionals, whose varied perspectives and broad knowledge base will enrich the corporate interiors practice,” adds Julio. “As the industry endeavors to develop workplace strategies that meet the current and future needs of clients, such diversity of thought and skill will be the key to success."