FG+M Architecture Promotes Sustainability and Responsibility In Its Designs
Sustainability, social responsibility and innovation — along with giving back to the communities it serves — are at the heart of FleischmanGarciaMaslowski (FG+M) Architecture.
“FG+M Architecture delivers innovative and cost-effective design solutions across Florida, specializing in libraries, office facilities, municipal and cultural buildings, and educational environments for both higher education and K-12 institutions,” said Wendy Christenson, Director of Marketing. “Serving public and private clients throughout Florida, the firm has earned a strong reputation for functional and creative design excellence.”
The company has offices in Lakeland, Tampa, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Lutz and Jacksonville. They employ 36 people, including 10 architects, 11 project designers and nine interior designers.
Company History
In 1971 the company was founded as FleischmanGarcia by Sol Fleischman Jr. and Eduardo Garcia. Originally, they focused on home additions and commercial buildings. “Over time, it grew into a full-service architecture, planning and interior design firm, delivering projects across education, healthcare, performing arts, industrial, municipal, religious, multifamily and custom residential sectors,” Christenson said.
Garcia passed away in 1986 at age 46, prompting the firm to retain his name as a lasting tribute. In 2022, Marcel Maslowski was named President, and the firm changed its name to FleischmanGarciaMaslowski (FG+M) Architecture.
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Sustainability is a core value at FG+M, Christenson said, and the firm has completed more than 15 such projects. This includes eight LEED-certified buildings. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED certification is a rating system that assesses the environmental impact of buildings and encourages their sustainability. FG+M has four LEED-accredited professionals on staff.
“At FG+M Architecture, sustainability is not just a goal, it’s an integrated practice woven into every project,” Christenson said. “As a signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment, we are dedicated to reducing energy consumption, minimizing carbon impact, and designing high-performance buildings that contribute to a carbon-neutral future.”
The AIA 2030 Commitment is a climate strategy. It provides “a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment,” according to AIA.org.
FG+M ensures its designs are socially responsible and sustainable.
“At FG+M Architecture, we believe that great design is rooted in understanding the people it serves,” Christenson said. “Our approach is deeply embedded in community engagement. We ensure that our designs are not only socially responsible and sustainable but also enhance the value of the spaces we create for future generations.”
FG+M Community Engagement & Strategy
It goes beyond conversations with community leaders, she said. “We engage directly with the individuals who will live, work and gather in these spaces. Through interactive community workshops, design (workshops) and collaborative feedback sessions, we provide an open forum where residents, educators, business owners and stakeholders can voice their needs and aspirations. This participatory process allows us to tailor designs that foster inclusivity, functionality and a strong sense of place.”
Sustainability is a responsibility, Christenson said. “We integrate environmentally conscious strategies from the initial planning stages, incorporating energy-efficient materials, passive design principles and resilient infrastructure that respond to Florida’s unique coastal and inland environments. Our team continually seeks innovative solutions that minimize ecological impact while maximizing long- term value for communities.”
The firm uses a commitment to safety and a forward-thinking approach. It emphasizes adaptability and flexibility. They make spaces changeable to fit the needs of a community. “Whether it’s a school that accommodates new learning methodologies, a civic center that supports diverse programming or a park that encourages both recreation and environmental education,” she said.
Noteworthy FG+M Projects
Several notable sustainable FG+M projects that align with AIA 2030:
- Hanna Avenue City Center in Tampa. Achieved LEED Gold Certification in 2024 and received the AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence for Sustainability.
- Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. Achieved LEED Silver Certification.
- Spurlino Family YMCA in Riverview. A LEED Gold-certified facility designed to promote wellness while incorporating sustainable building practices.
- TECO Energy Demonstration Center in Apollo Beach. A LEED Gold-certified space showcasing renewable energy solutions and cutting-edge sustainability strategies.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to creating high-performance, energy-efficient environments that positively impact communities while reducing the ecological footprint,” Christenson said.
Learning From Others
The company watches other projects as well.
“We admire Florida Polytechnic University’s bold move to have an iconic building designed by a ‘star-chitect’ like Santiago Calatrava,” Christenson said. “This bold decision not only enhances the architectural landscape of the campus but also reinforces the university’s commitment to excellence, innovation and enduring legacy. It will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty and visitors, leaving a lasting impact on academia and beyond. At FG+M, we share this commitment to shaping communities through socially responsible and sustainable design. Ensuring architecture enriches lives for years.”
Aligning to Commitment
Christenson said FG+M does several things to ensure all projects align with the AIA 2030 Commitment.
“Our in-house Sustainability Committee drives our sustainability initiatives. This team ensures that every project aligns with AIA 2030’s energy reduction goals and incorporates best practices in sustainable design,” she said. Key strategies in the company’s Sustainability Action Plan are:
- Energy Performance & CO2 Reduction. “We report the predicted energy usage of our projects to the AIA Design Data Exchange, benchmarking performance and tracking progress toward an 80% energy reduction. Advanced tools help us optimize daylighting, energy efficiency, carbon impact and cost throughout every design phase.”
- Material Selection & Carbon Impact. “We prioritize low-carbon, high-durability materials to reduce environmental impact while ensuring longevity. Our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2030 means selecting materials and building systems that minimize embodied carbon and operational emissions.”
- Integrative Design Process. “Sustainability is considered from the very start of every project through an integrative design approach. We collaborate with consultants, contractors, and clients to make informed, responsible decisions.”
- Post-Occupancy Performance & Continuous Improvement. “After a building has been in operation for one year, we conduct a Post-Occupancy Survey to evaluate indoor environmental quality, occupant wellness and operational performance.”
The firm encourages hybrid and flexible work environments. Through local partnerships they attend Sustainable Lunch + Learns, where vendors provide education sessions.
“Through collaboration, innovation and sustainability, FG+M is dedicated to designing spaces that reflect the character, culture, and aspirations of the communities we serve. Our mission is to create environments that not only respect the past but also inspire the future.”
Giving Back
FG+M gives back through its Community Engagement Committee. This is led by Keenan Johnson, who has been with the firm for over a decade. It supports organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where it helps build homes for families in need. Also, Clothes to Kids, where it hosts summer clothing drives to provide essential items for children as they prepare for the school year. It also commits to education and literacy.
“FG+M’s interior designers and architects also take time to mentor and inspire the next generation by participating in the Great American Teach-In, where they share insights into the design and architecture industry with students,” Christenson said. “In collaboration with Paint Your Heart Out Tampa, team members volunteer annually to paint homes for those in need.”
Through such efforts and more “FG+M Architecture continuously fosters a culture of generosity, creativity and education, making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.”
