gfdgroups

Team

Meet the Team

Gerald F. DeMarco

Founder (1938 – 2020)

GFD Group Miami builds upon the legacy of Gerald DeMarco, Architect, who established his practice in Miami, Florida in 1981. For nearly forty years, the firm practiced in an interdisciplinary manner, where creative design collaborated with well-ordered engineering to produce a carefully curated result.

Jacqueline P. James-Lyttle, Ph.D., P.E.

Co-Owner/Principal

Our detail-driven, licensed, professional engineer, with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, M.S. in Architectural Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Civil/Architectural Engineering, Jacqueline is a skilled problem identifier with the innate ability to resolve challenges at an early stage.

Dorota M. Lopez, M.Arch., C.G.C.

Co-Owner/Principal

With a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Miami, a Certified General Contractor License, and seventeen years of experience in Design and Project Management, Dorota brings a balance of creativity and execution to every project.

Guillermo Lopez

Chief Operating Officer

Guillermo stands at the forefront of GFD Groups as the Chief Operating Officer, a role that reflects his extensive experience in the private sector and his visionary leadership. His journey, spanning over two decades as an entrepreneur, former practicing attorney, and corporate executive, has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering love and connection in every aspect of his professional and personal life.

Andrea Blanco

Logistics Manager

Andrea Blanco, serving as the Logistics Manager at GFD, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table with a solid educational background, including an Associates in Arts for Architecture received in 2004. She holds a Project Management Certification from UM in 2023 and boasts an impressive 20 years of experience in overall project management. Noteworthy projects in Andrea’s portfolio include the Red Fish Bathroom Remodel in 2012 and construction management for Giralda Plaza in 2015.

German Espitia

Senior Architect

German Espitia is a Senior Architect at GFD with a wealth of experience spanning 24 years in the field. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad de San Buenaventura in Cali, Colombia, German has continued to expand his expertise by obtaining certifications in Design, Building & Construction and 3D Visualization from I.D.C and Pratt Institute, respectively.

Anna Valdes

Junior Designer

Anna Isabel Valdes, a Junior Designer at GFD, brings a fresh perspective and creative energy to the team. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami in 2023, Anna has quickly accrued 2 years of experience in the field. Originally from Panama City, Panama, she found her new home in Miami in 2018 when she embarked on her architectural journey at the University of Miami.

Christina Moss

Architecture Associate

Grace Rodriguez

Interior Design Assistant

Grace Rodriguez, an Interior Design Assistant at GFD, brings six years of experience in the field. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, with Cuban roots, Grace’s visual acuity and creativity make interior design her forte. Her knack for selecting colors and materials, coupled with a keen eye for aesthetics, enables her to understand and realize clients’ visions effectively.

Marc Rodriguez

Engineer In Training

Gilbert Pichardo

Electrical Engineer

Youssry Antoun

Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer

Dillianis Arenas

Architectural Intern

Dilianis Arenas, an Architectural Intern at GFD, holds an Associates in Arts (2020) and is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Architecture. With 8 months of experience, Dilianis has contributed to notable projects such as Serenity/St. Vincent (renderings in 2023) and Canash/St. Vincent (client presentations, design options, and masterplan iterations in 2023 and beyond).

Alex Adams

Architectural Intern

Alex Jermaine Adams is an integral part of GFD as an Architectural Intern, with a Bachelor of Architecture obtained in 2024. Although he has half a year of experience, Alex’s expertise lies in architecture and he is affiliated with the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students.

Kiana Murat

Engineering Intern

Kiana A. Murat, an Engineering Intern at GFD, holds an Associates in Chemistry (2021) and possesses 9 months of experience. She has notably contributed to a Senior Design Project focused on building a device to capture wave power energy on a smaller, cost-effective scale.

Alex Restrepo

Operations Coordinator

Alex Restrepo is the Operations Coordinator at GFD with over 25 years of management experience spanning Operations, Human Resources, and Training. Holding an AA in Teaching Secondary Biology, Alex has excelled in coordinating large-scale projects, notably spearheading the branding efforts for multiple conventions at the Hollywood Diplomat Resort and Convention Center in Hollywood, Florida.

Dan Dapo

Executive Assistant

Daniel Dapo is an experienced Executive Assistant with a background in AB Philosophy, graduating Cum Laude in 2018. Holding a Civil Service Career Professional License, he has over 10 years of expertise in executive and administrative support, tech tools and process optimization, as well as leadership and management.

John Veloso

Social Media Manager

John is an esteemed and highly valued asset within GFD’s social media team. His contributions are essential in the company’s efforts to establish and maintain a formidable social media presence. With a keen understanding of the digital landscape, John adeptly navigates the complexities of various platforms.

Tiffany Augusta

Bookkeeper

Wilfredo Segui

Chief Financial Officer
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