C.T. Hsu + Associates Celebrates 35 Years
The year was 1984. Ronald Reagan was president and Apple released its original Macintosh personal computer. Colonel Joe Kittinger became the first person to complete a solo transatlantic flight in a helium balloon named Rosie O'Grady, while Sally Ride became the first American woman in space on the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Closer to home, Bill Frederick was mayor of Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center celebrated its first anniversary, and C.T. Hsu, FAIA, LEED AP, established C.T. Hsu + Associates (CTH+A).
Tim McNicholas, AIA, LEED AP, was CTH+A’s first employee, hired as an intern architect in 1984. He left the firm briefly to earn his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University, returning in 1989. Today, he serves as partner/design principal on all CTH+A projects.
“For more than three decades, our firm has earned respect and esteem as one of Central Florida’s leading businesses and community servants,” said C.T. “Our design work has enriched the region professionally, culturally and economically.”
In the 1980s, CTH+A was awarded its first continuing services contract with the City of Orlando, followed shortly thereafter by additional continuing services contracts with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and LYNX. These early contracts cemented the firm’s formidable relationships with Central Florida business and civic leaders that continue to this day.
In the 1990s, the firm experienced exponential growth, opening an office for a period of time in Pasadena, Calif. to serve its international client base.
In the 2000s, the firm posted record financial growth and started giving back to the community. The firm was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Central Florida Chapter, for outstanding philanthropy corporation.
Today, our 18-person firm focuses on a diverse and complex mix of mid- to large-scale projects in the areas of transportation, local government, education, commercial/retail, and leisure and entertainment. Projects range in size from $5 million to over $100 million and are as complex as they come.
“None of these accomplishments would be possible without our talented professional staff and exceptional support team,” Tim said. “CTH+A has a solid reputation for outstanding design talent, strong project management and skilled technical expertise. It is a reputation earned over 35 years and reinforced each day by every member of our team.”
“Our people are among the most talented in the region,” C.T. added. “We seek out the brightest, expect the best, and reward their ability to see potential beyond the confines of style, budget or site.”
C.T. Hsu + Associates is an award-winning architectural planning and design firm recognized as a past “Firm of the Year” winner by the American Institute of Architects - Florida Association. The Orlando, Fla.-based firm focuses on a mix of projects in the education, civic, transportation and mixed-use development sectors. Its multidisciplinary approach ranges from urban planning and design to architecture and interiors.