The Firm

Responsive Architecture.
Lasting Impact.

Founded in 2009, Jerel McCants Architecture is a Tampa-based boutique firm delivering award-winning design across government, military, commercial, civic, religious, educational, and residential markets.

Our Story

Built on Responsive Architecture

Mr. Jerel McCants established Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. in 2009 with a clear mission: to contribute to innovative architectural design and construction methods in residential and commercial markets through responsive, community-centered practice.

Jerel believes that design is an action that is expressed — an act of many different disciplines uniting in a common cause that he terms Responsive Architecture. This philosophy guides every project the firm undertakes, from small residential renovations to large-scale civic facilities.

His mix of small, medium, and large (S, M, L) projects has allowed him to maintain a steady firm standing and consistent viability in the regional and national marketplace. Today, McCants Architecture serves clients across six states with a team of dedicated professionals who share Jerel’s commitment to design excellence and community impact.

Jerel McCants, AIA
Jerel McCants AIA
Jerel McCants
AIA • LEED Green Associate
Principal-In-Charge • Founder
Published Author
National Keynote Speaker
SBA 8(a) • DBE • MBE Certified
Licensed in FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, MI
Principal-In-Charge

Jerel McCants, AIA, LEED Green Assoc.

Mr. Jerel McCants established Jerel McCants Architecture, Inc. in 2009. He has experience in many building types including Municipal, Educational, High-rise Condominiums, Cultural, and Residential design.

Mr. McCants’s mission is to contribute to innovative architectural design and construction methods to residential and commercial markets as a Managing Principal, based on his ability to direct staff members and communicate effectively with clients and contractors.

Mr. McCants believes that design is an action that is expressed: an act of many different disciplines uniting in a common cause which he terms “Responsive Architecture.” His mix of small, medium and large (S, M, L) projects has allowed him to maintain a steady firm standing and consistent viability in the global marketplace.

Beyond his practice, Jerel is a published author whose book Architecture of Segregation examines how design and urban planning have shaped racial inequality in America. He is a sought-after keynote speaker at national architecture conventions, civic forums, and academic institutions — bringing scholarly rigor and practitioner credibility to conversations about community-centered design.

2009
Year Founded
1,500+
Completed Projects
6
States Licensed
8
Team Members
Our People

Meet the Team

Our diverse team brings together decades of combined experience in architecture, construction administration, project management, and design — serving clients across every project type and market sector.

Jerel McCants

Jerel McCants

AIA, LEED GA • Principal-In-Charge

Jerel McCants

AIA, LEED Green Assoc. • Principal-In-Charge

Founder of the firm. 17+ years of practice. Published author of Architecture of Segregation. National keynote speaker. Licensed in FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, MI. SBA 8(a), DBE, and MBE certified.

David Gainer

David Gainer

Business Development

David Gainer

Business Development

Leads business development and client relations for the firm. Serves as the primary day-to-day operations contact, managing project coordination, partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives for JMA.

Hanh Duffy

Hanh Duffy

Office Manager

Hanh Duffy

Office Manager

Oversees day-to-day office operations, coordinates project documentation, and serves as the central point of contact for client communications and internal firm coordination.

Terry Miller

Terry Miller

Construction Administrator

Terry Miller

Construction Administrator

Mr. Terry T. Miller brings over 34 years in architecture and construction, ranging from project designer to project architect within architectural firms throughout the Tampa Bay area. His main area of responsibility is management and oversight including coordination of design, technical specifications, and construction administration.

Eduardo Olarte

Eduardo Olarte

Project Manager I

Eduardo Olarte

Project Manager I

A native of Colombia with over 16 years of experience in interior design, architecture, light design, project management and client relations. Highly skilled in drafting and rendering software including motion graphics.

Safoura Kazemilari

Safoura Kazemilari

Senior Project Manager

Safoura Kazemilari

Senior Project Manager

Ten years of experience as Urban Beautification Department Head for the City of Shiraz, Iran, leading multi-disciplinary professionals on federally funded projects. Brings extensive public/private design and coordination expertise.

Valeria Cristancho

Valeria Cristancho

Project Coordinator

Valeria Cristancho

Project Coordinator

A native of Venezuela. Completed Associates in Arts at St. Petersburg College. Currently enrolled in the Masters in Architecture program at USF School of Architecture and Community Design.

Hover over any team member to learn more about their background and expertise.

Credentials

Certifications & Licensure

Our certifications open doors to government contracting opportunities and signal our commitment to the highest standards of professional practice.

8(a)

SBA 8(a) Certified

Enables direct federal contract awards and provides access to sole-source and set-aside contract opportunities.

DBE

DBE Certified

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification for state and local government contracts using federal transportation funds.

MBE

MBE Certified

Minority Business Enterprise certification recognizing our status and opening access to government contracting and supplier diversity opportunities.

AIA

AIA Member

American Institute of Architects member, adhering to the highest standards of professional ethics and continuing education.

Florida Architecture License
License #AA26002030
Also licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan

Let’s Start Designing Together

Whether you have a fully formed project brief or just an initial idea, we would love to hear about it.

Start a Project View Our Work
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