Meet the team
Rick Slazyk, Principal
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
For ARCWERKS' founder and principal, Rick Slazyk, every project is an opportunity to exceed our client’s expectations.
Rick has been working in the profession of architecture for more than 30 years, and started Arcwerks Incorporated in 1996.
““One the most inspiring aspects of working as an architect is the opportunity to improve and enhance peoples’ lives through their built environment.”
He focuses on solving architectural problems for various commercial and residential projects. Rick sees architecture as essential to the fabric of life — from productive workspaces and inviting retail and entertainment spaces to comfortable homes and welcoming communities.
If asked to choose a favorite project, he responds like a parent asked to pick a favorite child: "They are all different and they are all loved equally."
Rick is especially proud of the reputation he and Arcwerks have earned among clients and consulting associates for exceptional client service and excellence in architectural design and planning.
While Rick's work is focused on creating built environments, his time away from work is often spent outdoors enjoying the natural environment, mixing his passion for photography with traveling and kayaking.
Architecture Licenses
FL# AR13260 - In addition to Florida, Rick is licensed to work in many states across the U.S., including CO, DC, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, TX, and VA.
Affiliations
AIA Ft. Lauderdale Chapter – 2016 President and Current Committee Chair
AIA Florida – 2017-2018 State Director
NCARB Certified
GBCI LEED AP BD+C
Institute of Maya Studies – President
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Miami, School of Architecture
Manny Rodriguez
Project manager, Associate AIA
While dreamers come up with ideas, Manny finds his mission on the technical side, turning ideas into a set of documents that makes it possible to build the dream.
As project manager at ARCWERKS, he is inspired to find the best way to bring the elements of design and technical detail together to make things work for the client.
Manny recalls first being attracted to the active, hands-on work of drawing and building architecture models as a student at Florida International University.
Knowing that simple, efficient design takes time, Manny starts each project looking to answer the question: "How can this be constructed?"
““Beyond great design, what’s exciting to me is how it’s constructed: How can I solve the puzzle and get a design through to completion?”
He points to Doris Italian Market as a favorite project. Working on it from start to finish, he was able to take all the details and technical challenges into consideration—including building codes and limitations—and coordinate with the client to take the design from concept and drawing through to successful completion.
Associate AIA
Joined ARCWERKS in 2005
Florida International University, BA Architecture
Joanna Cruz
Architectural designer
The beautiful building designs and skylines of New York City sparked Joanna’s interest in becoming an architect. She wanted to design buildings and leave a legacy that would stand the test of time.
After earning her architecture degree at Florida International University, she joined the ARCWERKS team.
Joanna loves helping clients accomplish their goals. Whether it's creating new spaces or revitalizing an existing one, she is driven to bring all her abilities to every project to meet clients’ needs.
Her family is her inspiration and motivation for creating a better life for herself and others. Away from work, she is redesigning the décor of her house and spending time with her pets.