A Professional Journey

Andrew Matson and Jefrall Betancourt began their professional relationship in 2016. Jefrall earned his Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 2015 and was subsequently hired by a large firm in Tampa. While he was excited about this new chapter, he soon realized that the scale of projects and the structure typical of large firms were not the right fit for his professional aspirations.

A New Beginning at AIC

In 2016, Jefrall connected with AIC, a smaller firm handling a diverse range of small to large commercial projects. The scale and nature of these projects aligned far more closely with his interests and professional development goals at the time. Due to the firm’s size, Jefrall was immersed in all aspects of design and project management, collaborating closely with the in-house team as well as external consultants. Jefrall quickly built strong working relationships with AIC’s founders — Leigh, Donald, Michael, and Andrew Matson — becoming a valuable resource across ongoing projects. As architectural projects increased, he expanded his involvement, supporting Andrew and Michael on major projects including GTE Financial and Cvista.

Shared Philosophy & Complementary Strengths

From the outset, Jefrall recognized that AIC’s project scale offered the perfect balance — engaging, dynamic, and enjoyable. Andrew consistently brought a positive attitude to every project. He took initiative while actively seeking Jefrall’s input, fostering an environment built on trust and constructive feedback. Working at AIC gave Jefrall his first true experience of collaborating within a cohesive and energetic team. It was also his first exposure to architects of diverse backgrounds working together in an open, synergistic environment. He initially worked closely with Donald Whallen, later collaborating with Michael Puckett and Andrew Matson on various projects. Despite having different personalities and strengths, the team functioned effortlessly. The camaraderie and shared commitment to delivering projects efficiently and on time created a dynamic and inspiring workplace culture.

Mentorship & Professional Development

AIC provided Jefrall with some of his most meaningful commercial project experience. Beyond working with talented architects, he was introduced to deeper collaboration with interior designers. Partnering with Denise Cuevas and Ashley Bell broadened his perspective and exposed him to new design approaches. This multidisciplinary collaboration reinforced the idea that there is not one single path to good design. For the selective commercial sector, AIC remains one of the most formative experiences in Jefrall’s professional development. Over the years, he has remained connected with Andrew, who has consistently been supportive of his growth and career journey.

Partnership & Market Reach

Depending on project scale and opportunity, Andrew and Jefrall remain open to collaborating as joint partners. Andrew’s primary market focus is commercial architecture in Florida. Jefrall’s expertise lies in high-end, selective luxury residential markets across Florida, Colorado, and Puerto Rico. With their complementary experience in commercial and residential sectors, future collaboration feels not only possible but inevitable. When the right project arises, their shared history and mutual understanding position them well for successful partnership.

A Personal Note

At its core, this partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared love for the architectural profession. Jefrall sees Andrew as a trusted professional — someone whose insight he deeply values. Their relationship is one of mentorship and camaraderie — like that of an older brother in architecture — someone who offers guidance, direction, and unwavering professional respect.