Mike Griffin, who joined FK Architecture in 1984, has retired
To Our Dear Friend and Colleague Mike Griffin - We Salute You on Your Retirement
It’s been quite a journey for Mike Griffin, who joined FK Architecture in 1984 and has officially retired after 40 years of dedication and service.
In honor of his tremendous track record and four decades of service to our company, we look back on some of Mike’s many accomplishments and hear from some of our colleagues who knew him best.
Mike earned a Master of Architecture at the University of Florida and was soon applying his design skills with FK. After 14 years at our firm, Mike became a Shareholder in 1998 alongside Jim Kelley and Mark Burger. At the time, founder Lyle Fugleberg described the promotions of the three individuals as the start of “a new step in what was intended to be a continuing evolutionary process.”
“When Lyle and I first identified team members who would make excellent leaders as our firm evolved, we knew Mike had all the qualities to help us take the next steps,” said Bob Koch, who co-founded FK Architecture alongside Fugleberg. "Working beside Mike for the last four decades has been an honor and a privilege."
Mike has played vital roles in helping FK Architecture grow into a multi-discipline, international design firm, alternately serving as Chief Operating Officer, Director of Business Development, and Principal. Among his notable projects, he managed our work with 7-11, interfacing directly with their corporate group. Perhaps his most notable project is the Mayflower Retirement Community off Aloma Ave, which remains the premier senior living residence in Winter Park.
"I have worked with Mike for nearly 30 years on many diverse projects. Mike's extensive experience and meticulous approach to site plans will leave a lasting impression on the firm for years to come", said Ted Hunton, managing principal.
In addition to being an active business developer for our design services, Mike has been involved in industry organizations, helping people learn more about what we do professionally and the value our work brings to the community. For years, he was the leading authority at the firm for both hospitality and affordable housing, focusing on the management of numerous projects in both of these sectors. Mike has been an esteemed member of organizations such as the Senior Housing Advisory Board, the American Society on Aging, and the Urban Land Institute and is a Leadership Orlando Alumnus.
Over the years, Mike has demonstrated his leadership and compassion, especially during times of market downturns. He worked tirelessly to carry the firm through economic recessions while keeping morale as positive as he could while the firm pushed on and carried through the difficult times.
Outside of his time at the office, Mike is a musician and accomplished singer. As a hobby, he has been building handmade miniature military models of equipment from the ground up, not from kits. His creativity in this area has been acknowledged with several awards for craftsmanship.
Thank you for all your innovation, dedication, and friendship, Mike. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!