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Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month Written by: Kristy Buttermore April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM)—a global celebration of the impact landscape architects have on shaping vibrant, sustainable, and functional spaces. Established by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), WLAM highlights the profession’s role in designing everything from public parks and urban greenways to resilient infrastructure and outdoor gathering spaces. At Matthews | DCCM, our Landscape Architecture team brings creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the environment to every project, whether it’s enhancing a local community space or integrating sustainable solutions into large-scale developments. To celebrate, we asked Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA, Director of Landscape Architecture; Sinem Bilgin, Senior Landscape Designer; and Gloria Mura, Architectural Drafter, to share their stories, design philosophies, and insights into the projects that make them proud. Their passion for blending beauty, function, and sustainability is at the heart of what we do—and we’re excited to highlight their perspectives. What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture? Eric: Shortly after graduating at UF, I was working full-time in agricultural research and considering going back to graduate school. I read an article in a “magazine” (it was 1994) about the profession. I researched more and decided it was the thing to do, got accepted at VT, and followed through to now. Sinem:I was 19… and I was interested in every form of art since early ages. One day, I saw Martha Schwartz’s project “The Bagel Garden” at one of my mom’s magazines and something clicked. She was my first inspiration then Andrea Cochran, Zaha Hadid, Diana Balmori, Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright followed. Gloria: My parents are chemical engineers, so my first job was as a project designer of treatment water plants in Venezuela. Those 7 years of experience in the water treatment plants’ design were my first touch with the importance of the environment. I have always been passionate about nature and art, and my degree in architecture provided me with the opportunity to blend my experiences and knowledge with environmental stewardship. Improving community spaces can be incredibly fulfilling. How would you describe the role of a landscape architect/designer to someone unfamiliar with the field? Eric: The job is overall rewarding and can be a life long profession to be proud of. What is difficult is trying to design a space everyone will enjoy. That’s usually not practical, but it is a goal. It is impossible to know everything, so don’t kid yourself, after 20+ years I learn something new every week. Sinem: Creating ART on land. Gloria: A professional who plans and designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, campuses, and residential areas. Creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments, we blend art and science to design spaces that are both beautiful and practical. Designs are sustainable and environmentally friendly, frequently incorporating native plants and eco-friendly materials. We tackle issues such as drainage, erosion, and accessibility to create safe and usable spaces. We collaborate with architects, urban planners, and civil engineers to integrate their design projects. Can you walk us through your typical process when starting a new project? Eric: I meet with clients and our civil engineers or planners to come up with a design for the site. We coordinate in the house for a week or more to produce a concept. That concept gets refined and sent off for further approval. Eventually we have an approved plan for construction and construction administration. Sinem: In an ideal case, it starts with site program then selection of the right site for the owner. After we do the site analysis and inventory, concept plan finds its place with adjustments of code limitations of the site’s location. This is how it starts. Gloria: Meeting client requirements is crucial for a successful landscape project.  Site analysis: check existing conditions, soil quality, existing vegetation, drainage, visualize topography, walk through the site using Google Earth maps, and survey’s plan. Select native Vegetation to fit the site, and also keep the client informed about the Selected Vegetation. Develop the construction Documents, ensuring that the Specifications and details required for your drawings are included. Then, review them with the Planner and civil engineers before submission. What’s a project you’re especially proud of, and why? Eric: Currently, I am happy with the progress at Christ Church. I helped create two unique artificial turf play areas which double as a storm water catchment area. One play area is a 100’ long by 45’ wide football shape. The turf color will be brown with 2’ wide finger laces running down the middle. The other area is a 20’ diameter baseball with colored turf to match a baseball, 1’ wide red laces over a white turf play area. Sinem: Memorial Park on Monument Road. I worked on this project with COJ and I used only native plants. It is a hard to find in Jacksonville, a beautiful and artistic park. I worked on both landscape and irrigation design of Memorial Park. We played with the topography and created a approximately 10’ high oval grass hill. This is my favorite part of the park. At that time, I was expecting my second son. Every time I pass by this park, it reminds me of my belly during that time. When I drive by, I see children rolling down the hill and it makes me so happy to watch the functionality of this park. Gloria: I’m proud of all the projects that I have worked on, but recently I’m working on a multifamily development of more than 13 acres, which is challenging due to the tree mitigation, and how to create a new space for human beings with minimum impact on our environment. But my favorite so far are the Amenities area of Grand Reserve East at Palm Coast, also the Christ’s Church Mandarin-Athletics field. How do you balance aesthetics with function and sustainability in your designs? Eric: We make sure to use native plant material and a few basic rules. Use large trees where they have

Honoring Precision and Dedication: Celebrating Global Surveyor’s Day Written by: Kristy Buttermore At Matthews | DCCM, we take immense pride in our surveying team, whose expertise and dedication are instrumental in shaping the communities we serve. On this Global Surveyor’s Day, we celebrate the contributions of our survey professionals and acknowledge the crucial role they play in engineering, development, and infrastructure projects across Florida. The Backbone of Infrastructure and Development Surveyors provide the foundation for nearly every construction and development project. Their precision and technical expertise ensure that roads, bridges, utilities, and land development projects are accurately mapped and executed. At Matthews | DCCM, our surveyors work closely with engineers, planners, and construction teams to deliver high-quality results that stand the test of time. Recognizing Our Surveying Team In October 2023, Matthews | DCCM expanded our service offerings to include professional surveying, and since then, it has grown significantly. What started as a newly introduced discipline has quickly become an integral part of our operations. Our surveying team has taken on projects of increasing complexity, demonstrating their ability to provide precise data and reliable solutions that drive successful project outcomes. Our surveyors play a critical role in every phase of development, from land planning and boundary determinations to construction staking and topographic mapping. Their work ensures that projects begin with accurate measurements, mitigating potential risks and costly errors. Additionally, their collaboration with engineers, developers, and municipalities ensures seamless integration of survey data into the broader project scope. The success and rapid growth of our surveying services reflect the dedication and skill of our team. Their ability to adapt, problem-solve, and maintain the highest standards of accuracy has positioned Matthews | DCCM as a trusted leader in the industry. As we continue to expand our capabilities, we look forward to supporting even more projects and communities through our exceptional surveying expertise. A Heartfelt Thank You On this Global Surveyor’s Day, we extend our sincere gratitude to all surveyors at Matthews | DCCM and beyond. Your dedication and expertise drive progress, ensuring that communities are built on a solid foundation. Thank you for your hard work, commitment to excellence, and passion for the profession. Join us in celebrating our surveyors today and every day as they continue to pave the way for a better tomorrow! additional articles March 28, 2025 Honoring Precision and Dedication: Celebrating Global Surveyor’s Day March 24, 2025 Matthews | DCCM Awarded Continuing Services Contract for Putnam County March 19, 2025 Celebrating Surveyors Week at Matthews | DCCM February 21, 2025 Celebrating Engineers Week at Matthews | DCCM January 31, 2025 The Importance of Surveying in Everyday Life Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Celebrating National Surveyors Week at Matthews | DCCM Written by: Kristy Buttermore At Matthews | DCCM, we are proud to celebrate National Surveyors Week, an annual event dedicated to recognizing the indispensable role surveyors play in shaping our communities. Established by the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), this week serves as an opportunity to highlight the work of surveying professionals, whose expertise ensures the accuracy and success of projects that impact our daily lives. To mark the occasion, we’re bringing you an inside look at the Matthews | DCCM Surveying Team. In this article, we’ve gathered insights through a series of interviews with our talented surveyors. Each of them shares their experiences, the challenges they face, and what they find most rewarding about their work. Join us as we celebrate their contributions to the field of surveying and explore how their work plays a crucial role in the projects that shape Northeast Florida! What inspired you to become a surveyor? John: When I got my first job surveying as a rodman, I had no clue what surveying was. Once I got into the swing of things, I realized that this was a field I enjoy working in and have stuck with it ever since. Trevor: I liked the idea of working with technology to map out the world, there is a nice blend of science and creative thinking in the field of survey drafting. Jeremy: After I lost my career with the phone company, I started taking classes at FSCJ, took a geography course, and was told by my professor I need to look into Geomatics at UF. He was right, I never even knew this was a job before that. Larry: I didn’t have any inspiration other than needing a steady job in my 20s.  What do you enjoy most about being a surveyor? John: The thing I enjoy most about surveying is being outdoors and the constant change in scenery. We get to see a lot of cool and interesting places in my opinion. Trevor: I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of surveying as well as the opportunity to contribute to important projects. Jeremy: I enjoy the map making process and research into historical records. The hybrid work it requires of having large field element and office element. Larry: Being part of a community of professionals that have heritage back to the founding of the U.S. and that today we can still retrace their maps and history. What’s one misconception people have about surveying? John: I don’t think most people have much understanding in general as to what surveying is and what purpose it serves. Besides that, I’d say the biggest misconception about surveying (from the field perspective) is that people don’t realize how much work and thought goes into getting the survey from the field to the computer in an accurate, timely manner. Trevor: People think surveying is just about measuring land, but it’s much more complex. It involves combining advanced technology, data analysis, and geospatial principles. Jeremy: This is people on the side of road looking through equipment and shooting lasers at prisms. A few favorite lines I have heard from some after telling them what I did,  “people go to school for that” or “that sounds fun, but it requires math, so I’m out” Larry: That we are taking pictures of you!  What’s one of the most interesting projects you’ve worked on? John: It’s really impossible for me to pick just one. There are a wide variety of tasks I’ve performed in many different places that have all brought about unique challenges/circumstances and they have all taught me different lessons. Trevor: The most interesting projects are mapping historical sites. The challenge of interpreting historical maps with updated field data can be very rewarding. Jeremy: The Indigo Branch survey we did here was very interesting.  Larry: Sisters of St. Joseph Historic St. Augustine  How does surveying play a crucial role in civil engineering and land development? John: Surveying is involved every step of the way. From the initial boundary/topo so that you know what the specs are on the land that will be developed to the planning and layout of the underground utilities, drainage, roads, buildings, etc. to ensure proper horizontal and vertical placement of structures to the as-builts once a construction project has been completed to ensure everything has been built within proper spec. There’s much more but this is a brief summary.  Trevor: Surveying is the foundation of civil engineering and land development. It provides the precise data needed for planning, construction, and ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of infrastructure projects. Jeremy: Surveying is the first step in any civil engineering project. It is the basis of the work. Then at every step along the way, the surveyor is the go between the actual construction of the project and the engineered plans during the staking and as-built process. Checking and sometimes correcting any mistakes made on the plans or in the field. Larry: Surveyors are first in last out. We provide critical data for the conceptual plans through to as-builts. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? John: Probably seeing the final outcome of the work I’ve done whether it be a final map of a boundary/topo or a newly constructed parking lot, building, sidewalk, etc. that I staked out previously and knowing that I played an important role in that. Trevor: The most rewarding part is seeing the tangible results of our contribution to a project, whether it’s a completed building, a new road, or a preserved natural area. Jeremy: Completing a project and watching my hard work live on in the completion of the project. Larry: Being part of an industry that can help protect lands and the public.   What advancements in technology have had the biggest impact on the field of surveying? John: I would say that GPS and Total Stations along with the data collectors they are used with are the main things that come to my mind when thinking about what advancements in technology have had the biggest impact on the field of surveying. They

Celebrating Engineers Week at Matthews | DCCM Written by: Kristy Buttermore At Matthews | DCCM, we recognize that engineering is more than just a profession—it’s a commitment to shaping communities, solving challenges, and creating a better future. That’s why Engineers Week (E-Week) is such an important time for us to celebrate the incredible professionals who drive our success. Spotlighting Our Engineers Throughout E-Week, we featured several standout team members, each with a unique story and contributions that help make Matthews | DCCM what it is today. Below, they share their advice for future engineers, offering insight from their own experiences in the field. Matt Hovis, EI – From intern to full-time team member, Matt brings enthusiasm, technical skill, and a positive spirit that elevates our work. John Westcott, PE – As a Transportation Engineer, John plays a key role in delivering safe, efficient infrastructure solutions for our communities. Brooke Lawrence – A dedicated Project Engineer, Brooke’s expertise and problem-solving skills are essential to the success of our projects. Alex Acree, PE – Our VP of Production Alex has been instrumental in guiding our firm’s growth and mentoring our team. Branden Marcinell, EI – From intern to Closeout & QC Manager, Branden’s attention to detail and process innovation have helped strengthen our operations. Each of these individuals represents the dedication, expertise, and teamwork that define our firm. While we’ve highlighted just a few, we want to recognize the entire Matthews | DCCM team for their hard work and commitment to excellence. Why E-Week Matters Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), E-Week is a time to raise awareness about the importance of engineering and inspire the next generation of professionals. Engineering impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from the roads we drive on to the infrastructure that supports our communities. At Matthews | DCCM, we are proud to be part of this mission, fostering an environment where engineers can thrive, innovate, and make a difference. Looking Ahead While E-Week is just one week out of the year, our appreciation for our engineers extends far beyond that. We remain committed to supporting our team, advancing the field, and delivering projects that positively impact the communities we serve. Thank you to all the engineers at Matthews | DCCM—your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed! additional articles February 21, 2025 Celebrating Engineers Week at Matthews | DCCM January 31, 2025 The Importance of Surveying in Everyday Life January 14, 2025 Starting the Year Strong: How Matthews | DCCM Shapes Our Communities December 20, 2024 Recognizing Excellence: Employee Milestones December 16, 2024 Matthews | DCCM Team Celebrates the Season Facebook Linkedin Envelope

The Importance of Surveying in Everyday Life Written by: Kristy Buttermore At Matthews | DCCM, our surveying services aren’t just for large-scale infrastructure projects; they’re essential for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities alike. Whether you’re buying a home, installing a fence, or planning a major construction project, having precise, reliable, and cost-effective surveying solutions ensures that your plans go smoothly. Our experienced team leverages cutting-edge technology to provide accurate results for all types of land and property needs. Why You Need Surveying Services Surveying is essential for everyday property and land management. It helps ensure that boundaries are clearly defined, structures are built in the right locations, and projects adhere to regulations. Without accurate surveys, property owners can face costly disputes, zoning violations, or unexpected construction issues. No matter the size of your project, professional surveying can help you avoid headaches down the road. Real-Life Scenarios Where Surveying is Essential Buying a Home – A boundary survey is crucial when purchasing real estate to confirm property lines and prevent potential disputes with neighbors. Imagine buying your dream home, only to find out later that part of your backyard is actually on someone else’s land. A proper survey could have prevented this costly mistake. Installing a Fence or Pool – Many homeowners assume they know their property lines, only to find out too late that they’ve built over a neighbor’s land. A property survey ensures that your fence, shed, or pool is placed correctly, avoiding legal trouble and extra expenses. Land Development – Whether you’re planning a backyard addition or a commercial building, a topographic survey helps determine proper grading and drainage. Without it, you could face flooding issues or unexpected structural problems. Adding Utilities or Driveways – If you’re installing a new driveway or connecting to underground utilities, knowing the exact location of easements and utility lines can prevent damage and costly repairs. Road Expansions & Public Works – Before widening a busy roadway, a transportation agency relies on right-of-way mapping to ensure compliance with land use regulations and avoid costly land acquisition disputes. Our Surveying Services Boundary & Topographic Surveys – Establishing precise property lines and mapping natural and man-made features for planning and design purposes. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys – Ensuring compliance with national standards for commercial real estate transactions. Construction Staking & As-Built Surveys – Guiding construction activities and verifying project completion against design plans. Hydrographic & Bathymetric Surveys – Mapping underwater features for coastal and waterway projects. Right-of-Way & Easement Mapping – Assisting with infrastructure expansion and land use planning. Utility Location & Subsurface Mapping – Identifying existing underground utilities to prevent conflicts during construction. Geospatial & LiDAR Mapping – Utilizing advanced remote sensing technology for high-resolution spatial data collection. Elevation Certificates – Verifying flood zones for regulatory compliance and insurance purposes. Solving Everyday Problems Surveying isn’t just for large corporations and municipalities—it plays an essential role in everyday property management and homeownership. Whether you’re buying a house, improving your land, or planning a business expansion, Matthews | DCCM provides the accurate data you need to move forward with confidence. Partner with Matthews | DCCM From residential property surveys to major infrastructure projects, Matthews | DCCM is ready to support you with industry-leading expertise. Contact us today to learn how our surveying services can help protect your investment and bring your vision to life. additional articles January 31, 2025 The Importance of Surveying in Everyday Life January 14, 2025 Starting the Year Strong: How Matthews | DCCM Shapes Our Communities December 20, 2024 Recognizing Excellence: Employee Milestones December 16, 2024 Matthews | DCCM Team Celebrates the Season November 15, 2024 DCCM Team Secures Continuing Service Contract with the City of Fernandina Beach Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Starting the Year Strong: How Matthews | DCCM Shapes Our Communities Written by: Kristy Buttermore A new year brings fresh opportunities, and at Matthews | DCCM, we’re ready to hit the ground running. From the bustling streets of Florida’s cities to the quiet corners of growing communities, our work leaves a lasting mark. We’re not just building infrastructure—we’re crafting the future, one project at a time. Our teams are passionate, driven, and ready to turn big ideas into reality. As we embark on a new year, Matthews | DCCM continues to stand at the forefront of civil engineering, making a lasting impact on communities throughout Florida. From vital infrastructure improvements to innovative site development, our dedicated teams are committed to bringing transformative visions to life. Building Strong Foundations At Matthews | DCCM, we believe that every project we undertake serves as a cornerstone for community growth and resilience. Our civil engineers, planners, and project managers collaborate closely with local governments and private developers to design and implement projects that address the unique needs of each area. Comprehensive Services In addition to civil engineering, Matthews | DCCM offers a full suite of services including surveying, construction engineering and inspection (CEI), and landscape architecture. This diverse expertise allows us to approach projects from multiple perspectives, ensuring comprehensive solutions that meet both current and future needs. Whether it’s mapping out land for development, overseeing construction progress, or designing sustainable outdoor spaces, our teams bring precision and creativity to every task. The People Behind the Projects What truly sets Matthews | DCCM apart is our people. Our talented engineers, surveyors, planners, and inspectors are not only experts in their fields but are also deeply invested in the communities they serve. From seasoned professionals with decades of experience to new talent bringing fresh ideas, our teams are united by a shared passion for building better communities. Collaboration, innovation, and dedication define our culture, driving every project forward with purpose and excellence. A Unified Vision At Matthews | DCCM, our work is about more than engineering—it’s about fostering sustainable growth and strengthening the fabric of our communities. With over 18 years of experience and a comprehensive range of services, we continue to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs of Florida’s evolving landscape. As a division of DCCM, we are supported by a national network of companies, giving us access to shared expertise, resources, and collaboration across the country. This connection enhances our ability to serve clients and tackle projects of all sizes with confidence. As we start this year strong, we look forward to many more opportunities to shape the communities we serve. Here’s to building a brighter future, one project at a time. Ready to kick off your next project? Let’s get started! additional articles January 14, 2025 Starting the Year Strong: How Matthews | DCCM Shapes Our Communities December 20, 2024 Recognizing Excellence: Employee Milestones December 16, 2024 Matthews | DCCM Team Celebrates the Season November 15, 2024 DCCM Team Secures Continuing Service Contract with the City of Fernandina Beach November 15, 2024 Giving Back: Fall Recap Facebook Linkedin Envelope