News

Matthews | DCCM Celebrates the Season with Annual Team Luncheon This week, the Matthews | DCCM team came together to celebrate the season and commemorate another remarkable year at our annual holiday luncheon. We reflected on the year, played festive games, and proudly adorned our most charmingly ugly sweaters. We shared laughter and a tasty lunch, strengthening the camaraderie that defines our team and making this celebration truly special. additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Matthews | DCCM Gives Back – Fall Recap Written by: Kristy Buttermore At Matthews | DCCM, we wholeheartedly embrace our responsibility to make a meaningful impact in our community. Our commitment to the community is a cornerstone of our firm, and we actively engage in philanthropic efforts to serve and support our local area. Throughout the autumn season, we had the privilege of participating in several exceptional events. Our October began with the APWA Northeast Florida Branch Scholarship Golf Tournament, which serves to raise funds for individuals pursuing careers in the public works field. Following this, we took part in the ASCE Topgolf Tournament, proudly returning as an Eagle-level sponsor for the second year. Our team, nicknamed the Matthews Masters, had an absolute blast at the event. Notably, the proceeds from this tournament help support STEM students by funding University of North Florida Engineering scholarships. On the first Saturday of October, we eagerly joined the annual Pink Up the Pace 5k event. Pink Up the Pace is an inspiring nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for diagnostic breast imaging services for individuals without adequate insurance coverage in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas. This remarkable organization not only aims to positively impact the lives of individuals facing breast cancer but also strives to raise public awareness about the importance of early detection. Furthermore, they provide unwavering support to survivors and their families. We are immensely proud of our ongoing support for Pink Up the Pace and the transformative work they do in our community. Next on our calendar was an event that holds a special place in our hearts. We had the honor of once again supporting the Davidson Cares Jim Davidson’s Annual Clay Day, an event that champions numerous exceptional charities in our community and beyond. Beneficiaries include St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), Investing in Kids (INK!), Builders Care, St. Francis House & Port in the Storm, Hope is Restored, Homes for HOPE, and Five Star Veterans Center. As always, our team had a fantastic time. As Halloween drew near, we had the opportunity to give back through a variety of festive events. We continued our sponsorship of Sheriff Hardwick’s Haunted Jail, an exhilarating experience that brings the community together through a chilling haunted house and a kids’ zone with a bounce house, face painting, and an outdoor movie. INK!’s annual Jailbreak 5k invited runners to make a thrilling escape from the Old Town Jail to Vilano Beach, celebrating their journey through downtown St. Augustine. The 4th annual Palencia Witches Ride for Childhood Illnesses took flight, raising funds to support Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, a wish-granting program where 100% of all donations go directly toward fulfilling dreams. We concluded October by launching our annual food drive, gathering non-perishable items for Pie in the Sky Community Alliance, an organization supporting low-income seniors with food and essential item deliveries directly to their homes. We kicked off November as first-time sponsors of the ULI North Florida Annual Clay Shoot, focused on shaping the future of the built environment for global community impact. On that same evening, we were honored to sponsor and attend the Alpha-Omega Miracle Home Blue Jean Bash & Benefit. Alpha-Omega’s exceptional work has been a lifeline for countless women and children in our community facing nowhere else to turn. We’re privileged to provide site design, architectural plans, and permitting for their new 7-acre campus, which includes offices, resident housing, and a multi-purpose building. The Blue Jean Bash & Benefit raises crucial funds for the campus construction and their life-changing programs. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of our teammates who actively participated in these events, embodying the spirit of community that is deeply cherished at Matthews | DCCM. As the holiday season approaches, we eagerly anticipate more opportunities to support and give back to our community. additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Matthews | DCCM Welcomes Jeremy Hewitt, PSM, as Senior Surveyor Jeremy Hewitt has joined our St. Augustine office as Senior Surveyor. A Jacksonville native, Jeremy brings a diverse background and wealth of experience to his role. As the inaugural member of our newest service line, we are excited to have his deep-rooted passion and extensive professional experience leading our Surveying team as we bring this new service to our clients. A family legacy in telecommunications influenced Jeremy’s early career. His parents met while working in the industry, and both his father and grandfather were technicians. Yet, a layoff prompted Jeremy to pursue higher education, leading him to obtain a Geomatics Engineering Degree from the University of Florida in 2017. Jeremy boasts a rich history of working with prominent surveying firms, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role within our team. He is also skilled in AutoCAD and will contribute his expertise to Matthews | DCCM’s survey projects. Beyond his professional life, Jeremy is a father to a 13-year-old daughter, Paisley, and shares his life with his wife Mary. His interests range from sports (Jaguars, Gators, Bulls, Penguins, and White Sox) to thrift stores, vinyl records, and classic video games. Jeremy’s love for the outdoors, music, and extensive travel experiences to 42 states round out his diverse interests.  Jeremy’s addition to the team at Matthews | DCCM as Senior Surveyor enriches the team with a distinctive viewpoint and invaluable skills, reinforcing his role as a pivotal asset as we introduce this service to our clients and projects. In need of surveying services for your project? We’d love to partner with you! additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Employee Spotlight: Autumn Martinage, Senior Planner Autumn Martinage became an invaluable member of the Matthews | DCCM team in 2022. She helps lead our Planning efforts, utilizing her expertise to guide and support various planning initiatives, offering her insights into analyzing and designing projects, and assisting in securing the necessary permits for our clients’ ventures. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing the Planning department’s capabilities and effectiveness. Originally from Wood River, Illinois, a town situated just outside of St. Louis, Autumn harbored childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. This aspiration encapsulated her spirit of adventure and unwavering determination. Today, Autumn is the mother of three daughters, each with their unique interests and personalities. Her eldest daughter, on the brink of turning 16, is involved in colorguard and shares a passion for anime. Her second daughter is 12, and Autumn describes her as her “theater kid who has never met a stranger”.  The youngest, at 9 years old, has an affinity for basketball and a peculiar fascination with chickens. Autumn’s career in planning was not a predetermined one. After graduating, she initially considered pursuing a path in law school. However, fate intervened when a friend of her parents needed someone with database management expertise. Autumn’s qualifications were a perfect match for the position, which turned out to be in transportation planning for a regional planning council. Within this role, she served as staff for three Transportation Planning Organizations under the planning council. Her responsibilities extended to functioning as a Transportation Planner and Public Involvement Officer for these organizations. Although her journey into planning was accidental, it has proven to be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. In her role at Matthews | DCCM, Autumn plays a crucial role in liaising with clients to ensure all necessary approvals and entitlements are secured for their projects. She expertly represents clients at public meetings and hearings, offering her professional insight and guidance. Her responsibilities also encompass assisting with conceptual site plan designs and conducting early due diligence to identify potential project issues or outline required approvals and entitlements. For those aspiring to embark into the Planning profession, Autumn imparts valuable advice. She emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in various planning facets early in one’s career. Additionally, she encourages aspiring planners to obtain their AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification as soon as possible. Autumn also stresses the significance of joining multiple professional associations beyond the APA (American Planning Association), such as NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties) or ULI (Urban Land Institute), to expand professional networks and knowledge. additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Congratulations to Dylan Scanlon, EI, on 10 Years of Service Join us in celebrating Dylan Scanlon’s remarkable 10-year journey with Matthews | DCCM. His time with our team began as an intern during his high school days at Creekside High School and continued throughout his college years at UNF. Witnessing Dylan’s transformation into the accomplished engineer he is today has been a true privilege. Dylan’s unwavering commitment to precision and attention to detail has significantly impacted our company’s processes. Additionally, his dedication has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of his teammates. He harbors a profound passion for nurturing future engineers and is a co-founder of the Florida Civil Educators Foundation, dedicated to preparing STEM students for successful careers. As we reflect on Dylan’s decade of dedication and achievement, we look forward to the continued impact he will undoubtedly make in the field of engineering and education. His journey with us has been marked by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dylan on this significant milestone and express our gratitude for his invaluable contributions to Matthews | DCCM. Together, we look ahead to a future where his passion for shaping the next generation of engineers will continue to inspire and uplift us all. Let’s join together in celebrating Dylan’s remarkable journey and wishing him every success in the years to come. Here’s to the next ten years and beyond! additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Employee Spotlight: Mike Silverstein, Senior Construction Inspector Since joining our team in 2022, Mike Silverstein has proven to be an invaluable asset in his role as Senior Construction Inspector. With his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication, he has consistently delivered exceptional results that have had a profound impact on the overall success of our projects.  Mike’s responsibilities encompass a range of vital construction administration tasks and processes. These include managing essential documents like kick-off paperwork, plan revisions, Requests for Information (RFIs), and payment applications. Moreover, he actively participates in pre-construction meetings, on-site inspections, and coordinated testing efforts. His involvement extends to assisting in the smooth facilitation of project permitting and eventual closeout.  Beyond these core duties, Mike’s versatility shines as he readily takes on additional roles. He engages in surveying activities when necessary, contributing valuable data that enhances the accuracy of design work and overall project progress. This multi-faceted approach underscores his commitment to ensuring comprehensive and seamless project execution.  Mike is originally from Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up dreaming of owning a pizza place. He spent 15 years working in New York City on some of the city’s biggest infrastructure upgrades and super-tall high-rise towers. The tallest building he ever led for survey layout was the Brooklyn Tower, located at 9 DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, NY, which is 1066′ tall and currently sits at #18 on the country’s tallest buildings list. He relocated to St. Augustine with his wife, Nicole, and sons Tyler and Kyle, and together they enjoy playing sports, fishing, and going to the beach.  Mike’s collaborative spirit and effective communication skills have fostered a more streamlined and efficient working environment within our CEI team. He has consistently demonstrated his willingness to share insights, offer guidance, and mentor his team members. His dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his proactive approach to problem-solving. His innovative suggestions and solutions have led to the optimization of processes, resulting in notable time and cost savings. We look forward to the continued growth and evolution of our CEI efforts and processes under his knowledgeable lead!   additional articles April 5, 2024 Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month: A Tribute To Nature's Canvas​ March 15, 2024 Celebrating National Surveyor's Week February 20, 2024 Bridging Gaps: The Impact of Civil Engineering in Florida's Infrastructure February 8, 2024 Matthews | DCCM's Comprehensive Suite of Solutions January 4, 2024 Project Spotlight: Woodlawn Road Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Meet the Matthews | DCCM summer 2023 interns This summer, we welcomed a large group of interns to our team. This group was a mix of local high school and college students, each eager to gain real world experience working on real projects and gaining guidance as they pursue their degrees. These students brought a lot of energy and each individual has done an amazing job learning and growing as part of our team. We are excited to watch them continue on their paths to successful careers. We are proud to introduce our summer 2023 interns! Ian Fish I am a rising senior at Creekside High School and will be in my 4th year of the Engineering and Financial Technology Academies. I am an aspiring Civil/Structural Engineer, hoping to continue my education at the University of Central Florida following my graduation in 2024. My in and out of school hobbies include swimming, track, video games, listening to music and hanging out with friends. Grant Fortner I am a rising second-year at FSU pursuing a Civil Engineering degree. I chose to study Civil Engineering because it is so diverse in that there are so many areas I can choose within it. Personally, I’m more interested in the construction side of things. So far I’ve been learning how to use Civil 3D here at Matthews | DCCM and I love it! I haven’t been able to find any other opportunities willing to help teach me the qualifications I will need for my job after school. Besides engineering, my interests consist of sports, lifting, hunting, and music. Logan Karas I am currently a rising senior at Tocoi Creek High School. This is my first summer interning at Matthews| DCCM and I really enjoyed it. It taught me how to understand AutoCAD better and how to read drawings. I enjoy playing video games and playing sports such as football and lacrosse. And if you are considering applying here I highly recommend it! Matthew Hovis I am currently a rising senior pursuing my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of North Florida. Civil engineering originally piqued my interest in high school. Something about living in a world I helped build was an idea that I found to be very interesting. That is a feeling that has remained strong ever since, and I don’t think it will change anytime soon. Outside of school and work I enjoy cooking, hanging out with my friends and family as well as playing video games. Robie Matthews I am going into my Junior year at St. Joseph’s Academy, and this is my first year interning with Matthews | DCCM. I have an interest in engineering because it is awesome to see something that you create on a computer with CAD come to life in the form of a real, tangible, building or project. In addition, many members of my family are engineers. Outside of work or school, hobbies I enjoy are World War II reenacting, reading about history, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends. Sydney Morin I graduate this upcoming Spring from the University of North Florida with my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I’ve been with Matthews since 2018, and I’ve since worked my way up to Intern Lead. I work on Septage Treatment, Pond Design, and Lift Station design, and managing the Summer Interns. I still find Land Development the most rewarding out of all the Civil Specialties. Since my Junior year, I joined The American Society of Civil Engineers and Society of Women Engineers. I was recently elected as Historian for ASCE, Project Manager for SWE, and I am Project manager for UNF’s 2024 Concrete Canoe! Outside of Engineering I play video games, embroider, and I go to concerts. Tyler Gunther I am a rising senior and a part of the engineering academy at Creekside High School. I first learned how to use AutoCAD at school, but I enjoy having the opportunity to sharpen my skills and to learn how to use it for real projects. I think it is very interesting how much effort and collaboration goes in to developing land that most people don’t know about. Besides engineering, I enjoy cooking, music, and spending time outdoors. William Sherman I am a rising junior at the University of Florida pursuing a bachelor’s in civil engineering. During my time at UF, I was an officer on the sailing team and largely contributed to creating UF’s first official motorcycle club where I am still an officer and have my sights set on becoming president this coming fall. My initial interest in civil engineering was piqued by my father’s career, wanting to follow in his footsteps I embarked on the academic and professional journey that has led me to Matthews. Here at Matthews, I work hand in hand with lead CAD technicians to produce plans while gathering real-world knowledge and experience. In my free time, I enjoy motorcycle stunt riding, fishing, and surfing. Our interns get to experience working hands-on in the field. Interested in interning with our company? Learn more and apply here!

Employee Spotlight: Alex Acree, PE, Land Development Lead Alex joined the Matthews | DCCM team in 2016 and has grown tremendously over his time here. He is now our Land Development Lead, managing a team of professionals to analyze, design, and permit civil infrastructure projects, as well as manage the overall Land Development department and its growth. Through his time at Matthews | DCCM, Alex has fostered strong relationships within the St. Johns County School District, leading to notable projects such as Tocoi Creek and Beachside High Schools. He has led large-scale projects like Stillwater Residential Development from Lennar, a multi-phase project with a construction value of $21,000,000. Alex has also earned a solid reputation among many clients, resulting in repeat business and direct referrals, including Harvard Jolly Architecture, Lennar, and Atlee Development Group. Through his expertise, he has not only contributed to the expansion of our client base but has also fostered a culture of personal and professional development among his teammates. He is a strong project manager, an inspiring mentor, and a hands-on leader. Alex is a St. Augustine native. As a child, he was interested in becoming an architect. He attended Sante Fe College in Gainesville where he earned his AA before transferring to FSU to finish his degree. He initially transferred because of his wife (then girlfriend) Michelle, and found FSU to have a good engineering program thus shifting gears and taking the first step to becoming the skilled engineer we know him as today. He has actually known Michelle since 3rd grade, and while growing up by chance they went to the same summer camp in Jacksonville. Since they lived near each other they would carpool on occasion. Alex and his brother may have forgotten to pick her up a time or two! Luckily, she must have forgiven him because they have now been married for 18 years and have four children together. Alex’s commitment to being a loving father and a strong leader within his family is a testament to his character and the depth of his values. Alex has guided his team to success on countless projects across Florida. Through his leadership, mentorship, strategic thinking, and client-centric approach, he has not only helped the firm achieve success but has also nurtured and cultivated many of his teammates along the way. Alex’s initiative, innovation, and commitment and have helped shape our firm’s trajectory and future success.   His advice for future engineers: “Don’t pigeon hole yourself into one aspect of Land Development, get with a company that will allow you to diversify your skills and experience.”   We are incredibly proud to have Alex as part of our team’s leadership, and look forward to celebrating continued success together! additional articles June 18, 2023 Employee Spotlight: Alex Acree, PE, Land Development Lead June 5, 2023 Project Spotlight: Stillwater June 2, 2023 Matthews | DCCM is a Best Firm to Work For! June 1, 2023 Project Spotlight: Beaver Toyota May 24, 2023 Everything You Need To Know About Land Development In Civil Engineering Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Matthews | DCCM is a Best Firm to Work For! Matthews | DCCM has been named a Best Firm to Work For by Zweig Group, which honors outstanding workplaces at AEC firms across the US and Canada. This marks our 8th continuous year of being recognized among the best in the industry. Our firm was ranked #11 in the 10 to 49 Employees category, and #17 overall in the Civil Engineering category. Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for firms in the AEC industry. Their award programs were created to recognize and celebrate top AEC industry firms. To be recognized as a Best Firm to Work For, firms are evaluated comprehensively on culture, workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates, professional development, and more – from both management and staff perspectives.  We would like to thank our incredible team who truly make our firm a great place to work and for earning us this recognition!  additional articles June 5, 2023 Project Spotlight: Stillwater June 1, 2023 Project Spotlight: Beaver Toyota May 24, 2023 Everything You Need To Know About Land Development In Civil Engineering April 17, 2023 Creating A Landscape That Is Environmentally Friendly April 13, 2023 Meet our New Project Managers Facebook Linkedin Envelope

Student Outreach: ACE Mentor Program Matthews | DCCM Director of Landscape Architecture, Eric Lanehart, was recently invited to speak at Creekside High School located in St. Johns County, Florida, through the ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida. Read what he had to say about the experience below: I was invited to the school to give a presentation and take questions regarding my profession. I believe Landscape Architecture was new to most of the students, so not many questions. That’s common, Landscape Architects number only in the dozens, and so most of the students had just learned for the first time what a Landscape Architect does for a living. The talk focused on what a Landscape Architect does from day to day, how to become a LA, and where you might work. I was lucky enough to have one student ask a detailed question. He was designing a facility for immigrants to stay until their immigration status is reviewed and processed. The site design was basic but had a unique concentric design with small housing units spanning out from a central point with walkways connecting each building. I told him this sets up perfectly to create mini outdoor pocket recreation areas, meditation gardens, and/or sports fields between the buildings. I suggested that he first keep budget in mind and strategically place shade trees to block the afternoon sun and place easy-to-maintain evergreen shrubs at sharp corners to soften the buildings. Walkways should be lined with smaller ornamental trees to soften the structured path system and use an easy-to-maintain, low water use, Bahia sod throughout the rest of the open areas. I provided a sketch, and he took a picture of it. I hope he was able to use some of the tips. Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA The ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida mentors high school students in architecture, construction & engineering, and we are proud to help support the incredible work they do in inspiring and growing STEM students.  Meet Our Director of Landscape Architecture Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA Eric has over 20 years of experience in the landscape architecture and land planning industry. He has worked mainly in North Florida, but has completed projects in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. He has managed multiple site planning, landscape, hardscape, and irrigation design projects for a diverse client base. Eric’s project types include amenity centers, parks and recreation facilities, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, multi-family, and single-family developments. He has always worked closely with engineers, planners, consultants, and client staff to gain approval prior to producing detailed cost analysis, quality renderings, and construction documents. As an Arborist, he has performed numerous site analysis to determine tree species, tree health and structural stability along with helping clients reduce tree mitigation costs. Eric is passionate about enhancing the beauty of projects through creative and sustainable landscape design. Envelope In need of landscape architecture services for your project? We would be happy to partner with you! CONTACT US