The GMA Team

Ramon Acevedo
AIA
President/Principal Architect
Mr. Acevedo is a registered architect with more than 30 years of experience in programming, site and building design, development of construction documents, and operation of on-site construction administration activities.
He has previously worked in Ohio and Puerto Rico where he gained extensive knowledge in the development of pharmaceutical facilities.
Mr. Acevedo’s experience with GMA Architects & Planners includes design-build, fast track, and design delivery systems in a variety of project types such as corporate headquarters, commercial buildings, retail, and government complexes.

Noel Hernandez
Project Architect
Florida native
Started with the Firm December 2004
After taking his backpack on a three-month walkabout, Noel joined Gora McGahey to see how a real architecture firm works. When not spending time with family and friends, Noel enjoys reading (preferably on the beach) and culinary experimentation.
P.S. Go Gators and Hook’em Horns

Zachary E. Smith
Project Manager / Designer
Mr. Smith has an extensive background in the architecture and construction industry for nearly 20 years, and served as a consulting architect for many Southwest Florida-based operations.
His most notable work includes: The Landings Wheelhouse and Helm Club renovations, Riverwood Community Clubhouse, DeSoto Fire Station and many more.
He was an adjunct professor of architecture for five years at a college in Fort Myers, adding significant teaching experience to his portfolio.
Zachary is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. He received his Master Degree in Architecture from California State Polytechnic University and Florida International University.
His greatest accomplishment is continuing a local multi-generational legacy with his three children, Mary, Stella and Axl.

Juan Carlos Franchevich
Project Designer
Born in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, he moved to Brazil after completing high school to pursue his studies at Universidade Católica de Goiás, where he earned his degree in Architecture and Urban Planning.
One of his most notable professional accomplishments includes contributing to the development and execution of the Master Plan for the City of Palmas, the capital of the State of Tocantins, Brazil, while working with Grupo Quatro Architects.
In 2000, he relocated with his family to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he has since built a diverse career in architecture, serving in roles such as Intern Architect, BIM Manager, and Project Manager.
In 2021, he made the move to Florida, where he continues his work with local architecture firms while embracing the outdoor lifestyle the state has to offer. His interests include cycling, kayaking, sketching, watercolor painting, and playing beach tennis.
Outside of the office, he can often be found exploring some of his favorite cycling destinations, including C. Webb Wildlife Management Area, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and Caloosahatchee Regional Park.

Rich McConville
Construction Administration (CA)
Construction Administration (CA) assists in the realization of the Design vision by providing expert communication between the Architect and the Construction team. Owner relations, document coordination between the teams, review of the submitted elements, providing clarifications, reviewing pay requests and monitoring the work as it is performed for compliance are all components of CA. Decades of participation in the construction process from raw land to finished use has prepared Rich to be of particular value in this process.

Ken Buschle
LEED AP, FCSI, CCS, CCCA
Specifications/Quality Control
Mr. Buschle became GMA’s first full-time Contract Administrator in 1988.
Since then he has built the Construction Administration department into a three-person team that provides specifications research and documents, quality control coordination, probable cost opinions, bidding management and Construction Contract Administration.
He is a state and nationally certified building inspector in all major areas of construction.
From his construction-oriented vantage point, Ken serves as document review and coordination manager. His review prior to final issue and his involvement in the bidding process helps assure clear, coordinated documents which result in tight bids, few change orders, and consistent schedule compliance
Mr. Buschle has lead GMA’s 20-year pursuit of sustainable design.
As president-elect and board member of the local chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), he has been a leader in introducing cutting-edge technology as well common sense, environmentally sound practices to the local construction community as well to GMA architects.
He administers GMA’s in-house continuing education programs, with an emphasis on sustainability and building technology. Ken has been accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED professional (LEED AP) and is an active member of the Florida Green Building Coalition.

Felix Medina
Project Designer
Born in Naples, Florida
Started with the firm in May, 2004 to 2013 and again in June 2022.
Felix started with us as a runner while finishing his two-ish year CADD degree at Edison College. He learned how projects are developed and became acquainted with our consultants while delivering plans. He has grown into a key member of the Firm specializing in 3D images.
He lived in Immokalee for 21 years before moving to L.A. (Lehigh Acres) with his wife. When not in the office, he can be found working on rebuilding trucks. He spends his free time building what will be the ultimate low rider one day. He still finds time to fish and keep in touch with old friends.

Dora Otano
APX, Associate AIA
Jr. Project Designer
Mrs. Otano graduated from Florida International University with a master’s degree in architecture.
Her experience includes a community center and restrooms for Wedge Park in Parkland, FL, the casino located at the Miccosukee rest stop, and several new builds and renovations for Walmart.

Scott Bennett
CADD Draftsman
Born in Long Island, NY
Started with Firm Feb. 2022
Like many people in SW Florida, Scott was born in New York. He spent much of his life in central Florida before moving to Fort Myers in 1989 and has worked for some of the top firms in the area. Scott has been with the firm since Feb. 2022. He was married in 2001 to his lovely wife Kelly, and they are now empty nesters. Scott is an avid Florida Gator fan, classic car and truck enthusiast and enjoys art, music and the beach.

Liv Green
Marketing/Office Manager
Ms. Green traded the fast-paced energy of her hometown of Detroit, Michigan, for the sunshine of Southwest Florida, making Fort Myers her permanent home in May 2025. She is a graduate of Wayne State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
While her academic background is rooted in Criminal Justice, Ms. Green discovered a strong passion for creativity, communication, and brand development, which led her to pursue a career in marketing. Ms. Green joined the firm in January 2026.
An outgoing and energetic individual, she enjoys staying active through pickleball, biking, and long walks, as well as spending time reading and exploring new interests—including performing stand-up comedy in her free time.
A dedicated Detroit sports fan, Ms. Green proudly supports the Detroit Lions and looks forward to the day they reach the Super Bowl.
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Denise Weisinger
Comptroller
Born in Louisville, Ky., Ms. Weisinger moved to Florida in 1989 and started work with GMA Architects & Planners in November 1997.
She worked for various companies before meeting her husband, Jamie, and starting a family (not necessarily in that order).
Working on her degree part time, it seemed she was going to be a “lifetime student.” However, through diligence and with fortitude, she soldiered on to complete her studies at the University of South Florida in 1994.
Although initially working full time, she is now able to work part time to spend more time playing tennis, visiting her daughter in college and watching her son play various sports.
Denise and her husband like to travel and spend many weekends a year supporting various favorite sports teams.
Being from the Bluegrass State, she enjoys “The Sport of Kings” and tries to make it to at least one Triple Crown event each year. She also enjoys boating, skiing and running.

Beshoy Farid
Project Designer
Born in Egypt, Mr. Farid relocated to the United States in 2010. He began his architectural journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Sustainable Design from Pennsylvania College of Technology, a Penn State affiliate.
Following graduation, he moved to Irvine, California, where he completed his first internship focusing on healthcare design. He later relocated to Miami, Florida, to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture at Florida International University. While at FIU, he gained experience working at a landscape architecture firm and contributed to notable projects in Miami Beach, including Apogee and The Residences at the Bath Club.
In his final year at FIU, Mr. Farid transitioned to an architecture firm, where he worked on a diverse range of projects, from tenant improvements to new construction. After completing his graduate studies, he joined GMA Architects & Planners in 2025.
Outside of the office, Mr. Farid enjoys spending time with friends and family and taking full advantage of Florida’s warm climate after leaving behind the colder weather of Pennsylvania.
