At Hill Foley Rossi & Associates, growth is about more than adding people to our team—it’s about bringing together individuals who strengthen our culture, broaden our expertise, and share our commitment to thoughtful design.

Over the past several months, we’re excited to welcome Ricky Cooper, Rodrigo Velarde, Juan Gutierrez, and Jennifer Guth to HFR. Each joins our team with unique experiences and perspectives, helping us continue to create spaces that serve our clients and communities across the Southeast.

As our portfolio continues to grow across commercial, municipal, healthcare, aviation, restaurant, and other market sectors, we’re equally committed to investing in the people behind every project.

That commitment begins with finding individuals who see design, collaboration, and service the same way we do.

When asked, “What drew you to HFR?”, Jennifer Guth shared:

“I was looking for a new opportunity where I could build on my experience in retail planning and project management. From the moment I walked into the office for my interview, I knew HFR was different—it felt like a breath of fresh air. Everyone I met was genuinely passionate about what they do, and that energy was contagious. It was clear that the team not only values great work but also supports and encourages one another. Being part of such a positive, collaborative, and welcoming environment has been incredibly exciting and rewarding.”

It’s a sentiment that reflects what many of our team members value about HFR—a collaborative environment where architects, engineers, designers, and support staff work side by side to solve challenges and create meaningful places.

That same passion carries into the work our team does every day. When asked, “What excites you most about architecture and design?”, Ricky Cooper II explained:

“What excites me most about architecture is the opportunity to bring more order to the chaos around us. Meaningful design is accomplished by listening to the needs and aspirations of our clients rather than focusing inwardly on our personal preferences; ego inhibits great architecture. I love collaborating with customers to transform their functional goals into welcoming and inspiring environments.“

Whether designing a restaurant, healthcare facility, municipal building, airport project, or commercial development, every project begins with understanding the people who will use it and designing successful spaces.

Of course, every team member also brings something unique beyond the office. One of our favorite questions to ask is: “What’s something people may not know about you?”

Juan Gutierrez told us, “One thing that people may not know about me is that I enjoy exploring how architecture connects with different cultures and landscapes. I love traveling and seeing how design reflects the history and identity of a place.” 

And Rodrigo shared, “I have an extremely good sense of time. I don’t sleep with an alarm, I just wake up by myself.”

It’s the individual quirks, experiences, interests, and perspectives that make our team stronger—not only as professionals, but as collaborators. Now, let’s meet the team.

Meet the Team

Ricky Cooper

Architectural Designer III

Rodrigo Velarde

Architectural Designer II

Juan Gutierrez

Architectural Designer I 

Jennifer Guth

Architectural Project Coordinator

Every project we take on is shaped by the people behind it. We’re excited to welcome Ricky, Rodrigo, Juan, and Jennifer to HFR and look forward to the impact they’ll have on our clients, our projects, and our team for years to come.

Please join us in welcoming them to the HFR family.