Architecture Firm founded by USF professor establishes Tampa location for the first time

A German architecture firm, JSWD, is expanding its reach by opening its first office in the United States, located in Tampa. The company, based in Cologne with a second office in Berlin, is in the process of hiring 30 new employees to operate the new 2,960-square-foot office. The office will be situated at 8401 N. Dale Mabry Highway, near Carrollwood, in a former storefront previously occupied by a local Italian bakery.

The move to Tampa was announced by the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. JSWD’s founding general partner, Olaf Arne Drehsen, cited personal and professional connections to the city as the reason for choosing it as the location for their first office outside of Germany. Drehsen’s ties to Tampa include his wife being from the city and his role as an associate professor at the University of South Florida’s school of architecture and community design.

JSWD sees Tampa as a city with a strong talent pool, a favorable business environment, and a collaborative community. As part of the expansion, the firm will be hiring architects, technical writers, model builders, as well as filling administrative and business development positions. With a current workforce of 280 employees, JSWD specializes in urban design, master planning, corporate and health care projects, and excels in sustainability and interior design.