New York, NY Leading architecture, planning, and interior design firm FCA announces the retirement of president John Campbell, AIA, ARIAS, RIBA, LEED AP. Campbell leaves behind a long legacy of leadership and dedication to the firm, its staff, and its clients. With his FCA career spanning over 36 years, five of those years as president, Campbell earned a reputation for excellence, motivating team members to reach their full potential and delivering design solutions that focus on improving the human experience. With the announcement of Campbell’s retirement, the board has elected FCA principal Aran McCarthy, AIA, NCARB, as the incoming president, effective on July 1st, 2022.
The presidential transition will usher in a new era for FCA as Campbell, a master of corporate interiors and workplace strategy, makes his exit, McCarthy, will step in, bringing decades of experience with healthcare environments to the leadership role. “It is an honor for me to assume the presidency of FCA, a legacy firm with an incredibly rich history and a recognized culture,” said McCarthy.
“Like all members of our firm, I strongly believe we owe it to ourselves to listen and learn before leading. I look forward to empowering those around me to keep building upon our strengths, providing world-class design that is sustainable and timeless for our clients. The bravest among us are the clearest of vision, and I am confident that our quality of vision will continue to light the way forward during my tenure as president.”
“I’m proud to have been a part of FCA’s evolution throughout my career,” said Campbell. “I’ve always strived to honor the legacy of our firm’s founders, inspiring smart design while reaffirming our organization’s strong values and company culture. I’m confident in the ability of our existing teams across all market sectors to continue providing cutting-edge design solutions, and I know that I leave the firm in intensely capable hands. I am looking forward to seeing FCA’s continued growth for years to come.”
Campbell joined FCA as part of an exchange program between The Carpenters’ Company in Philadelphia and The Worshipful Company of Carpenters in London, working closely with two of the firm’s founders, Hughes Cauffman and James Francis, who both served as formative mentors. Combining his passion for design with a strong client focus, he quickly rose as a leader in corporate workplace strategy, and Campbell’s valuable insights have continued to inform much of the firm’s behaviorally-driven design with an adept consideration for the relationship between people and the built environment. An active participant in the local architecture and design community, Campbell is a past president of the Carpenters’ Company, and also served as the president of the AIA Philadelphia Chapter. Spearheading the strategy for ongoing partnerships and nationwide rebrands with leading companies such as BMS, GSK and Vanguard, Campbell’s guidance and industry knowledge has helped to build the firm’s impressive client roster and diverse project portfolio.
Having led the firm’s expansion to Orlando, Florida, in 2019, and the acquisition of established firm Fred M. Humphrey & Associates in January 2022, McCarthy, who has been with FCA for 22 years, will continue to propel the firm forward through strategic growth initiatives. As FCA’s “chief champion,” McCarthy’s top priorities are to continue broadening the company’s reach and expertise across all market sectors, cultivating the firm’s existing talent, and building upon FCA’s outstanding company culture, while nurturing a new generation of leaders.
This company milestone and transition bridge FCA’s historically rich past and notable present while providing a clear and compelling path forward. With an increased focus on corporate social responsibility, the organization’s environmentally-conscious initiatives will remain a priority. The firm will also continue to build upon its reputable augmented service, remaining on the cutting-edge of design-thinking in all practice areas while prioritizing client experience. Above all, FCA is in the people business; the firm believes that design serves as the medium by which they interact with the outside world. Moving forward, Aran and the team at large will continue to honor the past while looking optimistically toward the future. Though Campbell’s presence in the office will be greatly missed, his mentorship and lasting influence empower the firm to excel in times of transition.
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