German architecture firm JSWD chooses Tampa for first U.S. office
April 9, 2024
JSWD has leased office space at 8401 N. Dale Mabry Hwy and plans to create 30 new jobs
Tampa, Fla. (April 9, 2024) – German architecture firm JSWD has chosen Tampa for its first U.S. expansion. The company has leased 2,960 square feet at 8401 N. Dale Mabry Hwy and plans to create 30 jobs over the next year. JSWD will be hiring architects, technical writers and model builders as well as administrative and business development roles.
“We have been looking to expand our business into the U.S. market, and Tampa was on our radar because of a professional connection with the University of South Florida, and a personal connection because my wife is from Tampa,” said Professor Olaf Arne Drehsen, founding general partner of JSWD. “I know firsthand that Tampa is producing a strong talent pipeline, couple that with a favorable business climate and collaborative community, and I’m confident we have all that we need to be successful in the U.S.”
Founded in 2000, JSWD employs approximately 280 architects out of its global headquarters in Cologne, Germany and a second office in Berlin. JSWD specializes in creating buildings within urban design, master planning, corporate and health care, and provides key competencies in sustainability and interior design.
“Florida’s reputation as a top global business destination and best place to live continues to attract companies looking to set up U.S. offices,” said TJ Villamil, President, International Commerce, SelectFlorida. “We have built a strong relationship with the business community over in Germany through our overseas SelectFlorida office in Munich and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome JSWD to our thriving professional services sector.”
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council has seen an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) interest over the last couple of years, and this trend has continued in 2024. Nearly half of the Tampa Bay EDC’s prospects are international companies, particularly from the UK and European markets. JSWD is the latest FDI project to select Tampa and Hillsborough County for an expansion, following Cybecs, Strive Sales, WellnessLiving and Clarify.
“The interest we’re seeing from international companies is not by chance but is a result of years of collaboration with our regional partners to strategically target international companies that are considering a U.S. expansion,” said Joe Lopano, chair of the Tampa Bay EDC and CEO of Tampa International Airport. “JSWD is another fantastic FDI win, and we look forward to supporting them as they build their local workforce and grow their U.S. customer base.
About JSWD Architects
The firm JSWD was founded in 2000 and has grown under the leadership of the four founding partners to approximately 280 employees from 30 nations. Recently, the decision was made by the firm to branch out into the US markets and beyond. The first step of opening the JSWD office in Tampa, Florida, has been completed.
JSWD believes strongly in the German virtue of “Baukultur”, which represents a holistic approach to the built environment, both in terms of function and focus on the future. Adhering to this principle, the firm arrives at the best possible solution for each project and client. JSWD looks to continue to bring this approach to clients throughout the region. For more information, visit www.jswd.de.
About the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to advance a diversified local economy that is beneficial to all by attracting, expanding and retaining quality employers, a talented workforce and investment, focusing within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Professional Services, Information Technology, Life Science and Health Care, Defense and Security, Distribution and Logistics, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampabayedc.com.
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