A Giant Looks at 50

In an ever-changing market, it's hard to stay on top. So when a Giant turns 50, it's time for a well-deserved celebration. This year, it's TLC Engineering for Architecture's turn to hit the half-century mark. Based in Orlando, TLC is a high-growth firm with more than 300 employees in nine offices located in Florida and Tennessee. Essentially, we are a service business, says Debra Lupton, TLC's CEO. Making the most of that fact means developing a sense of trust with clients. But for TLC, establishing client relationships also means finding clients - both architects and building owners - who share their unique vision. We aren't sub-consultants, Lupton says. Rather, we're leaders in our field who partner with the architects. We want to work with clients who embrace that. Having a CEO who really understands the client's perspective goes a long way. Both Lupton and her predecessor, John Benz, are registered architects and members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).