Blake Thames, AIA

Associate + Design Leader

University of Kansas

Don’t hesitate to reach out! I can answer questions about our work or talk with you about your vision for a new project.

    A black and white portrait of Blake Thames, an Associate and Design Leader with GFF, in front of a white background.
    Blake Thames is an Associate and Design Leader with GFF.

    As a Project Designer, Blake brings a critical eye, analytical mind and boundless curiosity to everything he works on; partnering with clients to reveal the unique potential in every project. He has experience with a large variety of project types, including high-rise office, performing arts facilities, and church additions. Blake emphasizes open dialogue and utilizes a versatile skill set with expertise in 3D visualization, high-performance building design and early stage energy analysis to serve clients in the pursuit of excellence during all stages of the design process.

    Blake joined GFF in 2011 after receiving a Master of Architecture from The University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design, graduating with distinction and receiving the AIA Student Honor Award. During school, Blake also lived abroad while studying furniture design at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Blake is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, serving as a committee member and former committee chair of the AIA Dallas Design Awards. He also volunteers weekly with Watermark Student Ministries to mentor local high-school students.

    Our firm is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary practice with expertise in ArchitectureInterior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Planning. With a staff of 125 and offices spanning across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, we bring a Texas-sized commitment to design excellence. We pride ourselves on attracting the most talented and passionate designers who share our dedication to craftsmanship and professional licensure. Over four decades, we have meticulously honed our design process, encapsulated in our guiding Design Maxims. Not only are we creators, but we are stewards of the communities we touch, striving to leave them even better than we found them.

    At our core, we’re a team that thrives on innovation, and we’re always on the lookout for new talent to join us in building upon our storied success. We offer an exhilarating, fast-paced work environment where design opportunities abound at every level. Our firm culture is designed to be both productive and enjoyable, where collaboration and creativity are not just encouraged but celebrated. Our three strategically located offices in vibrant areas like Uptown in Dallas, West Bend in Fort Worth, and downtown Austin offer a lifestyle beyond the office, ensuring that your career with us is complemented by the fun and excitement of these dynamic urban locales. Join us, and let’s shape the future of design together.

    Our People

    Our firm is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary practice with expertise in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and planning.

    Aaron Hunt

    Associate Principal + Managing Director – Fort Worth

    Todd Burtis

    Design Principal

    Maria Gomez

    Principal + Studio Director

    Grant Wickard

    Associate Principal + Senior Project Leader

    Our Work

    Our designers are dedicated to Creating Memorable Places.

    News

    Read the latest news about our work and learn more about our firm culture

    Turning On A New Light

    We are excited to start 2024 with a new logo, inspired by our new headquarters in the heart of the vibrant Victory Park neighborhood of Dallas. This transition is more than just a change of logo and address; it is an improved reflection of who we are and where we want to go as an industry-leading, design-focused firm.

    Designing Spaces that Reflect Our Clients’ Mission

    In honor of Historic Preservation Month, GFF will be a Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Preservation Dallas Preservation Achievement Awards on May 17th, 2023.

    Life Fellowship Church Unveils Newly Transformed Campus

    GFF developed a new comprehensive campus master plan for Life Fellowship Church (LFC) located in McKinney, Texas, which includes renovation and expansion of their current campus to include a 1,200-seat future worship center, a weekday preschool, additional adult classrooms, and an administrative suite on a very compact site.

    Protecting Our Feathered Friends

    As cities grow and buildings become taller, the need to protect the earth's bird population is becoming more urgent. Thankfully, there are solutions to mitigate the problem, including guidelines for bird friendly glazing selections and building design features.

    About

    Learn more about the mission and organization of our practice.

    Sustainability

    GFF carefully considers the resources of our clients and our planet to create healthier, higher performing environments.

    We Are Hiring!

    We offer a dynamic and stimulating work environment, competitive salary/benefits and advancement potential at all levels for Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, Planners and our Operations Team.

    People

    Our staff of 140 offers architecture, interior design, planning and landscape architecture throughout the US

    New Project Opportunities

    Please contact us if you are a prospective client with a new project opportunity that you would like to discuss with out experts.