Civic / Government
Extending our legacy of design excellence to the public sector with the responsiveness our partners deserve
Public Work Requires Proven Excellence
GFF’s Civic & Cultural Studio was founded with a clear belief: in order to help communities achieve meaningful, lasting impact, we must deliver exceptional service, thoughtful design, and disciplined execution for our public partners. Historically, GFF’s practice has been rooted in long-standing relationships within the development community. Building on that foundation, the Civic Studio was established to extend the firm’s design excellence into the public realm and to serve cities, counties, and civic leaders with the same rigor and responsiveness that define our broader practice.
Structured to Set the Civic Standard
The studio was launched in 2022 when GFF invited Jason Cave to establish a dedicated civic practice. With over a decade of experience leading complex public safety and municipal projects, Jason founded the studio on the belief that public work requires more than strong design — it demands trust, clarity, and unwavering client service. From the outset, the goal was to build a team intentionally structured around the needs of public clients.
Garrett Barker joined a year later following six years of collaboration with Jason. He now leads the Civic Studio’s daily design and delivery efforts, emphasizing technical excellence and team development. Together, they lead multiple civic projects across the region, combining the focus of a dedicated studio with the depth and resources of an established firm.
Serving Communities with Intent
Today, the Civic Studio is growing intentionally and strategically. Each project strengthens our relationships with public leaders and reinforces our founding philosophy: great civic buildings are the result of great partnership. By listening first, aligning around mission, and executing with discipline, we aim to create facilities that serve communities well today and endure for generations to come.
Civic / Government Projects
Enhancing public safety infrastructure amid significant residential and commercial development
Fort Worth, Texas
The Dallas Zoo South Garage exemplifies an innovative approach to parking structure design that supports sustainability, branding, and future campus development
Dallas, Texas
Our design for Fort Worth’s Northwest Patrol Substation draws inspiration from the city’s frontier heritage and the architectural legacy of the Stockyards.
Fort Worth, Texas
The Oak Cliff Government Center integrates sustainability with civic function, providing daylight-filled, healthy work environments for county staff and the public
Dallas, Texas
An expansion that deepens the Latino Cultural Center’s role as a hub for arts and community
Dallas, Texas
Enhancing public safety through thoughtful design and expanded space for law enforcement and judicial functions
Roanoke, Texas
GFF’s design for the broadcast facility responds to its unique topographic and urban context, carving out moments of pause, projection, and public connection along the Katy Trail
Dallas, Texas / Unbuilt
Divided into three distinct pavilions, the library offers flexible spaces that can function independently or together to support a range of activities
Aledo, Texas
This center serves as a hub for the neighborhood’s Hispanic community, providing flexible spaces for teens, families, and sports tournaments
Fort Worth, Texas
Connecting Princeton residents to nature through thoughtfully designed trails and outdoor amenities
Princeton, Texas
Honoring former Dallas Mayor Annette Strauss and her legacy in the arts
Dallas, Texas
The restoration of Dealey Plaza honors its historical significance by returning the site to its 1963 appearance through rigorous research and preservation