Design Maxims

GFF’s Design Maxims are a set of guidelines that the firm uses to ensure that our design process is consistent and effective. At a minimum, we seek to deliver design work that is thoughtful and successful in seven different areas. These maxims serve as a compass for our design teams, guiding them as they work to execute holistically innovative and impactful designs that meet the needs of our clients and exceed their expectations. While each project is a unique opportunity that is driven by the vision of the client, the project’s context, and the impact it will have on the environment, our baseline approach to design ensures that our clients are getting the most comprehensive approach to their projects.

1

GFF Strives to exceed client objectives and advance their vision

We understand that every project is unique and requires a tailored approach, which is why we take the time to listen carefully to our clients’ needs and wants. We use this information to create a design brief that serves as the foundation for every project we undertake. By focusing on our clients’ objectives and working closely with them throughout the design process, we are able to deliver designs that exceed their expectations and help them achieve their goals. Whether we are working on a residential, commercial, or public project, our goal is always to create designs that are thoughtful, innovative, and impactful. We believe that by working closely with our clients and paying attention to their needs, we can create designs that truly stand out and make a difference.

2

Our designs clearly express a big idea

We are committed to creating designs that are driven by a clear, central concept that resonates with our clients and their audiences. Rather than focusing on applied, stylistic notions, we strive to offer solutions that are untethered from these constraints and allow us to truly explore the potential of a given idea. By embracing this approach, we are able to create designs that are both innovative and impactful, and that truly capture the essence of our clients’ vision.

3

We are collaborative; giving voice to multiple approaches and refining those to reveal the best ideas

We believe that great design is the result of careful consideration and comparison. As a team, we take the time to explore a wide range of options for each project we undertake, and carefully compare one option against the others to determine which one is the best fit. This approach allows us to identify the ideal solution for each project because the best idea always wins.

4

These solutions thoughtfully respond to physical, natural, social, and cultural context

We believe in creating places that are thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with their context. Our team takes into account the unique built and ecological setting of each project to ensure that our designs are not only beautiful, but also function in harmony with their environments. We also prioritize preserving and incorporating existing social and cultural elements into our designs, creating spaces that are truly reflective of the communities they serve. By carefully considering these factors, we are able to create places that are not only aesthetically significant, but also sustainable and respectful of their surroundings.

5

We are committed to positively impacting people and the planet

We are passionate about creating positive change for both people and the planet. Our work can have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and our planet, and we are committed to designing sustainable buildings and landscapes. By using environmentally-friendly materials, incorporating passive and active sustainable design approaches, we strive to design for sustainability and work closely with our clients to ensure that our projects improve quality of life for the people who use them.

6

We leverage our vast market experience to deliver forward-thinking solutions

With over 40 years of experience designing award-winning projects, our firm has a deep understanding of the communities we work in and the unique nature of the products we design. We bring this expertise to all of our work and are well-versed in the complex nature of building codes and jurisdiction-specific zoning regulations. This ensures that your design will meet all necessary requirements. Additionally, our strong connections within the communities we serve give us unique insight into local preferences and needs, allowing us to make the most informed design decisions when working on projects for our clients.

7

We seek to Create Memorable Places that enhance the human experience

The words in our corporate mission were chosen carefully. Because we are architects, interior designers, landscape architects and planners, the places we create take on many forms: the workplace interior, courtyards and spaces between buildings, walkable mixed use villages and the educational campus, for instance. A memorable place is beautiful, uplifting, sustainable and authentic…crafted to endure so that its value builds over time.

About

Learn more about the mission and organization of our practice.

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.

People

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

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.

Sustainability

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

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.

Our People

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

Jason Cave

Associate Principal + Director of Civic Practice

Maria Gomez

Principal + Studio Director

Grant Wickard

Associate Principal + Senior Project Leader