Portrait of a GFFer: Lance Abaya

Meet Lance Abaya! Lance joined us in 2010 and is an Associate and Design Leader.

 “My favorite thing about GFF is how they value each individual of the firm, and the importance of inclusiveness in every facet of the practice. I consider GFF as a family who ensures that every one of us has a voice in the design process, and fosters the unique spirit of each GFF’er. This has profound effects in our work and has produced the most meaningful design projects infused with soul. GFF shapes lives and shapes neighborhoods, which is engrained in the Design Maxims that defines the firm’s care for its people and the projects we engage in. I am proud to be a part of the GFF family!”

Outside of work, Lance is an outdoorsman and avid cyclist who enjoys gravel biking on country roads. He recently placed 17th (age group 30-39) in the Gravel Locos bike race in Hico, TX – a pilgrimage of pro-tour and amateur riders duking it out in the Texas Hill Country.

A fun fact about Lance is that he is a first generational Filipino-American born and raised in West Texas. “My roots run deep in both cultures through family, food, tradition, and the fondness for everything outdoors. One of our favorite things to do with family and friends is to gather and cook over an open fire.”

Firm News

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.

Retail / Restaurant Work

Crate&Barrel

Locations Nationwide

Cascades

The Colony, Texas

The Mockingbird

Dallas, Texas