Announcing our 2026 Promotions
We’re continually humbled by the extraordinary people we work with and their commitment to creating excellent work and an excellent workplace. Promotions at GFF are never about a single moment. They reflect sustained performance, growing leadership, and the kind of daily impact that strengthens our teams, our culture, and our future. We’re excited to recognize this group and celebrate what they’ve earned.
Associate Principal
This year, we’re proud to promote Sara Good, Blake Thames, and Steve Brookover to Associate Principal. Each of them leads with steady judgment, a strong sense of ownership, and a unique ability to strengthen both our work and our teams. Their impact is felt across the firm, and their leadership continues to raise the standard for GFF.
Associate
Associate Principal
“When I was asked to start the Austin office, I made it known that I wouldn’t do it without Sara in the co-pilot seat. She has been foundational to growing the studio and serving as its cultural anchor. I can’t think of anyone who deserves the AP title more.”
Associate
Associate Principal
“Blake is a thoughtful Architect that exhibits a calm, confident, demeanor. He is inciteful, with a unique ability to capture the design vision another designer may be searching for before they see it themselves. We look forward to his continued design influence and leadership as an Associate Principal.”
Associate
Associate Principal
“Steve executes our projects with a level of precision that elevates our craft and builds unwavering confidence in our technical expertise. This is exactly the kind of leadership that strengthens our reputation and drives GFF’s growth. We are proud to name him our newest Associate Principal.”
Associate
We’re excited to recognize David Anderson as Associate, celebrating his trusted leadership, strong project impact, and continued contributions to the firm’s growth. The Associate title reflects outreach and success in nurturing client and outward-focused relationships that help move GFF forward.
Associate
“David has been a trusted technical leader whose consistent commitment to quality has elevated every project he’s touched. He not only brings strong expertise but also invests in developing and supporting the team around him.”
Senior Leader
We’re proud to promote Josh Frederick and Josh Hafel to Senior Leader roles, recognizing their sustained leadership, deep expertise, and the high standards they bring to their teams and the firm. Through training, guidance, and consistent follow-through, they continue to strengthen our work product and deepen client trust through quality.
Project Leader
Senior Project Leader
“Josh brings a unique and highly valuable skill set to Multifamily Project Planning, consistently shaping projects with a deep understanding of both design goals and client needs. He has long been a thought leader in this practice area, and his vision continues to advance the quality and sophistication of our work. His leadership is helping push our projects to the next level.”
Design Technology Leader
Senior Design Technology Leader
“We built the Design Technology team around Josh Hafel because he leads with a standard of excellence that starts with himself. He doesn’t stay in his lane, he improves the lanes for everyone, and he is constantly strengthening processes across the firm. We can’t wait to see where he takes our technology capabilities next.”
Leader
We’re excited to recognize John Laurence as our newest Project Leader. John leads with clarity, consistency, and a strong sense of ownership that keeps teams aligned and projects moving forward.
Senior Project Coordinator
Project Leader
“John’s diligence, rigor, and attention to detail have made him an excellent Project Leader who is delighting our clients.”
Coordinator
We’re excited to celebrate Marisa Dominguez and Leah Coley as new Coordinators, recognizing their strong performance, trusted contributions, and the positive impact they bring to their teams and studio culture. These promotions reflect growing ownership, reliability, and a sustained ability to support our most important work.
Design Professional
Project Coordinator
“Inquisitive by nature and generous in spirit, she actively seeks challenges to grow professionally while elevating others around her, strengthening project teams and the culture of our firm.”
Architectural Professional
Project Coordinator
“Leah has shown impressive development over the past year, building skills and confidence essential for a Project Coordinator role. It has been a pleasure to see her grow into her strengths and take on new challenges with determination and professionalism.”
Congratulations to our 2026 promotees. The firm expresses admiration for these individuals in every way. Each promotion reflects sustained effort, strong performance, and meaningful leadership, and everyone at GFF Design is proud of them and excited to see what comes next.