GFF Promotions Announcement —
Recognizing Leadership, Talent & Growth

A sketched animation of Allison Hubbard sitting at her desk in a modern office with the Dallas skyline visible through large windows. She is positioned confidently, surrounded by multiple computer screens displaying financial data and strategic planning elements, representing her role as President of GFF.
We are excited to celebrate Allison Hubbard’s ascension to President of GFF alongside our firm-wide promotions.

Allison Hubbard’s Leadership Continues as GFF’s President

When GFF transitioned to its current generation of Principals, Allison Hubbard stepped into the role of COO, bringing decades of leadership and a deep understanding of how our firm operates. Since joining GFF in 1997, she has shaped both our HR and accounting teams, ultimately leading the firm’s financial and operational strategy. Much like the founders of our practice, she approaches GFF as a designed system, constantly thinking about how to refine and strengthen our culture, resources, and processes.

With a rare ability to bridge finance, operations, and human resources, Allison has been instrumental in ensuring GFF thrives—not just as a design firm, but as a well-run business. Her exceptional leadership and strategic mindset made it clear that she was the right choice to serve as President. We are excited for her continued stewardship as GFF’s technical and design teams push boundaries and reach new heights.

President / Principal + Chief Operations Officer

A black and white portrait of Allison Hubbard, a Principal, the President, and the Chief Operating Officer with GFF, in front of a white background.

“We love celebrating the growth of our team, and this year was especially significant with several key promotions—including the elevation of Allison as GFF’s President. Since our firm’s leadership transition in 2020, Allison has overseen the business side of our practice and dedicated herself to building our firm’s culture. This promotion is a well-earned recognition of her leadership and impact.”

— Evan Beattie, Chairman + CEO

Stepping Forward on
the Path to Principal

At GFF, we recognize leadership through both operational and non-operational titles. Our operational titles—ranging from Professional to Coordinator, Senior Coordinator, Leader, Senior Leader, and Director—reflect an individual’s role in the firm’s daily operations. Separately, our non-operational titles—Associate, Associate Principal, and Principal—are tied to a defined path for those aspiring to firm leadership. This structured progression aligns with our core value of “Opportunity for All,” ensuring that employees who demonstrate the traits of a future Principal have a clear, transparent roadmap to achieving that goal.

“Advancing to Associate and Associate Principal is a milestone that reflects leadership and a deep commitment to GFF’s growth. Mike, Beth, Gavin, and Sarah have each demonstrated the qualities that define our firm’s next generation of leaders, and we’re excited to see the continued impact they will make.”

— Allison Hubbard, President + COO

Mike Lehr Named Associate Principal

As Studio Director of our Faith & Community studio, Mike Lehr has built strong relationships with our wonderful faith and community clients, guiding projects that reflect their values and missions. His leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to cultivate lasting partnerships have led to new opportunities for GFF. This well-earned promotion to Associate Principal recognizes his impact on both our firm and the communities we serve.

Associate Principal + Studio Director

A black and white portrait of Mike Lehr, an Associate Principal and Studio Director with GFF in the Faith & Community Studio, in front of a white background.

GFF Adds Three New Associates

Joining the ranks of GFF’s leadership pipeline, Beth Schmidt, Gavin Newman, and Sarah Hamzeh have been promoted to Associate, marking an important milestone on the path to Principal. Their expertise and leadership continue to shape our firm—Beth through design, Gavin in planning, and Sarah as a key team member in our Fort Worth office. Each has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a unique skill set that strengthens GFF’s future.

Associate + Senior Design Leader

Associate + Planning Leader

Associate + Project Leader

A black and white portrait of Beth Schmidt, an Associate and Senior Design Leader with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Gavin Newman, an Associate and Planning Leader with GFF in the Planning Studio, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Sarah Hamzeh, an Associate and Project Leader with GFF in the Fort Worth Studio, in front of a white background.

Forging Their Own Path: New Directors & Specialized Roles

New Directors

Todd Toupal and Garrett Barker have been elevated to Directors, stepping into roles that reflect their expertise and impact. As Technical Director, Todd brings a wealth of experience in documentation and detailing, shaping some of GFF’s most refined projects—including the nearly finished 23Springs. His precision and technical leadership have set a high standard across the firm. Garrett Barker, now Studio Director of our Civic & Cultural studio, has long been a trusted leader and mentor. His ability to guide teams and steward client resources ensures that every project is thoughtful, well-executed, and a strong investment in the communities we serve.

Associate + Technical Director

Associate + Studio Director

A black and white portrait of Todd Toupal, an Associate and the Technical Director with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Garrett Barker, an Associate and Studio Director with GFF in the Civic & Cultural Studio, in front of a white background.

Specialized Roles

Ricardo Montoya is already a key leader at GFF, and we’re fine-tuning his title to Technical Principal to reflect his specialized role within the firm. His deep technical expertise is an invaluable resource for both our teams and the success of our projects. Taylor Wade, a member of Ricardo’s Quality Management Team, is stepping into the role of Senior Design Technology Coordinator, reinforcing her impact on design technology across the firm. Meanwhile, Andrew Adkison has long been a creative powerhouse—whether in design, visualization, or photography. Now, as GFF’s leading expert on AI technology and policy, he’s helping shape the future of how we work.

Technical Principal

Associate Principal + Director of AI

Senior Design Technology Coordinator

A black and white portrait of Ricardo Montoya, the Technical Principal with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Andrew Adkison, an Associate Principal and the Director of AI with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Taylor Wade, a Senior Design Technology Coordinator with GFF, in front of a white background.

Recognizing Leadership at Every Level of our Firm

Senior Leaders

Senior Leaders play a critical role in guiding complex projects, managing multiple assignments, and elevating the quality of our work. These individuals have consistently demonstrated expertise in their practice areas, contributed to the firm’s knowledge and technical excellence, and built strong relationships with clients. Their leadership not only strengthens our teams but also positions them as future Directors within the firm.

Associate + Senior Design Leader

Associate + Senior Creative Leader

Senior Design Leader

Senior Project Leader

A black and white portrait of Blake Thames, an Associate and Senior Design Leader with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Levi Hooten, an Associate and Senior Creative Leader with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of David Rosenbloom, a Senior Design Leader with GFF in the Office & Workplace Studio, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of David Anderson, a Senior Project Leader with GFF in the Mixed-Use & Multifamily Studio, in front of a white background.

Leaders

Leaders have demonstrated the ability to independently manage projects or take ownership of key areas within our practice. Their sustained expertise, problem-solving skills, and commitment to excellence make them invaluable contributors to our firm’s success, reinforcing the strength and depth of our team.

Associate + Project Leader

Project Leader

A black and white portrait of Mariah Trevizo, an Associate and Senior Project Coordinator with GFF in the Mixed-Use & Multifamily Studio, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Thomas Castro, a Project Leader with GFF in the Planning Studio, in front of a white background.

Senior Coordinators

Our Senior Coordinators have demonstrated the ability to manage small projects or key portions of larger ones with independence and expertise. Their growth reflects a deepening level of responsibility, technical skill, and project leadership, reinforcing GFF’s commitment to developing talent from within.

Senior Project Coordinator

Senior Project Coordinator

A black and white portrait of Sarah Wheeler, a Senior Project Coordinator with GFF in the Education Studio, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Talon McCart, a Senior Project Coordinator with GFF in the Mixed-Use & Multifamily Studio, in front of a white background.

Coordinators

Coordinators have demonstrated the ability to work independently and contribute meaningfully to projects on a regular basis. This milestone reflects their growing expertise and confidence in managing tasks, problem-solving, and supporting teams effectively. Their development strengthens our firm and ensures continued project success.

Marketing Coordinator

Interior Design Coordinator

IT Coordinator

A black and white portrait of Emily Carvell, a Marketing Coordinator with GFF, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Hollyann Friloux, an Interior Design Coordinator with GFF in the Interior Design Studio, in front of a white background.
A black and white portrait of Scott MacKenzie, an IT Coordinator with GFF, in front of a white background.