Associate Principal + Director of Education Practice
Texas A&M University
Don’t hesitate to reach out! I can answer questions about our work or talk with you about your vision for a new project.
As Director of Education Practice, Mr. Shiver is passionate about creating memorable places that inspire learning. His 30 years of experience have been solely focused on the education sector for K-12 and higher education projects and clients. Prior to joining GFF, John spent his professional time leading his own firm for 20 years as well as serving as practice and market leader at Stantec and PBK. John has extensive experience in the planning and design of large complex projects and working with multiple stakeholders including boards, administrative teams, staff and community groups. His experience ranges from leading long range facilities master planning efforts for a single building within a campus to leading district-wide planning for large urban school districts. This includes the masterplan for the 14 comprehensive high schools at Fort Worth ISD that included 5 million SF and a $2 billion dollar facility and behavioral assessment.
John is passionate about building relationships and assisting clients in defining their vision and goals, delivering projects at the highest level possible and exceeding expectations. He helps foster a culture of excellence in the pursuit of work, design and execution of the work by leading teams, mentoring staff and contributing thought leadership to the education sector. John is regularly engaged to write, present at conferences and recently served on the Texas Association of School Administrators Committee on Facilities Standards, serving on the Learning Environment Sub-committee where he helped write the new standards that went into effect in 2021.
Mr. Shiver received his Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree from Texas A&M University in 1990 and his Master of Architecture Degree from Texas A&M University in 1992.
Our firm is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary practice with expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, and Planning. With a staff of 109 and offices spanning across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, we bring a Texas-sized commitment to design excellence. We pride ourselves on attracting the most talented and passionate designers who share our dedication to craftsmanship and professional licensure. Over four decades, we have meticulously honed our design process, encapsulated in our guiding Design Maxims. Not only are we creators, but we are stewards of the communities we touch, striving to leave them even better than we found them.
At our core, we’re a team that thrives on innovation, and we’re always on the lookout for new talent to join us in building upon our storied success. We offer an exhilarating, fast-paced work environment where design opportunities abound at every level. Our firm culture is designed to be both productive and enjoyable, where collaboration and creativity are not just encouraged but celebrated. Our three strategically located offices in vibrant areas like Uptown in Dallas, West Bend in Fort Worth, and downtown Austin offer a lifestyle beyond the office, ensuring that your career with us is complemented by the fun and excitement of these dynamic urban locales. Join us, and let’s shape the future of design together.
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.
Sustainability
GFF carefully considers the resources of our clients and our planet to create healthier, higher performing environments.
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.
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