Stephen Pickard Transitions Into A New Role

Stephen Pickard, FAIA, former Principal-in-Charge of the GFF faith-based and non-profit market sector, including the Church Works studio, transitioned to a different role at the end of 2022. Beginning in 2023, Stephen will serve in a consulting and advisory role for the firm. He joined GFF in 2010 and started the Church Works studio growing it into a nationally recognized, award-winning practice, serving hundreds of clients. In his time at GFF he has been our respected leader, teacher, mentor, and friend; building a national church practice while creatively changing design conventions with out of the box thinking and pioneering community-driven design solutions.

Stephen’s creative and collaborative design process along with his servant leadership style has grown and inspired a new generation of passionate architects and designers dedicated to serving faith-based and non-profit clients with an emphasis on strong client relationships.

We will miss Stephen’s day-to-day presence at GFF, seeing him sketching in the crit area, and his personal check-ins, but we know that his fingerprints of influence and mentorship will impact our studio and our work for years to come.

As Stephen said upon his announcement to GFF, “onward and upward.”

Our Church Works Team

If you are considering a faith-based project, let’s talk about how GFF can help you achieve your vision.

Jacquelyn Block

Principal + Director of Faith & Community Practice

A black and white portrait of Jacquelyn Block, a Principal and the Director of Faith & Community Practice with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Michael R. Lehr

Associate + Studio Director

A black and white portrait of Michael R. Lehr, an Associate and Studio Director with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Emily Mendez

Associate + Director of Sustainability / Interior Design Leader

A black and white portrait of Emily Mendez, an Associate, the Director of Sustainability, and an Interior Design Leader with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

Loren Boynton

Senior Design Leader

A black and white portrait of Loren Boynton, a Senior Design Leader with GFF in the Church Works Studio, in front of a white background.

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.

Our Work

M Line Tower

Dallas, Texas

Azul

Austin, Texas