Faith & Community — News / Culture

Our Faith & Community Studio is a group of highly experienced professionals who focus exclusively on the planning and design of faith-based facilities. We see our role in a project as facilitators who will assist your Church in realizing your vision, not imposing ours on you.  Our goal is for the design solution of your project to mirror the unique qualities, culture and circumstances that exist for your Church, not a formula driven solution applied without thorough consideration for your real needs.

The Church Network National Conference is Almost Here!

Mark your calendars! The 2023 Church Network Conference (TCN) will take place July 18th through July 21st at the Irving Convention Center in the DFW Metroplex.

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.

Portrait of a GFFer: Loren Boynton

Outside of work, Loren tinkers with anything automotive related (his current project is a 1981 Mercedes 300td), enjoys anything related to photography, and is raising two teenage boys with his wife Amour. He also took a Silversmithing class in college and has been hooked ever since!

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Jacquelyn Block

Jacquelyn joined GFF in 2011 and has extensive architectural experience leading faith-based, non-profit, and educational projects.

Under Construction

The GFF Church Works Studio has been busy working on projects under construction recently.

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.

St. Monica Catholic School Renovation

GFF was hired to develop a comprehensive campus master plan accommodating the needs of both the church and the 900 student Pre-K to 8th grade school.

GFF Announces Three New Principals

GFF is excited to announce three new principals as our firm continues to expand its reach and add diversity of expertise and perspective to our Principal team

Portrait of a GFFer: Becca Vahldick

“I love going to shows, playing guitar, and even occasionally moshing. I generally go to smaller concerts or support local bands but tend to be at a concert 4-5 times a month!”

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Emily Mendez

Emily Mendez is the Director of Sustainability for GFF, where she leads our internal committee comprised of sustainability representatives across all market sectors

Chase Oaks Church – Local Good Center

Chase Oaks Church’s Local Good Center was recently featured on the cover of Church Design’s May issue, in the article titled ‘Design Helps Practice What’s Preached.’

St. Andrew Methodist Church – Hasley Chapel

Designed as “a chapel in the woods” overlooking the creek and pond on campus, it is reminiscent of Robert’s beloved Arkansas home.

Did you know that May is Historic Preservation Month?

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, we would like to highlight some of the historic church projects we have worked on.

Hear from our Designers – What’s new in Church Seating?

Furniture for church facilities has shifted in recent years. Here are the trends we are excited about!

Our Work

Our designers are dedicated to Creating Memorable Places.

Our People

Our firm is a dynamic and multi-disciplinary practice with expertise in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and planning.

Jacquelyn Block

Principal + Director of Faith & Community Practice

Michael R. Lehr

Associate + Studio Director

Emily Mendez

Associate + Director of Sustainability / Interior Design Leader

Loren Boynton

Senior Design Leader

About

Learn more about the mission and organization of our practice.

People

Our staff of 140 offers architecture, interior design, planning and landscape architecture throughout the US

Sustainability

GFF carefully considers the resources of our clients and our planet to create healthier, higher performing environments.

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.

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.