Photography

Announcing Our 2024 Promotions

It is with great excitement that we announce the advancement of twenty outstanding individuals who epitomize our core values.

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.

Retail / Stores & Restaurant

GFF has a deep understanding of the retail and restaurant industry and we bring that knowledge and experience to all our projects.

Recreation & Private Clubs

Our firm has extensive experience designing highly-functional recreation facilities and private clubs. We understand the specific needs of an client's end-users, personalizing each project to meet the distinct requirements of the individuals who will utilize these facilities.

K-12 & Higher Education

Our team has a proven track record of guiding institutions through the process of programming, design, and construction to realize their vision, and we have successfully completed projects on 25 different campuses in Texas and beyond.

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.

23Springs

Dallas, Texas

Portrait of a GFFer: Gabrielle Duran

Outside of work, Coleman loves to travel. During his school years, he used his longer breaks to visit many national parks, with Zion National Park being his favorite. In his senior year, he visited Cairo, Egypt, and he recently took a trip to Copenhagen which he said was incredible!

Portrait of a GFFer: Coleman Brink

Outside of work, Coleman loves to travel. During his school years, he used his longer breaks to visit many national parks, with Zion National Park being his favorite. In his senior year, he visited Cairo, Egypt, and he recently took a trip to Copenhagen which he said was incredible!

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Aaron Hunt

Aaron Hunt joined GFF in 2023 with a portfolio of achievements assembled over 25 years in New York, California, Texas, and Colorado.

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.

Automotive

Our automotive team is renown is known for creating stunning spaces for displaying high-end luxury vehicles.

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.

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.

West Bank Market

Austin, Texas

GFF Austin Celebrates Five Years!

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, GFF will be a Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Preservation Dallas Preservation Achievement Awards on May 17th, 2023.

It’s the People Who Make the Place / John Shiver

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.

Portrait of a GFFer: Hollyann Friloux

Outside of work, Hollyann enjoys spending time with her Golden Retriever (Connie), long walks/runs on the Katy trail, and seeing new movies in the theater.

Construction at Fair Park

GFF currently has two historic preservation projects under construction at Fair Park – the Pan American Arena and the Tower Building.

Riverside

Austin, Texas

North Burnet

Austin, Texas

South Lamar

Austin, Texas

Kairoi Belmar Park West

Lakewood, Colorado

Denargo

Denver, Colorado

Lakeshore

Austin, Texas

Aura on Lamar

Austin, Texas

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.

Town Lake

Austin, Texas

Shelby Lane

Austin, Texas

Pearl Bee Cave

Bee Cave, Texas

The Bond

Austin, Texas

Mueller

Austin, Texas

Lakeline

Austin, Texas

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: Talon McCart

Outside of work, Talon likes to bike, snowboard and wakeboard. Other hobbies include woodworking, home renovations, traveling and flying his drone. He also loves to spend time with his family!

Portrait of a GFFer: Marissa Clinesmith

Outside of work, Marissa is involved in the AIA Fort Worth chapter Board of Directors as Director at Large, which she says has been an amazing opportunity to be more involved in the Fort Worth architecture scene- especially with the TxA conference coming to town this November 2023!

Historic Preservation Month

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, GFF will be a Bronze Sponsor for the 2023 Preservation Dallas Preservation Achievement Awards on May 17th, 2023.

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Ricardo Montoya

Ricardo is a licensed architect, Principal and Director of Technical Resources at GFF with experience managing a broad range of project types of various scales.

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!

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.

Portrait of a GFFer: Amanda Kalescky

Outside of work, Amanda loves supporting her kids whether that is speaking at career day, leading the Girl Scout Troop, or cheering them on at their sporting events.

Architecture’s Balancing Act: Beauty, Function, Cost, and Sustainability

In the world of design, finding the perfect blend of beauty, functionality, cost, and sustainability can be quite a challenge. However, as we celebrate the 2nd annual Earth Week at GFF, we aim to demonstrate that these goals can coexist harmoniously.

Becky Baker, RID, NCIDQ, ASID

Senior Interior Design Coordinator

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.

Portrait of a GFFer: Josh Hafel

When Josh isn’t working, he likes to hike, rock climb, and play with his 5-year-old husky-lab, Hatchi. He also has plans to one day see all 63 National Parks! So far, he has been to one National Park and six State Parks.

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.

Promotion Party 2023: Celebrating the Rise of 25 Talented Achievers

As 2023 gets underway, we at GFF are filled with excitement and gratitude as we celebrate the promotion of 25 talented employees.

Celebrating ’22 & Ringing in the New!

As we celebrate the new year, we would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the great work we’ve done in 2022.

It’s the People Who Make the Place / Jason Cave

As Director of Civic Practice, Mr. Cave is passionate about creating memorable places in the public realm

Meet GFF’s Historic Preservation Team: Chris Andersen

With GFF for over 24 years, Chris has worked on a wide variety of project types including both new construction and renovation/rehabilitation of old and historic properties

Dallas Zoo South Garage

The Dallas Zoo South Garage is a simple building on a complex site, pairing an efficient layout with a visually dynamic façade to promote the Zoo’s mission and brand.

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.

Portrait of a GFFer: Sam Stribling

“My favorite things about working at GFF include its egalitarian approach to every facet of the design process; a stated focus on project continuity and collaboration; and concern for individual employee well-being.”

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

Adaptive Reuse in an Environmentally Conscious Work Environment

In a post-pandemic world where employees may be reluctant to return to the office full time, the inventory of empty or partially occupied buildings continues to grow.

GFF, Fair Park, and The State Fair of Texas: A Thirty-Year Relationship

We are excited about the opening of this year’s State Fair of Texas and proud of GFF’s role in the preservation and ongoing revitalization of Fair Park

It’s National Women’s Health & Fitness Day!

On this National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, let’s create a new narrative that celebrates women and all the ways they choose to become better versions of themselves.

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.’

Portrait of a GFFer: Lance Abaya

"My favorite thing about GFF is how they value each individual of the firm, and the importance of inclusiveness in every facet of the practice."

Portrait of a GFFer: Yasmin Al-Jafari

"My favorite part about GFF is working on our housing projects and their high quality of design. I appreciate the thoughtful and meaningful places created by GFF.”

Pegasus Park Tower – A Center for Business and Social Impact

The newly renovated Pegasus Park Tower consists of more than 500,000 square feet of office and amenity space that intentionally connects strategic business partners, social impact organizations, academic institutions, and biotech startups.

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.

It’s the People that Make the Place / Alix Rios

With an eclectic portfolio ranging from build-to-suit corporate interiors and tenant finish-outs, to higher education and retail, she thrives under the challenge of multi-faceted interiors and diverse teams.

Construction at SMU’s Cox School of Business is Underway

The project will fully reconfigure and renovate the existing three buildings, constructing an additional 65,000 SF while increasing the buildings’ overall efficiency.

40 Years / 40 Facts

GFF is turning 40. Here are 40 numbers to celebrate the 40th year of our firm.

It’s The People Who Make the Place / Brian Kuper

Joining GFF in 1993, and a Principal in the firm since 2007, Brian has practiced architecture for nearly 30 years.

The Trevor Project

GFF is proud to partner with The Trevor Project to make sure that every LGBTQ young person can live their story of pride fearlessly and authentically.

Portrait of a GFFer: Zack Sprinkle-Lewis

Zack graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and a Master's of Architecture.

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.

It’s the People who Make the Place / Jon Rollins

Jon Rollins is a leader in GFF’s institutional practice, focusing on university projects, independent schools, cultural facilities and communities of faith, with an additional emphasis on historic preservation and adaptive reuse.

Two Arts Plaza

Dallas, Texas

Can We Go Beyond Sustainability?

Resilient, restorative, and regenerative approaches all rely on a comprehensive team and systems approach to creating better built environments

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!

Life Fellowship

McKinney, Texas

Hope Fellowship

Prosper, Texas

Christ United Methodist Church

College Station, Texas

Magnolia Heights

San Antonio, Texas

Fort Worth Academy

Fort Worth, Texas

IBP 18

Plano, Texas

Royal & SH 161

Irving, Texas

Tegna

Dallas, Texas

West Love Retail

Dallas, Texas

Anthem Church Master Plan

Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Pegasus Park

Dallas, Texas

Signazon

Plano, Texas

Alpha Plaza

Dallas, Texas

QIP East End

San Antonio, Texas

Alta Strand

Dallas, Texas

Ross & Peak

Dallas, Texas

Portrait of a GFFer: Bryana Cozart

Bryana was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Kansas State University with a Master of Interior Architecture and Product Design.

The Langford

Dallas, Texas

Spanish Fort Container Park

Spanish Fort, Alabama

Stockyards Station

Fort Worth, Texas

The Braden on Fifth

Fort Worth, Texas

1000 Weatherford

Fort Worth, Texas

The Container Store

Locations Nationwide

Crate&Barrel

Locations Nationwide

Ten50 BBQ

Grapevine, Texas

Cascades

The Colony, Texas

The Foundry

Fort Worth, Texas

Chisholm Trail

Fort Worth, Texas

Stacy Green

Allen, Texas

Monitronics

Farmers Branch, Texas

Woodcreek Church

Richardson, Texas

23Springs

Dallas, Texas

Coram Deo Academy

Flower Mound, Texas

The Slate

Dallas, Texas

Asana Deep Ellum

Dallas, Texas

Alexan Henderson

Dallas, Texas

Harvest Lofts

Dallas, Texas

Trinity at Left Bank

Fort Worth, Texas

The Alton

Dallas, Texas

Park Place DFW Jaguar – Land Rover

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Grapevine Honda

Grapevine, Texas

Park Place Volvo

Dallas, Texas

John Eagle Acura

Houston, Texas

Honda of Burleson

Burleson, Texas

Weir’s Plaza

Dallas, Texas

Burgher Haggard Office

Fort Worth, Texas

Alta 289

Plano, Texas

Park 17

Dallas, Texas

Alta Luna

Farmers Branch, Texas

The Hudson

Dallas, Texas

Capital One

Plano, Texas

Alexan Cityline

Richardson, Texas

Trailhead Social

Austin, Texas

HG Sply Co.

Trophy Club, Texas

Milestone Church

Keller, Texas

Trailhead

Fort Worth, Texas

Factory Six03

Dallas, Texas

IBP 190

Carrollton, Texas

9001 Cypress Waters

North Dallas, Texas

Quest

The Colony, Texas

Knox Heights

Dallas, Texas

Monitronics

Farmers Branch, Texas

M Line Tower

Dallas, Texas

Woodlake Church

Bixby, Oklahoma

The Ascent

Dallas, Texas

Alta Left Bank

Fort Worth, Texas

The Westwood School

Farmers Branch, Texas

508 Park Avenue

Dallas, Texas

CityLine Market

Richardson, Texas

New River Fellowship

Hudson Oaks, Texas

VantagePoint Church

Eastvale, California

Carroll Pointe

Southlake, Texas

River Cafe

New Braunfels, Texas

Azul

Austin, Texas

Jefferson Tower

Dallas, Texas

Heep Ranch

Austin, Texas

Cityline

Dallas, Texas

Corazon

Austin, Texas

Denargo Market

Denver, Colorado

Cardinal Health

Dallas, Texas

AG Hill Partners

Dallas, Texas

Cielo Vista Church

El Paso, Texas

Alta Henderson

Dallas, Texas

MedAssets

Plano, Texas

Lyra on McKinney

Dallas, Texas

3700M

Dallas, Texas

Uptown Station

Dallas, Texas

CB2

Minneapollis, Minnesota

Caruth Properties TOD

Richardson, Texas

Sabina

Austin, Texas

Heritage Plaza

San Antonio, Texas

AvreaFoster

Dallas, Texas

The Mockingbird

Dallas, Texas

Moody Family YMCA

University Park, Texas

Equinox

Dallas, Texas

City Cafe

Dallas, Texas

1900 Lofts

Dallas, Texas

Northwood Club

Dallas, Texas

Market East

Mesquite, Texas

The District

Edina, Minnesota

West 7th

Fort Worth, Texas

Custer Bridges

Frisco, Texas

Pinehaven

Harrison County, Mississippi

1407 Main Street

Dallas, Texas

So7

Fort Worth, Texas

Dallas Academy

Dallas, Texas

Village 121

Plano, Texas

Cafe R+D

Dallas, Texas

Arlington Highlands

Arlington, Texas

Firewheel Market

Garland, Texas

Frontier Texas!

Abilene, Texas

Cobb Farm

Frisco, Texas

Aventerra

Southlake, Texas

Fort Worth

GFF’s history in Tarrant County has deep roots and the firm opened the doors to its Fort Worth Office in 2014.