FGM Architects (FGMA) is pleased to announce the opening of a Fort Worth office to anchor the firm’s expansion into the North Texas marketplace.
FGMA is a national architecture firm that established its Texas presence with the 2019 acquisition of Austin-based design studio, Jackson Galloway Architects. Founded in 1945, FGMA is best known for its design of educational facilities (PK-12 and higher education), police and fire stations, municipal and recreation facilities, and faith-based places of worship.
Steve Hafer and Charlie Kearns, experienced AEC industry professionals, have joined FGMA to reinforce the firm’s growing Central TX practice while expanding its reach in the dynamic North Texas marketplace. Joe Chronister, AIA, Managing Director and Executive Vice-President will continue to lead FGMA’s statewide operations from the firm’s Austin office.
Tim Kwiatkowski, FGMA President says “FGMA’s strategic business plan focuses on growth through market diversification. Since 2019, we’ve built our team and practice in Central Texas. Today, we have the capacity and expertise to extend our reach in the booming North Texas region. With Charlie and Steve at the helm, we’re excited about creating new relationships and advancing our mission of building strong communities through high-quality, sustainable design.”
In a joint statement, Hafer and Kearns add, “Between us, we have decades of experience in helping Texas communities achieve their strategic goals, including the need for resilient municipal expertise and capabilities.”
Steve Hafer, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is a leader in the Texas educational design marketplace. After receiving his architecture degree from Texas A&M University, he launched his career with HKS Architects before sinking his roots into PK-12 and Higher Educational design at VLK Architects for 22 years, serving as Principal and Principal of Operations. Most recently, Steve was Principal with Huckabee’s Dallas/Fort Worth office. His experience includes business development, bond development and designing the full spectrum of educational facilities for PK-12 and higher education campuses.
Charlie Kearns, RCDD has spent his career assisting clients in all aspects of capital projects from initial bond preparation to managing the project during construction. Charlie also has 27+ years of experience in technology design and planning services. He has assisted numerous public safety and municipal clients in the planning and implementation of technology applications ranging from local area networks infrastructure to large A-V projects for EOC and call centers. Charlie earned his B.S. Engineering degree from the University of North Texas-Denton. Prior to joining FGMA, Charlie was a principal and helped manage a smaller Dallas firm that merged into Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects. Earlier, he worked with PGAL in their Dallas office.
We Build Community
FGM Architects' expansion into North Texas signifies a strategic move that showcases their commitment to serving diverse communities. The addition of this location strengthens their regional presence, bringing valuable expertise to the area. Their history of innovative design and community-focused projects makes this a promising step for clients seeking quality architectural services in North Texas. This growth reflects their ongoing success.