Gregory Martin Frech

Principal Architect

• AIA, NCARB, AICP (1978 charter), VPA, LEED AP
• Bachelor of Architecture Calif. State Polytechnic University
• PhD Planning and Environmental Science Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Registered Architect – Virginia, North Carolina

Professional background includes experience as a city planner, university professor, and various positions as a staff architect before establishing GMF+ ASSOCIATES as a trade name for Design Four, Inc. in 1984. In its 25-year existence GMF+ has provided design and construction services for a wide variety of types of structures, ranging in size and complexity from commercial projects over 150,000 SF to individual residences and remodeling alterations. A long standing interest in environmental building science as well as design aesthetics has been validated in the recent construction trends toward green building concepts.

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Tessa Barthelemy

Bookkeeping

• Bachelor of Science – Accounting, Saint Francis College, Brooklyn NY

Professional experience includes more than 15 years in the accounting field, 10 years in the architectural field. Employed with GMF+ ASSOCIATES since 2007, managing the bookkeeping department.

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Charles Franklin and James McNally

Construction Management Division

Charles Franklin, Vice president of Design Four, Inc., has been managing partner of construction projects as well as its primary estimator since 1992. His professional background includes experience as an independent residential contractor as well as a carpenter himself. He has personally supervised and managed the construction of hundreds of new residences, additions and remodeling projects, as well as jobs for commercial and government contracts.

James McNally’s experience includes more than 20 years as a carpenter, employed with GMF+ ASSOCIATES since 2005 as a construction site foreman.

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Daniel Apiag

Drafting Supervisor

• Tidewater Builders Association, staff representative
• Born and educated in Norfolk, VA
• Drafting Technician Certificate Candidate, Tidewater Community College
• Technology Preparatory Seal, Granby HS Diploma

Professional background includes experience as CAD drafting technician with GMF+ ASSOCIATES since 2004 for a wide range of residential as well as commercial projects, especially resourceful for his expertise in investigating, photographing and measuring existing structures for preparation of “as built” plans and elevations; manager of office library for design resource and product manufacturer publications. He was co-recipient of the AIA award in 2007 for the design competition in Smithfield, Virginia for site planning and residential development for SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING.

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Blake Arden

DRAFTS PERSON

• Associates Degree in Drafting and Design, ITT Tech, Virginia Beach, VA
• Graduate of The Technology Academy at Landstown High School, Virginia Beach, VA
• Experienced in DataCad and AutoCad.
• Employee since 2015

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Christopher Elam

Director of Commercial Projects

• ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP, LRNOW SHORELINE COMMITTEE MEMBER
• MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE, BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE
• BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
• NCARB CANDIDATE
• CO-RECIPIENT AIA DESIGN COMPETITION AWARD 2007: SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE WORKFORCE HOUSING
• COMMENDED THESIS, BOSTON ARCHTIECTURAL COLLEGE 2015

Professional background includes experience in all phases of design, construction and inspection of existing structures, including many multi-story commercial projects. Employed with GMF+ ASSOCIATES since 2006 he has managed the design, plans production, and construction administration of numerous commercial buildings includeing self-storage buildings, restaurants, and retail buildings, as well establishing himself as the staff expert for computer network systems, 3D renderings, and commercial projects marketing.

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