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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Tracey De Boer

Senior Drafting Technician

• AAS Mechanical Technology/Drafting and Design, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, VA
• Continuing education in Architecture, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, VA
• Long term resident in VA

Professional experience in incorporating various principles
into designs, including EarthCraft, Universal Design, LEED, and accessibility standards. 15 years of experience in Architectural understanding including: private, public, federal, state, commercial and residential projects, with a focus on multi-family projects. Established background skills in estimating.

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Christopher Elam

Director of Commercial Projects

• LEED AP, Hampton Roads Congress for New Urbanism
• Born and educated in central Texas
• Bachelor of Environmental Design, Texas A&M University
• NCARB Candidate

Professional background includes experience in all phases of design, construction and inspection investigation 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 a number of self-storage buildings, restaurants, and other retail buildings, as well establishing himself as the staff expert for computer network systems, 3D renderings, and commercial projects marketing. He was a co-recipient of an 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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Geri Waycie

Social Media Administrator

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology/ Human Development, University of  California at Davis
• Born and educated in Hong Kong
• Avid photographer and Photoshopper
• Employee since May 2012

Geri has a diverse background which includes teaching English as a Second Language in Japan and working with at-risk youth in California. During her time in Japan, she was inspired by her surroundings to dive into her passion for photography and bought her first Nikon DSLR in 2007. Ever since then, she’s been snapping away, and has taught herself Photoshop skills while updating her personal blog. As a social media administrator, Geri is able to employ her attention to detail, artistic abilities, and ‘can-do’ attitude to manage GMF+ ‘s social media sites, advertising campaigns and add visual content to GMF+ ‘s web and print needs.

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Sand Sculpture Artist Team

GMF+ has been a regular Business Division participant in the annual Neptune Festival Sand Sculpture Contest in Virginia Beach, VA. GMF+ has won its division more times than any other contestant in the 35-year history of the event, including a four-consecutive-year run. It has successfully faced the competition of many large architectural firms with 100’s of employees and dozens of architects on staff. Victory for the underdogs!

> View Sand Sculpture Photo Gallery