Special Announcement: New Partners, Same Vision, Greater Impact!
We’re thrilled to share some big changes to GAE Architecture + Design!
Building on the strong foundation of GAE’s 30 years of service in the East Tennessee community and beyond, our firm is moving into the future led by six partners.
These dedicated individuals, who have worked together for years now to grow our firm, comprise a newly-appointed leadership team that’s already shaping the next 30 years of growth and success.
Expanded Growth Grounded in Legacy & Trust
Before sharing our big news, the GAE Architecture + Design partners reflected on what this transition means, our firm’s legacy, and our vision for growth.
Take a look at the new leadership team and what some of them had to say about how far the firm has come, and where it’s headed in the future…
Stuart H. Anderson
AIA | LEED AP | Project Architect | Partner
Stuart has been with GAE for nearly 30 years. With decades of experience, he brings deep and comprehensive expertise in project management, design, and production coordination on a wide range of complex, distinct projects of varied scale and type. Stuart is a University of Tennessee alumni (go Vols!) and a Tennessee-licensed, NCARB-certified, LEED Accredited Professional.
“I’ve seen this firm grow for nearly 30 years. What has never changed is our commitment to our clients. As we step into this next chapter, that consistency (doing what we say we’ll do and doing it well) remains our foundation.”
Christina Fehr Brooks
Lead Interior Designer | Partner
Christina joined GAE in 2015. With more than a decade of experience, she holds a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from Ryerson University in Toronto, NCIDQ certification, and Tennessee licensure. Having worked in both the U.S. and Canada, her experience spans hospitality, retail, commercial, institutional, and residential projects, balancing function and aesthetics with thoughtful, detail-driven design.
Christina shared her excitement and vision for this new era:
“I’m excited for this upcoming year — I expect it to be one of the best yet. With this new partnership comes so many unique perspectives brought to the table, all creative in their own way. It is an exciting time for GAE as we celebrate the legacy George has worked relentlessly to build, and thread that into the future fabric of the firm’s growth, structure, and approach.”
Cody W. Grooms
AIA | NCARB | Project Architect | Partner
After joining GAE in 2023, Cody quickly became integral to the firm. An East Tennessee native and University of Tennessee alum, he has extensive experience leading award-winning projects across education, healthcare, and civic sectors. Cody is passionate about creating authentic, mindful, and sustainable projects that uniquely respond to the needs of people and place.
We asked Cody for his perspective on GAE’s new partnership:
“This is a story of continuity and trust. This isn’t a moment where the firm changes direction overnight — it’s a moment where leadership expands, and the foundation gets stronger. It’s about carrying forward what has made the firm successful while positioning it for the next generation of clients, projects, and team members. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and we’re excited about where we’re going.”
Cara Jones
CPA | Controller | Partner
Cara joined GAEA in 2009 and is a University of Tennessee alum (2003). She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. Cara is deeply passionate about the East Tennessee community and plays an integral role in shaping and strengthening GAEA’s culture.
“I want to be a respected leader that staff trust and love working with and for. And for the firm, I want us to be a BIG presence in the community, and for our staff to love our culture — and love coming to work each day…. Well, at least most days!”
Greg Slack, Jr.
Business Development | Project Manager | Partner
Since joining GAE in 1999, Greg has contributed to the design and management of a diverse range of projects, including medical, hospitality, educational, industrial, religious, office, and retail work. He loves the process of turning a client’s vision into a finished project.
In a nutshell, here’s Greg’s take on how the new leadership team will carry forward GAE’s strong legacy:
“W.W.G.D. Basically, always asking, ‘What would George do?’”
In all seriousness, Greg explained further:
“The ‘new’ vision of GAE Architecture + Design is combining the lessons and examples of George Ewart with the talents of the five newly-named partners to expand and increase our reach, while making sure we always treat our clients the same no matter how much we grow.”
George A. Ewart
AIA | NCARB | Founder/Partner
George Ewart serves by virtue of his work as an architect, community builder, leader, and mentor. Since founding GAE in 1996, he has developed it into one of the area’s most respected commercial architecture and design firms.
Under his guidance, the GAE team has completed over 3,500 projects across 19 states. Alongside the firm’s new partners, George remains engaged in GAE’s day-to-day operations and shaping future growth.
A Future-Forward Architecture + Interior Design Firm
We’re proud to say that 2026 is GAE’s 30th year in business! But rather than resting on our laurels, we’re looking to the future. Our new partnership structure is all about expanding our impact, developing new leaders, and promoting longevity and growth for the firm.
As Cody put it, “thirty years is not just a milestone… It’s momentum. It represents three decades of trust and sets the stage for what we’re building next.”
Working with the strong foundation built during the first 30 years, we can’t wait to design and build the next 30 at GAE Architecture + Design!
