A man in glasses and a blue shirt smiles while holding a notepad, talking to a seated colleague in an office with brick walls, large windows, and computer monitors. Papers and a water bottle are on nearby desks.
Four adults stand smiling on a golf course path, arms around each other. Each holds a golf club, wearing golf attire and caps. Behind them is green grass, trees, a sand trap, and a flag, under a cloudy sky.
A diverse group of 15 adults stands outdoors in a sunny parking lot, smiling at the camera. Most hold grabber tools and wear casual clothes, suggesting a community cleanup event. Trees and blue sky fill the background.

Our Culture

For over six decades, our firm has been fueled by a belief in the power of possibility. We see design as more than creating spaces — we see it as elevating the human spirit. Great design transforms environments and inspires people to reach their full potential. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of who we are and how we work.

Our culture is rooted in this vision. We seek team members who not only recognize opportunities but who thrive on exploring what could be. We’re drawn to those unique individuals who see beyond what is — to what can be — and who bring curiosity and creativity to every endeavor.

“G&H cares about each employee as a person. While our focus is on great work, it’s supported by emphasizing each other’s well-being and personal and professional success.”

Linda Coile

G&H Values

At the heart of our firm are seven core values, which guide our work and define who we are:

  • Creativity: Pursuing beauty and purpose through thoughtful design.
  • Contextualism: Grounding every project in its place and context.
  • Expertise: Drawing on diverse perspectives to solve complex problems.
  • Compassion: Caring for others and treating everyone with respect.
  • Passion & Service: Delivering exceptional service while creating places of lasting value.
  • Quality & Stewardship: Upholding excellence through meticulous attention and thoughtful stewardship.
  • Integrity: Building trust by honoring commitments and acting with sincerity.

These values form the foundation of our award-winning culture, recognized 11 times since 2014 as a Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplace. It’s a reflection of how we work together, support each other, and create an environment where people feel valued.

Three adults with name tags stand smiling outside a red brick building with white columns. Two women wear black coats; the man wears a blue blazer. Stone pavement surrounds them. The background features windows, pillars, and some trees. The weather appears mild.
Three men in business attire stand indoors, talking at a networking event. One man with a red beard gestures while holding a drink. Blurred people and a bouquet of flowers are visible in the background against a brick wall.
Fourteen people stand on a deck overlooking a lake at sunset. They wear casual winter clothes and smile at the camera. Bare trees and a clear sky are in the background, with reflections visible in the water.

What is it Like to Work Here?

Life at G&H is about balance — working hard and enjoying the journey. We foster an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie through monthly happy hours, friendly studio competitions, and even bringing your dog to work! Our hybrid work policy supports flexibility, while our shared spaces spark creativity and connection.

We believe that great work happens when people feel supported and inspired, and our team thrives in an environment where collaboration and fun go hand in hand.

“I love that we take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. There’s a great sense of humor and mutual respect that makes coming to work a joy.”

Kalee Hartman
Four adults in casual office attire sit and smile on beige couches in a modern workspace with brick walls and large windows. One person stands behind the couch, also smiling. Notebooks, a keyboard, and a travel mug are on small tables.
Three people work at desks in a modern office. One man in a striped shirt smiles at a woman who is turned towards him, while another man focuses on his computer in the background. The workspace has wooden accents and a brick wall.

Integrated Studios

Each of our market sectors — Higher Education, Independent Schools, Cultural, Civic, Community, Hospitality, and Residential — is supported by a specialized studio, including our Interior Design and Historic Preservation Studios. These studios are where teams of talented individuals combine their expertise and creativity to design thoughtful, innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Our studio structure ensures that every individual has a dedicated group to which they belong, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This approach offers the close-knit feel of a smaller firm while providing the resources, expertise, and opportunities of a larger firm.

“Every architecture firm has a unique culture. At G&H, the culture has always been rooted in the fact that we share a common passion, which at G&H is the selfless pursuit of design excellence and enduring quality.”

Nathan Varble
Two adults stand smiling on a cobblestone street by parked bicycles and autumn trees. The man wears glasses, a yellow-orange jacket, green scarf, blue pants, and a green hat. The woman wears glasses, a white jacket, skirt, and a white knit hat.
Eight people pose smiling in front of an IIDA backdrop, each holding a triangular award. They wear semi-formal attire, mostly dresses in floral or pink patterns. One person kneels in front, and another stands with a cane. They appear happy and celebratory.
Seven smiling people stand on a dock in sunny weather, posing for a selfie. Behind them is a blue and white boat named CHESAPEAKE BREEZE with TANGIER CRUISE visible. The calm water and sky are in the background.

A Vibrant Home Base in Richmond, Virginia

Working at G&H means immersing yourself in the vibrant community of Richmond, a city that seamlessly blends its historic charm with a forward-thinking spirit. Known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, award-winning dining, and dynamic growth, Richmond offers an unparalleled quality of life. Conveniently located within a short drive of Washington, DC, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic coast, the city provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. With its welcoming neighborhoods, innovative energy, and diverse experiences, Richmond is not just a place to live and work — it’s a place to thrive.

Three people smile at the camera against a black background. The woman in the center holds a wooden triangular award. All three wear conference badges; the women wear black dresses, and the man wears a pinstriped jacket, green tie, and khaki pants.
A person wearing a white hard hat, glasses, neon yellow safety vest, gloves, and black shirt stands on construction pipes at a building site. Concrete walls and construction tools surround them, and sunlight casts clear shadows on the ground.
Ten people stand and smile in an office with brick walls and large windows. Some sit on light chairs. Booklets and printed charts are scattered on a table in front of them. The group appears relaxed and cheerful, with casual and business-casual attire.

Clients & Community

A shared commitment to service connects everyone at G&H. We’re honored to partner with our clients to bring their visions to life, creating designs that make a meaningful impact.

This dedication extends to our community. From firm-sponsored service days with local nonprofits to participating in initiatives like AIA Richmond’s CANstruction for Feed More, we’re passionate about improving the world around us. Giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s part of who we are.

At G&H, our culture is about more than great design. It’s about building something lasting — for our clients, our community, and each other.

A group of women sit in a classroom, attentively listening and smiling. Some hold notebooks and coffee mugs. They appear engaged and are seated at desks, with a blue wall in the background. The atmosphere is positive and focused.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to be part of a firm that values creativity, collaboration, and community? Whether you’re drawn to designing transformative spaces, contributing to impactful projects, or enjoying a vibrant workplace culture, G&H offers an environment where you can thrive. Explore opportunities to join our team and shape the future with us.

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