Bennett Partners, a leading Fort Worth- and Dallas-based architecture and design firm, has added twelve new staff members and promoted another as it expands to meet the demands of one the nation’s fastest-growing markets.
New to Bennett Partners are:
Morgan Breaux
With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, Morgan has worked on high-end residential projects in Austin as well as a variety of commercial ventures including retail, multi-living and industrial. Morgan grew up in The Colony and enjoys cooking, exploring new places, riding bikes with family and working out in the gym.
Bryan Brummett
Bryan holds a Master of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University with a focus in urban and community design. He has experience in K-12 school design and is currently working on All Saints’ Episcopal School’s athletic additions and renovations on Fort Worth’s west side. A self-described “adrenaline junkie,” Bryan was born and raised in Fort Worth.
Caroline Buckner, AIA
Caroline brings more than a decade of experience across multiple project types including K-12 education, commercial office, corporate campus and nonprofit markets. She believes that fully understanding the client’s goals and vision is the best way to produce successful projects. Caroline received a BFA in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design. She enjoys traveling internationally with husband Gan and daughter Claire.
April Coover, RID
April has a proven record of designing and implementing tools and strategies that elevate the human experience in the built environment. She holds a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the University of Cincinnati and is driven by her passion for how an interior’s perspective can shape spaces, buildings and sites. Her clients have included Nokia, Google, Liberty Mutual, Simplot and AIA/DCFA Dallas. April enjoys gardening, puzzles, travel, silence and dance parties.
Sigita Guhacaj
Born and raised in Albania, Sigita received a Master of Science in Architecture from Polytechnic University of Tirana. Since 2017, she has worked in the U.S. on a wide variety of projects including healthcare, commercial, retail, educational and high-end residential. Sigita speaks four languages, has a “hidden passion for mathematics,” and enjoys reading, cooking, swimming and walks with her son.
Ashley Hale, AIA
A design architect from Dallas, Ashley is passionate about creating great spaces for people. She has nine years of professional experience, mostly in higher education projects, but also stadium, office, entertainment and mixed-use. Her favorite things include good details, good public space and good conversation. Ashley earned a BS in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington and Master of Architecture from the University of Houston.
Corley Kotler
Corley was born and raised in Tennessee and holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee. She works on the front end of projects in schematic deign, master planning and site research, and believes design can change and enhance people’s lives in a way few other fields can. Corley’s hobbies include painting and photography.
Joe Moreno
Joe has 15 years of experience in the Information Technology/Building Information Modeling field, with extensive knowledge of multiple complex software platforms. He is passionate about using 2D documentation to create a 3D model with perspective and depth that clients can visualize. Joe holds an associate degree in IT/Visual Communications from the University of Phoenix. Among his many personal interests are fishing and motorcycling.
Peter Nguyen
Peter is originally from Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University in 2020 with a master’s degree in Architecture Planning and Design. Since moving to Texas, he has accrued a broad range of experience in high-rise commercial and residential, office, retail, hospitality and adaptive reuse. Peter enjoys managing projects by collaborating with clients, consultants and contractors through schematic to completion.
Peter has helped design and oversee the construction of more than 290,000 square feet of office spaces.
Gabriela Portillo
A Computer Science student at Dallas College working toward her bachelor’s degree, Gabriela already holds an associate degree in Business Operations and serves as Bennett Partners’ receptionist. Born in Texas and raised in Guatemala, Gabriela likes to stay close to art and nature.
Marshall Strawn
Marshall holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was awarded the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence. He has previously worked as an architectural designer on institutional, multifamily, mixed-use and master-planning projects. Marshall enjoys volunteering with organizations that benefit underserved communities, and has helped build children’s playgrounds in Mexico, Guatemala and Uganda.
Kolton Watkins
With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Oklahoma State University, Kolton has experience working in construction and architecture design. His experience includes campus master-planning, healthcare design and specialized lab design. Kolton enjoys cycling, hiking and taking his Bassett Hound to the dog park.
Emily Gilmore, RID, IIDA
Promoted to Associate Principal
An experienced interior designer with a specialization in lighting design, Emily is an expert in a variety of building types, including corporate, residential, hospitality, education and institutional. Her skills range from helping determine project needs and scope to construction administration. Emily’s unique blend of talents allow for cohesive integration of lighting and architecture, creating well-designed interior spaces.