Kevin Chafin, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP B D+C, F.SAME

No two days look the same. As a federal market executive at GFT, I lead strategic planning, oversee projects, and mentor emerging professionals. I also regularly connect with federal clients and partners, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across our offices as we work to ensure the successful integration and delivery of our federal portfolio.  

I feel excited about our firm’s bold and strategic push to expand our federal practice. This growth shows we pursue work with meaningful impact that supports critical missions worldwide. It creates opportunities to contribute to complex, nationally significant projects. I also value our collaborative process and enjoy watching integrated architecture and engineering teams unite to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions. Solving real-world challenges through shared expertise keeps me motivated.  

• Stay adaptable and curious while building meaningful relationships. The federal market works differently from the private sector. It involves complexity, regulation, and strong mission alignment. Success requires technical skills and a deep understanding of agency operations and decision-making.
• Learn the unique processes, language, and expectations of federal clients. Every project offers a chance to understand the mission behind the work, whether that means improving infrastructure, supporting national security, or enhancing the quality of life for service members and civilians.
• Building trust with clients, teammates, and partners takes time but pays off. Reliability and reputation matter in this space. New opportunities will follow when you listen well, deliver consistently, and provide solutions.
• Curiosity matters, too. The federal landscape continues to evolve, and professionals who ask questions, seek feedback, and keep learning often grow the fastest. It can be a tough space, but those who commit will find it incredibly rewarding.

I’m at my best when building and growing teams. I take pride in having established architecture studios at two previous firms that had never employed architects before. In both cases, I helped transform them into nationally recognized federal small business A/E firms. I led team growth, secured key contracts, and mentored architectural interns and EITs into licensed professionals. The legacy of those I’ve helped cultivate is deeply meaningful to me.

“Success is a team sport.”

Leadership does not focus on individual accolades. It focuses on lifting others, removing obstacles, and helping the team thrive. Strong leaders create environments where others can succeed by setting clear goals and providing tools and support to reach them. Leaders must build a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability so everyone can take ownership and contribute to shared success.

I have led 15 international volunteer design and construction trips and mentored over 100 college students and professionals through GoDesign Inc. Through this work, I’ve helped design and build clinics, schools, and housing across Africa. These experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and remain some of my most meaningful work. While the scale of these projects is often smaller than our typical federal work, volunteering with GoDesign gives me a deep sense of purpose. It recharges me in a way that is both personal and lasting.

I enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and spending time outdoors. I hike, kayak, work in the yard, and relax with family and friends. 

They are inseparable. My work through GoDesign has helped me understand how architecture can impact communities at every scale. Every project, no matter how small, is an opportunity for design to make meaningful change in the users life. That experience sharpened my focus in professional settings and kept me grounded in purpose. At the same time, my industry knowledge helps me mentor and lead more effectively in the nonprofit world.

I am deeply honored. This recognition represents years of learning, growth, and collaboration. It acknowledges the power of mentorship, community, and shared purpose. Professionally, it reminds me that we are responsible for upholding the values that renowned architect Max Urbahn embodied, such as designing for people, advancing the profession, and striving for excellence. This recognition reflects the collective effort of mentors, colleagues, and peers who helped shape my path. I am grateful to contribute to a profession that honors its past while continuing to evolve with integrity and purpose. 

The federal market focuses on resilience, faster procurement, and infrastructure modernization. Clients want innovative and integrated solutions. Ongoing challenges are navigating evolving regulations, meeting tight deadlines, and managing increased competition. Delivering high-quality design while staying agile remains critical.  

One standout project involved a U.S. Air Force (USAF) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Deployable Air Base facility in Keflavik, Iceland. The project required us to balance mission-critical operations with long-term sustainability goals in a coastal and Arctic environment. We integrated resilient systems, passive design strategies, and LEED principles to maintain operations during extreme conditions. The facility met demanding and sometimes conflicting requirements from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), USAF, NATO, U.S., and Icelandic stakeholders. It now serves as a model for future Deployable Air Base projects across Europe. It reflects what thoughtful, resilient design can achieve in support of national security.