Gideon Toal is pleased to announce the completion of its leadership transition plan. Founders Randy Gideon and James Toal will depart the firm effective June 9, 2010, concluding an orderly transition of firm leadership to Michael Bennett, Bruce Benner and David Pettit. The firm has been 100 percent employee owned since 2008.
Randy and James acquired the firm in 1993 and led it to prominence. “I am proud of the work Gideon Toal has accomplished for its clients, and the energetic leadership in place now will do just as well,” said Toal, who served as Fort Worth’s Director of Planning and Growth Management before entering private business in 1985.
“The Firm continues to enjoy success throughout the region due to the contributions Randy and James have made. We look forward to continue giving our clients the personal attention they have come to expect,” said Bennett. Bennett joined the firm in 2004 as a Principal. He has served as CEO since 2008 and will continue in this capacity. Bennett’s recent architectural projects include the Museum of Living Art (MOLA) at the Fort Worth Zoo, Acme Brick Corporate Headquarters, TCU’s Jarvis Hall, The Residences at 1301 Throckmorton and mixed-use projects including W7th, Watters Creek and Westbend. Planning projects include the Woodhaven Redevelopment Plan, Fossil Rim Wildlife Park Master Plan and the Sulphur, Oklahoma downtown redevelopment plan.
“I have worked with Randy and James since 1993 and I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to new opportunities,” said Benner. Benner is President and COO of the firm. He has been with Gideon Toal and its predecessor since 1984. Benner’s recent projects include the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Tarrant Regional Water District Annex, Greenwood Chapel, Western Heritage Parking Garage and Cantey Hanger Plaza, as well as multiple on-going design efforts for BNSF Railway and Bell Helicopter.
David Pettit joined the firm in 2003 and will continue to lead economic development projects. Prior to 2003, Pettit was with Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., the City of San Antonio and the City of Dallas. Pettit’s economic development projects include the Acme Brick Corporate Headquarters, W7th, Montgomery Plaza, Midtown, La Gran Plaza, Trinity Uptown and The Tower. Mr. Pettit has also worked on economic development projects with the cities of Amarillo, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Euless, Grapevine, Irving and Tyler.
Both Randy and James will pursue new business opportunities while also offering advice and counsel to the firm. “We value the experience and relationships both Randy and James possess and appreciate their willingness to continue sharing their insight with the leadership team as we grow the firm,” said Bennett.
Randy Gideon graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. The University recognized him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000. An award-winning architect, Mr. Gideon was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, in 1999. He has served on the boards of several prominent civic organizations including Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Van Cliburn Foundation, and Streams and Valleys, Inc. He is past President of the Texas Society of Architects.
Mr. Gideon has formed Gideon Holdings. His new firm will focus on urban development and redevelopment initiatives, his airline passenger lounge business and an advisory role with CG Group, a Fort Worth based communications firm. “With the completion of the employee purchase of Gideon Toal, now is the perfect time for me to pursue new challenges and opportunities,” said Gideon. “My passion for working on behalf of clients will continue with Gideon Holdings, and I can spend a bit more time on existing business partnerships,” he said.
James Toal graduated from Texas A&M, where he studied Landscape Architecture. He earned graduate degrees from both SMU and TCU. His successful projects span all of Texas and include Trinity Uptown and the Trinity River Vision in Fort Worth, The Downtown Fort Worth plans of 1994 and 2003, the Austin Mobility Plan, the Amarillo Downtown Plan and TIF, the realignment of Carswell AFB to NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, the Botanic Garden Master Plan and the Stockyards Area Redevelopment Plan in Fort Worth.
Mr. Toal will remain active in the Fort Worth community and continue his work on significant local and regional planning and economic development projects.
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Gideon Toal is an award-winning multidiscipline design firm offering architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and economic development services. The firm focuses on projects that support community and sustainability. The Texas Society of Architects selected Gideon Toal as the 2007 Firm of the Year, and in 2009 the firm was awarded the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award. Last year, the firm received 11 awards for design excellence.
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