Our Mission
Partnering To Build A Successful Community
. . . Through Education
. . . Through Understanding
. . . Through Design
Buildings exert a powerful influence. Good design should enhance both the mental and physical well-being of all whom it serves. These qualities are at the core of our design philosophy.
Our People
Alan R. Grinsfelder
Alan Grinsfelder began practicing architecture in 1958 when he obtained his degree in architecture from the University of Michigan.
He worked at two firms in Fort Wayne before starting his own firm, Grinsfelder Associates Architects, in 1965. Alan enjoys working with people and solving their problems by creating the best, most innovative solutions.
In recent years he has worked at bringing the community together on collaborative projects including the transition of the Salomon Farm into the gorgeous YMCA and park facilities; designing the collaborative Hanna/Creighton project that houses the Allen County Public Library, Head Start and Urban League facilities; and the neighborhood renewal East State Village project.
A few past projects he is most proud of include Headwaters Park and the Franke Park / Foellinger Theatre construction.
Although now officially retired, Alan is still very involved in the community and serves on several social service agency boards. He finds his biggest rewards in giving back to a community that has been good to him.
Edward J. Welling
Edward Welling joined Grinsfelder Associates Architects, Inc. in 1980 and has been a partner since 1986. His architectural skill and administrative leadership continue to be a great asset to the Grinsfelder team. In addition to serving as president of the corporation and managing the everyday operations of the business, Ed’s greatest assets to the firm include detailed design and project management. He has an excellent understanding of how building components fit together in both efficient and durable ways and a keen understanding of the importance of diversity as it relates to both professional methods and personal interactions with those around him.
A graduate of the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University, Ed is a proud contributor to the community development and restoration efforts that continue throughout our region. Ed has been the project manager for some of the most complex projects of the firm including Headwaters Park and the Hanna Creighton development that includes facilities for the Fort Wayne Urban League, CANI Head Start, and the
Pontiac Branch of the Allen County Public Library. Other projects in the area include the DeKalb County Courthouse renovations, St. Anne Retirement Home Chapel and Residential Independent Living Units, and the chapel and other facilities at Victory Noll in Huntington, Indiana.
On a personal level, Ed serves as a board member at Goodwill Industries of Northeast Indiana and St. Anne Home. A longtime member of the South Fort Wayne Kiwanis Club, he currently serves as treasurer. Ed also serves on the Parish Council and is an active parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Click email to contact Ed
Thomas C. Farny
Since Tom first came to Grinsfelder Associates Architects in 1979, he has specialized in design skill and in serving the varied needs of each and every client.
Tom’s passion for the history, aesthetic, and function of a structure is also evident in his “other” job, serving as a visiting professor in PFW’s Polytechnic Department teaching architectural history and urban form.
He is a graduate of the University of Evansville and the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University.
In the early 1970’s Tom served with the United States Air Force in active duty in Vietnam where he was an air intelligence specialist for a forward air control unit.
William P. Carr
William Carr joined Grinsfelder Associates Architects, Inc. in 2002 immediately after graduating from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University. Among the many hats he wears, Bill’s primary role is that of lead designer for the firm. Some recent projects that he is most proud of are the Afdent Dental Facility, Renaissance Pointe YMCA, and Visiting Nurse Community Grief Center, all located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Bill’s design skills have also been paramount in attaining some of the firm’s most recent high-profile projects; both the Visiting Nurse Community Grief Center and Divine Mercy Funeral Home at the Catholic Cemetery were awarded to Grinsfelder Associates Architects, Inc. after Bill’s designs were chosen over those of other local architects.
In addition to his passion for design, Bill serves as a Limited Term Lecturer in PFW’s Polytechnic Department teaching courses on sustainable construction and construction safety.
Click email to contact Bill
Jacob D. Chavez
Jacob Chavez joined Grinsfelder Associates Architects, Inc. in June, 2020; he had previously been on the team during the prior three summers as an intern. He joined the firm after graduating with his master’s in architecture from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University.
Jacob is glad to be a part of the team and is confidently stepping into his new role. He is quickly learning the ropes, so to speak, and is eagerly pursuing his professional licensure.
He aims to bring a fresh twist to the firm, bringing more contemporary design techniques and rationale to the table. Jacob is well-versed in digital and parametric design and 3D printing and prototyping and aims to add these tools to the firm’s repertoire.