Straughn Trout Architects Rebrands, Joins Forces with National Firm to Stretch Reach & Resources
Straughn Trout Architects (STA) has been acquired by Grace Design Studios, a national architecture firm. This puts the final touch on a strategic vision that started in 2022.
Formerly GHC | Orcutt Winslow, Grace Design Studios is known for being innovative, incorporating community-driven design – much like Straughn Trout, which it acquired in April 2025.
STA said this partnership strengthens its ability to serve Central Florida with greater depth, resources and reach. Simultaneously, “continuing the legacy of personalized service, creative excellence and hands-on collaboration that has defined STA since 1956.”
The company is staying true to its motto and what it says matters most: “Designing with purpose and impact for the communities we serve.”
“With a shared commitment to innovation and community-focused designs, this partnership represents an exciting next chapter for STA,” said Tim Hoeft, Managing Principal. “With Grace Design Studios’ support, we will be able to thoughtfully expand our capabilities and the impact we can have for our clients and Central Florida community. While also maintaining the unparalleled level of design excellence and personal service STA is known for.”
About STA
Founded in 1956 by Ernest Straughn, STA has built a reputation for building relationships and finishing projects on time and on budget. The company offers a wide variety of services, such as interior design, architectural work, planning and visioning, and more. Its portfolio includes dozens of high-profile projects, including the recently completed Depot 303 multi-restaurant facility in Mulberry.
It is regarded for its “collaborative, hands-on design approach, providing architectural development, site design and planning, and interior and experiential design,” said Rebecca Moses, Partner and Director of Business Development & Marketing at Grace Design Studios. “STA specializes in delivering tailored solutions for K-12, higher education, municipal, nonprofit and commercial clients, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to client service and design excellence.”
It also played an instrumental part in the Student Development Center at Florida Polytechnic University, the Chain of Lakes Building and Grace Lutheran Church, among many others.
Hoeft said the partnership “expands our resources, strengthens our capabilities and positions us for even greater success in the years ahead. This unification positions us to best serve our long-standing clients as they expand while also welcoming new markets, collaborators and industry partners into our community.”
He said the alignment with Grace Design Studios was driven by both companies’ shared core values of excellence, integrity and personalized service.
Honors
STA was honored in 2024 with one of the Central Florida Development Council’s highest honors, the Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business. It has also been recognized by other highly esteemed institutions. These include the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Planning Association, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the Florida Redevelopment Association and the University of Florida.
Grace’s Growth
With the acquisition of STA, Grace Design Studios now has five Florida locations. This allows it to provide specialized services and design expertise across Central Florida.
“We are excited to expand our footprint in the surging Central Florida market. And, partner with a talented team that prioritizes an innovative and holistic design approach and customer-centric philosophy,” Jerry Hebert, Chief Executive Officer of Grace Design Studios, said in a press release. “As part of the family, STA will be well positioned to expand on its nearly seven-decade reputation as the partner of choice for education, municipal, non-profit and commercial clients in the region” and beyond.
“This acquisition is just the beginning,” Hebert said. “We have an aggressive strategic plan in place that will continue the growth of our organization. By combining our strengths with STA, we’re better positioned than ever to meet the evolving needs of our clients and drive innovation in architectural design across the country.”
Grace Design Studios has integrated nine architectural, engineering and consulting firms. The multidisciplinary company operates 21 offices in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. They employ more than 440 professionals. Straughn Trout Architects will continue to operate out of its offices in Lakeland.
