Grace Accelerates Nationwide Growth with Acquisition of Straughn Trout Architects

Baton Rouge, LA, April 9, 2025 – Grace Design Studios, a premier architecture firm renowned for delivering innovative and impactful design solutions, announced today the acquisition of Lakeland, Florida-based Straughn Trout Architects (STA).  

Founded in 1956, STA is highly regarded across Central Florida for its collaborative, hands-on design approach, providing architectural development, site design and planning, interior and experiential design. 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.

“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,” said Jerry Hebert, Chief Executive Officer of Grace Design Studios. “As part of the Grace 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].”

“With a shared commitment to innovation and community-focused designs, this partnership represents an exciting next chapter for STA,” said Tim Hoeft, Managing Principal of STA. “With Grace’s support, we will be able to thoughtfully expand our capabilities and the impact we can have for our clients and Central Florida community, while maintaining the unparalleled level of design excellence and personal service STA is known for.”

The acquisition of STA establishes Grace’s fifth Florida location, significantly strengthening the firm’s capacity to deliver specialized services and design expertise across Central Florida.

"This acquisition is just the beginning," Hebert added. "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."

About Grace Design Studios
Grace Design Studios serves a diverse client base, including national healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education institutions, and government entities. Grace has a workforce of over 400 professionals and operates in 18 offices across Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. Grace recently ranked #46 on BD+C’s Architecture and Engineering Firms List which recognizes over 500 AEC Giants.

About Straughn Trout Architects
Straughn Trout Architects is an award-winning, multi-disciplined architecture and interior design firm. The firm’s portfolio of projects varies in scale and complexity, including high technology college and university campuses, libraries, art museums, medical clinics, civic and judicial facilities, schools, recreation centers, and other commercial and mixed-use projects. Honors of the firm include recognition from the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Planning Association, the Central Florida Development Council, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, the Florida Redevelopment Association, and the University of Florida.