Our Team

Greg Gates

Greg is a Co-Founder and Principal at Gregory Gates Architect (GGa) and received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati.  Greg is currently a Licensed Architect in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, New York and Connecticut.

Greg has served as the Client Leader for our work at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and works closely on a daily basis with the Zoo’s Facilities team on bringing the Zoo’s Habitats and Guest Services buildings off the page.  His 30 years of experience in Zoological Design working on a broad range of Animal Habitats as well as Facilities and Guest Services projects allows Greg to bring an extensive knowledge base to our Zoo Clients and their varying project scopes. Greg coordinates our Business Development efforts with Patrick Brinker and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm.

Pat Brinker

Pat is a Co-Founder and Project Manager with GGa.  He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Detroit.

Since joining GGa, Patrick has been responsible for bringing steady leadership to projects from schematic design through construction administration for the office’s residential, commercial, and zoological projects. His love of the building sciences combined with his problem solving and 3D modeling skills assist the client in realizing their projects in all stages of the design process.  Patrick serves as the Client Leader for our work with the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and coordinates our Business Development efforts.

Brian Gernetzke

Brian is a Project Architect with GGa.  He has been a member of our team since 2022 and received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. 

Since joining GGa, Brian has been responsible for managing projects from the schematic design phase through the construction administration phase for zoological projects and brings 22 years of project management experience in commercial architectural projects. Brian also brings a great background of residential design and construction to the team.

Stephen Starkey

Stephen is a Project Architect with GGa.  He has been a member of our team since 2023 and received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Architecture from Miami University (Oxford)

Since joining GGa, Stephen has been responsible for managing projects from the schematic design phase through the construction administration phase for zoological projects. Stephen’s experience is in managing projects and teams across a wide spectrum of architectural offices and specialties. Stephen’s background working for firms specializing in Themed Environment design made him a great fit for our team.  

Nicole Szparagowski

Nicole is a Project Designer with GGa.  After interning with us while at the University of Cincinnati in 2018 we were lucky enough to have her join us full time in 2021. Nicole received her Bachelors of Architectural Sciences and Bachelors of Fine Art in Glass Blowing from Bowling Green University and followed that with her Masters of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. 

Since joining GGa, Nicole has been an integral team member. She brings valuable design, rendering, and production expertise to all of our projects.  Nicole assists clients in realizing their project through the use of  3D modeling, VR walk-throughs and photo realistic renderings.

Coleton Morr

Coleton is a Project Designer with GGa.  He has been a member of our team since 2026 and received his Bachelor of Science of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 2024.

We were fortunate to have Coleton as in intern while at the University of Cincinnati and since joining GGa full time, Coleton has been responsible for assisting in all phases of production and modeling on all of our projects. Coleton prides himself on being a designer with a passion for problem solving and environmental consciousness.

Our Services

As a small design firm, we take pride in our client relationships. In addition, we specialize in the following areas of work:

  • Animal habitats and holding buildings

  • Design Visualization

  • Restaurants

  • Visitor and Welcome Centers

  • New Residential Construction

  • Residential Additions and Remodels

  • Design Consultation

  • Code studies

 

Our Clients

Themed Environments

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

  • Giraffe Tower (2027)

  • Elephant Trek (2025)

  • Roo Valley (2020)

  • Mai Thai’s Market (2020)

  • African Penguin Point (2020)

  • Hops Beer Garden (2019)

  • Entry Village Expansion (2019)

  • Lion Yard Enrichment (2019)

  • Tiger Yard Enrichment (2019)

  • Gorilla World Expansion (2017)

  • Bowyer Farm Cheetah Holding (2016)

  • Africa Exhibits (2013 - 2017)*

  • Entry Village (2009)*

* Project completed as part of Cornette-Violetta Architects

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

  • Orangutan (2028)

  • Leopard Forest (2025)

  • Pizza & Ice Cream Cafe (2019)

  • Tiger Exhibit Interiors Package (2018)

  • Ambassador Program Building (2017)

  • Rhino Holding Barn (2016)*

  • Entry Village (2016)*

* Project completed as part of Cornette-Violetta Architects

Residential

We have been privileged to provide design services to clients in the following communities.

  • Mariemont, OH (18 projects)

  • Anderson Township, OH (7 projects)

  • Montgomery, OH (4 projects)

  • Hyde Park, OH (2 projects)

  • Newtown, OH (2 projects)

  • Mt. Lookout, OH (2 projects)

  • Batavia, OH

  • Madeira, OH

  • Maineville, OH

  • Oakley, OH

  • Oxford, OH

  • Pierce Township, OH

  • St. Bernard, OH

  • Symmes Township, OH

  • Wyoming, OH

  • Covington, KY (2 projects)

  • Ft. Mitchell, KY

  • Goodlettsville, TN

Additional Work

  • Adam’s Heating & Cooling

  • The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum

  • Cowboy Cones

  • Holman Motors

  • Hometown Concrete

  • Iofina Chemical

  • Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church

  • New City Presbyterian Church

  • Shepherd Color Company

 

Our Office

1609 Madison Road, Suite C & D
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
United States of America

513.832.0658