At GAEA, we believe our success comes from bringing together creative minds and experienced professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of commercial spaces.

This season, we’re excited to be welcoming multiple talented professionals to our growing team. These new hires bring a diverse set of skills and fresh perspectives, further strengthening our ability to deliver outstanding results on commercial architecture and design projects. Keep reading to get to know them and see how they’ll be contributing as part of team Ewart.

Munzir Shaikhoun – Architectural Associate

Munzir joins GAEA with a passion for creating exceptional projects that have a meaningful impact on clients and their communities. With over a decade of industry experience and a strong focus on climate-sensitive design, he received his Master of Architecture in Sustainable Design from the University of Tennessee in 2023.

Prior to joining GAEA, Munzir designed, led, and coordinated dozens of projects across Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and other locations across the Middle East and North Africa region. This includes serving as an on-site designer for the recently completed Marriott 4-star Hotel Project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Today, Munzir enjoys tapping into the mind-hand connection through the art of pencil sketching, creating designs that blend seamlessly with natural environments. Outside of work, Munzir can be found playing soccer, painting, making pottery, and reading Arabic poetry. He also enjoys spending time outdoors and is a huge Liverpool Football Club fan.

Grace Brackney – Interior Designer

Our newest Interior Designer, Grace comes to us enthusiastic about blending functionality with aesthetic appeal in commercial spaces. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee in 2019, Grace earned her NCIDQ certification and became a licensed Interior Designer in the State of Tennessee. 

As part of team Ewart, Grace brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including work on multifamily developments, amenity centers, and educational facilities. Known for listening to clients closely and adapting to meet their needs, she makes it a priority to fully understand the vision and goals on every project. If you ask her, she’ll tell you that her passion lies in bringing clients’ visions to life, with the hope of contributing to the improvement of the Knoxville community through her designs.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys cheering on any UT sports team with her husband, spending time outdoors with their dog, and sharing good meals with friends around Knoxville.

Ashley Howard – Executive Assistant

Born and raised right here in Knoxville, Ashley is GAEA’s new Executive Assistant. In addition to exceptional organizational skills, she brings a wealth of experience in office administration, project management, and accounting to her new role with us. 

A multifaceted professional, Ashley plays a key role in keeping daily operations running smoothly for our firm and clients. Whether she’s coordinating schedules, managing communications, or assisting with administrative tasks, her cheerful demeanor and willingness to help however needed make her an essential part of the team. 

When she’s not working or fulfilling her role as a personal driver to her two kids, Ashley enjoys being a dedicated sports mom and spending time with her family.

Join Our Growing Team!

We’re excited to see how Munzir’s keen eye for sustainable design, Grace’s approach to creating balanced spaces, and Ashley’s versatile expertise will contribute to the success of GAEA. Each of these individuals bring unique skills to our firm, and we’re excited to see what the future holds with them on team Ewart.

If you’re interested in joining a creative architecture and design team, we encourage you to explore a career with us! We’re always looking to hear from talented individuals in Knoxville and beyond. Reach out to us on our site or email info@georgeewart.com to see if GAEA is the right fit for you.