Maria Guerra-Stoll and Billy Barker, founders of GSB, met at an Atlanta architecture firm specializing in telecom and healthcare. Our shared philosophies led us to launch our own firm in 1998, focusing mainly on the telecommunications industry serving major technology brands across the US, from Alaska to Puerto Rico.

Within our first year, we expanded rapidly, employing 30+ architects and quickly outgrowing our office.  However, the impact of the dot-com bubble in 2000 led us to prioritize maintaining a smaller, boutique size, ensuring our direct involvement in every project. We also shifted more into the public sector as a certified small business and woman-owned minority firm. We’ve maintained lean operations with a core team of around 10 employees, with the ability to scale up as needed for our loyal clients. During our firm journey, we diversified our expertise, finding success in corporate interiors, education, and other public sector work.

In 2007, a pivotal moment arrived when we collaborated with Tyler Perry Studios (TPS), developing a screening and theater space at his first studio on Krog Street. We continued our relationship with TPS by transforming an abandoned Eastern Airlines site into the Greenbriar Studios. This project was significant as we designed the first purpose-built soundstages in Georgia. Immersed in this creative realm, we discovered a newfound passion, leading us to delve into the film studio business beyond Georgia and into Los Angeles, becoming integral to the production studio community. Presently, we proudly continue our work with Tyler Perry and numerous other confidential studios across the US and Puerto Rico.