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GET TO KNOW US

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With 17 years of experience in architecture, it is John’s belief that the work we are involved with could have a greater purpose.

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As a company, we could do more to serve and our actions are distinctly different from others. Vanity often grabs the heart of a designer feeling like we can fit the shoes of the Creator.

 

We want to be completely humble in our efforts and rely on God and what He has taught us through life and business to take our client’s visions to reality.

John Linton, AIA
Lead Architect / Partner

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Austin graduated from the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering in 2010 and has provided engineering services throughout the United States and internationally.
From the oil fields of Midland to retail centers in Houston, he has worked with both public and private clients, adding value to their projects. Having worked closely with permitting entities in the Houston area, Austin has built relationships with the decision-makers in our area.

 

Austin enjoys working closely with clients providing designs that are not only practical but benefit from his permitting experience and relationships with public employees.

Austin Haynes, PE
Lead Engineer / Partner

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As a Project Manager in the architecture department Gabby is responsible for creating construction drawings, helping projects through permitting and delivering our clients with a quality product. Gabby coordinates with our internal and external engineers as well as with clients and general contractors. After graduating from the University of Houston, with a Bachelor of Architecture Gabby worked in the public sector building an impressive portfolio of transportation maintenance facilities all around the county. She approaches designs strategically utilizing both her technical, yet creative skills daily.  When Gabby is not helping with projects, Gabby enjoys spending time with her loved ones, running near her home in Conroe, Tx, keeping up with her husband, 2 kids, Odin the cat, and the latest addition Luna the dog. With a busy life, her love for Jesus and passion for helping others is her most important guidance and what lights her path in everything she does.

Gabby McGinnis, Associate AIA
Project Manager

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Rafael graduated with an associate’s degree in computer-aided design, using his drafting skills while working in the architecture and engineering field for 20+ years.  Rafael obtained many years of experience as a Task Lead and Project Manager in the design of transportation maintenance facilities across the country.  He joined Altar Group in late 2022 as a Project Manager in the architecture department and is responsible for working projects through the permitting process, coordinating with city and county officials to help deliver products to our clients in a timely manner.  He has also taken on the role of coordinating the concept designs for many of the projects we work on throughout Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. 

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Rafael is a native Houstonian and father to a daughter and son, both of whom he enjoys spending time with going on trips and seeking new places to explore.  He also enjoys getting out and hitting the trails in his Subaru Crosstrek with other Subie enthusiasts.

Rafael Ruiz
Project Manager

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Rhonda has always chosen a career path in the service of helping others. She has a background in graphic design, complex event scheduling and team management for non-profit and corporate organizations. When God led her to the Altar Group, she knew it was a position that had purpose and would allow her to expand her gifts and talents. Whether it’s trying to organize the world,  utilize her “Nancy Drew” skills for site investigations or think of a creative place for our next team lunch, she loves her job and feels like she’s surrounded by family. Being originally from New Orleans, Louisiana this matters greatly.
When Rhonda is not loving her job, she’s loving her family, which consists of her hubby of many years, 3 amazing kids and Pippin the dog. If she’s not watching Lord of the Rings for the 100th time or finding the latest adventure with her family, she’s teaching children at her church what it means to trust in Jesus every day, because it’s a lesson we never stop learning.

Rhonda Childs
Project Coordinator

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Melany joined Altar Group in May 2022. Her interest in design and Eagerness to learn something new have brought her to the team. She performs organizational tasks and assists in production.

 

Melany plans to continue to a designed-related career in the future. Melany enjoys time off with her family, friends, and her dog Angelo.

Melany Casteneda
Designer

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Sandra holds a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration from AIU, and an AA in Architecture. She is an artist who has always had a passion for serving others with any talent or gift she feels blessed with. She joined Altar Group in October of 2024 as an in-house recruiter to facilitate the search for great candidates that fit our company like a glove. Her love of talking to people, and her few years learning about Architecture and Design are the perfect combination to make her good at sourcing talent for Altar Group.

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When she isn't' working, she is running a small art business from home, and juggling three energetic little boys, and a hardworking husband! She loves traveling, sharing meals with friends and family, being creative, and serving on the worship team at her church.

Sandra Sala-Diakanda
Talent Acquisition Specialist

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