We work in service to our clients and strive to enhance the built environment within this context. We tailor our services accordingly, providing a full range of options from initial programming and preliminary design through construction and administration.
Enhancing the built environment.
Creating form and space.
GEDA's History
1972
Jim Gooden founds the firm Jim Gooden Associates Architects.
1986
Mike Ellis becomes a partner, having been mentored by Jim during his collegiate career.
1997
Joe Dowdle becomes a partner with Jim’s retirement. The firm transitions to GEA Architects.
2017
April Dowdle joins the firm officially as a partner, after working in the Indianapolis market for 14 years.
2022
April Dowdle named President of the firm. The firm celebrates 50 years of service and transitions to GEDA Architects.
Our Team
April Dowdle
Architect, Interior Designer, LEED AP
Bachelor of Science, Ball State University, 1998
Bachelor of Architecture, Ball State University, 1998
April began her career with GEDA Architects as an intern in 1997. Before returning as a partner in 2016, she acquired nearly twenty years of experience working in London, England, Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout her career she gained experience on projects such as the Canary Wharf building complex in London, the JW Marriott hotel complex in Indianapolis, and multiple projects for Ball State University and the University of Notre Dame.
April is a registered Architect, registered interior designer and LEED AP BD+C. Throughout her career, she has successfully achieved LEED Gold and Silver certification for multiple projects. She has years of experience complying with design standards for various universities, hospitality markets, and government organizations.
Joe Dowdle
Architect
Bachelor of Science, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1983
Master of Architecture, Yale University, 1987
Joe Dowdle is the managing principal with extensive experience in multiple types of building projects. He is familiar with a range of materials, methods and systems, from wood frame construction to masonry and steel commercial and institutional structures. His demonstrated ability to reconcile complicated programmatic requirements with unique features and attributes has produced buildings that are distinctive, functional, and through the use of sustainable and energy efficiency strategies, well suited to their environment.
Joe is experienced in a range of architectural styles, building components, structural and mechanical systems, and site conditions. His work has ranged from the extreme budget constraints of HUD funded housing, to developer driven commercial work, institutional and higher education projects.
Andrew Ellis
Designer, Illustrator
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Indiana University, 2000
As a designer, Andy has accrued valuable experience in a wide range of project types including single family residences, multi-family housing, churches, commercial, corporate facilities and site planning. Andrew excels at the production of preconstruction renderings and 3D models for use in design development. In addition to his work at GEDA, Andrew serves as the President of the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Jim Gooden
Architect, Retired
Jim Gooden was a member of the first graduating class in 1971 from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University. He founded the firm as Gooden Associates the following year. Jim’s contribution to Muncie’s architectural heritage can be seen in many local landmark buildings, including the building which is home to the Ball Brothers and George and Frances Ball Foundations and the Horizon Convention Center. He retired in 1996 but remains involved in multiple, informal ways. Jim is active in the community and volunteers his time as a member of several local, not-for-profit, boards.