HOUSTON — Abel Design Group announced the promotion of Rachel Koehring to Principal, Director of Business Operations, a newly established leadership role designed to support the firm’s continued growth and long-term strategic objectives. Previously serving as Director of Marketing for The Goree Companies, Rachel will partner closely with the firm’s leadership team to oversee firmwide business operations, supporting strategic initiatives, organizational alignment, and continued growth across the firm’s offices and market sectors. This position reflects the ongoing collaboration between Abel Design Group and The Goree Companies following Goree’s majority investment in the firm in 2023, while also representing Abel Design Group’s continued investment in the leadership infrastructure to support its future growth.
For 25 years, Abel Design Group has built a reputation for design excellence, strong client relationships, and thoughtful leadership. As the firm continues to expand its geographic footprint and portfolio, the new role is intended to build upon that foundation by providing additional operational coordination and strategic support across the organization.
Working alongside the firm’s principals and leadership team, Rachel will help facilitate strategic initiatives, operational coordination, and long-term business objectives that enable continued growth while preserving the culture and client service that define the firm.
Over the course of her career, Rachel has led and advanced strategic initiatives across multiple organizations and industries, developing expertise in organizational leadership, business operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional coordination. Since joining The Goree Companies, she has led marketing, communications, business development support, and firmwide initiatives that have contributed to organizational growth, strengthened client relationships, and enhanced collaboration across offices and business units.
Rachel is also an active leader within the commercial real estate and design industries. She currently serves as President of CoreNet Global Houston and maintains involvement with numerous professional and community organizations, including the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Through these leadership roles and experiences, she has developed a broad perspective on organizational growth, operational excellence, and the evolving needs of clients and industry partners.
As Abel Design Group continues to expand its project portfolio, geographic reach, and service offerings, this new role further reinforces the firm’s commitment to thoughtful growth. This role helps ensure that the collaborative culture, design excellence, and high level of client service that have defined the firm for more than two decades continue to thrive for years to come.
“Rachel’s promotion reflects our belief that great firms are built through intentional leadership development and continued investment in exceptional people,” said Steven Craney, Partner and Managing Principal, Goree. “She brings a unique combination of operational experience, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven leadership that will help strengthen Abel Design Group as we continue to grow. Her transition into this role represents a long-term investment by Goree in the future of Abel Design Group, reinforcing our commitment to providing our people and clients with the leadership, resources, and support necessary for sustained success.”
“Rachel is the perfect complement to our team at Abel Design Group as our newest Principal,” said Jeffrey Abel, Founder and Managing Principal of Abel Design Group. “She already knows us so well from her time leading the marketing team at The Goree Companies, and brings with her a compedium of knowledge of leadership skillsets both from outside and within the AEC industry, and we couldn’t have asked for a better addition to our leadership team.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the confidence that Abel Design Group’s leadership has placed in me,” said Rachel. “Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the many talented individuals across the firm, gaining a deep appreciation for the firm’s culture, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to design excellence. I look forward to continuing to build on that strong foundation as we continue to grow and evolve.”
About Abel Design Group
Founded in Houston, Texas, in 2001, Abel Design Group has grown into a premier, mid-sized architecture and design firm with offices in Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Denver, and Irvine. Serving corporate, hospitality, restaurant, retail, education, and multifamily clients nationwide and internationally, the firm delivers integrated architecture and interior design solutions that balance strategy, creativity, and experience while helping clients achieve their business goals.