About Studio RED Architects

Studio RED Architects is an architecture and interior design firm in Houston and Denver. The firm was created in 2004 by a group of industry veterans passionate about architecture that is resourceful, inspired, and boundless. Studio RED specializes in creating cultural arts, community, worship, commercial, hospitality, renovation, residential, civic, healthcare, planning, and education spaces. Driven by clients’ needs, the Studio RED team works hard to provide exceptional service and deliver successful projects with principal-level involvement and smart design solutions.

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Pete Ed Garrett and Trung Doan are the founding partners of Studio RED Architects. Pete earned his degree in architecture from the University of Houston and is among the AIA College of Fellows. Trung graduated with the same degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Oklahoma.

Under their watch, the company’s works have appeared in publications like PaperCity Magazine, The Daily Record, Yahoo Finance, Houston Business Journal, and Chron.

About Lake Flato

When founders Ted Flato and David Lake established their architecture firm in 1984, they had many strong ideas about what kind of buildings they wanted to design. Lake Flato was built in the belief that architecture should be rooted in its unique place, responding meaningfully to the natural or built environment. Using local materials and collaborating with the best local artisans, the studio sought to create tactile and modern spaces, environmentally responsible and authentic, artful and crafted.

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More than 30 years later, these beliefs still inform Lake Flato’s architecture. While the firm has grown along with the range and complexity of its residential, commercial, architecture, sustainable design, urban design, adaptive reuse, and placemaking projects, it has found the desire to build in partnership with the land to be an approach that remains valid and increasingly resonant.

About Abel Design Group

Founded in Houston, Texas in 2001, Abel Design Group is a premiere, mid-size architecture and design firm licensed in 13 states with global projects. It offers architecture and design services for corporate, hospitality, restaurant, and retail clients.

Abel Design Group is also a certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in Texas and has completed projects in over 16 countries across the globe. In 2022, the company received the Landmark Award from Houston Business Journal and the Pinnacle Award for Small-Sized Firm of the Year from the Texas Oklahoma Chapter of the International Interior Design Association.

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Some of Abel Design Group’s remarkable projects have been featured by Associated Construction Publication, PR News Wire, Luxxu, Metal Construction News, Realty News Report, and Chron.

About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Launched in 2005, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is a nationally award-winning, fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. Its work is rooted in hospitality and covers a range of expertise, such as large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single-family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture design. The company is based in Texas and works worldwide, with studios in Austin and Houston; it also has team members in Dallas, Denver, Nashville, and Louisville.

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The firm’s most recent awards are the 2022 AN Interior Top 50 Architecture and Design Firms, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Award, Texas Society of Architects Design Award, and the American Institute of Architects Design Awards in Austin and Houston.

About CONTENT Architecture

CONTENT Architecture’s mission is to create architecture within its clients’ spatial and budgetary needs, and to deliver a project that is accountable for and responsive to the world it lives in. Since its founding in 2009, CONTENT has been fully committed to client goals while also proposing innovative and atypical solutions. Its diverse architectural backgrounds and education allow the team to approach projects from many angles to develop the best solutions.

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Jesse Hager runs the studio and specializes in residential, commercial, and architectural services for its clients in Houston and surrounding areas, and believes in a collaborative design process with them. CONTENT strives to identify clients’ goals, guide them through the design process, and translate their concepts into a built reality.

About Newberry Architecture

Newberry Architecture is a full-service firm established in 1997 by founder and senior principal Ken Newberry. He established Newberry based on the belief that architecture should reflect clients’ styles and enhance their day-to-day experiences. Guided by his founding principle, Newberry has assembled a deep team of professionals who understand the value of listening and recognize that architecture is about clients and what they envision, not architects and what they want to design.

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Today, under the leadership of four principals, Newberry continues to foster a high-performance, high-quality work environment defined by close relationships with clients and contractors, consultants, and builders. Newberry Architecture’s most recent honors include being the 2022 Gold List Honoree in Architecture of Luxe Interiors + Design and the 2019 Award for Residential Landscape from the John Staub Awards of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Texas chapter.

About Stern and Bucek Architects

David Bucek and William Stern launched Stern and Bucek Architects in 1999, after years of working together at William F. Stern & Associates Architects. Stern and Bucek Architects’ portfolio includes commercial designs, single-family homes, multi-family housing, new construction, and renovation. The firm’s designs consistently incorporate time-tested and environmentally-sound design practices with leading-edge sustainable technologies that meet LEED certification requirements.

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Stern and Bucek Architects has distinguished itself as a leading design firm with equal skill in new construction, adaptive reuse, renovation, and historic preservation. Principals David Bucek and Daniel Hall lead a team of creative and talented professionals whose work is informed by a keen sense of history and craft, and is driven by a precise, exacting, and thoughtful design vision. The studio is likewise a member of the American Institute of Architects Houston and the Wharton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

About Brickmoon Design

Brickmoon Design is an award-winning custom residential architecture and interior design firm serving the Greater Houston and surrounding Texas lakes and properties. It is proficient in various architectural styles, reflecting its belief in the importance of comfort, creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. Brickmoon Design aims to turn its clients’ dreams into physical realities.

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Whether it is a brand-new primary residence, second home, remodel or addition, vacation home, or lake property, Brickmoon creates extraordinary designs famous for their originality, functionality, and beauty. The team is led by Jeremy McFarland as principal architect, and proudly holds affiliations with the National Association of Home Builders, Greater Houston Builders Association, Texas Association of Builders, and Houston Heights Association.

About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture believes that design is for everyone. The firm designs spaces that connect people with nature and manifest a sense of wellbeing. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has a strong sense of materiality and believes in the active collaboration of client, designer and artisan. The spaces designed by the studio engage local, regional and global communities.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was founded in 2005 to unite people through design. The firm is a nationally award-winning, fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. Its work is rooted in hospitality and includes a range of project types such as large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture design. Projects can be found throughout Texas and across the country. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has offices in Austin and Houston and staff representing the firm in Dallas and Denver.

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For Montrose Collective the firm designed a mixed-use building that integrates carefully with the neighborhood. A large paseo and open circulation provide layers of interaction for visitors. Curated retail and a public library create a unique offering to the neighborhood. Large patios, ample daylighting, a lush landscape and biophilia present a unique approach to wellness for the building’s office tenants.

The firm has been featured in a wide range of local and national publications including Metropolis, dezeen, Architectural Record, Wallpaper, Texas Architect and Paper City.

About Kirksey

From an independent project by a group of friends into what is now one of the leading architectural firms within Texas is Kirksey — a symbol of perseverance and dedication. For over 50 years, the firm continuously refined its mission to provide transformative spaces that help users within its communities. Kirksey also has significant experience and a comprehensive knowledge base, which comes from its long history and dispersed offices throughout the world.

John Kirksey, FAIA, and Wes Good, AIA, are the firm’s principal members and leading architects. Individually, they have great career histories, including developing multiple resource-efficient facilities, leaving positive impacts on their communities, and having backgrounds that include decades of service. Together, they have great chemistry in leading the firm and heading its operations, evident in its flourishing business.

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Featured is the Confidential Corporate Headquarters, a massive campus that serves as the headquarters for an energy institution. The project is the result of a remodel of an existing center into an industrialized office space that offers several facilities and amenities for its users. These include a basketball court for recreational activities that promote healthy work environments, a banquet hall for formal gatherings, and conference spaces for meetings and similar affairs, among other office areas for working.

About Studio RED Architects

Studio RED Architects is an architectural firm that takes pride in delivering the highest quality architecture and most innovative designs for its clients. It’s a client-centric firm that pursues client satisfaction above all else. The firm delivers excellent results by providing hands-on supervision and involvement from its principal members. The firm can point to a long list of satisfied and loyal clients that have left positive testimonials regarding the firm’s efforts. Studio RED Architects also provides a portfolio that contains several projects for various clients of different complexities and sizes.

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The featured project is Mehta Office Building, a simple yet unique office space that blends its inner and outer areas for a seamless design. This conventional office was designed to have an unenclosed office space to fit the needs of its clients. As a result, the firm was able to minimize the space that separated its interior and the outdoors. The interior design features a comfortable atmosphere due to the appropriate choice of color, materials, and space management.

About Powers Brown Architecture

Powers Brown Architecture is an award-winning firm specializing in architectural services and it has been recognized both locally and internationally. The firm has been in business for 22 years; the firm’s staff of architects and designers has decades’ worth of experience and business. The firm has also branched out into several locations with offices that handle projects in a range of market sectors. Thus, the firm can blend together different practices and styles from different sources to deliver exceptional results.

Over the years, the firm has received accreditations from several organizations, including AIA, IIDA, NAIOP, LEED AP, and USGBC. It has also been featured in various publications such as Realty News Report, Houston Business Journal, and Houston Chronicle.

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Intermarine Operations Center is an excellent commercial office space designed specifically for ocean transport provision. The firm handled the project by initially scanning the site and developing building plans that optimized the complex. Framework, materials, and overall building configurations were taken into account to provide a multipurpose, convenient, and efficient office center. The resulting establishment has various functionalities with the primary purpose of loading and staging massive vessels and cargo.

About Page Southerland Page

In business for 123 years, Page Southerland Page has immersed itself in developing its skills and dedication as an architect. For over a century, the firm has continuously seized multiple opportunities that collectively signify its prowess and dedication as a first-rate architectural firm. Today, it still stands strong and continues to push itself to better its craft and passion.

As a full-service architect working in various markets, Page Southerland Page has proved itself as more than capable of handling any project for any client — big or small, simple or complex; the firm can achieve great results for those interested. The resulting projects are practical, efficient, and sustainable as the firm believes in leaving a positive impact on the environment by preserving mother nature and its clients through bold, meaningful spaces.

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811 Louisiana is the product of one of the firm’s specialized services — reinvigorating existing structures to find trapped value. The firm understands that aging offices are less likely to be considered over more modern counterparts, so it employs several practices that change the offices into trendier, more functional, and better spaces than their modern competition. 811 Louisiana provides more than just an office renovation; it creates transformations that unlock overlooked, hidden value and surpass modern standards.

About Jackson & Ryan Architects

For Jackson & Ryan Architects, building a trusted relationship with clients and being able to deliver projects that are tailored to their needs are the best rewards in the industry. Despite winning several awards throughout the years and earning a number of notable certifications, the firm values its clients’ happiness above all else. It also focuses on adaptability and flexibility, changing and developing its styles to further accomplish projects that are suited to each client.

Guy Jackson, AIA, and Jeffrey Ryan, AIA, are at the head of the firm as its principal architects. They each have a long history of architectural services and degrees that serve as testaments to their expertise. They have also worked on various projects that span a variety of markets, enabling them to handle a broad range of projects for the firm. Their excellent skills in leadership have led the firm to its success.

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Thermal Energy Corporation is a massive facility for energy provision and water and steam distribution for a nearby medical center—it serves as the world’s largest medical facility. As a power plant, the facility is made with a giant frame to house all necessary pieces of equipment and materials, including a large cylindrical structure that houses over eight million gallons of water and a cuboid center for other functionalities. The firm wanted to stray away from the typical industrialized style of energy centers, so it applied a theme that matched the surrounding buildings’ designs. It also added flood walls that have guarded the center against floods.

About Ziegler Cooper Architects

Ziegler Cooper Architects is a leading brand in the industry whose prowess is exemplified in its diverse expertise and the strict work principles it has developed. The firm is recognized both regionally and globally. Its values lie in providing transformative spaces that elevate the users’ lifestyles, as is evident in its portfolio. The firm won the Pinnacle Award for Large Firm of the Year and several Golden Trowel Awards for Industrial/Commercial projects, as well the Landmark Multifamily Project Award.

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Featured is 1111 Travis, a significant project designed for one of the country’s largest private production companies. The corporate headquarters is podium style with multiple floors for core office functions and parking areas. It has a towering metal frame enveloped by a glass curtain wall that creates a visually appealing appearance. Its amenities include a reception area on the upper floors, conference rooms for simultaneous meetings, main office areas, a fitness center, and even a Starbucks within the complex.

About PGAL

PGAL has been celebrated for its meticulous approach and seamless design solutions that are reflective of its excellence and dedication. That approach, combined with the firm’s excellent client service, has enabled the firm to achieve incredible feats measured by recognition and satisfied clients. Thanks to PGAL, clients can rest easy with cost-effective and schedule-convenient project developments that have resulted in a number of long-lasting relationships. During project creation and design, the firm takes a hands-on approach with its core architects team and collaborates with other professionals to provide the best possible results.

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The contemporary-styled East Aldine District Office Building + Town Center Park is a great example of the firm’s work. With three stories and 24,382 square feet in property size, the structure is built to serve as the district’s community center. It has several amenities and areas that function differently for a range of endeavors: office areas for work productivity, a multipurpose lobby, the main conference area, and an outdoor deck that provides a scenic outlook on the nearby park. A beautiful aspect evident in its design is its use of mixed materials that represent the district’s diverse and inclusive community.

About Method Architecture

Method Architecture’s small, yet ambitious size as an architectural firm makes it unique. The firm takes a systematic approach that transcends architectural standards. It is a full-service firm that offers the complete set of services that includes planning, programming, budgeting, and consultation services after construction and design. It’s also worth noting that the firm is officially registered and licensed in 27 countries and has loyal clients that will testify on behalf of the firm’s expertise. Its certifications include the AIA, USGBC, LEED AP (Platinum and Gold), and NCARB.

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Common Desk Post Oak is an excellent example of the firm’s accomplished offices. This office is found within a skyrise building in the Galleria district of Houston, Texas. The design includes a nice pop of colors that highlight the choice of materials, furniture, and fixtures. The look is further complemented by the muted and light colors that provide contrast with the color schemes. The result is a workspace that has an energetic and comfortable atmosphere. The space includes private offices for select staff, conference halls for scheduled meetings, and kitchenettes to provide sustenance for employees.

About Munoz Albin

Munoz + Albin is a dependable architectural firm that handles several projects in multiple countries. Its architectural work rests on the bedrock of innovation and competence, and its designs are the result of the company’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing design market. The firm is driven by its passion for developing unique designs and employing effective, professional architecture that has been honed during its 21 years of official service and its 60 years of collective employee experience. The firm provides the most profound care that results in personalized spaces that enhance the users’ experience.

The firm has received several certifications over the past years, including from AIA and LEED AP (with some projects earning LEED Gold and Silver). The firm’s work has been featured in publications such as Houston Chronicle, Texas Architects Magazine, and AIA Houston.

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CityCentre V is a mixed-use building featuring 16 levels of multifunctional areas. It includes a full-service restaurant found on ground level and several parking spaces in the garage. The design gives the structure a distinct character when viewed from various angles. The masonry on the south side is impressive; the metal frame on the north side is coated with glass. The structure employs the entire site for its identity.

About Abel Design Group

Multi-award-winning firm, Abel Design Group, is an architect that takes the cake regarding client commitment and partnership. Every project makes sure to put its clients first as it provides seamless services that cater to their needs. Licensed in thirteen states, the firm is a premier architect that has proven time and time again over countless projects worldwide that whatever clients need over different market sectors, it can and will deliver.

The firm has earned several notable awards throughout its work history of over two decades. These awards include the Landmark Award, the Pinnacle Award for Small-Sized Firm of the Year, and the Design Excellence Awards. It has also earned accreditations, including AIA, IIDA, NCIDQ, and LEED AP.

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Featured is Musket Corporation, an example of a first-rate, modern office space that emphasizes architectural standards. The office comprises two floors of an AIG tower that haven’t been renovated or improved since its construction in the 1980s. That’s why Abel Design Group took it upon themselves to reinvigorate the space into what is now an elegant space. It transformed the then-executive offices into a bright, open area that takes advantage of the high elevation and natural light. The firm also added a stylish spiral staircase that connects the two floors.

About HKS

HKS is a full-service firm that offers the full set of award-winning architectural assistance. Clients can relax knowing that their projects are in experienced hands that will deliver spaces on schedule and within budget. One of the firm’s most essential components in handling projects is its research team—it combines cutting-edge technology with practical and well-rounded architectural practices. ENR Texas & Louisiana, Bisnow, Dallas News, and The Battalion are several publications that have officially recognized and featured the firm for its reliable performance. The AIA, USGBC, and ACHA are some organizations that have certified it.

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For over 82 years, the firm has executed a multitude of great projects. One is BBVA Compass Plaza, which the firm designed to provide a fresh building that accentuated the theme of its neighboring structures. The building is supported by a metal frame and archways that also double as stylish design signatures. Elevated terraces, conglomerate entryways, and vertical fins were added to distinguish the building as a particular HKS project. The resulting office space earned LEED Gold Certification.

About HOK

HOK is a globally renowned architect highly determined to inspire clients through imaginative designs and competitive prices. With its collective knowledge base, expertise, and work background headed and guided by its principal member, Jay Tatum, AIA, LEED AP, the firm acts as a pioneer that embodies fine architecture. What separates the firm from its peers is its tremendous team size, consisting of over 1,600 dedicated employees and over two dozen offices.

Jay Tatum is the head of the firm with over three decades of career background. His previous positions include being a project director, manager, and architect for other companies. This variety in experience enables him to manage his firm and its operations efficiently. Aside from his AIA and LEED AP accreditations, he has also earned memberships in organizations such as Preservation Houston, the Greater Houston Partnership, and the Houston First Corporation.

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Phillips 66 Headquarters is a LEED-NC Platinum award winner situated within one of Houston’s dynamic districts. This project beautifully blends the office space with the surrounding outdoor environment for a natural, relaxing atmosphere. Further strengthening this love for nature is the employed energy-efficient and sustainable practice that developed the building. Amenities include conference centers, training and fitness centers, and a vast event space for formal events. The devised floor plan is flexible and could easily be changed for future endeavors and convenience.

About Goree

Goree is a long-lasting pioneer of automotive facility design whose expertise is matched only by its devotion to bettering itself—it believes that its reputation as a leading brand is a significant component of its identity. When the firm was founded, it was simply an architectural firm that tended to the fundamental problems and needs of clients. Since then, the firm has expanded into a national architect with an intensive knowledge of various practices, techniques, styles, and projects that span various market sectors. It is a client-driven firm that exemplifies the fruit of over five decades of hard work and development.

During its 58 years in the business, the firm has earned several certifications including the AIA, USGBC Texas Gulf Coast, LEED, and the Automobile Dealers Association. It has also been backed by publications such as the Houston Business Journal, Associated Construction Publications, and the Daily Advent.

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Featured is PON Office & Vehicle Storage, a project that is under the firm’s primary specialty — automotive facilities. The firm based the design on its client’s other facility in Amsterdam. This challenge included applying modern themes and touches that matched the Amsterdam office space. The themes were represented in the choice of materials, furniture, and fixtures, as well as the color combinations that represented a neutral and natural atmosphere that removes stress in the workplace. The project includes two stories that make up the headquarters, indoor storage for items and vehicles, and additional amenities for mobility services, which are included in the scope of the client’s work.

About Dillon Kyle Architects

For Dillon Kyle Architects, trusted and meaningful collaborations with its clients are the bedrock that establishes its effective services. The firm works closely with its clients to actualize their visualized space, whatever that may function. Homes, offices, retail, and other various projects are all under the scope of Dillon Kyle Architects’ capabilities. It offers fresh designs unique to each space and client.

Dillon Kyle, AIA, is the principal architect of the firm. He graduated from both Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Princeton University, where he obtained his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture degrees, respectively. Afterward, he decided to pursue his passion for architecture, founding his firm, Dillon Kyle Architects, where he serves as a pillar that guides the firm to success. He also provides several years’ worth of experience and knowledge in managing projects.

Featured Projects

The featured project is DKA Studio, the firm’s own office space that fosters the creativity and performance of its users — its own team of enthusiastic staff. The office’s frame is shaped like an inverted, vertical L to provide a dedicated spot for parking spaces and an innovative style for the interior and exterior themes. Artistic features—such as abstract designs and graphic details—were applied in the studio to reflect the museum and art galleries located within the neighborhood. It has several floors, including conference areas, a design studio, and relaxing portions within the office for users to enjoy.

About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture believes that design is for everyone. The firm designs spaces that connect people with nature and manifest a sense of wellbeing. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has a strong sense of materiality and believes in the active collaboration of client, designer and artisan. The spaces designed by the studio engage local, regional and global communities.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was founded in 2005 to unite people through design. The firm is a nationally award-winning, fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. Its work is rooted in hospitality and includes a range of project types such as large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture design. Projects can be found throughout Texas and across the country. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has offices in Austin and Houston and staff representing the firm in Dallas and Denver.

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The firm has designed countless restaurants across the state, including several in Houston. Food and beverage projects range from fast casual spaces to some of the city’s finest dining. Houston restaurants include Uchi, Uchiko, da Gama, Local Foods, Katz’s Deli, Ninfa’s Uptown, La Lucha, Superica, Loro, and the recently completed Il Bracco.

The firm has been featured in a wide range of local and national publications including Metropolis, dezeen, Architectural Record, Wallpaper, Texas Architect and Paper City.

About Studio RED Architects

Established in 2004, Studio RED Architects is a firm operating under the hands of seasoned veterans. Its members have a combined 107 years of industry experience, proving their reliability in all architecture-related needs. These members are affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Some are LEED Accredited Professionals focusing on sustainable designs. The firm consists of six partners, each with impressive profiles. Each brings their expertise to the table, making the firm an expert in all kinds of projects including commercial and hospitality.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s noteworthy restaurant projects is Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina. Located in Houston, the 5,504-square-foot restaurant features old-world and modern elements. Transforming an existing facility, the firm highlighted the use of century-old reclaimed wood materials matched with exposed brick walls. Handcrafted lights and select pieces from the owner’s family collection bring character to the space. One of its most interesting features is the circular bar with intricate details in the base.

Studio RED Architects solidifies its industry standing through a series of awards collected over the years. In 2015, it was named the Firm of the Year by AIA Houston. Its most recent features are in PaperCity Magazine, The Daily Record, and Houston Business Journal.

About Abel Design Group

For Abel Design Group, design is a way of life. Its managing principal, Jeffrey Abel, for instance, has practiced architecture and design for over 20 years. An Assoc. AIA and a LEEP AP, Abel motivates his team to consistently apply innovation and drive across all projects. Whether it is a corporate, restaurant, or retail project, excellence and client-centric solutions are top priorities for Abel and his team. Its outstanding projects dot different parts of the globe, including 13 states in the USA.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s expertly crafted designs is Mastro’s Houston. Providing top-notch architecture services for the project, the firm created a high-end restaurant and bar at the heart of the Uptown Houston complex. As a flagship Texas restaurant, the 11,700-square-foot facility features grand interiors with a Southern flair. Eye-catching crystal chandeliers, a sleek black bar, and a large wine cellar are some features that make this restaurant truly Texan. Sliding glass doors separate the main and the alfresco dining area. The outdoor patio has a stunning water feature that makes the dining experience even more enticing.

In 2022, Abel Design Group won the Pinnacle Award for Small-Sized Firm of the Year given by the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter. Its projects have graced various publications including the Associated Construction Publication, PR News Wire, and Houston Business Journal.

About Powers Brown Architecture

Winner of the 2008 Irving Gill Distinguished Architecture Award, Powers Brown Architecture is a reputable firm led by an equally reputable founding principal. Jeffrey Brown, FAIA, CEO, received the Irving Gill Distinguished Architect Award in 2008 and 2014. His reputation is supported by outstanding projects for both the public and private sectors. He is an expert in strategic planning and graphic communication, both essential in architecture and design. As a member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Nova Scotia Association of Architects (NSAA), Brown’s influence is felt inside and outside of the US.

Featured Projects

Brown and the firm’s talents and expertise are showcased in its many restaurant projects in Houston and beyond. A sample is Vin, a luxurious restaurant in downtown Houston. The restaurant’s dark interior represents a feeling of exclusivity. The red leather chairs and benches are highlighted with lit frosted glass to create a sense of warmth throughout the space. Geometric lines in the ceiling and dividers provide points of interest. A sleek bar with an Onyx stone countertop and backlight is found in the center. Red lanterns are placed in the main dining area, providing intimate lighting to the space.

Powers Brown Architecture’s designs are press favorites. Among the publications that featured the firm are Houston Business Journal, Texas Architect Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and SaltWire.

About Method Architecture

Ego-free architecture is the Method Architecture way. Though a big firm with a wide reach, it maintains a small firm-like attitude. It means operating under a client-centric process that caters to each client’s individual needs. This approach is applied by the company in all projects including hospitality, retail, restaurant, and breweries. Licensed in 26 states, Method Architecture serves clients all over the US.

Featured Projects

In Houston, one of its clients is Yi Peng. Yi Peng is a Thai restaurant constructed in an existing building. The firm provided interior buildout for the project; its design is inspired by the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Colorful lanterns and murals surround the restaurant. Mixed with industrial design elements, the unique design separates the restaurant from other dining venues and Thai restaurants in Houston. To provide more seating areas, the firm added a second-floor mezzanine into the design.

Method Architecture’s ego-free leadership is guided by Jake Donaldson, AIA, LEED AP. Donaldson, a master’s degree holder from the University of Houston, has a degree in environmental design, too. He received the GHP HYPE Impact Award from the Greater Houston Partnership in 2019. His affiliations include the Texas Society of Architects, Tilt-Up Association, and Urban Land Institute (ULI).

About Jackson & Ryan Architects

Named 2018 APEX Award Winner by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Houston, Jackson & Ryan Architects is built through collaboration. It begins with the partnership of Guy Jackson and Jeffrey D. Ryan, the firm’s principals. Both AIA members, Jackson and Ryan have significant contributions to the firm. Jackson, an inductee in the Rice University Athletic Hall of Fame and recipient of the William Marsh Rice Scholarship, has over 35 years of experience in the field. Ryan, a Harvard University alumnus with a master’s degree in Urban Design, has in-depth experience in designing for different industries including hospitality and higher education. By collaborating, the two lead the firm in creating structures that redefine people’s lives.

Featured Projects

Founded in 1986, the firm has designed many captivating structures in Houston and surrounding areas. One of its best restaurant designs is Davis Street. Completed in five months, the modern restaurant is designed to accommodate up to 174 seats indoors. An additional dining area is provided on the restaurant’s patio. On this patio, the restaurant’s logo is prominently displayed. Curtain walls surround the storefront, blurring the divide between the indoor and outdoor. This allows indoor diners to catch a glimpse of the golf course across the restaurant. Inside, the restaurant features a giant glass wine storage and an aluminum chain curtain that separates the private dining area from the main dining space.

About MC2 Architects

For MC2 Architects, design and construction are always connected. Founded by Chuong Q.B Nguyen and Chung Q.B Nguyen in 1995, the firm uses the brother’s talent in architecture and skills in construction to accomplish the most complex projects. Each design component is construction-informed. This way, form, and function are both satisfied. By combining design and construction, the process becomes faster and challenges are easily solved. The firm also has an established network of subcontractors, further expediting the process. The result is stress-free construction for clients.

Featured Projects

MC2 Architects’ design and construction expertise are what efficiently built Triniti Restaurant. This 5,000 square feet restaurant is a nominee in the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards for design and has won the 2013 Paper City Design Award for Commercial Project Interior Architecture. Located in a 1936 art-deco building in Houston, the restaurant’s design delivers impact through the clever use of perforated aluminum panels in the exterior. This statement piece provides two functions: block heat while letting guests see the outside view. Contemporary interiors feature a huge wine rack, floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and a stunning bathroom.

Chung Q.B. Nguyen is an FAIA member and a LEED AP. Chuong Q.B. Nguyen is a licensed contractor with 38 years of industry experience. Their exceptional work has graced different publications, including Paper City Magazine, Culture Map Houston, and Texas Architect.

About CONTENT Architecture

CONTENT Architecture’s pride is its team of industry professionals. Each member is backed up by a solid body of work and educational background; these help tremendously in solving the most challenging design issues. Jesse Hager, the firm’s principal, is a University of Washington and University of Texas alumnus with expertise in construction management and architecture. An AIA member and LEED AP, Hager’s extensive portfolio covers commercial, residential, and health care projects. He continues to prove himself through various awards including the 2017 Ben Brewer Award Recipient for Young Architect of the year by AIA Houston. Leading by example, Hager engages his team to exhibit excellence in everything they do.

Featured Projects

Showing excellence in restaurant design is the firm’s work on The Honeymoon Cafe and Bar in downtown Houston. Inspired by New Orleans, the cafe’s design features details commonly found in homes in the French Quarter. The place showcases pops of color and vibrant lighting mimicking New Orleans’ festive atmosphere. Inspired by the galleries and balconies in the French Quarter, the cafe has a glass storefront that connects the interior to the street. This energetic cafe has been featured in Texas Architect and Zagat.

About Natalye Appel + Associates Architects

Founded in 1987, Natalye Appel + Associates Architects has a client-focused collaborative process. It is a collective of talented individuals committed to generating the best ideas that satisfy a client’s goal. For the firm, a limited budget is an opportunity to exercise creativity and deliver high-quality designs. The team knows that exploring new ways of using structural systems and materials is tantamount to producing unique outputs. Because of the firm’s effective process, it has received several accolades including the 2012 AIA Houston Firm of the Year award.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s top-quality work is Saint Arnold Beer Garden & Restaurant. This one-of-a-kind project features several points of interest. It begins with the giant steel frame and corrugated sheet panels setting the industrial tone of the beer garden. Inside, a spectacular church-inspired interior awaits. Intricate details are found in the arched entryways, the murals, and the exposed wooden beams. The intricately designed beams prominently display metal hardware, continuing the industrial theme found in the exterior.

Heading the firm’s client-centric collaborative approach is Natalye Appel, FAIA, LEED AP. Appel, founder of the firm, has a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. With over 35 years of experience, Appel’s career consists of creating exceptional designs and teaching future architecture professionals in Texas.

About Dillon Kyle Architects

Each of Dillon Kyle Architects’ designs is different and responds to a client’s needs and personality. To create client-specific designs, the firm goes on a journey with its clients to discover their unique vision and make this vision work through collaboration. The result is always a fresh take on design, influenced by the firm’s expertise in contemporary style. The firm ensures each design is elegantly crafted, exercising restraint while pushing the envelope.

Featured Projects

Showcasing the firm’s out-of-the-box take on design is Canopy Restaurant. The design has the right amount of sophistication and creative elements. All are immediately captivated by the giant bird’s nest sculpture hanging on the restaurant’s ceiling. Photographic murals surrounding the dining area are entertainment to the eyes. These statement pieces shine because of the muted colors and materials chosen throughout the entire space. The storefront panel is a necessary addition; it brings natural light in, reinforcing the feeling of being one with nature while dining.

Dillon Kyle, AIA, leads the firm’s personalized approach to design. His outstanding educational background includes a master’s in architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He finished his undergraduate course at Princeton University. He has practiced in New York, San Francisco, and Houston.

About Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design

John Montgomery and Lisa Roth are Montgomery Roth. Founding the firm in 1998, Montgomery and Roth visualized a company that fulfills dreams. Whether it is a commercial or residential space, the duo puts forth trendsetting designs appreciated by owners and end-users. Their expertise comes from reputable educational institutions and experiences throughout their career. Montgomery is a University of Louisiana – Lafayette alumnus with 30 years of experience. His strength is in design, production, and architectural management. Roth, AIA, is a member of the American Association of Interior Designers. She is a Tulane University School of Architecture alumnus with professional experience inside and outside of the US. They work with a team of equally talented interior designers and architects to create dream spaces for their clients.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s exceptional restaurant designs is The Rouxpour, an upscale restaurant in Houston. The design takes cues from the New Orleans style, reflecting the cuisine served in the restaurant. It captures the festive mood of the Louisiana city, while still exhibiting restraint. The elegant restaurant features French doors welcoming guests into the lovely wooden interiors. An impressive wine case is displayed in the dining hall next to the bar, enticing guests to taste the restaurant’s delectable offerings. Modern, rustic, and luxurious elements meld together to create a truly unique culinary experience.

The firm’s inspired designs are featured in REjournals, Austin Business Journal, Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post, and Houston Chronicle.

About Rottet Studio

Rottet Studio members are innovators. They set the trend and the rest follows. The firm stays ahead of the game by exceeding the expectations of both the clients and the design team. For its extraordinary drive, the firm has earned the 2019 Firm of the Year Award from AIA Houston. Multiple publications featured the firm, including Galerie Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Sleeper Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter.

The firm’s dedicated team is led by Lauren Rottet. Founding principal and president, Rottet inspires by delivering excellence herself. She is a University of Texas alumna who became the first woman to receive the FAIA and FIIDA status. Her numerous awards include the Chicago Athenaeum Award.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s extraordinary restaurant designs is Philippe Restaurant. This Houston-based dining facility combines old-world and contemporary elements. At daylight, the restaurant’s high ceilings and curtain walls provide guests with a relaxing dining atmosphere. At night, the entire restaurant turns into a more intimate space filled with warm lights. One of the highlights of the design is the bar made with granite countertops and a base with stamped wooden pallets.

About Browne McGregor Architects

Browne McGregor Architects builds spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable. Established in 1995, this midsized firm exceeds client expectations by checking its own boxes. For the firm, a stunning design must perform its function so clients are ensured of a return on investment. The firm promotes sustainability by creating durable, efficient spaces. This care for its clients and environment makes the firm one of the most reliable in Houston. Its wide reach extends to 17 US states and 4 countries.

Featured Projects

The firm’s noteworthy projects have graced various publications, including Houston Chronicle, REjournals, Houston Business Journal, and Minuteman Press. One of its notable restaurant projects is Freddy’s. For the project, the firm renovated an existing restaurant and transformed it to reflect Freddy’s brand. Following the restaurant chain’s brand design, the firm provided construction documentation and adaptation of the prototype’s layout and design details. The restaurant features a diner-style design with the logo prominently displayed at the center of the building. An open parking area has been included in the layout.

Founders Charles Browne and Jim McGregor are the brains behind the firm’s outstanding works. Both AIA members, Brown and McGregor each have their individual accomplishments to offer. Browne has a master’s degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His expertise includes commercial, science, and health care projects. McGregor, LEED AP is a master’s degree holder from Rice University. His expertise includes sustainable building technology, planning, and design.

About identity Architecture

Featured by the Houston Business Journal and Houston Chronicle, Identity Architects thrive on engagement. It engages both employees and clients. At the office, the firm employs a no doors policy to encourage collaboration of ideas and sharing of expertise. It has an open culture that harnesses communication across all employees regardless of status. Encouraging this positive working environment are principals David Kastendieck and Keenon Rayner, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP. Kastendieck is a University of Houston alumnus who focuses on corporate, medical, and retail design. Rayner is a Texas Tech University master’s degree holder with expertise in design and project management.

By actively engaging with the client, the firm learns exactly what they need. Using their expertise, the team provides smart, cost-effective design solutions.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s successfully completed projects is Étoile Cuisine et Bar. The brief was to create a warm, inviting restaurant that makes French cuisine more approachable. The firm managed to deliver a sophisticated design that remains humble through the materials used. Wooden pallets, brick walls, and hardwood flooring are familiar elements that make the space feel comforting.

About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture believes that design is for everyone. The firm designs spaces that connect people with nature and manifest a sense of wellbeing. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has a strong sense of materiality and believes in the active collaboration of client, designer and artisan. The spaces designed by the studio engage local, regional and global communities.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was founded in 2005 to unite people through design. The firm is a nationally award-winning, fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. Its work is rooted in hospitality and includes a range of project types such as large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture design. Projects can be found throughout Texas and across the country. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has offices in Austin and Houston and staff representing the firm in Dallas and Denver.

Featured Projects

For MKT, the firm adaptive reused a series of industrial warehouses into a dynamic mixed-use environment on the Heights hike and bike trail. The space is now a lively destination with curated retail, dining options and boutique office space. The project is the recipient of an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin Design Award, a Houston Business Journal Landmark Award, a Urban Land Institute (ULI) Houston Development of Distinction Award, an AIA Houston Award, and a Texas Society of Architects Design Award.

The firm has been featured in a wide range of local and national publications including Metropolis, dezeen, Architectural Record, Wallpaper, Texas Architect and Paper City.

About Lake | Flato

Lake | Flato aims high when creating designs. Intending to enhance places, the firm welcomes feedback from the people involved in the project. It employs the right balance of restraint to craft restaurants, retail centers, and office spaces. The firm is an expert in the hospitality, educational, and institutional sectors as well.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s well-crafted projects is the Museum of Fine Arts—the Houston Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. The contemporary facility houses several light-filled studios on top of the museum. The second floor is cantilevered, exposing four-bay studios to the street, revealing the activities inside and connecting people to the arts. The firm also consciously oriented these studios to the east and west to protect the artworks from direct sunlight. Clerestory windows and shaped roofs provide design and function; these allow indirect light to come inside while enhancing the sleek look of the space. This stellar facility gained plenty of recognition including the 2020 Texas Society of Architects’ Design Award. It has been featured in multiple publications including Forbes and ARCHITECT.

Lake | Flato’s genius designs are highly influenced by partners Ted Flato and David Lake. Flato is a Stanford University graduate with a reputation for creating healthy built environments. Lake is an urban development advocate who started his career in Ford Powell & Carson. Both Lake and Flato are Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.

About Kirksey Architecture

In business for half a century, Kirksey Architecture considers its team members its best assets. The firm is composed of visionary architects with specializations in different aspects of architecture. These specializations include brand integration, interior architecture, sustainability, and building performance. The firm has built many commercial, hospitality, community, and government facilities locally and globally. It fosters a firm within the firm approach. Kirksey teams have specific functions, further increasing their expertise in the field. Each is led by a director, all under the supervision of chairman and founder John Kirksey, FAIA. Kirksey is a University of Texas alumnus who designs healthy, high-performing facilities. His vision is to produce facilities that positively impact the environment and communities.

Featured Projects

A sample of the high-performing buildings designed by the firm is Motiva Conference Center. The firm provided branding and graphics and interior design services for the Houston project. It created a contemporary facility with state-of-the-art conference centers. The 26,000-square-foot project features a warm and bright reception area, a stunning staircase with 30 feet water feature, and a furnished patio. The fabulous design won the AIA Houston Design Award, Interior Architecture category in 2019.

Kirksey Architecture’s eye-catching designs have graced the pages of Dallas Business Journal, Engineering News-Record (ENR) Texas & Louisiana, and Architectural Digest.

About Studio RED Architects

Studio RED creates multifaceted designs. Its inspired designs are functional, resourceful, and pleasing to the eyes. These characteristics are seen in every service the company offers including architecture, interior design, planning, and renovation. The firm puts a premium on sustainable practices as well. Based in Houston, this 17-year-old firm has helped many clients in different sectors including commercial, hospitality, and healthcare. It has also built many educational, civic, and cultural centers in both Houston and Denver.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s multifaceted designs is the Houston Farmers Market. A 2021 AIA Houston Design Award Winner, this project features a simple, no-nonsense design that serves its purpose. The firm has designed open spaces for retailers, taking advantage of the fantastic Texas weather. These open areas ease the flow of foot traffic. The open parking spaces for both bikes and cars encourage plenty of customers to visit. At the front, a huge neon sign is prominently displayed, immediately catching the attention of customers, especially at night.

Leading the firm are founding partners Pete Ed Garrett, Trung Doan, and partner Brady Vinje. Garrett, FAIA, graduated from the University of Houston with more than 30 years of industry experience. He has won several awards for his projects in the private and public sectors. Doan, AIA, is a master’s degree holder from the University of Oklahoma. His excellence in the academe translates into every complex project. Vinje, AIA, has more than 24 years of industry experience. Taking over the firm’s business administration department, Vinjie’s contribution to the firm is invaluable.

About Page

Established in 1898, Page is a 123-year-old firm and it is considered an institution in the industry. Based in Houston, the firm has reached clients in different parts of the US and the world. Its time-tested services include interior design, architecture, urban design, strategies, and analytics. The firm is currently composed of 600 plus strong members skilled in accomplishing even the most complex projects. For more than a century, the firm has been putting together a massive portfolio that displays its expertise in commercial, civic, and aviation projects.

Featured Projects

A signatory in the AIA 2030 Commitment to produce carbon-neutral facilities, Page champions adaptive reuse. A sample of its adaptive reuse projects is 811 Lousiana. Based in Houston, the project is an aging building renovated to compete with trendier facilities nearby. The firm relocated the old building’s main entrance to another side to update the building’s address to 811 Louisiana. This number is significant; it’s a hotline number for a service protecting underground utilities. This gives the building a new identity connected to its oil and gas industry roots.

Heading the firm’s thoughtful designs is John N. Cryer III, FAIA. The firm’s senior principal, Cryer is a Louisiana State University alumnus with more than 49 years of industry experience. He is an expert in complex technical projects. He is also a member of the National Academy of Construction and a past president of the Board for Preservation Houston.

About Powers Brown Architecture

Powers Brown Architecture is a Houston-based firm with a powerful team. Serving clients locally and internationally, the firm has a team of skilled personnel headed by Jeffrey Brown, founding principal. Brown, FAIA, has affiliations with professional organizations like the Ontario Association of Architects and the Nova Scotia Association of Architects. Practicing for more than 25 years, he has exhibited technical expertise and creativity as a designer. His industry accomplishments earned different recognitions including the Irving Gill Distinguished Architect Award.

Featured Projects

With a solid team, the firm has accomplished multiple projects for the commercial, educational, and civic sectors. One of these is the award-winning multi-residential project, Arabella. Winner of the 2019 Houston Business Journal Landmark Award, this project features a 34-story residential building in the heart of River Oaks, Houston. The brief was to create an iconic structure; the firm delivered. This towering building amazes in height and form. The idea was to create a vertical subdivision with a luxurious reception area, an indoor pool, and a fabulous clubhouse. This sophisticated residential high-rise delivers impact in its exterior façade. Its cantilevered floors create depth for the whole structure.

The firm’s stunning work has been featured by various publications including the Houston Business Journal, REBusinessOnline, and Dallas Morning News.

About HOK

HOK is a big design firm operating on three continents. Aside from the US, the firm has offices in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This global design firm delivers exceptional services through its 1,600-strong staff who are experts in architecture, engineering, and planning. Its team members use their technical expertise to deliver creative solutions that enhance communities and respond to the needs of the environment. Established in 1955, the firm has built many offices, educational and health centers, and recreational and mixed-use facilities around the world.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s exceptional projects is BP Center for High-Performance Computing. Located in Houston, the facility features a contemporary design that looks into the future. Inspired by supercomputers housed inside the facility, the exterior façade is made with curtain walls and concrete panels that mimic pixelated images. To protect the supercomputers, the firm’s layout placed them on the side with the precast concrete shell. Offices were placed on the north side, next to the glazed panels. This strategic planning optimizes the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of the whole facility. For its outstanding work on this project, the firm won several awards including the AIA Texas Design Award.

HOK’s Texas office is managed by Jay Tatum AIA, LEED AP BD+C. He is a proud alumnus of Texas Tech University with over three decades of experience in the field.

About BRAVE / Architecture

Established in 2002, BRAVE/architecture is a multidisciplinary firm that combines methodical construction and technology to create superior designs. Its expertise encompasses commercial, cultural, civic, and educational projects. It is led by FAIA Fernando L. Brave, a LEED AP who focuses on Green Architecture. He has more than 20 years of industry experience and degrees from the Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the University of Houston. Over the years, he has honed his expertise by handling various projects in and out of the US. Under his leadership, the firm has provided outstanding master planning, interior design, and space planning services. The firm has won multiple awards as a result.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s award-winning projects is ReCenter. It won the Architecture Design Award from the AIA Houston Chapter in 2020. This 50,000-square-foot project is a mixed-use facility helping homeless men recover from addiction. The center was designed to inspire these men to live productive lives. The company produced a cohabitation space with the best living environment. It has 62 residential units with kitchens and bathrooms, a common living and dining area, a spacious kitchen, and outdoor amenities. The vegetated roof inspires residents to grow their own food. This contemporary facility has a straightforward design with a lot of heart.

About Jackson & Ryan Architects

Jackson and Ryan is a firm built on partnership. It is headed by principals Guy Jackson and Jeffrey Ryan, both AIA members and graduates of Rice University. Both are outstanding in the field. Jackson has more than 35 years of experience and has been inducted into the Rice University Athletic Hall of Fame. Ryan is a CRS Foundation Scholar at Harvard University. These partners combine their expertise to deliver the best commercial architecture services in Houston and the surrounding area.

Featured Projects

Through Jackson and Ryan’s partnership, the firm has accomplished many award-winning designs including the 1885 St. James Place. This Houston-based project involves the construction of a 14-story office building with an astonishing decorative exterior masonry. The building has a contemporary interior, two penthouse floors for exclusive tenants, and a six-level parking area. Nine of the floors are dedicated to office spaces, rendering it a multi-use facility. The project was accomplished through sustainable practices, earning it a Silver LEED certification. This outstanding project earned the 2018 Golden Trowel Excellence Award.

Other projects of the firm have graced multiple publications including Archinect, PR News Wire, and, more recently, PaperCity Magazine.

About Munoz + Albin

Jorge Muñoz and Enrique Albin lead Munoz + Albin in producing original designs with a multicultural perspective. Both AIA members, Muñoz and Albin have a wealth of experience from accomplished international commercial and residential projects. Their multicultural perspective helps tremendously in resolving the challenges that come with each project. Their expert services are offered to clients in the US, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Featured Projects

Established in 2000, the firm has consistently delivered award-winning projects on schedule and within budget. A sample is the Lyric Center Market Garage located in Houston. This mixed-use project totaling 31,000 square feet features restaurants, bars, and a multi-level garage. The seven-level parking garage can contain up to 800 vehicles. The garage’s exterior façade features LED-lit panels that put the building at the center of attention. This stunning design won the Architecture Less Than 50,000 SF award from the AIA Houston Design Awards in 2021.

The firm’s one-of-a-kind designs have also graced multiple publications including Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, and Texas Architects Magazine.

About Ziegler Cooper

Founded in 1977, Ziegler Cooper is one of Houston’s top architecture firms. The firm recently won the Pinnacle Award for Large Firm of the Year from the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter. Its continuous success comes from its vision of creating positive spaces that uplifts people’s lives and the human spirit. For over 44 years, the firm has continuously exhibited excellence in every commercial architecture and interior design service it provides.

Featured Projects

An expert in urban design, the firm has built many high-rise structures in urban centers. One of these is Drewery Place located in Houston. This 27-story contemporary structure is a multi-use development that houses apartments, restaurants, retail, and parking spaces. Residents enjoy the tower’s stunning outdoor pool, sky lounge, and fitness center. Each unit has floor-to-ceiling glass panels offering gorgeous city views. The massive project totals 354,000 square feet.

Ziegler Cooper’s exceptional designs have been featured in different publications including Realty News Report, Archinect, and Houston Business Journal. Behind the firm’s success is Scott Ziegler, AIA, the firm’s senior principal. Ziegler is a Rice University master’s degree holder, and he has over 45 years of experience in the field, with special expertise in urbanism.

About Method Architecture

Method Architecture takes an ego-free approach in the services it provides. Ego-free means listening to and understanding the clients’ needs. Licensed in 27 states, the firm operates as a small firm to make sure that attention to detail is given in each project it handles. This kind of service and dedication is evident in every hospitality, corporate, industrial, and mixed-use project it accomplishes.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s recent projects is the Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company in Houston, TX. Completed in 2020, the project is a winner of the Retail/ Restaurant category in the RedNews Awards as well as a Finalist for the Houston Business Journal Landmark Awards. It’s a brewery and restaurant in one. The 28,000-square-foot craft beer wonderland features an eye-catching archway shaped like a buffalo head. The main level houses a taproom purposefully designed to allow beer enthusiasts a full view of the brewery. On the second floor, a restaurant and bar are found, together with an outdoor patio. The dining area also features interior windows that provide guests with a “tank-to-table” experience. On the third floor, a rooftop patio showcases a skylight that offers a bird’s eye view of the entire brewery operations.

Method Architecture’s well-thought-out designs are a product of great team and leadership. Method Architecture is a minority-owned firm with 75 employees across four offices in Texas. In 2022, Method acquired Austin-based GSC Architects. Together, the firm combines a legacy of exceptional design with an ego-free approach to project delivery.

About GSMA

At the forefront of GSMA’s designs is its goal to serve communities. This goal pushes the entire team to collaborate and pour their expertise and creativity into producing outstanding commercial, residential, and civic structures. This consequently leads to projects lauded by various industry institutions.

Featured Projects

A sample of the firm’s multi-awarded projects built to serve the community is New Hope Housing: Harrisburg. The project earned five awards, one of which is the 2018 Design Award from AIA Houston. It’s a 92,000-square-foot mixed-use development project built to connect with the neighborhood. Located next to a rail line and in an intersection, retail spaces were positioned at street level. The four-story affordable housing project houses offices, and 175 single-occupancy units. For sustainable practices employed during the project, the building earned a LEED Platinum certification.

Leading the firm’s community-sensitive designs is Ann Rosenwinkel, AIA, LEED AP BD&C. Rosenwinkel holds a degree in architecture from Rice University. Alongside Ann is Stephanie Pedigo, AIA, LEED AP, an expert in affordable multifamily housing and known as a champion of the homeless. She is a Master of Architecture graduate from Texas A&M University.

About Abel Design Group

Abel Design Group operates through collaboration. Founded in 2001, the firm operates with the help of seasoned staff who are each experts in different aspects of architecture. Their expertise includes building design and repositioning, master planning, and interior design. Each member is dedicated to meeting its clients’ goals and turning their visions into reality. Its team is a force that helps expand the company and accomplish projects in 13 states and 16 countries.

Featured Projects

Designing for a gamut of industries, Abel Design Group has designed many offices, retail centers, and restaurants. One of its corporate projects is The Cannon Houston. Providing architecture and building repositioning services for the project, the firm converted a 1950s manufacturing building into an industrial coworking facility with spaces for complementary tenants. The cherry on top is its excellent recreational amenities including a game room, a theater, and an outdoor gathering space. This award-winning project earned two awards including the 2020 Design Excellence Award: Corporate Large category from IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter.

Leading the firm’s collaborative team is Jeffrey Abel, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP. Abel is the firm’s managing principal with a degree from the University of Texas and 20 years of industry experience. Under his supervision, the firm has been featured in multiple publications including the Houston Chronicle, PR News Wire, and Metal Construction News.

About PBK

PBK’s numbers say it all: in over 4 decades, it has won more than 450 design awards and completed 18,000 projects all over the US. With 19 offices in America, it has over 550 client-focused professionals ready to serve clients in the commercial, healthcare, and education sectors.

Featured Projects

One of the firm’s award-winning educational projects is the Alief Center for Advanced Careers. A center for learning, the contemporary facility has been designed to inspire anyone who enters. The innovative design features graphic designs, a cool industrial scheme, and curtain walls that make the space brighter and modern. The main highlight is the Interactive Observation Lab with a surgical amphitheater for students’ practical education. The facility also features functional moveable glass partitions allowing easy mobility for large equipment. The 215,000-square-foot structure earned the TASA/TASB Award for Architectural Excellence: Design, Community, Planning, School Transformation.

The company’s continued success is partly due to Dan Boggio’s excellent leadership. Boggio, AIA, LEED AP, is the firm’s founder and chairman with a degree from Lawrence Technological University. He uses his over 40 years of experience in the field to keep PBK one of the leading firms in the United States.

About Decoré | Gerty Portillo

Certified Interior Designer (CID) Gerty Portillo studied Interior Design in her native Guatemala. An expert in fabrics and color coordination, Portillo’s extensive portfolio includes work for clients in The Woodlands, Katy, Magnolia, and other greater Houston areas. She started Decoré | Gerty Portillo in 2010 and leads her team in collaborating with each client, whether the project is a single room, an entire home, or even a commercial space.

Featured Projects

This home showcases Portillo and her team’s expertise, having worked alongside Julee Ireland. A sophisticated neutral palette runs through the interior, from the double-height great room to the more private living spaces. The living room area is anchored by a massive gray fireplace wall. Behind the white couch, you’ll find the exquisite black and white marble waterfall-edge kitchen island. An elegant gray wooden six-seater dining table sits beside it, fronting the French doors to the porch. A wine cellar is tucked away beneath the glass-railed staircase, which ascends to another lounge area on the second floor. The master bedroom is spacious, with space for its own sitting area. Geometric patterned walls and hex tiles line the double vanity master bath where a knee wall and glass panels enclose the shower area.

About Wendt Design Group

The Wendt Design Group works on a range of residential, commercial, hospitality, and large estate projects. The firm was started in 1975 by its owner and Principal Designer Amilee Wendt, who attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The firm is based in Houston. Wendt’s great uncle, Eugene Wendt, was a founding member of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Amilee Wendt is also a member of the local chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and served as its professional development director. The Wendt Design Group has won numerous design awards, including Silver, Gold, and Product Design Awards from ASID. The firm uses what it calls a seven-step approach to working with clients: meet and agree; collaborate; inspire; concept; specify; develop and construct; install.

Featured Projects

Wendt Design Group reconceptualized a sterile 1,300-square-foot post-industrial Midtown Loft into an exciting, modern bachelor pad. Wendt tossed some furniture the oil-industry- turned tech-worker had bought, and painted the condominium with cool, gray tones. She found vintage furniture for an empty space under the stairs and expanded the kitchen. The whole process expanded her client’s ideas of how to make a home. “One thing that really blew me away is the difference a good rug can make,” he told the Houston Chronicle. Wendt Design Group was more playful with its Bathroom design for the recent American Society of Interior Designers annual Showhouse. A frizzy, black-and-white rug melds with drawings of birds that cover the wallpaper. A dark black sink complements its white base, while the shower’s yellow tile adds a light accent to the room.

About Marker Girl

Karen Davis named her design business Marker Girl because of something that happened at home: One day when the house felt a bit too quiet, she discovered her toddler daughter in the living room, black Sharpie in hand, “doing some decorating of her own.” The incident crystallized Davis’ approach to design, which she calls “family-friendly.” Her work incorporates sturdy fabrics and furnishings that can withstand the needs of a modern family without sacrificing style. Davis was raised in New Orleans and studied interior design at the Paris American Academy. Marker Girl offers a one-day design consultation service and full renovations, with an emphasis on the Sugar Lands, Woodlands, Cypress, and Katy areas.

Featured Projects

Karen Davis dispenses regular design advice on the Marker Girl blog and has recently been detailing the makeover of her own master bedroom. One pro tip: a good master bedroom should only have items that represent the couple — so no pictures of the kids. Davis used lightly decorated shelves with wedding photos, cards, and images of remembered art pieces for hers. The bedding was covered with custom upholstery and the walls painted with Benjamin Moore’s Brittany Blue. Shelves and nightstands hold lamps from Circa Lighting. At the Katy Home in Cinco Ranch, Davis used her family-friendly style on a 5,000-square-foot home for parents who had a 5- and 2-year-old to protect the house from. Davis upholstered the decorative furnishings in the living room with Sunbrella, a washable fabric. A stain-resistant light-blue rug was used in the center of the room, while stain-resistant carpets lined the stairway and playrooms.

About Dodson Interiors

Julie Dodson learned her design skills at a young age while working for her mother, Tricia Dodson, who owned an interior design firm. She later studied at Ole’ Miss — the University of Mississippi — where she earned a Bachelor of Interior Design. Dodson calls her personal style “casual glamour.” She was named a Star on the Rise by the Houston Design Center in 2012 and one of Traditional Home Magazine’s 20 young designers to watch in 2010. Patty Henriquez serves as design assistant for Dodson Interiors. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design at Louisiana State University, where she graduated with honors. Henriquez’ enthusiasm for creating hand-crafted jewelry informs her design work. Dodson Interiors offers services in new construction and remodeling. The firm is an active participant in the Pink Ribbon Project, which works to fund breast cancer research.

Featured Projects

Dodson Interiors won a Paper City Design Award in the Residential Interior Design or Architectural Design category in 2015 for its Bedroom entry. The room used a beige-and-white color palette, with thoughtfully placed pillows, artwork, and lamps for a relaxing, welcoming look. A large, purple-tinted shaded drawing of a tree filled out a wall to the left of the bed, which was centered with folded, elegant blankets and footrest. At a Houston Mansion featured in Luxe magazine, Dodson created a dramatic European flair with modern touches. She started with a white color base, accented by “pops” of blue, black, lilac, and coral. Concrete floors were replaced with French oak planks. “I love to design in the French style, but in fun and fresh ways,” Dodson told Luxe.

About Pamela Hope Designs

The principal designer and owner of Pamela Hope Designs, Pamela O’Brien, has a more interesting background than the average interior designer: She studied French and Italian at the University of Houston and held three different jobs for the U.S. Customs Service — including as an intelligence research specialist. Somehow, O’Brien squeezed in executive courses at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She founded Pamela Hope Designs in 1999. The firm does residential and commercial work. Pamela O’Brien is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Greater Houston Builders Association and has co-hosted the popular Houston show Home Improvement Hotline with Tom Tynan. Pamela Hope Designs won the Legrand Adorne Summer award in 2014 for the design of a Galveston beach house.

Featured Projects

Pamela Hope Designs worked on the renovation of the former Star Bottling Works building — which had once held Houston’s oldest soda bottling business. The restoration team gutted everything but the structural walls and redesigned the interior from floor to ceiling, with custom-made staircase handrails, a new bell tower, and chandeliers. The new office walls, of what’s now called the Warrant Building, were decorated with historic photos of Star Bottling Works’ horse-drawn delivery vehicles. Hope partnered with architects Lori Arnold and Ashley LaBauve of Prevot Design Services, based in Shreveport, on the project. At what Food and Beverage Insurance Exec Matt Morgan deemed his “Manplex” in Fort Bend County, Pamela O’Brien focused on an absolutely essential ingredient for any sports fan: the TV. She arranged three sets for the Manplex, two 50-inch and one 100. There was also a poker table and a 300-gallon aquarium. Game on.

About Lucas/Eilers Design Associates

Sandra Drews Lucas and Sarah Brooks Eilers started Lucas/Eilers Design Associates in 1995. The firm has worked on design projects in Houston, New York, California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington DC, and New Mexico, among others. Eilers and Lucas pride themselves on their philosophy of creating thoughtful spaces through a dedicated attention to detail. Sarah Eilers studied interior design at the University of Texas at Austin. She was the senior interior designer at Bryan Design Associates for 15 years and a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers for 32 years. Sandra Drews Lucas studied interior design at the University of Texas at Austin as well and taught design at the Art Institute of Houston. Lucas/Eilers Design Associates has won numerous Design and Ruby awards from the American Society of Interior Designers.

Featured Projects

Lucas/Eilers Design Associates commissioned a local art piece made from antique rolling pins found in its client’s Houston Home in the Memorial neighborhood. Co-founder Sarah Eilers prefers to make her design projects personal. She started this home with inspirational photos provided by the owner, Jamie Sanford. The firm got a sense of her style, took her shopping, and created a theme based on her family’s personal taste. The final version had a second art piece, this one crafted by Eilers — an arrangement of fishing rods and baskets that spoke to the husband’s interest in fishing. Sandra Drews Lucas brought a similar artistic approach to the 3,400-square-foot house she renovated for herself in Tanglewood. She created a new drink-serving island covered in Texas Lueders limestone and arranged a row of cabinets around a painting by the famed Houston artist and muralist Janice Parsons.

About Jane Page Design Group

The Jane Page Design Group was founded in 1977 and focuses on high-end commercial and residential design. The president and founder of Jane Design Group is Jane-Page Crump. She holds an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and is a former president of the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Texas Association of Interior Design. Crump was named one of Houston’s 50 most influential women by Houston Woman Magazine in 2010. The firm’s senior designer, Ashley Tisius, studied architecture and interior design at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She volunteers often with Covenant House Texas, a Houston homeless-services nonprofit. The Jane Page Design Group won an American Society of Interior Designers award every year between 2008 and 2015.

Featured Projects

The Jane Page Design Group created an opulent home life at a private residence on a golf course in Montgomery. Drawing from the greenery present in the area, the house has a light, natural theme. Materials were chosen carefully, with metallic touches and fabrics that underscored the firm’s attention to detail. The family room featured embroidered, blue-and-white linens and a custom-designed fireplace. The study held LED in-cabinet lighting, built-in benches, and a gray handrail. Jane Page Designs created something completely different for the offices of the family-owned, Houston produce company Latin Specialties. Here, the focus was on functionality. Desks with clear, rectangular lines provide an easy space to focus, while interior and exterior green accents fit with Latin Specialties’ pre-established branding. Ample windows allow for the use of natural light.

About William W. Stubbs & Associates

William Stubbs is Houston’s very own celebrity architect. He hosted the Emmy-nominated PBS show Moment of Luxury and has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, People magazine and Good Morning America. Stubbs’ energetic personality has been compared to a carbonated drink, and he’s sometimes called “the Indiana Jones of interior design.” But Stubbs is no media darling who stumbled into success. He has industry credentials, too: Architectural Digest placed him on its AD 100 list of the world’s top designers and architects. Stubbs’ frequent travels — he’s worked everywhere from Moscow and London to Hawaii and Acapulco — means he doesn’t do as much work in Houston as some designers on this list, but the firm is still based in Houston, and he’s an important local figure.

Featured Projects

William Stubbs transformed a family mansion at a River Oaks home. He updated the interior to give the family a great space to entertain guests, with the luxurious atmosphere you would expect in River Oaks. A series of smaller rooms were reorganized into one large great room that connects to the gardens outside. A landscape painting on a wall panel rests above a marble fireplace from France. But flip a switch, and the panel rotated to expose a large TV. Stubbs used textiles and family antiques to give the estate a mix of Old World English and French country style. The challenge was in the selection. “It’s like baking a cake,” Stubbs told the Houston Chronicle. “You can’t have too much sugar, and you have to have enough flour.” A similar process played out at another Houston home, where Stubbs was tapped to downsize the 12k-square-foot interior of a “classic Texas Mansion” for a married couple looking for a fresh start. Stubbs began the project with his real estate hat on by scouting a new location. Then he switched back to consultant mode to help the couple decide what should stay and what should go from the first house’s decades of accumulated artwork and furnishings. He used color-coded stickers to keep track of everything — the collection was so extensive that some pieces were donated to a museum. Items that made it to the new mansion included 17th-century chairs, 19th-century tables, and the dining room’s long serpentine-front buffet.

About Laura U Interior Design

Laura U Interior Design has offices in Houston and in Aspen, Colorado. It was founded in 2006 by Laura Umansky. A true Texas personality, Umansky was born in the state and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Design at the University of Texas at Austin and Master of Architecture at the University of Houston. Umansky still serves as the firm’s president and creative director, where she guides its “classically current” philosophy. The firm was included on Luxe magazine’s National Gold List, won an International Design & Architecture Award from the Design Society in 2016, has been granted more than 20 awards from the American Society of Interior Designers, and is one of Decorilia’s top 10 interior designers in Houston.

Featured Projects

Laura U Interior Design’s entrepreneurial spirit showed in its bold retail experiment Studio U. The studio worked almost like an Apple genius bar for design. Clients could walk into the white, open-floored space attached to Laura U’s office and connect with design professionals for smaller, a la carte projects. Samples of textiles and interior furnishings could be viewed, with personal storage trays available. Studio U closed after three years, but that didn’t dampen the firm’s business instincts. Umansky recently purchased Custom Designs by Greenerobin and renamed it House and Town. Umansky focused on the view of her recent design of a Galveston Beach Home. An easy color palette and light curtains gave the main room an airy, natural feel. “What I really love is how it’s so cozy and warm,” Umansky told Houstonia. “The whole interior is based around that concept.”

About Ginger Barber Interior Design

Ginger Barber moved to Houston from Florida 30 years ago to start Ginger Barber Interior Design. Her guiding philosophy is “keep it simple,” which shows in the natural, relaxing colors found in her work. Ginger Barber studied interior design at the Ringling College of Art and Design, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. The firm expanded with a design shop called The Sitting Room in the West Alabama section of downtown in 1993. Ginger Barber Interior Design received two Paper City awards in the Residential Interior Design or Architectural Design Under 3,500 Square Feet category in 2015. In 2014, Ginger Barber was named Designer of the Year by the Houston Design Center. In her personal life, Barber advocates for equestrian rescue and is actively involved with Habitat for Horses.

Featured Projects

At a hilltop hideaway an hour-and-a-half outside Houston, Ginger Barber Interior Design helped its client create a residence reminiscent of an English country estate. An 18th-century library staircase purchased from Memorial Antiques & Interiors complemented a custom-built fireplace with a table-and-chair set. An antique Italian Regency sofa and iron table filled out a cozy sitting room. Ginger Barber showed her love of city escapes in a completely different fashion at the Galveston Bayfront Home, where she created a weekend getaway with a Texas feel. The building had whitewashed wood instead of drywall, with a blue-gray stain on the wooden floors inside. A huge Cypress stump was bleached, whitewashed, and turned into a coffee table. A fireplace in Leuders limestone completed the living room, while reclaimed wood and bamboo chairs filled out the kitchen.

About Paloma Contreras Design

Paloma Contreras launched her design career through writing. She started the La Dolce Vita Blog in 2007 and quickly gained a loyal readership interested in her take on all things design. Paloma Contreras Design, a natural fit, followed in 2013. The blog, and Contreras’ design business are well awarded: At the Design Bloggers Conference in 2014, La Dolce Vita received the Best Overall Design Blog Award and Contreras was inducted into the Design Bloggers Hall of Fame. Contreras was listed as No. 4 in the home category on Forbes’ list of the top 30 influencers of 2017, Elle Decor placed her among the 10 most influential designers who use Instagram (she has more than 67k followers), and House Beautiful dubbed her a Next Wave designer to watch in 2015.

Featured Projects

Contreras’ Cinco Ranch home design was on the cover of the March-April issue of Luxe magazine. She started with a rug by one of the client’s favorite designers, David Hicks, and then hung two black-and-white paintings above the bed to center the room. The black-and-white theme resurfaced in the bathroom with the mosaic marble, and again on paintings in the living room. Gold accents added flourishes throughout. Contreras was more playful in another room that was divided by a fireplace, which she decorated with long sofas, bronze and brass lamps, and antique mirrors. The La Dolce Vita Blog started as a series of posts about designing her own home, which has two living rooms. One has a funky, salon feel, with comfortable couches and prominent modern art. The other has beige-yellow tones and no overhead lights, to maintain intimacy and encourage conversation.