Pardon Our Dust

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By Alyssa Morris Construction progress as 500 Chicon undergoes a renovation – photo by Elizabeth Hackler 500 Chicon, the headquarters of the Texas Society of Architects, is once again undergoing a renovation. Indeed, the building’s history has been characterized by change. What began as an oil company warehouse in the 20s evolved into offices for a design firm, fd2s, and one of the first projects in a wave of revitalization sweeping East Austin. The neighborhood has changed drastically over the past 15 years, and now the office sits squarely in the middle of some of Austin’s trendiest bars and restaurants. The original…

2016 Texas Trailbreak Reception

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The AIA National Convention will be held in Philadelphia on May 19–21 – photo by Ed Yackovich via Wikimedia Commons The Texas Society of Architects will host our annual Texas Trailbreak reception during the 2016 AIA National Convention in Philadelphia. Join us to celebrate the newest Texas Fellows and AIA award winners. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, entertainment, and a spectacular view of the city as you reconnect with friends and colleagues.  The 2016 Texas Trailbreak Reception will take place Friday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Meet us at the Howe Room and Terrace on the 33rd floor to honor the…

Q&A with David Adjaye

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Before she died in 2007, artist, collector, and philanthropist Linda Pace commissioned David Adjaye to design her Foundation's new gallery, called "Ruby City." TA contributor Patrick Michels talks to the architect about the gallery design, his experience working in Texas, and what advice he has for architects in our state looking to create meaningful public spaces. David Adjaye – courtesy Adjaye Associates How did you become involved with the Linda Pace Foundation, and how does this building reflect Linda Pace's influence?  I came to San Antonio in 2007 to meet with Linda, and she shared with me a sketch she had created of an idea…

Advocacy Update: TBAE to Publish Proposed Rule Changes for Comment

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At its February 25 meeting, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) approved publishing proposed rule changes regarding reciprocal licensing in the Texas Register. The agency will request public comment within the required 30-day period following publication, which is expected in the March 18 Register. -photo by iStock Photo The issue will also include the formal announcement of rules approved at the February meeting. These recently approved rules deal with registration of military service members, veterans and spouses; eligibility to petition for rulemaking; and reference cleanup related to elimination of the $200 annual license tax, among others. Members are encouraged…

Hallet Oak Gallery and TxA to Sponsor J. Riely Gordon Art Contest and Conference

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Ellis County Courthouse – photo by Richard Payne In honor of celebrated Texas architect J. Riely Gordon (1863-1937), the Hallet Oak Gallery, in partnership with the Texas Society of Architects, is sponsoring a statewide art contest and hosting a conference on June 10–11, 2016, in Hallettsville, Texas. The architect of 18 Texas courthouses, Gordon also designed the Kahn and Stanzel Building (1890), which houses the gallery. The conference, focusing on Gordon and historical Texas architecture, begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10. In addition to presentations by local historians and architects, there will be special tours on Friday evening and Saturday…

2016 Design Conference: Architects Invade Amarillo

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Welcome to Amarillo – photo by Alan R Photography Last month, architects from around the state made their way to the Texas Panhandle for the Texas Society of Architect’s Fifth Annual Design Conference. This event is an opportunity for practitioners to meet for a weekend of lectures and tours that focus on a specific aspect of design. This year’s conference, held on February 12–14, explored the relationship between designing and building. It was held in Amarillo and in nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, whose iconic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects provided a historical precedent for the discussion. The conference opened with a downtown…