The Voice for Texas Architecture

Cornerstone Award

Created in 1999, the Texas Society of Architects Cornerstone Award is presented to a member of the public in recognition of outstanding contributions that enhance the quality of life by elevating architecture and the arts, promoting the value of community, or preserving the natural environment. This is the highest honor TxA can bestow on a non-architect.

2025 Recipient:

Alan Graham

Alan Graham

Austin

Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes in Austin, is the visionary behind Community First! Village—a nationally recognized model for addressing homelessness through design. Since 1998, Graham has championed human dignity through sustainable, community-driven development, creating 400+ homes for formerly unhoused individuals, with plans for over 1,200 more. His leadership bridges architecture, social impact, and advocacy, collaborating with architects, artists, and builders to demonstrate how design can end homelessness and restore connection. Through partnerships like AIA Austin’s Tiny Victories competition, Graham has redefined how we serve vulnerable populations, setting a new standard for architecture’s role in serving humanity.

Past Recipients

2024
George B. Hernández Jr.
San Antonio

2023
Dr. Robert R. Furgason
Corpus Christi

2022
El Paso Community Foundation
El Paso

2021
Graciela Sanchez
San Antonio

2020
Robert W. Decherd, Hon. TxA
Dallas

2019
Minnette B. Boesel
Houston

2018
Tim Leach
Midland

2017
Melba Whatley, Hon. TxA
Austin

2016
Patsy Galt Steves
San Antonio

2015
Mary McDermott Cook
Dallas

2014
Gerald D. Hines, Hon. AIA
Houston

2013
Kay Carter Fortson
Fort Worth

2012
Liz Lambert
Austin

2011
Walter J. Humann
Dallas

2010
Bill Greehey
San Antonio

2009
John and Dominique de Menil
Houston

2008
Bob R. Simpson
Fort Worth

2007
William P. Hobby
Houston

2006
Deedie Potter Rose
Dallas

2005
Walter Nold Mathis
San Antonio

2004
Jack S. Blanton
Houston

2003
Ruth Carter Stevenson
Fort Worth

2002
Bill Ratliff
Mount Pleasant

2001
Raymond Nasher
Dallas

2000
Lady Bird Johnson
Austin

1999
George and Cynthia Mitchell
Galveston