Mell Lawrence, FAIA, received his Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin in 1981. After working with Charles Moore and a partnership with Paul Lamb, he started Mell Lawrence Architects in 1991. He was elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects in 2007. The Ford Medal jury commented that Lawrence’s work is characterized by an “unusual combination of playfulness and seriousness, ingenuity and simplicity, earthiness and refinement” and filled with moments that are “transcendent, unexpected, and gleeful.” Notable projects include: Balcones House, UFCU Alumni Gym at St. Edward’s University, Concrete Studio, Hollowcat Wild, Lady Bird Loo, David Peese House, Baylor Street House, and Mod Cott.