Celebrating Our 75 Years
Working on the exhibition that celebrates 75 years of architecture in Houston and the architects, buildings, relationships, contractors, consultants, patrons, and clients that made it all happen has been a remarkable experience.
AIA Houston has a truly impressive heritage to match its present talent and strength. Tracing the metamorphosis of firms, the influence of civic and business leaders on the development of the city, and the equally powerful effect of architects on both the city and the profession makes plain the source of the creativity and dynamism that is Houston. Of course, that's what you might expect from a former history teacher. But I think, when you experience the exhibition, you will be pleased to be a part of this august group of Houston architects.
Did you know that one of the founding members of the Chapter is Ben Brewer's great-uncle? That AIA Houston can boast of one Gold Medalist, two national presidents, three national vice presidents, a national secretary, a Chancellor of the College of Fellows, an AIA Firm Award winner, an IDP Firm Award winner, a Kemper Award winner, and a Whitney Young winner? That several buildings in Houston changed the way those building types were imagined and became prototypes for a new approach? That one Houston architect exercised a powerful, transforming effect on the way architecture is practiced?
Credit for this avalanche of information and images goes to a dedicated committee chaired by Joe Webb, AIA. Gerald Moorhead, FAIA, is the curator of the exhibition and has been tireless in his pursuit of our history. Others who have contributed decade details or features are: Ben Brewer, FAIA, Frank Douglas, FAIA, Richard Payne, FAIA, Donna Kacmar, AIA, Charles Burgess, FAIA, Jay Baker, AIA, Barry Moore, FAIA, Stephen Fox, Drexel Turner, Ernesto Maldonado, AIA, Reagan Miller, AIA, and Lee Slade. Douglas Gallagher is the exhibition designer.
Walter P. Moore is the exhibit sponsor. Major underwriting came from the Houston Architecture Foundation with additional support from Turner Construction and Smith Seckman Reid.
The exhibition opens on October 7 in the second floor lobby of Two Allen Center and will remain on view until November 12. The opening reception will be followed by our Annual Meeting. Invitations will be in the mail soon. So mark your calendar and don't miss it.
Martha Murphree, Hon AIA
