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Photo courtesy Rey de la Reza Architects
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Rey de la Reza Architects b y A s h l e y S t . C l air
THE Houston-based firm first made its mark on the architectural community upon its establishment more than twenty years ago, when its three earliest commissions earned AIA Houston Design Awards. Founded as a sole proprietorship in 1982 by Rey de la Reza, FAIA, Rey de la Reza Architects was incorporated in 1986 and is now led by three principals – de la Reza, Lorie Westrick, and Howard Merrill. With an impressive average of one design award per year since its inception (awarded by AIA and other professional organizations), RdlR continues to produce award-winning projects that define the work in terms of its urban context, establish clear parameters, and provide viable design solutions. Adhering to the philosophy that a project’s distinctive essence should guide the architectural statement and that exceptional design is not contingent upon a high budget, RdlR consistently produces innovative, highly contextual work through a process sensitive to the client’s financial restraints. “There is an underlying thread in all of the work that we do,” says RdlR Principal Lorie Westrick, “and RdlR excels in the deliberate integration of architecture with urban design strategies, balancing the needs of the client with the existing environment and civic goals of the project. This lends a recognized sense of place and community value to their work, spanning a broad spectrum of projects types including com-
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Photo by Vince Yauger
that is to pursue the best work possible with the project limitations at hand.”
mercial, educational, urban design and planning,
through leadership and involvement with numerous
transit, residential, and interior and renovation.
professional and civic organizations, including the
The firm’s commitment to often overlooked build-
Municipal Arts Commission, the Cultural Arts Com-
ing types, such as transit centers, public housing,
mission of Houston and Harris County, and Trees for
and recreational facilities, has elevated the quality
Houston. RdlR is also committed to offering student
of architecture on such projects and reintroduced
internships and provides voluntary and pro-bono
the civic importance of these building types in the
services to non-profits and community groups that
Houston area. RdlR plays an integral role in the
further their commitment to improving the physical
continuing transformation of Houston’s architectural
environment.
image through their responsive work on a number of Ashley St. Clair is assistant editor of Texas Architect.
AWARDS
significant civic and urban design projects including
TSA Firm Award Recipients 2005 Rey de la Reza Architects, Houston 2004 Lake/Flato Architects, San Antonio 2003 Tittle Luther Partnership, Abilene 2002 HKS, Inc., Dallas 2001 Ray Bailey Architects, Inc., Houston 2000 Omniplan Inc., Dallas 1999 Ford, Powell & Carson, Inc., San Antonio 1998 Frank Welch & Associates, Inc., Dallas 1997 Hahnfeld Associates Architects/Planners, Fort Worth 1996 Moore/Andersson Architects, Austin
master plans for the redevelopment of downtown Houston and the University of Houston’s downtown campus. Collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s design approach. Oftentimes working with clients, creative engineering consultants, and artists, RdlR capitalizes on these combined resources to enrich the design process and the resulting architecture. The role of public art in many of their projects reflects the firm’s keen interest in integrating art and architecture to enhance the built environment. RdlR’s contribution to the Houston community
(opposite page, top) RdlR principals and employees. (opposite page, bottom) The Automated People Mover at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston was completed in 2004. (this page, below) The Mission Bend Transit Center/
the architectural profession and the community
Park and Ride in Houston was completed in 1992.
Photo by Paul Hester
extends beyond their design work. The firm supports
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