Texas Architect Contributor: Mort Levy, FAIA

Mort Levy, FAIA often feels as old as the Galveston churches described in his article on page 30, having “architected” in the Houston area for over half a century. He claims no “big” buildings, but he has been involved in many projects for religious organizations, as well as having some commissions that were profitable.

2010 TSA Convention Wraps in San Antonio

Honor Awards Committee Chair Edward McCormick takes the stage during the First General Session to recognize John Casbarian, recipient of the TSA Award for Outstanding Educational Contributions in Honor of Edward J. Romieniec FAIA.

On-site program guides rest on the registration desk as attendees begin to arrive in San Antonio for the three-day event, October 14-16, 2010.

Lines form early Wednesday afternoon, as early birds check in to get their badges.

Convention Committee Chair Jim Heck, AIA San Antonio President Bob Wise, and John Grable look on as TSA President Heather McKinney rehearses for Friday's First General Session.

TSA President Heather McKinney on stage during rehearsals.

Attendees arrive at one of two General Sessions, which feature keynote speakers Cameron Sinclair, of Architecture for Humanity, and Will Wynn, former mayor of Austin.

Mckinney addresses a packed house on Friday.

John Dazey and Kathleen Reardon of RD Architecture in Houston pause for a photo as they peruse the Expo Hall during a break from their Continuing Education sessions.

Sally Smith, Carolyn Peterson, Betty Feldman, and Tiffany Robinson Long lead a panel discussion titled "Women in the Profession: How to Advance and Retool."

A welcome party, prize drawings, opportunities to learn about architectural products and services, and a Texas Architects Committee lounge draw a crowd to the Expo Hall on Thursday and Friday.

 Texas Architects Committee VIPs relax at the TAC lounge during convention.

T-shirts are handed out to promote TSA's January 25, 2011, event "Advocates for Architecture Day" at the State Capitol.

Beautiful weather entices attendees to take breaks outside along the Riverwalk.

A coffee bar on a bridge in the convention center provides a popular spot for friends and colleagues to catch-up and network.

Below the bridge, the river.

The Texas Architectural Foundation booth at Bridge Hall.

TSA Board members chat at a reception after their annual meeting.

A Continuing Education session fills up fast as attendees look for seats.

Texas Architect Contributor: Murray Legge, AIA

Murray Legge, AIA is a graduate of the Cooper Union, a principal with LZT Architects in Austin, and a founding member of the interdisciplinary group Legge Lewis Legge. Current projects include a mosque, a park pavilion for the City of Dallas, and an interactive landscape in Quebec. Read his article about Mod Cott on page 52.

Being a Fashionable Architecture Geek

Check out the women's t-shirt we're selling at the TAC Lounge in the Expo Hall during the TSA Convention, Oct. 14-16, 2010. For $33, you'll have a unique t-shirt that will be the envy of everyone!"

Membership Spotlight: John Kirtley, AIA

John Kirtley, AIA, Abilene

Who or what inspired you to become an architect?

I was inspired to become an architect after spending time in Italy, along with holiday travels throughout Western Europe. I was in the army and stationed in Verona, Italy, for 8-1/2 years. I truly enjoyed the weekends of sightseeing and viewing all the interesting architecture.

What single work of Texas architecture inspires you?

There is no single work of Texas architecture that inspires me. I enjoy numerous to many designs. I travel a lot in my work of inspecting nursing homes, and I am impressed with the early Texas court houses.

What project have you most enjoyed working on?

I've enjoyed working on all of my projects, but I can honestly say I most enjoy working on my own creative pursuits of painting, writing, and design.

What is your dream project?

It changes over time…but for now, I would like to design a residence for the elderly. There is a fairly new concept called the “Green House” model, which is intended to de-institutionalize long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating habilitative, social settings. I envision a Green House with a kitchen and large living room with an electric fireplace, and a dining area surrounded with 8-12 resident sleeping rooms; sort of an oval shape of resident rooms with the kitchen-dining-living areas in the center. I would also place a garden area outside with French doors and large windows to view the garden area with a reflecting pool.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing an architecture career?”

Just begin and do it. Whatever time is spent in the learning process, it will have a positive and profound affect on you and life! Study the masters of architecture and also art masters. Be patient, sooner or later you will have the chance to display your very own art and style.

What is the best place you’ve ever visited and why?

I have been fortunate and have traveled quite a bit. Some of my favorite places are Hawaii, Italy, Russia, and Peru. 

What new skills do you want to learn?

New? I wish to improve my painting, writing, and design skills…and any beneficial and necessary skill!

What product or service can you not live without?

I can live without most modern conveniences, but it is very nice to have a cell phone and computer. 

Images below by John Kirtley, 2010

Texas Architect Contributor: Gregory Ibañez, AIA

Gregory Ibañez, AIA resides in Fort Worth and is a frequent contributor to the magazine. While writing about the Grauwyler Park Branch Library in Dallas (page 40, Sept/Oct Texas Architect), he says, “This type of architecture is absolutely vital to the building of strong communities, yet as I write this article draconian budget cuts are planned for the Dallas Public Library system. Who speaks for the public realm?”

2010 TSA Citation of Honor - Artisan

The following individuals and companies were recently awarded a 2010 TSA Citation of Honor - Artisan. The awards will be celebrated during the TSA Convention next week, Oct. 14-16, in San Antonio.

Brochsteins, Houston

Malou Flato, San Antonio

Gini Garcia, Gini Garcia Art Glass, San Antonio

Richard Potter, Potter Art Metal Studios, Dallas

Jeff Smith, Architectural Stained Glass, Fort Davis