Bing Thom

Bing Thom was an inspiring individual. He was also an architectural giant with a lower-case ego, a true rarity. It is a testament to his energy and drive that his passing at age 75 was unexpected.

I had the pleasure of working with Bing on the early stages of the Tarrant County College campus in Fort Worth. I spent many days in Vancouver with him learning about the city that he loved so much. Bing told great stories, and I'll always remember the one about the rare vintage wooden sailboat that he discovered and restored, which he piloted alone in the scenic waters surrounding the city. He also claimed to take a daily morning swim in the river by his home in all seasons.

Like most great architects, he was very stubborn, but his demeanor was so pleasant it disarmed most skeptics. I last saw Bing in in 2012 in Washington DC at the AIA National Gala, a black tie affair on the day that I received my Fellowship. Bing hated ties and true to form he was wearing a suit, open-collar. And Bing being Bing, he pulled it off effortlessly and made the other hundreds of formal guests seem over-dressed.

Those of us who knew him and live in Fort Worth will always think of him when enjoying views of the TCC campus from the river or walking through the wonderful plaza. The striking fountain is fitting remembrance of an architect who helped us see our river in a new way.

Here's the story from the Vancouver Sun:
http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/renowned-vancouver-architect-bing-thom-has-died

Dallas Aquatic Centers

Computers- can't (and wouldn't want to) live without them in our practice. But there is something about a basswood study model that really speaks to us. Our summer intern, Hannah Scarbrough from Oklahoma State, just completed these models of the two pool pavilions we're designing for the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. These buildings house the locker rooms, ticketing, concessions, offices, and pump equipment for the water parks.

The upper image is of the Lake Highlands North Family Aquatic Center pavilion. It's a sleek building that fronts Church Road, directly across from Lake Highlands High School.

The lower photo shows the pavilion at Crawford Park Regional Aquatic Center. It is set in a large clearing surrounded by woods on three sides and a major highway on the other.

We're the architectural part of a team led by Kimley Horn (Landscape and Civil Engineering) and Counsilman-Hunsaker (Aquatics). Through the efforts of it's Director, Willis Winters FAIA, the Parks Department has commissioned a number of nationally-recognized park structures. It's an honor to be one of the firms selected to add to that collection.

Crestwood house

Design process images for a new home in the Crestwood neighborhood of Fort Worth. Construction should begin late this year.

Forza Ferrari San Antonio

Groundbreakings are always a happy occasion, where the tortuous budgeting and permit process gives way to the excitement of construction. Being a Ferrari dealership, the ceremony had some unique touches, including really cool hardhats. Congratulations to our client for their vision and patience. Special thanks to our consultant team of the SanRoc Group (associate architect), JQ (structural), Summit Consultants (MEP) and to the GC, Joeris.

A House for...

Each year, in conjunction with the AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour, there is an exhibit called "A House for...". AIA members donate a wide variety of works on the theme, which are sold in a silent auction benefitting the Home Tour. The display will be at the offices of Quorum Architects (707 W. Vickery), opening on Spring Gallery Night, March 19th (12-9pm). The silent auction will be held at the Tour Wrap Party on Sunday, April 10th, from 6-8pm. More info on the tour can be found at http://aiafw.org/2016homestour/. The above image is my entry for this year, a riff on the well-know British YBA.

Site visit discoveries

I spent yesterday morning exploring the site of a new project at Crawford Park in southern Dallas and found some interesting things: a skull (likely a dog), a large clawed footprint (coyote or bobcat?), and an aged and charred abandoned railroad trestle. Luckily I didn't stumble across any copperheads basking in the unseasonably warm sun.