Houston Endowment (HE), a leading philanthropic organization based in Houston, Texas, U.S., and design competition organizers, Malcolm Reading Consultants, have launched the global search for an outstanding design team of architects and landscape architects for the philanthropy’s new headquarters. 

The Houston Endowment Headquarters International Design Competition welcomes international, emerging and diverse teams and no design required at first stage − architect-led teams are asked to submit details of team, experience, and approach before Monday 15 July 2019. 

The initiative, on a site adjoining Spotts Park near downtown Houston, will embed Houston Endowment in the community, and strengthen its work bringing people together from public, private, non-profit and philanthropic sectors to achieve lasting positive change for low-income and under-served sections of the local population.

The center, circa 40,000 square feet, will be the organization’s new public face and will provide dedicated space for its team and community partners, including healthy workspaces, accessible and inspiring meeting spaces, and flexible and innovative engagement facilities. It is intended that the project, which has a construction value of US$20 million (excluding FF&E), will connect strongly with the wider landscape and Park. 

The funding for the project has been secured, along with the site, and the project has a fast-track timetable – the finished building is due to open in May 2022.

"Through this competition, we are looking for a design team to create a new headquarters for us that reflects the way we work today. We need a visible presence that communicates our work as a thought leader and a committed, vital force within the city and region, and that is welcoming and accessible to our community partners. Equally, we need an outstanding workplace that encourages our own team to work collaboratively and effectively," said Ann Stern, President and CEO, Houston Endowment.

"In addition, over the past 20 years, Houston Endowment has made a significant contribution to the ‘greening’ of Houston, and this is a theme deeply woven into the project."

"This is an exciting moment for us, enabling us to establish a presence and identity at ground level in the city. It will also allow us to continue in the tradition of our founder Jesse H. Jones, who earned the nickname ‘Mr. Houston’ – in part for his contributions to building and developing our city."

"Houston is considered one of the most diverse US cities and has a fantastic ‘can-do’, pragmatic culture that brings people of all different backgrounds and outlooks together," said Competition Director, Malcolm Reading.

"We are open-minded about the architectural team we are seeking but committed to high-quality design. We would like to encourage emerging talent as well as listen to established; we welcome diversity and international designers."

Competition format

No design is required at the first stage – rather designers will need to study the Search Statement (available to download from the competition website) and submit their approach to the project, experience and relevant design skills through a digital form on the website.

At the second stage at least four teams will be shortlisted, and these will receive an honorarium of US$50,000 for their design work when the competition concludes with the selection of the winner.

All teams will be required to include an architect registered in the state of Texas as part of their team at Stage Two.

Full details of the competition Selection Committee, which will interview the teams and select a winner, will be announced later in the process.

The deadline for first stage responses is: 10:00 CDT / 16:00 GMT +1 Monday 15 July 2019.

The competition’s second stage will start in early August; the winner announcement is expected in November. You can download all the materials form the competition's website. 

All images © MRC/Urban Tripod

> via Malcolm Reading Consultants