Ziegler Cooper Architects

Ziegler Cooper Announces 2012 Promotions

2012-01-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

"Achieving design excellence requires talent, dedication and a tireless passion to explore new ideas. I am proud to say that the professional staff we are promoting at Ziegler Cooper embraces each of these qualities; and along with the rest of our professional team at ZCA, we look forward to better serving each of our clients 2012," said Scott Ziegler, AIA, founding Principal at Ziegler Cooper Architects.

Debra Bach, IIDA, LEED®AP to Senior Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Carey Fregia, IIDA to Senior Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Lindsey Kowalkowski, IIDA to Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Dawna Houchin, AIA, LEED®AP to Associate

Work Place | Commercial Architecture

Andrea Michalski, IIDA, LEED®AP to Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Denise Herrera, IIDA, LEED®AP ID+C to Senior Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Caroline Serna, IIDA, LEED®AP to Associate Principal

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Sylvan Schurwanz, AIA, LEED®AP BD+C to Senior Associate

Living Place Studio

Liz Friedman, IIDA, LEED®AP BD+C to Senior Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Rachel Hoover, IIDA to Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Energy Lease Boosts Woodland's Market

2012-01-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Houston Chronicle recently reported on the lease activity at the Research Forest Lakeside Campus.

ZC+O, a partnership between Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates, recently completed master planning and design services for the 76-acre, heavily-wooded site fronting Lake Woodlands. The mixed-use site features a beautiful setting for two existing Hewitt Buildings and allows for several additional office buildings with superb lake views; including Building 2 which recently completed construction.

To read the full article click HERE.

Research Forest Lakeside Leasing Up

2012-01-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

JD Warmack LP’s managing partner, James Warmack, announced today the execution of two key leases at Research Forest Lakeside in The Woodlands.

Talisman Energy, USA, has leased Building 2 in its entirety and approximately fifty percent of Building 4, a twelve-story Class A, 300,000 square-foot building due for delivery in spring 2013. Scheduled for LEED Silver certification, Building 2 is a three-story, Class A, 68,000 square-foot office building featuring lakeside vehicular access, full-height glass and 9’ ceiling heights, forest preserves and native landscaping. Building 4 will break ground in early 2012 and is scheduled for pre-certification LEED Gold. It features 9’6” floor-to-ceiling glass offering spectacular views of Lake Woodlands, efficient and flexible 25,000-square-foot floor plates, and a grand, two-story lobby with granite, wood, and glass finishes. Efficient building orientation and shades on its south side minimize solar gain. Additionally, its seven-story parking structure features a climate-controlled elevator lobby which leads to an architectural halo connecting the garage and Buildings 4 and 5.

“We are extremely pleased that Talisman recognizes the benefit of LEED certification for their employees and has chosen Research Forest Lakeside as a home for their Houston staff,” stated James Warmack. “Talisman will undoubtedly enjoy Research Forest Lakeside’s unsurpassed lake views and native wooded surroundings.”

Roger Soto, President and Director of Design, Odell Associates, stated, “The buildings we have designed are both efficient and distinctive. Through careful attention to orientation and views, and by creating a curtainwall design with iconic form, we have produced a unique complex which will provide an outstanding work environment for its inhabitants.”

Talisman was represented by Greg Cizik and Edward Edson in Colliers International’s Houston office, along with David Harvey and Sharma Christi in Colliers International’s Calgary office. Houston based Harvey Builders is the contractor, and ZC+O, a collaboration between Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates, created the master plan and designed Buildings 2 and 4. Other key participants include Haynes Whaley, structural engineers; DBR, Inc., MEP; Jones Carter, civil engineers; and Clark Condon Associates, landscape architects.

Talisman is a leader in the rapidly growing US and global shale business. The company is making The Woodlands the main location for its expanding Eagle Ford shale development program, as well as a number of other services, including support for its Latin American exploration program and Supply Chain Management. With offices around the world, Talisman is an exciting company to work for – focused on safe, profitable growth.

Research Forest Lakeside is a 77-acre, heavily wooded site located on the west side of Lake Woodlands between Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands, Texas. Upon completion, it will encompass approximately 1.8 million square feet of office and convenience retail space.

Recently Completed Waste Management Corporate IT Department Creates Opportunity Through Planned Collaboration

2011-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

Waste Management, Inc. is North America’s largest provider of integrated environmental solutions. Ziegler Cooper Architects was hired to redefine the current design and office standards of the Corporate IT Department in keeping with their forward thinking, highly creative, collaborative work style. The design team conducted Programming and Visioning workshops with the client and end users to arrive at the optimal solution.

Utilizing 120-degree workstation clusters, the furniture is easily re-shaped. Management offices are placed on the building core with glass fronts. Team spaces, strategy rooms and media supported conferencing facilities are incorporated. Curves and angles complement ceiling features which shadow plan elements. All of this deconstructs the rectangular floor plan creating a sense of place for staff.

To view project photography click HERE.

Lloyds Register Americas Headquarters Integrates Business Units to Enhance Cross Selling

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lloyd’s Register Americas, Inc., one of the world´s most respected and largest Quality Assurance Companies, retained Ziegler Cooper to provide design services for their Americas headquarters consolidation and relocation. Through an all-day visioning session with management and staff representatives, an idea was developed to create a fun, highly open, technology supported and collaborative work environment.

Staff areas feature bright colored accent paints with clear and frosted glass office fronts. Office doors and circulation side surfaces of the workstations are dressed in a vertical grain dark cherry wood veneer to add depth and richness to this bright and light environment. Unique to their former offices, the open areas also have collaborative “Mingle” tables providing for hardware supported video conferencing.

To view project photography click HERE.

Two New Texas Mixed-Use Developments for Ziegler Cooper Architects

2011-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Multi-Housing News recently reported on the two new Texas mixed-use developments for Ziegler Cooper. To view the story online click HERE.

Atlanta-based Gables Residential recently hired Ziegler Cooper Architects to create a mixed-use development in Tanglewood, Texas. The eight-story, 316-unit building will include a rooftop pool and club room. Amenities will include a theater, fitness center and outdoor kitchen. The project is scheduled to break ground in November 2011 and will be completed in May 2013.

Additionally, in Austin, Texas, a mixed-used development called Gables Park Plaza Tower is being built, which will include residential, restaurant and retail features. The building will include an infinity edge pool, wine bar, club room, sun deck and theater. The project will break ground in December 2011 and is set for completion in June 2013.

The Austonian Receives Two National Awards from Multifamily Executive

2011-11-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Multifamily Executive Conference received more than 200 entries and presented more than 40 awards recognizing exceptional people, projects, and programs across 18 categories. The Austonian, a recipient of two awards, received a Grand Award in the Project of the Year: High-Rise, Condos Category as well as a Merit Award in the Project of the Year: Green Category. To read the Multifamily Executive Article click HERE

St. Mary's Catholic Church Receives ENR Texas & Louisiana Best Projects Award

2011-11-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Ziegler Cooper is happy to announce that St. Mary's Catholic Church Expansion and Addition in Plantersville, Texas has received the 2011 ENR Texas & Louisiana Best Projects Award for Small Project (Under $10 Million).

After deliberating over more than 100 entries, the jury honored 27 projects in 16 categories, including Civil/Infrastructure, Cultural/Worship, Governmental/Public, Green Project, Health Care, Higher Education/Research, Industrial, Interior Design/Tenant Improvement, K-12 Education, Landscape/Hardscape/Urban Development, Multi-Family Residential/Hospitality, Office, Renovation/Restoration, Small Project (Under $10 Million), Specialty Contracting and Transportation.

The projects will be honored in the December edition of ENR Texas & Louisiana and during an awards ceremony Dec. 14, 2011, in Houston.

The jury focused on those projects that best overcame significant challenges; displayed quality design and construction; adopted innovative approaches; and were executed safely. Jurors were allowed to award one “Best Project” per category and multiple Awards of Merit. The jurors, who represent architects, engineers and general contractors, are all active members of the local building community. They abstained from voting on any projects with which they are affiliated or have a conflict of interest.

View all winning projects HERE.

Ziegler Coopers Canstruction® Awarded PEOPLES CHOICE

2011-11-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

This year Ziegler Coopers Canstruction® project was awarded PEOPLES CHOICE! The part that set the ZCA can sculpture apart from the competition was an interactive component, complete with a mirror box and a live web-cam feed. View photos of the Ziegler Cooper deisgn HERE.

Canstruction Houston is a unique design/build competition for Houston Area architects, engineers, and construction firms. Canstruction®, a charity committed to ending hunger, is using ‘one can’ as a catalyst for change. Canstruction® puts a visual spotlight on hunger while showcasing the design and construction industry giving back to the communities it helps build.

Commercial Architecture Studio Retreat

2011-11-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

The Ziegler Cooper Commercial Architecture Studio went on a Kemah Cruise for their recent stusio retreat. Here are a few images from the event! Click HERE.

First Building at Research Forest Lakeside Campus Completes

2011-10-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Research Forest Lakeside - Building 2 has recently completed construction. The design is a result of a collaboration between Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates (ZC+O). The 3-story 68,000 gross square foot speculative office building contains the following features:

• Lakeside vehicular access
• Gently curving lake front facade with full-height glass and 9´ ceiling heights.
• LEED Silver Certification
• Gracious lake front lobby
• Forest preserves and native landscaping
• Efficient and flexible footprint suitable for single tenant or multi-tenant users.
• Class A common area finishes

ZC+O completed master planning and design services for the 76-acre, heavily-wooded site fronting Lake Woodlands. Ten office buildings and convenience retail are planned and will total over 1,798,398 square feet upon completion. ZC+O splayed four of the eight new office buildings along the lakeside to gain unobstructed views and efficient solar orientation. The long facade of each building faces southward, placing the short ends of each building east and west, minimizing solar heat gain. Sustainable considerations were at the center of all the design decisions and buildings will be seeking a LEED Silver Certification or better. The plan allows the development to function as independently addressed buildings, or potentially, as a single corporate campus.

Designs for the addition of an 8-story and 12-story building are currently under way.

Dress for Success Breaks Ground on a New $6 Million Eco Building

2011-10-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

One of Ziegler Cooper’s projects, Dress for Success, broke ground yesterday. The 14,000 square foot, LEED Certified, Houston headquarters is located in the Upper Kirby area and was designed as a pro bono effort. Dress for Success (DFS) is a not for profit organization which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

To read the recent article in CultureMap click HERE.

Multifamily Executive Conference and Awards

2011-10-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Multifamily Executive Conference took place at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, 2011. Our very own Scott Ziegler participated as a panelist in the “Variety Show: Use Product Type and Location to Diversify Your Pipeline”. Scott discussed urbanization trends and how to maximize the development potential of urban sites for multi-family projects. The panel discussed how to carve out market niches that compete favorably with other multi-family developments and focused primarily on case studies that looked at design solutions for various densities.

The 2011 Multi Family Executive Conference received more than 200 entries and presented more than 40 awards recognizing exceptional people, projects, and programs across 18 categories. The grand awards and merit award winners were announced at the MFE Awards luncheon. The Austonian, a recipient of two awards, received a Grand Award in the Project of the Year: High-Rise, Condos Category as well as a Merit Award in the Project of the Year: Green Category. Congratulations to the project team!

This year’s winners were chosen by a group comprised of the magazine’s editors and five industry judges: Rohit Anand, principal and head of East Coast operations for Irvine, Calif.-based KTGY; Greg Bonifield, partner of Woodfield Investments in Ashburn, Va.; Eileen Lee, vice president of environment at the National Multi Housing Council in Washington, D.C.; Christina Steeg, senior vice president of marketing and training at Simpson Housing in Denver; and Julie Smith, president of Bozzuto Management Co. in Greenbelt, Md.

Gables Residential Brings Mixed-Use to Tanglewood

2011-10-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Atlanta-based Gables Residential recently hired Ziegler Cooper Architects to create an upscale mixed-use development located in the prestigious Tanglewood area, just west of Houston’s Galleria. The 8-story, 316 unit, concrete frame building will include a spectacular rooftop pool terrace, club room and outdoor living with views of the Galleria and Uptown. Other amenities include: lounge, dining room, theatre, fitness, outdoor kitchen and living room. A courtyard, the new home for an old oak tree that will be transplanted from the existing site, will also connect both retail and parking.

“The Gables Tanglewood mixed-use Bering development brings a vibrant urban life style option to the Tanglewood area. We have designed the building to include café’s and coffee shops at the ground level with six floors of apartments above” says R. Scott Ziegler.

The design carefully integrates a detailed brick and masonry facade, acknowledging the soft pastel color palette of the surrounding Mediterranean heritage of Tanglewood. Bering will break ground in November 2011 adding 301,801 s.f. of luxury apartment living and 22,000 s.f. of boutique retail to activate the street scene of this upscale urban development. The estimated completion date is May 2013.

Park Plaza Tower Mixed Use Development

2011-10-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

On the fringes of downtown Austin, directly east of Lamar Boulevard and north of Town Lake, rises Park Plaza Tower; a two phase mixed-use destination development breaking ground in December 2011. The context of the site helps shape the identity of the development. Carrying pedestrians and bikers alike, the Pfluger Bridge Extension soars northward over Town Lake, Cesar Chavez, and a two-acre public park finally landing at the doorstep of a pedestrian plaza. The plaza is defined by a rich mixed-use program incorporating residential, restaurant and retail uses to enhance the district as a walkable destination. To further activate the ground plane, restaurants spill out onto the public plaza with outdoor dining and dramatic views overlooking the park and Town Lake beyond.

From afar, the podium is highlighted by a residential tower which establishes a complex dialogue involving phase one, Town Lake, the city park, and the Capitol View Corridor. With a subtle, calculated curve on the southeast façade, the principle views of the lake fronted park and the Capitol are preserved. A third floor amenity deck over looks an urban plaza, Lady Bird Lake and the hike and bike trail. Integrated with the deck are stellar amenities including: an infinity edge pool, lush native landscaping, wine bar, club room, sun deck and theatre becoming a true treasure for the project.

“The design of Gables Park Plaza Tower is a crisp, modern architectural expression, fashioned in a combination of limestone glass and aluminum cladding. The mixed use project extends the western edge of Austin’s retail entertainment district all the way to Lamar Street” says R. Scott Ziegler. The signature of the project is truly the curved facade of the tower. Aluminum panels and glass accent the limestone of the signature curve, lightening and modernizing the facade while providing an environmentally responsible cladding choice due to the recycled content of the panels. The curve peels back to express a sleek wrapper of glazing at the penthouse and terrace levels which resolve into a knife edge clad completely in glass. By integrating glass to express an inviting transparency with varying textures of stone, brick and aluminum cladding, a material palette is created that responds to the vernacular language of Austin. The estimated completion date is June 2013.

Building Design + Construction Features St. John Lutheran Church

2011-09-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Building Design + Construction new projects portfolio features "Texas-based Church heeds growth with sanctuary expansions" To read the article click HERE

Multi-Housing News Awards The Austonian "Best New Development: High-Rise Category"

2011-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards recognize the multifamily industry’s most noteworthy people, companies and properties. This year’s panel of judges was comprised of: Donald Davidoff, senior vice president of strategic systems at Archstone; Maria de las Mercedes Farrando, Int’l Assoc. AIA, director of design services at Beacon Communities; Daniel Hilpert, managing director at Mortgage Equicap LLC; Sanford P. Steinberg, AIA, CGP, principal of Steinberg Design Collaborative LLP; and Doug Walker former senior vice president – transactions at UDR.

The winners and finalists of the 2011 Excellence Awards were announced on September 19 in New York City at a Cocktail Party and Awards Celebration hosted by Multi-Housing News. The event took place at Ohm, a luxury apartment property in West Chelsea overlooking the High Line. The Austonian was selected a winner in the Best New Development: High-Rise Category by the 2011 MHN Excellence Award Judges. Congratulations to the project team!

Multi-Housing News: Migration Patterns

2011-09-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Scott Ziegler's recent white paper titled “Migration Patterns" was published in the national magazine of Multi-Housing News! To read the article please click HERE

Scott Ziegler Featured in Multifamily Executive "Landmarks"

2011-08-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

Scott Ziegler, AIA is featured in the "Landmark's" section of Multifamily Executive. With its organic forms and undulations Barcelona's La Pedrera seems to be molded rather than built. To read the article please click HERE

New Sanctuary for St. John Lutheran Church & School

2011-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Located on a beautifully wooded site in Cypress, Texas, St. John Lutheran Church & School engaged the Worship Place Studio of Ziegler Cooper Architects to develop a master plan for their 20-acre campus. Phase I of the master plan includes a 25,000 square foot, 800 seat sanctuary. The sanctuary design accommodates both a traditional service with choir and a praise team service. The room has dual sound systems to meet the differing needs of praise team location on the chancel and the choir location on the floor of the nave behind the congregation. Support spaces include an extensive commons, meeting rooms and nursery. Later phases of the plan will include an expansion of the current early childhood care program, administrative renovation, new classrooms for adult Bible study, renovation to the historic chapel and a new facility for youth and elementary age children. The total square footage for the plan upon completion is 110,000 square feet. The Sanctuary was dedicated on Palm Sunday Services 2011.

Leor Exploration Recently Completes

2011-07-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Leor Exploration came to Ziegler Cooper only a few short years after we had designed an initial space for Leor Energy which was sold almost as soon as they occupied it. The former principals quietly began organizing and buying up drilling sites and reached the point that office space was critical to their new business. The CFO recalled their former space and asked that we design the new space with many of those features, finishes and elements on level 5 in the Beltway Lakes office building.

Playing off the stones and marble finishes in the building we incorporated the same look and feel into the new Leor lobby but added warm tones of wood veneer. The ceiling planes were dropped and accented with LED fixtures and significant attention was put into material transitions and lighting techniques. Beyond the customer contact area the finish level dropped to a modestly above standard level except for employee break areas which as in their former space is well appointed with appliances, a large Starbuck grind and brew single cup machine and built-in dining and coffee spaces supported by large screen TV.

Throughout the space technology use is both evident and strongly utilized to provide state of the art collaboration and communication with their investors and vendors alike.

Urban Land Features Four Ziegler Cooper Projects in The Regional Spotlight Texas

2011-07-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Texas Real Estate Industry is known for its optimism. As the national economy shows signs of regaining traction, Lone Star State developers are encouraged by improving fundamentals in certain sectors and the hope that the others have seen their worst. To view the article click HERE

2011 HAE Bowling League Returns

2011-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper’s bowling team “Split Happens II” is back in the swing of things at the 2011 Houston Architectural and Engineering Bowling League at Palace Lanes. Playing 3 games per night, Split Happens began the 12 week season on June 2^nd. Good luck to the ZCA team: Sandra Vaccari, Ashley Barnabo, Jaclyn Morfin, Chris Barboza, Kristen Nolen, Justus Pang, Chris Barboza,Toan Bui, Heather Griffin, Ali Naghdali, Scott Griffith and Brent Bell!

Highland Tower awarded the AMCH Golden Trowel Excellence Award

2011-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

In association with the Texas Masonry Council, the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston recognize and encourage excellence in all phases of masonry construction. The Golden Trowel is awarded annually to an Architect, General Contractor, and a Masonry Contractor demonstrating excellence in their respective contributions to a masonry project deemed worthy by a distinguished panel of judges.

Highland Tower was awarded the 2011 AMCH Golden Trowel Excellence Award in the Residential (Single/Multi-Family) category. Congratulations to the Architect: Ziegler Cooper Architects, Mason Contractor: W.W. Bartlett, Inc. and General Contractor: G.T. Leach!

2011 AIA SandCastle Competition

2011-07-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

East Beach in Galveston was stormed by hundreds of people early on a Saturday morning armed with shovels, rakes, trowels, and various water-squirting devices. The tang of the salt water hung in air as teams from various local architecture firms and schools began work on their sandcastle masterpieces. The Ziegler Cooper team, clad in white and black t-shirts featuring a lonely Charlie Brown, worked all day crafting a sand sculpture of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, each reclined on a psychiatrist’s bench. The sculpture was a tongue-in-cheek homage to Charlie Sheen. As the team worked besides Lucy’s bright yellow booth reading "Psychiatric help, the doctor is in," onlookers gathered around, excitedly taking pictures and fondly talking about the Peanuts characters.

Months before the sculpting began, employees at Ziegler Cooper voted on the theme "Everybody’s Doing Charlie, And So Are We." The success of this particular sandcastle theme depended greatly on the prediction that many of the other participants would be building something related to all of the recent Charlie Sheen media debacles. Unfortunately, only one other team alluded to Sheen in their theme.

Despite the mélange of Angry Birds-themed sandcastles, the ZCA team was pleased with their work. We designed something and built it, we did exactly what we set out to do, we had fun, and we were proud.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Awarded AGC Outstanding Constuction Award

2011-05-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

St. Mary's Catholic Church was awarded the 2010-2011 AGC Texas Building Branch Outstanding Construction Award for B1 Building 1 ($0-$2million). Congratulations to Fretz Construction and the entire team!

St. Marys Catholic Church Featured in Texas Architect "Backpage"

2011-05-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Paul Lodholz was a contributor to this month’s Texas Architect magazine. Paul wrote the “Backpage” article titled Split Decision with details the recently completed renovation of the historic Plantersville church. (see article pdf HERE.)

The project is also featured in the Design Awards section where the project was awarded in the category for Renovation/Restoration (p.20,23 and 72).

Pope John XXIII HIgh School Breaks Ground

2011-05-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

To read the full article click HERE

SPECIAL DAY: Pope John XXIII High School at 1800 West Grand Parkway held a groundbreaking at 8:20 a.m. May 13 for a campus expansion that will include a gym and student center.

CAMPUS EXPANSION: The first phase will include a competitive gymnasium and a student center.

GROUNDBREAKING: Bishop Vincent Rizzotto, left, blesses the land for the expansion of Pope John XXIII High School.

ZCA wins Product Runway Crowd Favorite

2011-05-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Crowd Favorite: Ziegler Cooper won Product Runway 2011 Crowd Favorite. This award was determined by a cash box, each dollar put into the cash box equaled one vote. 100 percent of the proceeds went to the Houston Furniture Bank.

Design Statement: The very core of our team’s design inspiration was founded “simply” upon a list of descriptive words. Although the process sounds simple, it was no surprise after reviewing the word submissions that each of us had differing opinions regarding what the garment should represent and the emotions it should provoke. Our group thrived upon the juxtaposition of ideas and was able to find beauty, balance and harmony by supporting an oxymoron approach: young versus timeless & sophisticated, sassy versus classy & fresh, and playful versus bold & confident. It is this contrast that enabled us to create a cohesive design concept that every group member could stand behind. By embracing differing opinions, we knew that the end result would undeniably appeal to a variety of personal styles & preferences.

The list of descriptive words also served as inspiration for our color scheme. Yellow is a predominant color in our design because the color yellow is said to be “associated with laughter, happiness and good times; often evoking feelings of optimism because the brain actually releases more serotonin.” It is our hope that our garment evokes and promotes the feelings that the color yellow represents. It was absolutely our goal for those who see our garment to feel inspired, but most importantly for the person wearing it to feel absolutely free to be themselves & feel beautiful doing it!

Once an overall form for the dress was established, we were further inspired by spring fashion color schemes that were vibrant and often contrasting. The traditional hound’s-tooth pattern on the skirt is modernized in a fresh color palette. This pattern is mimicked at the top of the dress with rubber “scales” that are free to shimmy and play. The collar adds sophistication and the striped fabric in the bow and trim bring the bold color palette together in a gorgeous gradient.

Sustainability: All of the Maharam textiles and Nora rubber that was used are durable and have reduced emissions (Greenguard IAQ Certified and Greenguard Certified for Children and Schools). The textiles used have a chemical free finish and most are made from rapidly renewable materials such as cotton and wool. The rubber is made from 10% natural rubber which is also a renewable resource. We also used second hand and repurposed materials when possible such as using scratch drawings inside the skirt to add volume.

Budget: We maxed out our garment label allowances, ordering $300 of material from Maharam and Nora (Kip Co.) although we did not use all the material ordered for the garment. From the $150 we were allowed to use of our own money, we only spent $87.41 for shipping and supplemental materials such as a zipper, hooks/eyes, a fabric lining, a pattern, buttons, thread, a thimble, a utility knife, snaps, and leather cord. Some additional no charge items were used from home such as thread, scissors, and a sewing machine. Our total budget came to $687.41.

To view photos of the event click HERE

ZCA Softball

2011-04-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

Every year Ziegler Cooper participates in the Houston Area Architect & Engineering Softball League. The team consists of players from various local Architectural and Engineering Firms as well as partners, friends and relatives. This year the Ziegler Cooper team completed the Spring 2011 season with a 11(w)-3(l) regular season and went 2-1 in the single elimination to finish in a tie for third. The team looks forward to the Fall Season, which begins in late September.

Congratulations to the team: Gil Allen and Matthew Zawacki from Studio 6; Matt’s sister Jessica Zawacki and her boyfriend, Chris Owens; Ali Naghdali, Shane Wilson and Chris Petrash from studio 5; Shane’s girlfriend, Jessica Wilson and Chris Petrash's brother, Paul Petrash; Dawna Houchin from Studio 54; Heather Griffin from Studio 3; Heather’s husband, Matt Griffin; Kristen Nolen; Betza’s husband Jay Smith; and Shane Herzog with ARC (formerly Ridgways).

ZCA Easter Baskets

2011-04-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper employees created Easter baskets that were donated to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Supplies were purchased to make 25 Easter Baskets. Employees had free reign to decorate baskets with a maximum of spending 10 extra personal dollars. Baskets were to be designed according to gender and use of provided materials. Come check out the ZCA Easter basket photos HERE.

Northeast Houston Baptist Church Completes

2011-04-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Northeast Houston Baptist Church is located on 30 acres just south of the Kingwood area on West Lake Houston Parkway. The church is a fairly new campus developed in 2002 as a mission church from Forest Cove Baptist. Under the leadership of Nathan Leno, the church is growing fast and it was necessary to re-look at a master plan that fit the ministries and philosophy of the congregation.

Paul Lodholz developed a master plan in late 2006, and the Worship Place studio was engaged to design a phase 1 component of that master plan. The long term master plan includes a worship center to seat 2,500 to 3,000 people. Also included is a comprehensive child’s ministry building and adult education. As a means of accommodating the growth and to act as a bridge until the large worship center is built the leadership settled on a program to double the capacity of the current worship center. The most economical strategy was to add onto both the east and the west ends of the current facility. The project was broken into phase 1A and 1B. For economic reasons phase 1A (60,000 sf of new construction and 11,000 sf of major renovations) which was completed in December of 2010, added on to the west end of the existing building. The uniqueness of the solution allowed the church to remain in worship in the current facility until the very end of the construction process. The design provides a new and striking visual end, addressing the traffic on West Lake Houston Parkway. It also extensively remodeled the lobby spaces, rest room spaces and took care of needed security measures and freshened up the early childhood spaces.

The church anticipates adding phase 1B which includes permanent administrative spaces and a new youth center in the next 1-3 years. Fretz construction was the contractor and LD Systems was the acoustical consultant.

Photos of the recently completed project can be found HERE.

FACES of Change Golf Tournament

2011-04-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper Architects participated in the 2011 Annual FACES of Change Golf Tournament at Wildcat Golf Club sponsored by Crescent Real Estate Equities. FACES of Change, a program founded by Crescent Real Estate Equities, partners Crescent employees, customers and business associates with elementary schools with limited resources in the communities in which the company serves. Donations from this fundraising golf tournament will be made to 2 local underprivileged elementary schools.

Ziegler Cooper Sponsored a team that played in the tournament and won 1st place on the Highlands course (Marion Dougherty, Pat Bischof, Paul Bischof, George Maull). ZCA employees, Heather Griffin and Karen Bischof volunteered to help with the tournament, setting up tables, registering golfers for check-in and ran the hole in one golf challenge.

Co-Cathedral awarded the MCAA’S Team Awards in the Government Institutional Category

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was awarded the Mason Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA’s) Team Awards in the Government Institutional Category. The purpose of the Tribute to Exemplary Achievements in Masonry (TEAM) Awards is to give recognition to these projects and members of the construction team for outstanding accomplishments in masonry design and construction. The MCAA’s Team Awards recognized Dee Brown, Inc for their exceptional craftsmanship, quality stone and masonry.

The Judges Comments: The Industrial or Commercial Category was also one of the largest and full of excellent projects. Both the number of projects, and their diversity often made it difficult, if not unfair, to compare one against another. But in the end, one project stood tall based on size, scope and the success of the effort. The aim of the owner and architect was to build a Cathedral that would last and serve for five hundred years. This is where masonry really shines! This is why masonry was used. The owner, the architect, and the contractors were successful. The design's vertical straight lines compliment the modern skyline, but major details like the tall free standing bell tower maintain a strong tie to what a World Class Cathedral ought to look like. And we thought that is certainly what this one looks like...a World Class Cathedral.

2011 Product Runway

2011-04-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

ZCA Product Runway team photographed left to right: Ashley Barnabo, Dawna Houchin, Kristen Nolen, Rachel Hoover, Lindsey Brown, Andrea Michalski

Product Runway 2011 celebrates the fusion of design, music + fashion. The artists include teams from Houston’s interior design firms, architecture firms, and students. Each artist will design and construct couture garments using materials and finishes provided by their garment labels, or industry partners, and compete in a runway competition. The Product Runway remix fashion show is inspired by music categories assigned to each team of artists at random. At the cd release party, the artists will be paired with their garment labels and genre of music.

“We’ve made great progress so far and look forward to showcasing our design at the Remix Fashion Show on May 5th!”

Janet Rogers Celebrates 20 Years with Ziegler Cooper

2011-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Janet Rogers, IFMA, Associate Principal

Work Place Studio

Corporate Interiors, Since 1991

Q: 20 years of Corporate Interiors, why?

A: I believe a well designed space affects the success of a company; therefore what we do has a immense impact on peoples’ lives. I also relish in the diversity that ZCA offers with the 4 vibrant studios.

Q: What inspires you?
A: Everyday images around me are a constant source of inspiration; but most importantly, my clients inspire me. I listen for comments and reactions in our conversations to find out their needs. Each client and space has unique needs. Pulling the pieces together to create a cohesive inspirational environment is what I believe allows us to take our clients to the next level.

Q: When your not at work you are...?
A: I love to be outdoors. You can find me gardening, reading a book or walking in the woods. I am also a fitness nut and I love to snow ski. I joyfully spend a lot of time watching football and rugby; boys will do that to you.

BISNOW Houston: Next Stop, More Construction!

2011-03-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Bisnow Houston discusses Ziegler Cooper's recnet hires and current projects. Click HERE to read the full article.

Apartment Boom Changing the Bleak Condition of Architecture Firms

2011-03-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

A few points of light are shining in one of the darkest corners of the nation’s economy — the personnel departments at architecture firms. With construction down, the job market for architects has been brutal in the last couple of years. To read the full article click HERE.

New Employee Happy Hour at Flying Saucer

2011-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper welcomed new employees with an after work happy hour at Flying Saucer.

Click HERE to view photos from the event.

Employees Take a Tour of Texas Corinithian Yacht Club

2011-03-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

A group of employees took a drive down to Kemah, Texas to tour the recently completed Texas Corinthian Yacht Club. Donald Hickey shows everyone his muscles as yachters in the background prepare to take advantage of the beautiful day!

Ziegler Cooper Hires Twenty-One Employees Due to Influx of New Projects Firm Wide

2011-03-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ziegler Cooper is pleased to announce the addition of twenty-one new employees since January 2010. The additional staff was key due to an influx of new projects firm wide and a desire by the firm leadership to build a strong team for the firms future.

New hires include Ashley Barnabo (Work Place Studio Landlord Services), Mark Centore (Work Place Corporate Interiors), Liz Friedman, IIDA, LEED AP (Work Place Studio Corporate Interiors), Ann Gatton (Work Place Studio Landlord Services), Scott Griffith, AIA (Work Place Studio Corporate Interiors), Alan Haley (Administration), John Hettwer (Living Place Studio), Donald Hickey (Living Place Studio), Amy Ho, LEED AP (Work Place Studio Commercial Architecture), Dawna Houchin, AIA, LEED AP (Work Place Studio Commercial Architecture), Andrea Michalski, RID, LEED AP (Work Place Studio Corporate Interiors), Rafael Morales (Worship & Learning Place Studio), Jaclyn Morfin (Work Place Landlord Services), Ali Naghdali (Living Place Studio), Kristen Nolen (Administration), Justus Pang (Living Place Studio), Neeta Patel, IIDA (Work Place Studio Landlord Services), Catherine Runner, RID, LEED AP (Work Place Studio Corporate Interiors), Sylvan Schurwanz, RA, LEED AP (Living Place Studio), Shane Wilson (Living Place Studio) and Mary Katherine Ziegler (Marketing).

“We are very grateful and proud to announce the addition of twenty one-new faces to our professional staff,” says Scott Ziegler, AIA, Founding Principal of the firm. “This comes at a time when the economy has made it difficult for design professionals to find employment, so we feel fortunate that we are able to offer positions to them. Today, each of the studios is contributing to the bottom line and we are all enjoying the fruits of our labors, but most importantly we are working on exciting projects. It is gratifying to see that colleagues at the firm have formed lasting friendships with each other and with our clients. In many ways, we function like a large family, always looking out for each other, which has created a unified firm culture and truly makes coming to work a joyful experience. I cannot be prouder of what the firm has been able to accomplish over the last year and sincerely appreciate all the hard work and dedication contributed by everyone in the firm. Our new hires are the faces of what will become our next generation of leadership serving the many clients that have contributed the firms’ success.”

The Living Place Studio is currently working on new mid-rise and high-rise urban residential projects in Austin, Dallas and Houston totaling over $220 million. These high density projects will add over 1200 new rental units, as well as retail and office space to their respective mixed-use markets over the next 24 months. The Living Place Studio is pleased to be playing an important design role in reshaping our inner cities where the design goal is to create vibrant pedestrian environments that operate as attractive 24 -7 urban neighborhoods. Texas is poised to be the beneficiary of rapid urban growth during the next wave of economic expansion which is being fueled by aging demographic shifts and increased population growth. The Living Place Studio is pleased to serve this expanding urban marketplace.

The Work Place Studio is currently working on Research Forest Lakeside which recently broke ground early February. Building 2 is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter and is the first phase of a 1.8 million sq. ft. master planned, mixed-use development comprised of ten office buildings and supporting retail, located in The Woodlands, Texas. The Work Place Studio also continues multiple projects for BBVA Compass nationwide. Ziegler Cooper was selected to design a “world class retail bank” that reinforces the BBVA Compass brand identity from Florida to California. The studio is also assisting Weatherford International, renovating and consolidating their corporate offices into a 12-story, 335,000-square-foot office building at St. James Place in Houston; occupancy is scheduled for early 2012. The tenant development team is also keeping busy, making Ziegler Cooper the Architect of Record for over 70 buildings with more than 32 million-square-feet of tenant space.

The Learning Place Studio has recently completed a 35-acre master plan for Pope John XXIII High School in Katy, Texas and has begun Phase I of the program which includes a competition gym, student center, a portion of the music department and a chapel. The studio also continues to work diligently on master plans for two St. Agnes Academy campuses, including their current land locked campus and a new parcel of land in Southwest Houston.

The Worship Place Studio began planning and design on the studios first Mega Church this year. First Baptist Church, located in Pasadena, Texas involves construction of a new 115,000-square-foot worship center addition which will include a 2,500-seat worship center (with circular layout and space for a 50-person orchestra and 200-person choir), a 500-seat chapel, and a prayer room. The addition will connect to the existing church and create a commons for education, administration, music and fellowship. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer 2011.

Ziegler Cooper Girls Enjoy Backwoods Bingo Night

2011-03-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

ACS Flooring Group held a Backwoods Bingo night at their warehouse recently. The event was well attended and lots of fun! Check out the photos of the Ziegler Cooper girls that played HERE.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Win's AIA Design Award

2011-03-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

Ziegler Cooper is pleased to announce St. Mary’s Catholic Church was a recipient of an award in the Renovation/Restoration category. The winning project will be presented at the AIA Houston Design Awards Dinner on March 23, 2011.

Located on a rural site north of Plantersville, Texas the Catholic community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church engaged Ziegler Cooper Architects to develop a strategy that would enable the growing parish to expand their sanctuary and add needed restrooms and accessibility. After watching an episode of Mega-Movers several of the church’s leaders challenged the team to create a design that would allow them to grow, while retaining the integrity of its nearly 100-year-old sanctuary, an integral part of the church history.

The AIA Houston Design Awards program acknowledges design excellence in the following categories: architecture, residential architecture, interior architecture, restoration/renovation, and urban design. During the selection process, the jury uses the following criteria: quality of design, resolution of the program idea, sustainable responsibility, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.

To view the 2011 AIA Design Award Winners click HERE

Building Design + Construction Features First Baptist Church in On the Drawing Board

2011-02-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

Texas Megachurch Inspired by Yesteryear's Materials, Today's Design Vocabulary. To view article click HERE.

CultureMap Houston: Imagine Post Oak Boulevard as a model for a more beautiful Houston

2011-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Scott Ziegler is becoming a regular contributor to CultureMap Houston. Check out his latest article with ideas on how to create a more vibrant pedestrian friendly Post Oak Boulevard.

To view article click HERE.

Multifamily Executive: High on Green

2011-02-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

Photography by Thomas McConnell

A luxurious, green residential tower in Austin, Texas, heeds a former mayor’s call for a livable, populated urban core.

This month’s February issue of Multifamily Executive features an article on The Austonian with dialogue from Kurt Hull and other project team members. To read the article click HERE.

Research Forest Lakeside Breaks Ground

2011-02-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

To view images from the February 10th Groundbreaking click HERE

Ziegler Cooper Announces 2011 Promotions

2011-02-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ziegler Cooper is pleased to announce the 2011 Promotions

Georgina Guzman, Assoc. AIA to Senior Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Sarah De Ita, CPSM to Senior Associate

Marketing

Wimberly Winn, IIDA, LEED®AP to Senior Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

John Paul Garland, AIA, LEED®AP to Associate

Living Place

Heather Griffin, IIDA to Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Matthew Zawacki, AIA, LEED®AP to Associate

Worship & Learning Place

Melinda Smiljanic, IIDA, TAID to Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Gilford Allen, AIA, LEED®AP to Associate

Worship & Learning Place

Debra Bach, IIDA, LEED®AP to Associate

Work Place | Landlord Services

Zaki Ghanem, IIDA to Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

Audrey Hardesty, IIDA to Associate

Work Place | Corporate Interiors

February 10th Groundbreaking for Research Forest Lakeside

2011-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

JD Warmack LP's managing partner, James Warmack, and ZC+O (Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates) are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of Building 2 on February 10th at 10am. Slated for delivery in the fourth quarter, Building 2 is the first phase of a 1.8 million sq. ft. master planned, mixed-use development comprised of ten office buildings and supporting retail. The three-story, 68,000 gross sq. ft. speculative office building features curved lakefront facade with full-height, 9’6” glass; dramatic lake side arrival court with terraces to the waterfront trails; elegant, class A lobby finishes; efficient and flexible floor plates suitable for single or multi-tenant users; LEED Silver Certification; and forest preserve and native landscaping.

Research Forest Lakeside is located on the west side of Lake Woodlands between Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forest Drive. "Our site is simply superb – it is heavily wooded and fronts the lake, just off of Lake Woodlands Drive. Combine this natural beauty with the A+ team we have put together, and I can't help but think it will be a tremendous success," stated James Warmack. In addition to ZC+O, other team members include David E. Harvey Builders, general contractor; Haynes Whaley, structural engineers; DBR, Inc., MEP; Jones Carter, civil engineers; and Clark Condon Associates, landscape architects.

“ZC+O is very excited about Phase I of Research Forest Lakeside. The buildings flexible design will accommodate single tenant or smaller multi-tenant users which are common in the Woodlands market. For larger tenants, the campus is planned to accommodate up to 1.2 million square feet in nine (9) buildings,” says Kurt Hull Principal-in-Charge and Senior Principal at Ziegler Cooper Architects.

“The master plan optimizes the natural features of the site, Lake Woodlands and the preservation of the pine forest environment that characterizes The Woodlands. A crescent arrangement of buildings creates view corridors for each and from the arrival courts as well. The plan allows the development to function as independently addressed buildings, or potentially, as a single corporate campus. Parking decks are shielded by generous stands of mature pines and undergrowth, and lined with support retail on the street. Additional parcels accommodate mid-rise office buildings, flex space and low-rise structures,” Says Roger Soto, AIA, LEED® AP with Odell Associates.

The Austonian Wins Green Building Award from Austin Business Journal

2011-02-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Photography by Thomas McConnell

The Austonian has received a “Going Green Award” green building award from the Austin Business Journal for its commitment to green living. The Going Green awards, announced on January 26, honor those in Central Texas who make efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices.

Read more about it in the Austin Business Journal HERE.

ENR 2010 Best of the Best: Winners

2011-01-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

Photography by Thomas McConnell

ENR recently published the official Best of the Best winners which included Ziegler Coopers Austonian, located in Austin, Texas. To view the full list of winners click HERE.

Real Estate Bisnow Interviews Paul Lodholz to See Why The Worship Place Studio is Recession Proof

2011-01-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

Is he recession proof? Click on the link HERE to read the full article featured in the January 13th article on Ziegler Coopers Worship Place Studio.

HBJ: Face to Face with Scott Ziegler

2011-01-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ziegler Cooper Designs New Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen in The Woodlands

2010-12-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

View Slideshow HERE

The Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen (H&HK), located on Research Forest Drive in The Woodlands, is a prototype restaurant and gourmet food and beverage market. Its urban look and feel is modeled after the nearby Hubbell and Hudson Market, and employs similar design elements and materials in a carefully crafted evolution of the Hubbell & Hudson brand. The Market’s commercial kitchen is also leveraged here, as H&HK customers can buy freshly prepared ready-to-eat meals. Whether dine-in or take-away, made-to-order sandwiches, a salad bar, grilled meats, breakfast foods, gourmet coffees and gelato are available. The 5,000 square foot store also has a gourmet market which features organic produce, packaged and frozen foods, fresh meats, hand-made pastas, cheeses, and a wide selection of wines and beers.

The H&HK offers casual dining in an intimate store restaurant setting, or customers can dine al fresco on the patio, and enjoy a warm fire and live entertainment in the evenings. In a hurry? Convenient “to-go” parking is provided for on-line and phone orders pick-up; the attentive staff will deliver to customers while they wait in their cars.

New Design Unveiled for First Baptist Church Pasadena

2010-12-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

First Baptist Church, located in Pasadena, Texas, recently selected the Worship Place Studio of Ziegler Cooper Architects to design Phase III of the 49 ½ acre church campus, which will be a new 115,000 square foot, Worship Center addition.

The church began occupation of the current site in May of 1999 with construction of Phase I, a 68,000 square feet multi-use building. Phase II, completed in December of 2003, included an additional 73,000 square feet and expanded their capacity to 1200 seats. The combined Phases I and II include education and fellowship spaces in addition to the worship center.

The Phase III Worship Center, currently in design by Ziegler Cooper, will include a 2500-seat Worship Center and a 500-seat Chapel. The new Worship Center adjoins the existing building creating a substantial “commons” for Christian fellowship and a variety of activities. An important goal for the new design was to provide a cohesive worship experience for First Baptist Church and the commons is a key to this by linking program spaces for education, administration, music complex and fellowship areas integrally to the Worship Center. The tradition of worship at First Baptist Church is strongly grounded in the preaching of the Word and an exceptional music ministry. The new Worship Center is being designed to provide the church with a “modern design” of that traditional worship experience.

“We could not be more honored and excited to be part of this project. It will be such a joy to work with Dr. Charles Redmond and the exceptional staff that is so integral to the ministry at First Baptist Church Pasadena. Our goal is to provide a design that will express through its form and the spaces within, the strong, consistent Gospel message of the church and be a support to the wonderful Christian community that it serves. We pray that we can provide a wonderfully exciting design for them, one that will be of benefit to them as they continue to grow and expand their ministries in the community” says Senior Principal, Paul Lodholz, AIA, LEED.

The new Worship Center design has a very strong focus on the worship experience. Working with Acoustic Dimensions out of Dallas, our design team has developed a circular seating arrangement with floor level and terrace seating that is gathered around a platform that places the preacher in the midst of the flock. The multi-level platform will accommodate an orchestra of 50 and a choir of 200. The visual focus for the design is a significant baptistery located front and center. Following the desire to have a traditional element in the design, the baptistery form and detailing features a significant cross in a surround of wood, stone set in a deep blue, starry night sky. The 24’ foot wide projection screens flank the central composition and will provide optimum viewing for all levels of the auditorium.

“Dr. Redmond from our very first meeting has emphasized a desire to provide a memorable chapel and prayer room as a cornerstone for the design of the campus. What an opportunity for us to provide a recognizably traditional western entry to the campus,” says Senior Principal, Paul Lodholz, AIA, LEED.

The new chapel is designed using traditional materials; stone, brick and stained glass, set in a framework of a rich, glue laminated wood structure. The intent of the 500 seat space is to provide a venue for weddings, funerals and special services. The adjoining prayer room will provide a truly spiritual space for daily meditations and be a backbone for the development of the personal prayer life for members and staff.

Construction of the new Worship Center will begin in the summer of 2011 and will commence in the fall of 2012.

The Austonian Earns Coveted Four-star Rating from Austin Energy Green Building

2010-11-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Photography by Thomas McConnell

This week, The Austonian announced that the downtown condo project has received a four-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building. A press conference was held on the 10th-floor green roof terrace of The Austonian.

Speakers at the event included Mayor Lee Leffingwell, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett, City Council Member Chris Riley and Austin Energy General Manager Larry Weiss.

The Austonian is the first and only high-rise residential building in downtown Austin to receive such a rating. Read the full press release HERE.

Here is a slideshow from the event.

PaperCity: Social Soup

2010-11-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

This month’s PaperCity features a page on handwriting analysis and our own Scott Ziegler was one of the people chosen for this. See below!

As More Second Home Communities Welcome Pets, The Austonian’s Pet-Friendly Amenities Pick Up A Mention in USA Today

2010-10-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Photography by Thomas McConnell

Pets are increasingly playing an integral role in today’s family life. According to the most recent National Pet Owners Survey, nearly two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet. Developers of second homes and real estate agents are taking this fact into consideration; now most major cities have real estate firms that specialize in pet-friendly sales.

The Austonian was recently mentioned in a travel article from USA Today about second-home communities offering amenities for pets. The article stated, “Austin has an abundance of large dog parks that often include lakes – 122 acres per 1,000 dogs, according to Forbes.com. Austin’s new Austonian, the tallest residential building in Texas, has a private dog park on a 10th-floor terrace.”

The Austonian offers a variety of services for our four-legged residents. In addition to our private dog park and dog grooming room, we offer dog walking, pet sitting, grooming and vet care through our service partners. For more information about our services, visit: www.theaustonian.com

Read the full USA Today article HERE.

Houston Chronicle: Builder has faith in lake location

2010-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Work to begin early next year in The Woodlands on office project

To Houston Chronicle recently wrote an article on the recent ZC+O strategic partnership and the recent Woodlands project underway. to read the article click HERE.

Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates form ZC+O Strategic Alliance

2010-10-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Partnership Proves Successful with New Project in The Woodlands, Texas

Ziegler Cooper Architects and Odell Associates (ZC+O), two well-established and successful architectural firms, have strategically partnered to provide our current and prospective clients the benefits of expanded resources and service types, national and international award-winning design, and a unique studio structure with sector-specific knowledge. Our collaborative process helps us discern our clients’ key concerns and achieve the optimum solution for each project.

“The ZC+O alliance has brought together two like minded firms and individuals whose experiences are very complimentary. The synergy of this Alliance is exciting and will bring great value to our clients who are seeking a firm that can provide a full range of services for their needs in corporate facilities,” Says Roger Soto, AIA, LEED® AP, President & Director of Design at Odell Associates.

ZC+O recently completed master planning and design services for a 76-acre, heavily-wooded site fronting Lake Woodlands. The mixed-use site features a beautiful setting for two existing Hewitt Buildings and allows for several additional office buildings with superb lake views.

“The Master Plan optimizes the natural features of the site; Woodlands Lake and the preservation of the pine forest environment that characterizes The Woodlands. A crescent arrangement of buildings creates view corridors for each, and from the arrival courts as well. The plan allows the development to function as independently addressed buildings, or potentially, as a single corporate campus. Parking decks are shielded by generous stands of mature pines and undergrowth, and lined with support retail on the street. Additional parcels accommodate mid rise office buildings, flex space and low rise structures,” Says Roger Soto, AIA, LEED® AP.

Research Forest Lakeside consists of ten office buildings and convenience retail totaling over 1,798,398 square feet. ZC+O splayed four of the eight new office buildings along the lakeside to gain unobstructed views and efficient solar orientation. The long facade of each building faces southward, placing the short ends of each building east and west, minimizing solar heat gain. Sustainable considerations were at the center of all the design decisions on this LEED Gold project. Each facade utilizes different transparent and reflective low-e, high performance, and insulated glass depending on the orientation. Sun shades at 7’-4” above each floor prevent direct solar gain on the all-glass facade and reflect natural light deep into the space. Tall 9’-6” ceilings allow maximum natural light to penetrate the offices.

The narrow end of each building subtly curves suggesting the shape of a full sail while the southern glass facades extend past the buildings’ corners creating a dramatic reveal. The buildings’ glass parapets further evoke a nautical-like image by gently rising from west to east.

“The strategic alliance of ZC+O is very excited about Phase I of Research Forest Lakeside, which will begin with a 3-story, 68,000 gross-square-feet speculative office building located at the southern tip of the site near the entrance off Lake Woodlands Drive and fronting on Lake Woodlands. The buildings flexible design will accommodate single tenant or smaller multi-tenant users which are common in the Woodlands market,” says Kurt Hull Principal-in-Charge and Senior Principal at Ziegler Cooper Architects.

Living the high life in a Houston high-rise

2010-10-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

To view Channel 13 Video click below.

Living the high life in a Houston high-rise

Iglesia de Visibility

2010-10-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

CultureMap’s Real Estate Round-up discusses the Worship Place Studio’s Pare de Sufrir.

To read the article click HERE and scroll down.

Texas Construction: High-Rise Peaks

2010-10-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

The October 2010 issue of Texas Construction features a discussion with Scott Ziegler, AIA.

To view the article online click HERE.

Silent Auction and Mad Hatter Competition Benefiting IIDA

2010-10-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Art and Artifacts was held on Friday September 24, 2010 at the Nouveau Antique Art Bar in downtown Houston. This year’s design competition for Art and Artifacts was to design a Derby Bowler Hat. Each participant received the same black derby bowler. The concept was to create an end piece that you would want to receive as a gift or exhibit as art. Andrea Michalski, with Ziegler Cooper Architects designed a modern flapper style hat with iridescent purple/blue ribbon and peacock feathers, entitled “Shake a Tail Feather” that was purchased at the auction. The silent auction consisted of hats, furniture, and other miscellaneous items including (vintage bike, Nelson bench, art work, etc.) Each of the hats were auctioned off the night of the event in a silent auction to be worn, displayed as art, or given as gifts.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Celebrates Grand Opening

2010-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

View slideshow HERE

To view recent article from the Texas Catholic Herold click HERE

New Worship Center for the Ministry of Pare de Sufrir

2010-09-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Worship Place Studio of Ziegler Cooper Architects was recently hired to design a 46,000 square foot worship center with a stylistic design that is appealing from the busy southwest freeway as it crosses over Westpark just outside the 610 loop in Houston, Texas. The overall design image is modernist with a substantial glass entry and lobby that will provide a nice visual sign board for those passing by on the adjacent freeway. Strong lines and bold colors reflect not only the spirit of the design, but also attempt to reflect the spirit of the church.

The new church building will consist of a 1,100-seat main worship center, with a smaller 200-seat chapel and teaching room. Support areas include administrative staff offices, children’s classroom spaces, and an 11-bedroom apartment complex for ministers and ministers in training. A dormitory accommodating twenty is also included to house young men in training and under mentorship of established pastors. A unique design feature of the complex is the in-house television studio which will allow the opportunity for the church to be broadcast in the Houston Area.

“As we considered how to address the challenging site located at the Westpark Tollway ramp onto the Southwest Freeway it became apparent that the project would need to rely on strong, simple lines and that we would need to use color to our advantage,” says Paul Lodholz, AIA, LEED®AP, Principal-in-Charge of the Worship Place Studio. “Additionally, in keeping with the goal of the church, the front entry needed to be open, welcoming and approachable so those seeking the comfort of the ministry would not feel threatened. We hope the new worship center will be a great asset for this important ministry.”

Scott Ziegler to Speak at AIA Houston on October 7th

2010-09-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

High Density Development: Sustainable Growth Strategy
presentation by R. Scott Ziegler, AIA

When: Thursday, October 7, 2010 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: Architecture Center Houston

315 Capitol, Suite 120
Houston, Texas 77002
713-520-0155

Program Description: Presentation of High-Density mixed-use development models as a sustainable urban growth strategy. Discuss the failures of the suburban sprawl model and look at the environmental benefits of micro-village developments through case studies.

Learning Objectives:

Contrast the reduction in vehicle trip miles of suburban development vs. high density
Analyze the development footprint of sprawl model
Create vibrant mixed-use developments with attractive public realm spaces
Analyze infrastructure cost of roads, sewers, utilities, police protection in sprawl model vs. high density model

Speaker Bio: A graduate of Rice University School of Architecture, and founding principal of Ziegler Cooper Architects, Scott Ziegler has over 30 years of architectural experience, is a recipient of numerous awards and a frequent guest speaker and panelist on both the local and national levels. As the Principal-in-Charge of the Living Place Studio, one of four studios within the firm, Scott’s leadership and dedication continues to positively impact Houston’s architectural landscape, particularly in the area of urban design and development, mixed-used and multi-family residential design.

Scott has served the community in a variety of capacities; as a member of the Rice University Dean's Circle, on the Alley Theatre Board of Directors and as Co-Chair for the Glassell School of Art fundraising galas. Through his proactive role in the community and reputation for visionary design, Scott has become a recognized authority and a driving force in Houston’s efforts to improve the quality of its built environment.

With a strong belief in modern architecture and an unwavering commitment to design excellence, Mr. Ziegler endeavors to explore a building's limits. The firm’s works bespeaks a pursuit of clarity and order in architecture. On the cutting edge, Mr. Ziegler aspires to a sustainable architecture that builds community and expresses the spirit of our time through the integration of art, craft and technology.

The Austonian Awarded Texas Construction Best Multifamily Residential/Hospitality for 2010

2010-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

The annual competition of Texas Construction magazine’s Best of 2010 awards program recognizes commercial construction and design excellence from across the state including Oklahoma. Industry experts judged more than 180 nominated projects in a variety of commercial construction categories if they were 1) located in Texas or Oklahoma; 2) completed in the past year; 3) did not have a construction-related fatality. The jury awarded projects based on entry criteria including overcoming challenges & teamwork; safety; innovation & contribution to the industry/community; construction quality and craftsmanship; and function and aesthetic quality of design. The Austonian, designed by Ziegler Cooper, was awarded Best in Category for Multifamily Residential/Hospitality.

“It is indeed an honor for the entire team to receive this award. We at ZCA want to express our deep appreciation to Second Congress, Ltd, AKA Consulting and Balfour Beatty for truly working as a team to bring this very important and beautiful project to a successful conclusion. We are very proud to have been a part of this project!,” says Kurt Hull, Senior Principal at Ziegler Cooper Architects.

The awards will be honored at an awards luncheon to be held at the Westin Galleria in Houston on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. The winners of Texas Construction’s Best of 2010 will be entered into the National Best of 2010 competition and judged against winners from other regions. Those winners, the National Best of 2010 awards, will be highlighted on texas.construction.com as well Engineering News-Record.

Highland Tower Completes

2010-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

View slideshow HERE

Located in the fashionable Highland Village district of Houston, the recently completed, 16-story Highland Tower is conveniently located in the middle of it all for those who desire care free living. Amenities include a landscaped roof terrace with an infinity edge pool, outdoor living room, putting green, indoor fitness center, private massage therapy room, club room, private dining in a wine room with a catering kitchen, and tranquil green space with fountains and paved courtyards.

“With its neighboring, 8-story sister building, The Briarglen, Highland Tower begins to create a family of buildings reinforcing with the sense of an urban neighborhood. Due to the economic downfall, Highland Tower was the only and last high rise condominium under construction in Houston. With its recent grand opening, the property will most likely remain the newest residential condominium built in the city for years,” says Jim Zemski, AIA, Project Manager for Ziegler Cooper.

“Ziegler Cooper Architects has designed two developments for us – The Briarglen, a 68 unit mid-rise residential condominium, and Highland Tower, a 93 unit high-rise residential condominium. Their performance was excellent from design concept to finished working drawings. The architecture of the buildings is crisp and exciting, but still functional, and designed to comply with budget constraints.

It has been a pleasure working with the principals and the staff of the firm. They have a feel for excellence in design and architecture, and it shows. The whole architectural process with them has been stimulating and rewarding, and the end result exceeded our expectations,” says Robert Bland of Pelican Builders, Inc.

“Has Suburban Sprawl List its Sizzle?”

2010-08-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Scott Ziegler's recent white paper titled “Has Suburban Sprawl List its Sizzle?” was just published in the national magazine of Multi-Housing News! The paper was also recently posted on the Houston Culture Map website. To read the article please click HERE.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Announces September 5th Grand Opening

2010-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

View Slideshow HERE

Located on a wonderfully rural site north of Plantersville, Texas the century old catholic community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church engaged the Worship Place Studio of Ziegler Cooper Architects to develop a strategy that would enable the growing parish to expand their beloved sanctuary and to add needed restrooms and accessibility. The church was not interested in a new sanctuary and they were not interested in a ‘big change’. After watching an episode of ‘Mega-movers’ several of the church’s leaders challenged Ziegler Cooper Architects to come up with a design that would allow them to grow………..literally!

The innovative design includes cutting the existing church in half and stretching it 30 feet. The new space, seating about 140 more parishioners will be done in such a way that it will match the wonderful hand painted bead board interior finishes, new windows will match the gothic arched leaded glass windows of the old church and even the rustic pews will be matched down to every detail. It was necessary to study and profile all the existing wood trim and to be faithful to the construction techniques and joinery of the existing interior detailing. A glass connector will join the original historic structure to a new accessible lobby, restroom block and a new reconciliation room. The excitement of the community is high with everyone looking forward to moving into their renovated sanctuary in November of 2010. Fretz Construction Company is doing the handiwork under the detailed eye of Johnny Krezinski and Cherry House Movers provided the “Mega-movers” technology.

The Grand Opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 5th 2010. The church will be open for self guided tours throughout the day. Bring your family and come play games, eat barbeque, listen to live music and enjoy free entertainment at the 54th Annual Homecoming Bazaar.

Houston's Co-Cathedral Welcomes the Opus XIX Pipe Organ

2010-08-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects, marks a historical moment with the arrival and installation of Opus XIX, a pipe organ hand crafted and meticulously installed by Pasi Organ Builders, Inc. of Roy, Washington. This pipe organ consists of 5,499 pipes - ranging in size from a humble one-half inch pipe to a robust 32-foot pipe.

In October of 2006 Martin Pasi was selected to build the grand organ. For four years, the craftsmen at Pasi Organ Builders have been designing, custom building, and finishing the numerous pieces that will generate the beautiful array of sounds that will soon fill the walls of Co-Cathedral. The experience will be one of sound that can not only be heard, but felt as well.

Design by Demographics

2010-08-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Scott Ziegler, AIA makes the NATIONAL Bisnow news. Click HERE to read his interview that discusses the recessions effect on multi-family design.

Arch-Con Corporation Office Building Completes

2010-08-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

To view a slideshow click HERE

Arch-con Corporation based in Houston is a multi-faceted general contractor providing design and construction services for a variety of commercial projects. Ziegler Cooper Architects has recently designed a new 21,000 s.f. office building to accommodate the rapidly expanding staff of Arch-Con Corporation; a Houston-based general contractor. The resulting building is a 3-story tilt-up concrete structure that takes maximum advantage of the site and announces its presence among surrounding buildings in the River Oaks area of Houston.

The floor plates open plan and the asymmetric efficient core allows tenants the ability to utilize the flexible, well proportioned space for almost any purpose. The third floor (occupied by Arch-Con) has the additional advantage of a terrace on the North side with beautiful downtown views. In addition to surface parking on the site, parking space is also provided on the first floor of the building for the tenants and visitors. The second and third floors have an open plan and asymmetric efficient core that give tenants the ability to utilize the flexible, well proportioned space for almost any purpose.

The tilt-up surface of the building is broken by reveals, and punctured windows that allow unhindered views from the site. A Nanawall installation forms the wall separating the main conference room from this terrace and is an ideal solution for bringing natural light into the room and allowing for an expandable but cohesive space.

Mega-Movers Inspires Historic Church's New Two-Part Design

2010-08-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

One of the Worship Place Studios current projects is highlighted in the Building News section of this month’s Texas Construction magazine. Check it out by clicking HERE.

John Paul Garland, AIA, LEED®AP Promoted to Associate

2010-07-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of John Paul Garland, AIA, LEED®AP to Associate. "John Paul possesses a rare combination of raw conceptual skill with a strong understanding of how to put together beautiful building materials," says founding Principal, Scott Ziegler, AIA.

With more than 7 years of project design experience, Mr. Garland has played an important role in a wide range of project types including multifamily-housing, mixed-use developments, hospitality, liturgical facilities, corporate interiors, and institutional architecture. Mr. Garland holds a Master of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University. He has demonstrated excellence in a multitude of areas that have been critical to the success of a number of Ziegler Cooper’s high profile projects including The Austonian in Austin, Texas; 2727 Kirby in Houston, Texas; Highland Tower in Houston, Texas; Texas Corinthian Yacht Club in Kemah, Texas; St. John Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas; and Memorial Hills in Houston, Texas.

In addition to his work at Ziegler Cooper Architects, Mr. Garland is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Texas Society of Architects and is a member of the US Green Building Council. Through his participation with such organizations as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together Houston John Paul finds great joy in giving back to the local community.

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Awarded GE Award of Merit

2010-07-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart has a substantial architectural presence. Utilizing GE's HIR™ halogen technology, the designers were able to bring the lighting design into compliance with Houston's energy code without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.

From the beginning, the interior design approach was to carefully integrate and conceal lighting within the architecture. The traditional use of decorative fixtures was purposely avoided to fully showcase the grand space. Concealed at the base of each clerestory window, asymmetric luminaires with GE 225-watt Quartzline® HIR™ lamps highlight the window wells and uplight the barrel vault ceiling.

General seating illumination and accent lighting for the baptismal font are provided by GE 100-watt HIR™ PAR38 halogen spot lamps integrated into architectural slots located 35 feet above the floor. Lighting track heads over seating areas are fitted with louvers and aimed slightly forward for improved visual comfort. A preset dimming system provides multiple scene flexibility, energy savings and extended lamp life.

The warmth of the exterior stone surface is enhanced by GE ConstantColor® CMH® 3000 K ceramic metal halide lamps. Uplights tie the structure to the ground by accenting features and corner niches.

The lighting design for the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, after several years of delay prompted by financial challenges, reveals the architecture of a cathedral built to last for five hundred years.

The Austonian Lifestyle

2010-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

VIEW SLIDESHOW HERE

We did something a little different when photographing The Austonian recently and took lifestyle shots with people enjoying the space…the images came out fun and show function of the amenity areas. More to come!

Sand Castle Competition 2010

2010-07-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sand Castle Competition 2010 from Francisco Philibert on Vimeo.

This is a collage featuring the Ziegler Cooper staff, family and friends building their 2010 entry for the Sand Castle competition in Galveston, Texas. The event is sponsored annually by the American Institute of Architects.

Life at The Austonian Luxury Condos in Downtown Austin

2010-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

The Austonian from The Austonian on Vimeo.

Texas Corinthian Yacht Club Completes

2010-07-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

View slideshow HERE.

When Hurricane Ike ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast and destroyed the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club; the stockholding membership elected to rebuild the yacht club that was originally built in 1938. Working closely with Commodore Curtis Hutcheson, Club Flag Officers and the Design Committee; Architect Scott Ziegler, AIA fashioned a design that captures the nautical spirit of TCYC.

The updated design respects the original architectural character, but adds a refreshing touch inspired by the classic Bermuda-style architecture complete with a white washed brick façade, standing seam metal roof and several outdoor porch areas to capture the prevailing sea breeze.

The completed facility includes three buildings; the clubhouse, pool pavilion and cabanas totaling over 15,000 square-feet. The clubhouse includes a casual "family style" dining porch, a more upscale Commodores Dining Room, a clubhouse "Living Room" with heavy timber wood trusses and a nautical themed bar and lounge. A two-story cabana structure includes six private suites available to be rented by members or visitors of the club; and 2 smaller studios available to sailing instructors. Opposite the resort style pool is a poolside pavilion that provides a covered outdoor area and restroom facilities.

A large shaded Colors Porch area is also included for members and guests to enjoy the bay view and observe the flag ceremony at sunset. Special attention was given to the needs of the sailors by providing a generous outdoor staging area to tune and wash down boats.

Extreme Design

2010-07-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Austonian is featured in the July/August issue of Texas Architect.
To view article click here: Extreme Design

Back to the city: Has suburban sprawl lost its sizzle — even in Houston?

2010-07-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Our very own Scott Ziegler contributes his most recent white paper to CultureMap Houston! The paper is published in the Editorial Series for the website called Real Estate Confidential.

To read the full article click HERE.

2010 AIA Sandcastle Competition Recap

2010-06-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper Architects survived another year of the AIA Sandcastle Competition. For over two decades in the first part of June, teams of architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest where some 80 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious “Golden Bucket” award.

Teams begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.

Ziegler Coopers theme this year was iByte, a clever theme based on the years vampire and iphone infatuation. No award was brought home by the team, however the fun was priceless.

Click here for a slideshow of the event.

Houston Business Journal: Chasewood building earns 360 Performance designation

2010-06-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

A five-story office building in the Chasewood Technology Park has earned the BOMA 360 Performance Building designation, a program designed to validate and recognize commercial properties that demonstrate best practices in all major areas of building operations and management. Read More

Living it up: Trading the house for the high rise in Houston

2010-06-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Peter Barnes of CultureMap Houston discusses vertical living options in Houston. Read More

USA Today: Second homes - Austin stays 'weird,' in a good way

2010-06-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

USA Today reports: Austin isn't like the rest of Texas, and residents are proud of that. The city's official nickname, "The Live Music Capital of the World," is accurate. Its unofficial one, "Keep Austin Weird," is, too.

It's not weird for weirdness sake. Instead, the Texas capital has bucked the trend toward mass-market commercialization and intentionally fended off chain retailers. The city is a sea of independently owned stores and restaurants, from bicycle, music and cowboy-boot shops to secondhand boutiques and art galleries. The only "big box" retailer downtown is Whole Foods Market, which started here. Read More

Real Estate Channel: The Tallest Condo Tower in Western U.S. Opens in Austin

2010-06-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Texas' newest landmark building, the 56 story high-rise luxury condominium project called The Austonian opened its doors to its first homeowners this past week. It is located at the corner of 2nd Street and Congress Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin. Read More

BBVA Compass Raises the Bar on Retail Banking

2010-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ziegler Cooper Architects was selected to design a “world class retail bank” that reinforces the BBVA Compass brand identity nationwide from Florida to California. To do this, the design team created an iconic form appropriately named the “adelante wall” which means moving forward.

Seeking LEED Gold Certification, the prototype design focuses on making the customer feel welcome; reinforced with comfortable lounge seating, a community room, and a technology wall that displays products and services. A plasma screen displays sustainable design features of the prototype design to interested customers. The use of natural wood tones within the interiors creates a warm and inviting sense of place, while the abundance of natural light creates a more progressive image.

Touring The Austonian with KXAN: A Look at the Austin Condos, Which Opened Last Week

2010-06-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Austonian Hosts the NAREE Conference Kickoff

2010-06-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

About 200 people gathered for NAREE’s Real Estate Journalism Conference in Austin, Texas June 2-5. Leading Journalists came to hear prominent speakers from at least 20 company presidents, seven chief economists or analysts, and a number of leading architects and home builders. The conference touched on all aspects of real estate- commercial, residential and financial. Noteworthy speakers, included founding principal of Ziegler Cooper Architects, Scott Ziegler, who spoke during the initial kickoff party conference, held at the Austonian.

“Ziegler Cooper’s design of The Austonian sets a good example of high density development on a tight urban infill site that becomes a model for reshaping Austin’s inner city. The project jumpstarts what is becoming a vibrant urban district. The project is a direct reflection of the changing urban development patterns in Austin and the changing baby-boomers desire for a more simplified lifestyle reinforcing the urban village concept of live, work, play.” says Scott Ziegler.

Austin City Council has played a key role in reshaping urban planning policy to encourage high density development in Austin’s urban core. The Austonian has become a poster project for a sustainable urban growth strategy.

A Very Merry NAREE

2010-06-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Bisnow stopped by the NAREE's 44th annual Real Estate Journalism Conference in Austin where the kickoff party was held at none other than Ziegler Coopers latest project, The Austonian. A photo was snapped of Scott Ziegler, the architect (with bow tie, of course) with Momark's Terry Mitchell at the reception. Scott tells the Atlanta Bisnow Reporter that the tower's green bona fides include housing hundreds of people on less than an acre. A similar development in the suburbs would devour 50-100 acres, 25-30 of which would be paved. Terry also points out that the high-rise is the tallest residential tower west of the Mississippi River.

To view the full article click HERE.

The 2010 Bowling Season is Here!

2010-06-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 3rd marks the beginning of the 12 week season of the 2010 Houston Architectural and Engineering Bowling league. The Ziegler Cooper team “Split Happens” will be playing 3 games per night at Palace Lanes. “I love bowling and have been interested in getting a Ziegler Cooper team together for a couple of years now. This will be exciting and fun for all of us. I can’t wait for our first game!” says Sandra Vaccari the team captain. Good luck to the ZCA team: Denny Simon, Heather Griffin, Jenna Stanke, John Kaufman, Mathew Zawacki, Melinda Smiljanic, Paul Lodholz, Rachel Hoover and Zaki Ghanem.

Astros Bring Church Organist to the Ballpark

2010-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Live organ music is back in demand. The sound of the Vintage Hammond organ has returned to baseball in Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Jim Connors, the organist at Christ Church United Methodist sanctuary, designed by Paul Lodholz, Principal of the Worship Place Studio at Ziegler Cooper, has been reunited with the Houston Astros for weekend games.

Jim Connors plays the organ for more than just a hobby. His interest in playing the organ started at an early age when he began to play the piano at age 5. Connors played the organ for the Astrodome in 1984 for three years. His first return game on Mother’s day, the live organist made the spirit of the game come alive with the Astros defeat. With the best seat in the house, next to the dugout, Connors only has a split second to decide when and what he is going to play. On the other hand, to play during Sunday services at Christ Church United Methodist his impromptu style quickly adjusts to play in a different atmosphere.

In a recent meeting with Dr. Daniel Hannon, Senior Pastor at Christ Church, Paul got a big smile when told that the wonderful organist reinstated at the ballpark was in fact Christ Church’s organist. “We were discussing life in general and I made comment that my wife and I were delighted that the Astros had brought the spirit of the ballpark back with this wonderful organist. Was I surprised when Dr. Hannon informed me that it was in fact “their” organist; Jim Connors. Even if the Astros are slumping, you can still enjoy a weekend day with a cold one, a hot dog and some great organ music.”

Track 21-SpawMaxwell Team Building Event

2010-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Jim Zemski, AIA

Wimberly, Zaki, and I represented ZCA at SpawMaxwell's team building go-cart race night at Track 21 on Highway 6. The races consisted of 3 rounds of 12 minute qualification heats with pole positions for the finals based upon the fastest lap times. The fastest 7 racers made it to the final race. Wimberly failed to qualify for the finals with her fastest time being 51.088 seconds. While she did not make the finals she won the award for Miss Congeniality. Zaki had a respectable (for your grandmother) time of 42.433 seconds which put him in 4th place at the start of the finals race. The fastest qualifying lap was 40.619 seconds which put me in the 1st spot at the finals.

Being an amateur at go-cart racing (I am more used to demolition derby) I didn't realize the trick at the starting line is to step on the gas and the brake at the same time so that when it turns green your engine is instantly up to full speed. Racer X (Danny Spencer from SpawMaxwell) was in that 2nd position and almost got the jump by using that starting line trick. I was able to maintain my lead position into the first turn and went full throttle down the straight away and into the second turn where I proceeded to spin out and crash into the wall as Danny came barreling towards me. He quickly avoided broad siding me but made a quick maneuver that ended up causing him to lose his position to Googles Paisano (Patrick Stanley from SpawMaxwell). Googles managed to maintain that lead all the way to the finish line 17 laps later. Racer X took second followed by Zaki in third place. Zaki was able to represent ZCA on the podium.

After my spin out on the 2nd turn, which knocked me into last place, I worked my way up the pack passing 3 other racers to finish in 4th. I did manage to turn in the fastest lap of the night and was the only one to do a lap in under 40 seconds. But, turning in the fastest lap doesn't get you on the podium. Even though I was the only one Zaki passed, and that was when I was standing still, I have to congratulate Zaki on his fine performance. There will be a re-match.

To view images from the event click HERE.

Highland Tower Celebrates Grand Opening

2010-05-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Located in the fashionable Highland Village district of Houston, the recently completed, Highland Tower has ninety-two (92) residences with a diverse selection of floor plans. Designed to appeal to the young professional, this 16-story residential tower is conveniently located in the middle of it all for those who desire care free living. Go one block south to Westheimer and you’re in the center of it all. Two blocks east is Highland Village, an expansive offering of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. And a few blocks west is The Galleria, the premier shopping and tourist destination in Houston.

This intimate community offers owners the enviable choice of, within minutes, accessing the energy of the nation’s fourth largest city or enjoying the seclusion of their private home, nestled within a tree-lined neighborhood.

Clad in a crisp combination of aluminum panels, glass, and brick, the building blends materials from surrounding urban residential and commercial buildings in the neighborhood, representing Houston’s past and present. Floor to ceiling glass windows highlight the views toward The Galleria, Greenway Plaza and Downtown.

“With its neighboring, 8-story sister building, The Briarglen, Highland Tower begins to create a family of buildings reinforcing with the sense of an urban neighborhood. By bringing residents out of the suburbs and inside the loop, the high density urban development supports a sustainable urban growth concept that not only saves resources, improves services and neighborhood character, but it also encourages the interaction of residents.

Due to the economic downfall, Highland Tower was the only and last high rise condominium under construction in Houston. With its recent grand opening, the property will most likely remain the newest residential condominium built in the city for years. We want to express our thanks to our client, Pelican Builders, Inc., who recognize that even during challenging economic times, quality design and architecture is not only beneficial to the community, but still makes economic sense. Ziegler Cooper is proud to have been part of this wonderful project” says Jim Zemski, AIA, Project Manager for Ziegler Cooper.

Amenities include a landscaped roof terrace with an infinity edge pool, outdoor living room, putting green, indoor fitness center, private massage therapy room, club room, private dining in a wine room with a catering kitchen, and tranquil green space with fountains and paved courtyards. Highland Tower provides a lifestyle that redefines how residents live.

To view photos from the event click HERE

Women’s Symphony League Showhouse Offers Glimpse in The Austonian

2010-05-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the Austin American Statesman’s discusses The Women’s Symphony League Showhouse that offers a glimpse at The Austonian this weekend. This is the first year the Symphony Designer Showhouse — which demonstrates the latest trends in lifestyles, creative interior design and innovative products — is made up of a collection of condos in a downtown high-rise. The setting speaks to three nationwide trends, says Marla Bommarito-Crouch, who is the Designer Showhouse chair for the Women's Symphony League. People are moving back into the city, living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and seeking a sense of community.

To view the entire article click HERE

To view a slideshow of the Showhouse click HERE

The Austonian Receives its Certificate of Occupancy

2010-05-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Located at the corner of 2nd and Congress in Austin, Texas, the Austonian will be available for occupancy in June 2010. The tallest residential building in Austin and west of the Mississippi, the Austonian offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding Hill Country. Some of the private amenities available to residents include: a 55th floor club level designed for entertaining parties of all sizes from 12-250, a 56th floor spa and fitness center and 10th floor amenities ranging from an outdoor pet park, two kitchens, game room and a 12-seat screening room. Occupying just one-third of the city block, its sleek environmentally conscious design offers a luxurious green lifestyle setting a new standard for luxury condominiums.

“This is truly a momentous occasion to finally have owners occupying the project after more than four years in the planning and execution. Ziegler Cooper is very proud to have been a part of this truly world class project! Our hope is that this building will be an icon for the city of Austin for decades to come. Our thanks go out to all the dozens of team members for a job well done. We particularly want to express our thanks to our client, Benchmark Land Development, Inc. and Grupo Villar Mir whose persistence during challenging times is admirable” says Kurt Hull, AIA, LEED®AP.

First Baptist Church Pasadena Adds Worship Center to Campus

2010-05-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Located on 49 ½ acres of land in Pasadena, Texas, First Baptist Church recently selected the Worship Place Studio of Ziegler Cooper Architects to assist in the expansion of their worship facilities. Phase I, completed in May of 1999, included 68,000 square feet; Phase II, completed in December of 2003, included 73,000 square feet. Phase III, currently in design, will include a permanent 2500-seat Worship Center and a 500-seat Chapel. Additional support areas include a large lobby or commons, bookstore, café, administration and pastoral offices, music and choir suite, children’s worship room and nursery.

“We could not be more honored and excited to be part of this project. It will be such a joy to work with Dr. Charles Redmond and his staff. First Pasadena is a beacon of light, providing a strong, consistent Gospel message to the southeast Houston region. We pray that we can provide a wonderfully exciting design for them, one that will be of benefit to them as they continue to grow and expand their ministries in the community” says Senior Principal, Paul Lodholz, AIA, LEED.

Architect and Engineering Softball League Champions

2010-05-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

By Mary Katherine Ziegler

“Winning when you least expect it” -- Chris Petrash

Every year Ziegler Cooper participates in the Houston Area Architect & Engineering Softball League. The team consists of players from various local Architectural and Engineering Firms as well as partners, friends and relatives. The league plays two one hour games on Monday nights. With twelve regular season games and a semi-final elimination playoff Ziegler Cooper qualified for the final championship game.

ZCA finished the spring 2010 A&E softball league in third place with a record of 9-3. Chris Petrash, Principal at Ziegler Cooper Architects and ZCA Softball Team Captain, has been coaching ZCA’s intramural softball team since 1989, before the A&E League was created in 1996. Chris says “The secret to winning is a great defense, timely hitting and a winning spirit.”

By losing the second game during the double elimination playoff tournament the team set up a gauntlet of having to win four straight games in the finale on Monday, May 3. The most pivotal game was with AECOM. ZCA held a one run lead going into the last inning and failed to add to the lead in the top half of the frame. AECOM needing only one run to tie and two to win was held scoreless with spectacular defensive plays preserving the win. With runners on 1st and 2nd base, AECOM had one of their best hitters up to bat. The line drive looked like a game tying hit until ZCA’s, third baseman Chris Owen made a dive and managed to deflect the ball to Jay Smith who flipped it to Sutton Simon at 2nd base for the final out.

“In the championship game, PBK and ZCA played great defense throughout the game making it difficult for either team to pull away” says Chris. In the end the ZCA team held a lead the entire game holding off a late rally from PBK. ZCA has never finished lower than 5th in the regular season but never made it to the championship game until this year. The talented team took home the Spring 2010 A&E Softball League trophy.

Congratulations to the ZCA team: Chris Petrash, Gil Allen, Shawn Anderson, Matthew Zawacki, Jessica Zawacki, Chris Owens, Denny Simon, Sutton Simon, Jay Smith, Betza Smith, Larry Tello and Shane Herzog

To view photos of the Championship game click HERE