May 2, 2013
Studio RED Architects was selected by the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston to design the new worship center for St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church in Southwest Houston. The new church building came as a much awaited blessing to parishioners who had been worshiping in a temporary space for the last forty years. The 10,000 square foot building accommodates seating for 500 worshipers and celebrates the diversity and faith of the congregation with its unique dove shape.
When explaining this unique feature, Studio RED project designer Pete Ed Garrett said, “[The dove shape] represents peace and the Holy Spirit. An underlying theme for the project was to unite the different groups within the parish under one roof for worship. Although the symbolism is quite beautiful, the form of the building also creates wonderful opportunities for light and views which fill the church with life and energy which is unique among other parishes in Houston.”
To create a design that captured the spirit of the congregation while also meeting their practical needs, Pete Ed Garrett collaborated with church members. He also examined plans of new chapels for other Catholic churches around Houston to get an understanding of the project’s character and liturgical requirements. For size and proportion of the initial scheme, he reviewed chapel plans for the Fellowship of the Woodlands, another Studio RED worship facility design.
St. Benedict’s new worship center was dedicated on March 9, 2013 by Archbishop Fiorenza, one of the parish’s original priests.
Comments Off
Studio RED was selected to design the renovations for Alley Theatre in downtown Houston, Texas. The renovation is the theater’s first since opening in 1968, and is part of a $73 million capital campaign. The campaign is meant to ultimately enhance the audience experience and to attract some of the world’s finest actors, playwrights and other stage professionals.
While the iconic building at 615 Texas Ave. sees 393 performances annually and has hosted more than 8 million visitors in its 45 years, artistic director Gregory Boyd recognizes it’s time for a change. “The production style in the ‘60s was not big on scenery,” he said. “Most new theaters built at that time did not have wing space, fly space or a system of traps under the stage- the traditional means of having anything slide on stage from the side, fly in from overhead, or rise from under the stage. Many other theaters built in the same time have since been renovated to make them more flexible. But our main stage has had no major renovation since it opened. And technology has advanced light years in that time.”
The design, created by Studio RED partner Pete Ed Garrett, features a lobby with a skyline view, new audience amenities such as new seats and more seating for the disabled, new flooring and carpeting throughout public areas, double the restroom space, and a larger main stage fully equipped with a fly loft, wing space and an under stage trap system. The renovations also include a cleaning of the building’s exterior to restore its original color, and new air conditioning, plumbing and sprinkler systems.
After comparing the successful renovation of other comparable theaters, such as The Vivian Beaumont at Lincoln Center, Boyd is satisfied that the new design and planning will serve them well. “The result,” he said, “will be a theater that’s more flexible, light on its feet and better for the audience.”
Comments Off
April 19, 2013
Studio RED Architects designed the new Watershed Church of League City. The church held its Grand Opening in February of 2013, celebrating the fruition of 2.5 years of collaboration and work to create a facility that reflects the dedication to community embodied by the organization. Studio Red Architects designed the new 11,000 s.f. space to include a worship space for 300, bible study rooms, office space, and parking areas. The design also incorporated classrooms for children and young adults, in addition to nursery space.
The Watershed Church first began in the living room of Pastor Matt Neely. It started with a few individuals, namely the Pastor, his family, and close friends. The love, compassion, and commitment to community of the church soon attracted growing numbers. The Watershed Church held weekly worship in a local school before looking to establish a dedicated space for faith and worship that could accommodate the growing congregation. A primary focus was to create a space that enabled growth and change, both within the Church and in the greater community.
Studio RED Architects began the design process in September of 2010, after meeting with the Watershed Church Master Planning Team. In addition to crafting adaptable spaces, the design team closely followed the guidelines of the surrounding Tuscan Lakes community to create an affordable and welcoming space on 11.5 acres of land in League City. The new facilities sit on a serene stretch of land with trees and open green spaces contributing to the overall aesthetic of the surrounding buildings.
The award winning architecture firm has experience designing other worship facilities including Lakewood Church, Champion Forest Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, and St. Benedict the Abbot Catholic Church, in addition to working with non-profit groups to design a variety of other facilities.
Comments Off
January 16, 2013
Studio RED Architects designed the Highland Village Pinkberry frozen yogurt shop location. Construction on the new location was completed in September 2012.
Pinkberry has experienced tremendous growth over the past 8 years. The company first opened in West Hollywood in 2005 and has now grown to over 170 stores throughout North America, South America, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. The new Pinkberry yogurt shop in Highland Village is the 3rd Pinkberry location in Houston, following the Clear Lake/Webster and The Woodlands locations. Meredith Emory, franchisee of Pinkberry, comments, “We were very patient for the right real estate,” on the choice for the Highland Village location.
Studio RED Architects implemented the trademark Pinkberry store concept design for the new location. The Houston-based architecture firm designed the 1,000 s.f. Pinkberry location to include the trademark green trellis on the façade of the building in addition to incorporating as much glass as possible into the design. The biggest challenge was to upgrade the existing exterior building to accommodate the designs of two separate tenants, one being Pinkberry. The design team worked with Pinkberry’s Matthew Emory to accommodate the designs of both tenants within the space.
A primary goal in the design process of the new Pinkberry shop was to transform the existing mission style building to mirror the contemporary personality of Highland Village. Trung Doan, partner at Studio RED Architects reports, “We transformed a building that was slowly disappearing amongst the modern character of River Oaks into a fresh, current point of view for Pinkberry.”
The new Pinkberry shop boasts a fresh, sleek exterior that matches the vitality of the surrounding area.
Studio RED Architects experience in retail design includes Brennan’s Restaurant, Zig’s, Memorial City Mall, Blue Martini, The Shops at Houston Center, in addition to other works around the city.
Comments Off
January 14, 2013
Construction for Odyssey Now nail salon was completed in October of 2012. The new 1,500 s.f. salon accommodates 16 total manicure and pedicure stations, in addition to a runway for fashion shows and parties. Studio RED Architects also designed a state of the art filtering system and retail display for the salon.
The Houston-based firm worked closely with Odyssey Now to create a wholly unique space. Ami Westbrook, project architect at Studio RED Architects, found that Trang Nguyen and Van Luu of Odyssey Now “wanted the space to be hip, cool and fresh, unlike any other nail salon.” The salon’s design, from the sky-imaged ceiling to the rounded white surfaces, encompasses these ideas.
Odyssey Now’s retail display includes built-ins situated on both walls of the salon, illuminated with color changing LED lights. The salon’s manicure area is a central island, with a separate pedicure area nestled in the back of the new space. “The illusion of a runway was created with different colored flooring and is mimicked above in the ceiling, which features a sky image printed on fabric,” says Westbrook.
Trang Doan, partner at Studio RED Architects, attributes close collaboration with the successful actualization of the fresh and welcoming new space. “When it comes to design, it’s all about collaboration” says Doan. “When you collaborate within the team and the clients, you get them involved in the process and the outcome is comprehensive and encompasses the dreams of the design.”
Studio RED Architects initiated the project in February 2012 and completed it in October 2012. The award-winning architecture firm’s experience in retail design extends to projects with Liberty Plaza, Memorial City Mall, Brazos Mall, Moody Gardens and the Houston Center.
Comments Off
January 9, 2013
Overview
Studio RED Architects was selected to design the Houston Saudi Consulate general office. This opportunity came after Studio RED Architects was invited by the Saudi Arabian Consulates to design a new office building with available residential living on the campus. Out of four architect firms invited to present design proposals, Studio RED Architects, the smallest of the architecture firms to participate, was selected by the Saudi Arabian Consulates.
Saudi Arabian Consulates
The Saudi Arabian Consulates of Houston, Texas are appointed by their government to represent their government’s commercial interests and assist its citizens in the area. The office will act as a place to integrate the Saudi Arabian culture, business and government needs, as well as, a place for residential purposes.
Studio RED Architects
Studio RED Architects have designed and managed commercial, cultural and residential projects with a philosophy that fosters creative collaboration between the architect and client.
Trung Doan, AIA, is a found partner of Studio RED Architects and has accumulated over 16 years of design expertise. Being the partner in charge of overseeing the design process of the Saudi Consulate general office, said “We designed the buildings with a heavy influence on historical, Islamic culture. The experience and usability of the building was our main priority, because a building doesn’t have to be grand to have a big impact.”
Challenge: Studio RED Architects approached the proposal in August 2011 with a plan that creatively integrated the Saudi Arabian culture into the building design.
Solution: The Houston-based architecture firm’s winning design includes the Islamic culture with residential usability that accommodates the Saudi Arabian consul.
“The open design of the building allows for natural light to come in but still allows for privacy for the residents of the campus,” says Doan.
The building will hold a strong purpose in Houston for the Saudi Arabian community. The Studio RED Architects design will represent the consul and stand as a diplomatic building.
Comments Off
Overview
The Salvation Army awarded the Studio RED Architects the International Corps Community Center project. The project is set to be completed in 2014 and will consist of a 32,000 s.f. facility that will make a huge impact on the youth, adults and senior citizens in the Houston area.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has an impressive history and reputation for being an organization that honors charitable actions and religion. Houston opened its doors to The Salvation Army in 1889 and continues to provide services, facilities and enhanced programs that renew the mission.
Mission statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
At The Salvation Army there are 6 Corps/Community Centers that give the youth a safe environment to learn, stay positive, motivate and provide them with leadership skills. The Salvation Army of Greater Houston is committed to engaging and enriching the lives of the youth with positive activities like sports, homework sessions and mentoring opportunities. The Youth Programs/Boys & Girls Club services are offered in the following locations: Aldine Westfield, Montgomery County, Garden City, Pasadena Corps, Temple Corps, Northwest Corps and International Corps.
The International Corps Community Center
The International Corps Community Center is a center of worship for the Asian community with church services in English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. The Center provides a full range of services that stay true to The Salvation Army mission but with the growing popularity they needed to upgrade the facility. The Salvation Army sent requests for proposals in order to hire someone to design the new 32,000 s.f. facility.
Studio RED Architects
The Studio RED Architects have provided quality architecture, excellent design, outstanding project management and superior service in past worship facility projects. With over 20 years of design and renovation experience in worship centers, education buildings, chapels and campuses the partners and associates at Studio RED Architects submitted a conceptual package to The Salvation Army in October 2011 in hopes of winning the project. In February 2012, Studio RED Architects was awarded the project and started the schematic design in March.
“I have been fortunate to have been involved in many worship facilities, big and small, which have given me the much needed insight and experience for such a highly, awarded task for The Salvation Army,” said Trung Doan, partner at Studio RED Architects. “The collaborative nature of the design process for The Salvation Army allows us to work closely with the client, contractors, consultants and local code jurisdictions to ensure that all of their needs are met and designed accordingly.”
Challenge: Design a new 32,000 s.f. International Corps Community Center with a $4.16 million budget that will house youth activities, a chapel and other community
Solution: Studio RED Architects designed the facility to include classrooms, a computer lab, a library, administrative offices with a conference room, a 350 seat chapel, a multi-purpose gymnasium, a 200 occupant fellowship room, a music room and kitchen. The site is also designed to include multi-use activity fields, with playgrounds for pre-k and elementary school age children. The facility is located on a 10 acre site on Cook Road in Southwest Houston, Texas. Parking for approximately 150+ cars and infrastructure for future expansion and/or emergency use during disaster recoveries are included in the design.
Studio RED Architects is in the process of coordinating with multiple levels of The Salvation Army organization as they seek direction and approvals for the worship facility.
Comments Off
November 8, 2012
Overview
Studio RED Architects designed renovation plans and updates for St. Peters UMC of Katy, Texas. The project is to be complete in 2013 and will include additions to the existing worship facility for all ministry groups including children, students, adults, music and traditional worship.
St. Peters UMC
St. Peters was established in June 1977 with just a small group of 17 dedicated individuals who met together in the West Memorial Elementary School. Today, there are over 3,500 members of St. Peters and it has become a cornerstone of faith for the Katy Christian community.
The first services were held in their own building in 1980 and consisted of 3 temporary buildings along with the use of Taylor High School for adult Sunday school classes. The Wesley Building was completed in August 1991 for office space and housed the church library. The year 1995 marked an important time for St. Peters because their current sanctuary building was complete and met the needs of more than 3,000 members. The new building provided space for a nursery facility, adult education classrooms, a music complex and a parlor/bridal room. The addition of a children’s education building was completed along with the addition of a church office area in 2003.
With a growing congregation, St. Peters decided that it was time to renovate and expand their facility.
Studio RED Architects
Studio RED Architects has a strong history of worship facility design including Lakewood Church, Faithbridge Church, Second Baptist Church West Campus, Fellowship of the Woodlands and Fountain of Praise. Every worship facility has its own unique design that reflects the community and specific needs of the church. At Studio RED Architects, they understand that every worship facility is unique and deserves individual attention.
Studio RED Architects met with St. Peters UMC in August 2011 to plan the space additions and updates to the existing worship facility for all ministry groups. Studio RED Architects was selected to renovate St. Peters UMC based on its reputation and expertise designing sustainable and recognized worship facilities. The least intrusive methods of construction were put in order so the church could maintain regular ministry schedules.
Challenge: Renovate and update the existing worship facility to expand and give more space for the congregation to grow.
Solution: The new children’s building will accommodate ECDC and assembly space for the children’s church, “Splash.” Renovating the student building will give St. Peters more classroom space, a coffee bar and multi-purpose assembly space for student worship and recreation. The new music facility design will give St. Peters’ choir rehearsal space, music ministry offices, a music library and storage. Lastly, the sanctuary renovation will expand the Chapel to better serve traditional worship services and will increase choir space. The addition of a ramp will make the Chapel accessible.
“It is very rewarding to develop solutions where the church members have input and to see their excitement when they realize their ideas have helped improve the design,” said Sheila Rowley, project manager of the St. Peters UMC project. “We not only provided spaces that are appropriate and supportive of each specific ministry but maintained flexibility for future growth and change.”
Comments Off
November 7, 2012
Overview
Studio RED Architects provided design services for a new 36,000 s.f. addition to the Mims Baptist Church existing sanctuary building. The project is set to be completed August 2013 and will provide multi-functional services for the church.
Mims Baptist Church
The church began in 1933 with just 14 attendees and was first known as the First Baptist Church of Humble Camp and was located at the old Youens Switch on the Santa Fe Railroad east of town on which Jefferson Chemical Company is now located.
In January 1944, the First Baptist Church of Humble Camp met to discuss a movement to expand the church to a bigger location. Mr. and Mrs. Ira B. Mims offered to deed the church 3 acres of their land on Porter Road. As a gift to the Mims family, the congregation voted to change the church’s name to Mims Memorial Baptist Church in honor of the deceased love ones of the Mims family. Through the years, new additions, classrooms, worship centers, nurseries and sanctuaries were built.
The newest addition will give the Mims Baptist Church more space to grow and opportunities they didn’t have before.
Studio RED Architects
Studio RED Architects has over 20 years of design and renovation experience with worship centers, education buildings and chapels. The award-winning architect firm researches the character of each church, its thought process and ministry in order to meet the unique needs of each church culture. Studio RED Architects’ previous design work includes Lakewood Church, Faithbridge Church, Second Baptist Church West Campus, Fellowship of the Woodlands and First Baptist Church Friendswood. Each design project has its unique features and challenges.
Challenge: Design a new addition for the Mims Baptist Church that will give the church a multi-functional space and provide more space for children’s ministry.
Solution: Studio RED Architects designed a 36,000 s.f. addition to their existing sanctuary building. The addition includes a banquet room and children’s classrooms. The banquet room will hold church-wide functions seating upwards of 600 people. The addition needed to be multi-functional to accommodate bible study classes for senior adults, Wednesday night meal and children’s activities, as well as wedding receptions and other community events. The new facility will also give the Mims Baptist Church staff expanded administrative space.
Once the new addition is complete, the Mims Baptist Church and Studio RED Architects will begin work on a 50,000 s.f. renovation of the existing fellowship building. The renovation to the building will accommodate the junior high and high school students as well as young adult classrooms.
“Our experience in designing and renovating worship facilities has enabled us to have a sensitive level of understanding of our church clients,” said Studio RED Architects partner Pete Ed Garrett. “By listening to the client and researching the culture of the church, we can create a strategy that will support each church’s unique ministries and growth.” Partner Pete Ed Garrett, AIA has over 28 years of award-winning architecture and design experience in the religious, university, public and private sector with an emphasis in entertainment, performing arts centers and public assembly facilities.
Comments Off
November 6, 2012
Overview
Studio RED Architects designed a new 18,000 s.f. worship facility for Katy Community Fellowship in Katy, Texas, set to be completed by August 2013. The new worship facility will give the fellowship a permanent home for worship, children and student activities.
Katy Community Fellowship
Katy Community Fellowship was founded in 1999 with Tim and Polly Barker and sixteen people who began to sense God calling them to start a community in the Katy. After just three months, the group adopted the name Katy Community Fellowship and began preparations to launch a church in January 2000.
After searching for a place to plant the church, they found AMC 20 Theatre at the Katy Mills Mall and agreed that it was the perfect place to house worship on the weekends. They also opened “The Crossing,” a 4,500 s.f. facility located in the heart of Katy in Katy Station, which houses offices, a youth area, fellowship hall and a meeting room to hold bible studies, church events and youth and children’s ministry during the week.
While the Katy Mills Mall and “The Crossing” served as great beginning locations, the Katy Community Fellowship needed a permanent place to call home. In 2005, with a growing congregation of over 300 followers, Katy Community Fellowship began plans for a new property of their own. The new space would give them room to grow but still need to be located in Katy near all of their followers. They wanted to continue their commitment to their original mission and now have a 7 acre tract of land east of the mall, less than I mile away .
Studio RED Architects
Studio RED Architects has a strong history of worship facility design including Air Force Village Chapel, Faithbridge Church, Fellowship of the Woodlands and Houston’s First Baptist Church. Every worship facility has its own unique design that reflects the community and specific needs of the church. At Studio RED Architects they understand that every worship facility needs to meet the specific needs of the church culture.
In 2011, Studio RED Architects was hired by Katy Community Fellowship to design a new worship facility that would build awareness and allow for expansion of the fellowship.
Challenge: Design a new worship facility that would encompass the fellowships’ sense of community and worship style while allowing them to welcome the growing Katy community to a permanent home for worship.
Solution: Studio RED Architects provided a design for a new 18,000 s.f. worship facility in Katy, Texas that allowed the church to hire a design/build contractor to cost-effectively maximize square footage in comparison to the conventional process of design and construction. The worship facility will open new doors for the fellowship and will be completed August 2013.
“The most striking feature of the new worship facility is the double cross in the glass and wall at the sanctuary space. It will be illuminated at night and is sited on the corner of Kingsland Boulevard for maximum visibility,” Pete Ed Garrett, partner at Studio RED Architects, states about the design.
Studio RED Architects has also acted as project manager guiding Katy Community Fellowship through the process of design criteria and selection of design build contractor which will result in the most efficient and economical solution for the client.
“We are working closely with the Pastor, Tim Barker, and the congregation so we can design a worship facility that not only has a campus feel but promotes learning at all ages. Studio RED Architects also planned for the worship site to include a one acre prayer garden for the church body and neighbors nearby,” said Garrett.
Comments Off
Older Posts »
|
