WHR Architects Ramping Up for 2013

01/02/2013 | WHR Architects

WHR Architects has emerged from the recent economic tumult strong and poised to take on the challenges of 2013 with renewed energy and fresh ideas.

The past two years have been difficult for many healthcare and institutional architecture firms, including nationally recognized WHR. The Affordable Care Act coupled with economic and political uncertainty fueled a great deal of speculation including rumors of mergers and acquisitions between architectural firms. Because of the firm’s long-standing relationships with some of the nation’s leading healthcare providers and important institutions for higher education, Houston-based WHR has been the focus of a number of such rumors.

“While we are flattered by the wide-spread interest in our firm, we also recognize that it is important to be clear in communicating our current status,” said David Watkins, FAIA, WHR Chairman. “Though we have been contacted by several reputable large design firms, WHR is not for sale and we are not being acquired by another architectural firm. We are proud of our accomplishments over our 33 year history and equally excited about the next 33 years as Houston’s largest institutional design firm.”

Among the assets of the firm are an impressive group of experienced professionals and an enviable array of long-term clients but perhaps more importantly, the practice has nurtured a talented younger generation of leaders ready to continue the legacy of the firm. “In the coming years, WHR’s senior leadership will progressively pass the baton as the next generation of talent takes on increasing responsibility for that future,” said Watkins.

“The challenges facing our clients in the coming years require a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the market, a commitment to innovation and quality and a belief in the power of design and planning to reshape the future of our institutions,” Watkins adds.

The depth of talent, knowledge-driven approach to design and dedicated client service position WHR well as the firm continues to work closely with clients at the Texas Medical Center, where they have designed more than 10 million square feet of healthcare related facilities including flagship projects for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center and Prairie View A&M College of Nursing.

Among WHR’s clients outside of Texas are Stamford Health System in Connecticut, Meridian Health in New Jersey, and REX/UNC Healthcare in North Carolina. WHR is working in several states for healthcare organizations including CHRISTUS Health and Trinity Health systems. 

WHR’s portfolio of projects for higher education includes the design of facilities on multiple campuses for The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Texas State University System, Sam Houston State University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Saint Thomas University.

WHR Architects is a full service architecture, interior design and technology planning firm. The firm’s commitment to critical thinking is balanced by an ingrained empathy that results in both improved project outcomes and positive working experiences for their clients. With over 130 people in Houston and Dallas, Texas, Washington DC and New Jersey, the 33-year-old firm is working on projects throughout the US for top–tier public and private education and medical institutions. WHR was named the 2008 AIA Houston Firm of the Year and 2010 IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Pinnacle Firm of the Year. Learn more online at www.whrarchitects.com or follow @whrarchitects on Twitter.