About the Book
Over the last three decades, Curtis & Windham Architects has built a reputation as one of the country’s leading architecture firms, crafting some of the finest residences and buildings in Texas and transforming the city of Houston, particularly its River Oaks neighborhood, through a fresh and inventive approach to classical design. Unlike many notable architecture firms that are known for a singular style, Curtis & Windham is skilled in a variety of architectural vernaculars. They design residences that are suited not only to their clients’ lifestyles but to the place in which they stand. It’s their unique ability to translate history for modern living that distinguishes them as one of today’s most sought-after architecture firms. The projects featured in Building on Tradition demonstrate how Curtis & Windham bring the principles of traditional design to a variety of projects. The book also looks to the future as the practice continues to expand its architectural vocabulary with each and every client. As Mark Alan Hewitt writes in the Introduction, “Practicing in Texas, but looking for inspiration around the world, gave Curtis & Windham the opportunity to prove that talent and commitment to excellence are not confined to the so-called art centers in Europe or the Eastern U.S. They continue to surprise the architecture world with their superb design and craftsmanship, and this book won’t be the last to document their achievements.
About the Authors
William Curtis, a founding co-principal of Curtis & Windham Architects, began collaborating with partner Russell Windham in 1992, shortly after both parties relocated to Houston. Returning to their native Texas roots, they established a firm capable of expressing itself through a traditional and classical architectural language. Though their practice has grown considerably in the ensuing decades, this commitment to respecting and revitalizing the local historical context has not wavered. A graduate of the University of Texas, Curtis has lectured and participated as a critic at various architectural schools throughout the United States. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Texas School of Architecture. Curtis is a founding member of the Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. In 1999, he and Russell Windham received that organization’s highest honor, the Arthur Ross Award. His work has been published widely in several books and magazines, including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Décor, and the firms’ first monograph, A Vision of Place.
Russell Windham is a co-founder of award-winning architecture firm, Curtis & Windham Architects, along with Bill Curtis. Based in Houston, Texas, the firm comprises three independent but collaborative studios specializing in interiors, gardens, and landscapes and has received consecutive Palladio Awards and multiple John Staub Awards. They are also the recipient of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s highest honor, the Arthur Ross Award. Russell is a graduate of Texas Tech and has served as the President of the Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and the Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Curtis & Windham’s new book, Building on Tradition, is coming out from Rizzoli in fall 2024, and is a follow-up to their monograph, A Vision of Place, which came out in 2017. Their work has been featured in various publications, including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and many others. Russell regularly lectures on traditional architecture and is working on projects throughout the US and in England. He lives in Houston.
About The Charleston Show
The Charleston Show, now in its fifth year, presents a Collection of Antiques Contemporary Design, Fine Art & Jewelry. The Thursday evening Preview Party on March 19th benefits the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust. This gala opening event provides an opportunity to support the collections and preservation of the historic estate, as well as a chance for a first look at the antique show’s offerings. Open to the public Friday, March 20th, through Sunday, 22nd, the Charleston Show brings together 30 exhibitors from the United States, England, and Europe, showcasing the best period to mid-century furniture, traditional and contemporary art and ceramics, jewelry, folk art, oriental rugs, silver, prints and maps, garden and architectural antiques.
Please note that registrants’ contact information is collected for all partnering organizations.