Joe Rivers, AIA, LEED AP bd+c

Joe Rivers is a founding principal at Rivers Barden Architects. He has previously worked at Gensler and other small firms in both Houston and North Carolina. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco as well as the University of Houston.

Now, a licensed architect, Joe began as a laborer for a general contractor, working his way up to carpenter, before returning to school and finishing his architectural studies. He holds a Master of Architecture from North Carolina State in Raleigh, a Master of Construction Management from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University in College Station. He apprenticed at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture for a year, and studied at the Prague Institute for a semester.

Joe and his wonderful wife bought and renovated the house he grew up in, where they now live with their two dogs. He enjoys cooking and canoeing in his spare time.

Kevin Barden, AIA

Kevin Kevin Barden is a founding principal of Rivers Barden Architects. Prior to Rivers Barden, Kevin worked for Atelier Peter Zumthor and Partner, Olson Kundig Architects as well as firms in Minnesota, San Francisco, and Houston.

Beyond the professional realm, Kevin serves as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Houston. Previously he has taught at Prairie View A&M University, the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and The School of Architecture at Taliesin.

Kevin received a Master of Architecture from the Chur Institute of Architecture in association with the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Dessau, Germany and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota. Prior to completing his undergraduate studies, he was an apprentice at Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd School of Architecture in Scottsdale, Arizona and Spring Green, Wisconsin. He is a licensed architect in the states of California and Texas.

Kevin and his wife enjoy traveling near and far as well as going on walks with their dog; a “porky” Yorkie named Brinkley who prefers his food peppered with parmesan cheese.

Rivers Barden Architects works with and supports the following community and nonprofit organizations:

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
US Green Building Council (USGBC)
The Fulfillment Project
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Menil Collection
Taliesin Fellows
West U Rotary / Rotary International
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church