About
Rivers Barden Architects is a Houston-based architectural practice with a focus on residential, small commercial and civic projects.
We are deeply interested in how architecture can positively impact the quality of life for our clients and the surrounding environment.
We believe architecture performs best as a receptive and sustainable framework allowing life to unfold.
We strive to listen, observe and respond to the needs of our clients, the specifics of the site, and the unique qualities of each project.
People
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.
Awards + Citations
October, 2018
2018 Design Communication Association Biennial Juried Exhibition
Martha Van Rensselaer Gallery, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2018 Design Communication Conference
March, 2017
ArkxSite – Site Dwelling Competition
Honorable Mention
Site Dwelling Winners
December, 2016
ArchDaily – 2016 Architecture Holiday Card Challenge
Favorite
Holiday Card Best Submissions
Community + Nonprofit Organizations
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
Contact
718 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
(281) 845-9801, info@riversbarden.com
Colophon
Design: Studio Ummo
Theme: Lay by Armin Unruh
Typeface: NB International by Neubau
© 2020 Rivers Barden Architects, PLLC. All rights reserved.