Art and Design
Marcus Martinez is a Houston-based Illustrator whose work has reached beyond architecture into diverse areas such as design, medical technology, and urbanism. Joe and Kevin sat down with Marcus to discuss his early influences and experiences in architecture and design, his sketching process, and what excites him about his work as an illustrator.
Set against the rugged backdrop of West Texas, this renovation transforms a simple home into a serene retreat immersed in mountain and sky. Expansive glazing captures shifting light and distant peaks, while covered outdoor spaces invite connection to the land’s quiet rhythms.
Culture and Community
In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden sit down with Casey Pavek, a bicycle mechanic from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Casey Pavek is a general manager and lead bicycle mechanic at Venture North, a coffee and bike shop located in North Minneapolis. Joe and Kevin sat down with Casey to discuss adapting a bike shop to fitting a community's needs and the positive impact that a bike shop brings.
Writing
As the architectural historian Paul Oliver aptly puts it, “All forms of vernacular architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the values, economies, and ways of life of the cultures that produce them.” In this article, we will explore the various dimensions of architectural vernacular and why it is essential for crafting designs that resonate with the heart and soul of Houston and the Gulf Coast.