D CEO magazine presented awards in 15 categories at its third annual Commercial Real Estate Awards program, held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Here’s a look at those honored in the Excellence in Architecture and Interior Design category.
Winner: Corgan, led by Bob Morris
It’s hard to fathom the impact Corgan has had on shaping Dallas-Fort Worth over the years. Since its founding in 1938, the firm has completed more than 125 projects in downtown Dallas alone. Its broad capabilities extend to aviation, education, corporate, mission-critical, and healthcare facilities.
The firm’s impact rang out loud and clear in 2014, when Corgan was tapped to work on some of the highest-profile projects in the region. They include the new Parkland Hospital, Love Field Airport’s terminal modernization, and DFW International Airport’s terminal renovation and improvement program. In addition, Corgan was selected as the design architect, architect of record, and/or interior designer for a number of huge corporate projects, including the 2 million-square-foot State Farm campus at CityLine in Richardson, Toyota Motor North America’s headquarters at Legacy West in Plano, and 7-Eleven’s headquarters at Cypress Waters in Irving. It oversaw capital improvements at Bank of America Plaza and the renovation of Southwest Airlines’ headquarters. And it worked with several North Texas school districts to help them develop more than $1.6 billion of bond programs for new educational facilities.
To keep up with everything, Corgan’s staff grew by 38 percent in Dallas last year and 32 percent overall; the firm expects to have 500 people on board this year. Out of room at its West End headquarters, the company had to lease 14,000 square feet of nearby space to accommodate its growth. It’s a far cry from the 13 people who worked at Corgan when CEO Bob Morris joined the firm in 1978.
“Most of the leaders who built our firm over the past 20 years are here today, building the next several generations of leaders who will continue the legacy,” he says. ¶ When asked what has him most excited about Corgan’s future, Morris responds, “What doesn’t? The story of where we started to where we are tells me our potential has no boundaries that we ourselves haven’t created and can’t overcome.”
Finalist: BOKA Powell, led by Don Powell
BOKA Powell’s nearly 40-year tenure in North Texas architecture and interior design continued with distinction in 2014. The firm is known for creating compelling projects that are also efficient and sustainable, earning the trust of some of the most high-profile clients in North Texas. Last year, the firm worked on a headquarters expansion for Southwest Airlines, Granite Park IV in Plano, Alliance Town Center North for Hillwood, and Knoll Trail Plaza for Cawley Partners. It also designed Bandera Venture’s 8111 Westchester in Preston Center, a new home for the Las Colinas Association, and the highly anticipated Perot Family offices along Turtle Creek.
Finalist: Gensler, led by Judy Pesek
Gensler’s Dallas office grew by 58 percent last year. And it’s a good thing, because with its growing roster of projects, it needs help! Last year, Gensler was selected to work on some of the most exciting developments in the region, including the new headquarters for the Dallas Cowboys and event center at The Star in Frisco, and The Music Factory in Irving. Other 2014 projects include Top Golf’s headquarters, the Omni Frisco hotel, Preston Hollow Village, Park Lane, and Jones Day, as well as Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi, and BMW dealerships for Sewell. No wonder it went on a hiring spree!
Finalist: Staffelbach, led by Andre and Jo Heinz Staffelbach
A notable name in Dallas interior design for nearly 50 years, Staffelbach’s reach extends beyond the market to all 50 states. Last year, it even completed a project in Alaska! But its impact is felt greatest in Dallas-Fort Worth, where it helps clients achieve productivity and efficiency in beautiful spaces that are timeless in their appeal. Last year, when Crescent Real Estate scouted for a firm to oversee the 30-million-dollar renovation of its iconic Uptown property, The Crescent, it chose Staffebach. Santander USA also selected the firm to design its 12-floor corporate headquarters in Thanksgiving Tower. Other notable clients include Pandora and Epsilon.
To read profiles of all 51 winners and finalists, click here.
