Austin-Based Sanders Architecture Joins Overland Partners Expanding Texas Influence
AUSTIN (April 16, 2024) – Sanders Architecture joins Overland Partners, creating a new Austin office and unprecedented impact for the firm with an already growing influence in Austin, through nearly 20 existing and ongoing projects throughout the area. With current offices in Dallas, Denver and New York, the addition of an Austin office for the San Antonio-based firm, completes a core trio inside Texas. These three hubs will magnify Overland’s authentic design voice and presence in the Austin market, while extending the transformative work Overland Partners is undertaking across the state.
“We have long admired Chris Sanders and the team he molded at Sanders Architecture. Before the founder’s sudden passing, his team had created an impressive portfolio of both residential and commercial work,” said Adam Bush, AIA, President, Overland Partners. “Their collaborative approach to design allows a seamless transition into the Overland team while adding more depth and dimension to our design practice. We’re eager to continue to build upon Sanders’ work in Austin.”
Catherine Craig, AIA, now a Lead Architect for Overland and one of Sanders’ former Principals stated, “Overland’s commitment to sustainability, teamwork, and exceptional design matches the values we’ve cultivated at Sanders Architecture. This transition allows us to continue providing excellent service to our clients and opens exciting new opportunities for our team’s personal and professional growth.”
“The addition of this team truly brings to life our mission to impact not only Texas, but also broadening our substantial international reach to influence the larger world through the practice of architecture,” remarked Bryan Trubey, FAIA, leader of Overland Partners Dallas office. “This move is about integrating new talent with standards and expertise aligned with our own, to enrich the contributions we can make together in the future.”
Overland’s growth has been organically propelled by its reputation for excellence in design and sustainability, commitment to relationships, and a common set of core values. The firm’s initial project (in the 1990s) became known as a prototype for sustainable building design, Austin’s beloved Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Overland continues to set sustainability benchmarks with dozens of high-performance buildings designed in the years since including The University of Texas at Austin’s Student Activity Center, Liberal Arts Building, and Geosciences Building. The comprehensive renovation of the historic Austin Community College Rio Grande Campus, landmark Building 1000 demonstrates Overland’s dedication to sustainability and community. Austin’s Fierce Whiskers Distillery showcases the firm’s ability to weave together science, craft and design. The completion of artist Ellsworth Kelly’s final masterwork, Austin, communicates Overland’s ability to use artistry to create human connections.
“What we have been most excited about is to see our shared core values of integrity, design excellence, and sustainability,” added now Overland Senior Architect, Emily Kettlewell, AIA. “This transition allows us to carry on the vision to create approachable and deliberately designed spaces that bring dignity to their inhabitants.”
The new office will combine existing Overland staff in Austin with the new team of seven (6 architects and designers and a support person) previously with Sanders.
“This tremendous opportunity brings Overland a cohesive team of talented individuals who are well respected and fit paradigmatically into our culture,” said Tim Blonkvist, FAIA one of the founding principals of Overland.
“The welcome we have received has been incredible”, added Jena Hammond Nichols, AIA, now Lead Architect at Overland Partners. “Our team is grateful for this opportunity to continue fostering our personal and professional relationships in the Austin community and beyond, and we look forward to designing beautiful and meaningful work as a part of the Overland team.”
Craig, Kettlewell and Nichols’ past and ongoing projects embody the design ethos of both firms. These include revitalizing the historic Maverick building in the heart of San Antonio’s Southtown, developing a sustainable learning center in Wimberley, Camp Young Judaea, and planning a Texas hillside home and guest house on 350 acres, known as Rockin’ 8 Ranch.
OVERLAND PARTNERS ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN
Overland Partners, an internationally acclaimed architecture firm, brings together diverse talents to deliver comprehensive design services in architecture, master planning, and urban design throughout the world. Renowned for their collaborative approach and sensitivity to environmental and aesthetic contexts, Overland thoughtfully integrates technology, art, and craft to create innovative, and sustainable solutions that care for the earth, promote well-being, and elevate the human experience. An Architect Top 50 Firm, Overland has received more than 200 international and national design awards and has been widely published at home and abroad. For more information, visit www.overlandpartners.com.
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