M Architects LLC is a team of designers working from Houston, Texas. Their work reflects a context-driven dialogue in the design process and emphasizes careful attention to detail. Specializing in sustainable and energy-efficient solutions, they have been striving to create spaces that consider the well-being of the user. Having designed projects in commercial, healthcare, and education sectors, the team continually strives to find innovations in building materials and technology.
Here are 15 projects by M Architects LLC.
1. Walker engineering corporate headquarters, Houston, Texas | M Architects LLC
Built on a site that initially consisted of 20,000 sq ft office space, the new corporate headquarters was designed around the core idea of energy-efficient building. It took into consideration the employees’ well being. The strategies employed include allowing ample natural light, orienting the building based on climatic conditions, and communal workspaces.
2. M D Anderson Cancer Center
Sprawling over a 30,400 sq ft plot, the cancer center houses radiation oncology on the ground level and medical oncology on the first. Varying levels of privacy are created by a thoughtful composition of glazed walls and masonry. The neutral color scheme provides a relaxing environment for both the patients and the caretakers.
3. ETC Montessori
With a minimalistic color palette of brown and white, the Montessori aims to provide a cozy environment for a family-run consulting firm. The classrooms are characterized by wide open spaces and minimal furniture placed close to the walls, providing free space for the children to move around.
4. TD Industries Regional Office
By integrating off-grid energy solutions, the office is built entirely using the “tilt-wall” construction method. It boasts on-site water harvesting systems, a walking and cycling trail, vast landscapes, and a nature preserve with water features. The 58,000 sq ft office functions on open work areas and almost no private offices to allow uninterrupted communication between employees.
5. 1206 Nance – Architect’s Office | M Architects LLC
With a construction history running back to 1882, the gallery space functions as an architectural studio and a part-time art gallery. M Studio strived to retain the glory of its Victorian architecture, blending it with soft interiors. Exposed ceiling and brickwork provides a raw aesthetics while warm yellow light makes space a comfortable haven.
6. Scotty Caven Field Press Box
Designed around the idea of “attention to detail,” this 141 sq ft wide press box was constructed from a complex composite system of steel, prefabricated wood trusses, and structural masonry. A wrap-around wood screen fitted around the staircase provides natural cooling. The project emphasizes the intricate details of construction and material choice with interior cove lights, white oak wood floors, and birch plywood wall panels.
7. Bracewell Neighborhood Library
Being a LEED-certified project juxtaposing two different scales of spaces – a large scale freeway and a smaller scale of surrounding neighborhood. The design includes glass clerestory, creating a sense of openness and bringing the elements of the site visually into the building. In order to address the reader community, pedestrian elements and small outdoor spaces have been designed.
8. Morris Frank Library
The project’s primary goal was to introduce new spaces that facilitated the expanded access to computers and mixed media resources. A bold entrance courtyard and canopy serve as a statement to the library’s presence. The interior scheme follows primary colors that are used to create unmarked boundaries between various functions. Natural light is made available in abundance due to the surrounding glazing. Low voltage lights reduce the stress on energy usage.
9. Avance Head Start at Browning Elementary School
The project explores new avenues for the staff, children, and parents to feel comfortable. It introduces a unique solution to address the design of prefabricated modular structures. The “kit of parts” involves units fabricated from outside woven together with site-built elements to create a unique composition of spaces. A set of bold colors of red, black, and white pulls the attention towards the building, which sits surrounded by vast green fields.
10. Physicians Premier Bulverde | M Architects LLC
The medical facility was designed to bridge the area’s social infrastructure, connecting the underserved layer of the society with healthcare. As a statement reiterating the same idea, the project was designed to be an adaptive reuse of a defunct but primary commercial structure. The main element of the design is a canopy shelter made of steel frames, shading the lobby, which is left exposed to the exterior through a glass curtain wall. The building is constructed with materials available locally, such as wood, steel, and glass.
11. Physicians Premier Portland | M Architects LLC
Built on a plot of 8500 sq ft, the project brings new advanced healthcare into Corpus Christi Bay. Situated close to the coastal borders of Texas, the design is inspired by the surrounding context. Soothing but sophisticated interiors use a warm color palette, introducing a healing setting. Wooden louvers and floors provide an inviting look to the interiors.
12. Neighbors ER
The project reinvents the idea of a place for healing. Material structure and glazing mark a soothing interior. A double-height glazed entrance pavilion provides a sense of scale. Pastel-colored interiors, coupled with wooden flooring, makes the user rethink the spatial qualities of medical facilities.
13. St. Luke’s Community Medical Center
With this project, the client wanted the space to act like something more than just a gift shop situated in a hospital. Along with the retail element, the design also makes way to include computers, a pastry bar, and a newsstand. Strategically placed functions promote active engagement between various users.
14. Davila Elementary School
The design revolves around a simple idea of “Around the World by Sea.” Set in a circular plan, the spaces are divided into sectors, with each filling a different function. A circular stage in the middle of the plan serves as a nodal point. Colorful relief on this stage compels the children to hold their attention on it.
15. TSP Office | M Architects LLC
Integrating innovations in sustainable solutions, the office boasts an open office plan dotted with skylights. Enclosed offices open out through clerestory windows, letting in natural light into all working spaces.
