ARCHITEXAS - Key Persons
David Chase, AIA LEEP AP is an architect and principal of Architexas. Since joining Architexas in 1996, Mr. Chase has participated at every level of the design process on a wide variety of rehabilitation and restoration projects. He has gained extensive experience in building condition diagnostics, surveying and documentation, design and project management and leads the firm's quality control program. David's project experience includes award-winning projects such as Fair Park in Dallas, the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Sulphur Springs Post Office and the bell tower reconstruction at Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe. In addition to these projects, Mr. Chase has led a number of the firm's courthouse restorations under the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and serves as the Chair for the Fair Park Task Force that serves the City of Dallas Landmark Commission. David is a graduate of University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture and currently resides in Richardson with his two children Caden and Kallen.
Job Titles:
- Principal Austin
- Principal Dallas
Alexis McKinney, AIA LEED AP B+C is an architect with a diverse background of project types ranging from the restorations of historic Texas Courthouses, a partial restoration of the San Jacinto Monument, numerous projects from planning through rehabilitation within Camp Mabry's historic district or within historic downtowns, rehabilitations of historically designated building, or commercial and educational . Her focus on historic buildings started with HABS level documentation projects of Pointe du Hoc, France and Sharrock-Niblo Farm, Dallas. She is actively engaged in statewide activities to share the importance of historic structures in the built environment through committee participation with Texas Society of Architects, the Dallas AIA, and a board position with Texas Dance Hall Preservation. She enjoys architectural photography and has contributed to the Buildings of Texas book series. Alexis teaches preschool Sunday school and is slowly renovating her home with husband Chris, sons August and Edwin, and two corgi dogs.
Andrew joined Architexas in 2015 after graduating from Iowa State University. As an Architectural Intern, Andrew has worked on several notable projects such as 601 Munger Rehabilitation in Dallas' West End District, Mid Elm Lofts and a downtown storefront restoration in McKinney, TX. Andrew is currently an AIA Associate member and a member of Preservation Dallas. Mr. Wallace strives to learn something new every day in this complicated, multifaceted profession called architecture. He developed a passion for historic preservation while working in his father's woodworking shop, helping to build windows for restored courthouses and main street buildings. Andrew enjoys building his own furniture and capturing the built environment around him through photography.
Anna joined Architexas in 2023 after graduating from Texas A&M University, from which she holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in political science. Despite a lifelong love for history, culture, and funky spaces, it took her until 2020 to realize her passion was historic architecture. During her life as a pre-designer, Anna was a writer and political science student. It was during these years that she developed a love for stories, context, and good data that she brings to her work today. She enjoys art, baking, reading, writing, the NYT Crossword, travel, trivia, and color-coded calendars. Anna lives in Uptown with her cat, Hilda.
Anne joined Architexas in 2008 after having received her Masters of Architecture and Certificate in Historic Preservation from Texas A&M University. At Architexas, Anne serves as a preservation architect and project manager that leads the production team in Revit documentation for a wide variety of projects ensuring accurate and efficient production of design documents according to historic standards. Notable projects include the restoration and addition to Sulphur Springs City Hall, restoration of Cass County Courthouse, and rehabilitation of Factory 603 in collaboration with Good, Fulton, and Ferrell. Her role in projects across Texas ensures the development and subsequent management of strong relationships between the firm, its clients and a variety of specialty consultants. Anne also serves on the CBD/West End and Individual Site Task Force for the Dallas Landmark Commission and is a member of Preservation Dallas. Anne and her husband, Russ, reside in their hometown, Hurst, with their two children Emma and Ben and their pup, Maya. In her free time she loves getting together with family and friends, baking, and working out.
Avy joined the Architexas staff in 2023 as the firm's local Marketing Manager. Prior to joining Architexas, Avy has worked in the AEC industry for the last 2 years, developing skills in both creative marketing and marketing strategy. Avy specializes in the creation of company brand identity, conducting market research and analysis, web design and development, and business data analytics. In her free time, she is currently pursuing her master's degree and is passionate about public service. She loves playing music, performing comedy or dance, and being creative whenever and wherever she can!
Job Titles:
- Senior Principal
- Senior and Founding Principal
Craig Melde is a Senior and Founding Principal of Architexas. Mr. Melde graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and in 1978 created Architexas with two other partners. Prior to forming Architexas, Mr. Melde worked in the City of Dallas' planning department where he participated in the formulation of the city's historic preservation program. Since those early years, Mr. Melde's experience has been heavily concentrated on redevelopment projects in the re-emerging downtown Dallas market including the Joule Hotel and public and institutional work including restoration of many significant buildings at Fair Park, a National Historic Landmark site. The firm's award-winning work for the City of Dallas and for multiple historic county courthouse restoration projects throughout Texas has earned the firm its reputation in the state for historic preservation work. He has experience with city historic preservation tax incentives and the Federal and State of Texas Certified Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs which requires a working knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. He uses his creativity to assist owners to find contemporary and sustainable architectural solutions while preserving the historical and architectural integrity of historic properties. Mr. Melde has served on the Dallas Landmark Commission and is a Board Member of Preservation Dallas and also currently serving on the Downtown Dallas, Inc. -Transportation Sub-Committee. Since 1980, Mr. Melde has served on the Lutheran Church Extension Fund- Commission on Architecture which advises Lutheran churches across Texas on their building projects. Mr. Melde is also a local developer of historic properties. Mr. Melde rehabilitated two historic buildings that were owned by the City of Dallas that were scheduled for demolition. One was a relocation and reconstruction of an 1895 masonry commercial building relocated to the Farmer's Market area. Mr. Melde is a Dallas native and lives in a restored 1916 Prairie Style home with wife Becky.
Dana Ridenour joined the Architexas Design Staff in 2022 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she received her Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Preservation Studies. During her time in New Orleans, she studied design and preservation side by side with the historic city serving as a perfect backdrop to deepen her love of history, art, and architecture. While in school, Dana was involved in her University's AIAS chapter and worked for the Tulane University Planning office, where she helped advance campus improvement projects and update documentation of historic campus buildings. Since starting at Architexas, she has assisted with numerous projects including Master Planning for the Sebastopol House. In her free time Dana enjoys painting and trying new restaurants, and is looking forward to continuing to explore the city of Austin.
Fritz Knoll joined Architexas in 2020 as Design Staff. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the Syracuse University School of Architecture in 2003.
Prior to joining Architexas, Fritz has worked on various project types from commercial, retail, hospitality, to residential in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Maine. His body of work includes the Samsung Experience in Columbus Circle NYC, American Express Member Club Flagship, Saleen Retail Store, the Aston Martin Dealership rebrand in North America, Gansevoort Hotel Las Vegas, Live TV Headquarters, Bell Canada's Vancouver Winter Olympic Offices, as well as various single-family residential projects in Napa, California and Midcoast Maine.
At Architexas, Fritz is working on a variety of projects throughout the state of Texas by providing building documentation, design, and drawing production. Fritz is learning the intricacies of conservation/restoration/renovation while building on his unique knowledge of hospitality management that he accrued as a Chef and business owner for over a decade. He is utilizing these skills on such current projects as the Alamo BBQ expansion, Bakery Lorraine Lavaca Neighborhood location, and looking forward to more hospitality project opportunities.
Fritz is drawn to design because it is collaborative, creative, and fosters innovation. He is interested in contributing to a better future by using architecture as a 3-dimensional solution in constructing successful and thriving communities.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing
- Associate, Director of Marketing Dallas
- Director of Marketing & Business Development
Hewitt-Anne is the Director of Marketing & Business Development at Architexas. Prior to joining Architexas in 2020, Hewitt-Anne has managed marketing and business development efforts within the AEC industry for the past six years. At Architexas, she leads the Marketing & Business Development strategy for the Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio offices, collaborating directly with senior leadership on the firm's overall strategic vision and operational efficiencies. A strategic thinker with a knack for finding creative solutions, Hewitt-Anne is responsible for fostering existing firm relationships, as well as cultivating new relationships and pursuit opportunities in specific target markets throughout Texas. Additionally, Mrs. Christy oversees all strategic marketing efforts for the firm, including brand management, digital marketing strategy, content creation, and interview strategy and presentation design. In her free time Hewitt-Anne loves traveling, being outdoors, listening to live music, trying new restaurants, hunting, fishing, and running.
Isaiah Williams joined Architexas in 2022 as a member of the firm's Design Staff. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Certificate in Historic Preservation in 2022. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from UTSA, and during that time he spent a semester abroad studying architecture in Italy. Before joining the firm, Isaiah served eleven years in the Army where his primary job specialty was engineering and surveying for various construction projects around the world.
At Architexas, Isaiah has been assisting with the production of design and construction documents for the Milam County Health Building. He looks forward to beginning the process to become a licensed architect. Isaiah enjoys living in San Antonio with his wife, daughter, and five dogs.
John P. Allender, AIA LEED AP is an architect and principal of Architexas. As a principal of Architexas, Mr. Allender has focused on sustainability and design innovation guided by a commitment to the preservation of our architectural heritage. He is an active member of the design and preservation community, serving on Preservation Dallas' Preservation Issues Committee, AIA Dallas' Historic Preservation Task Force and the Mayor's Preservation Solutions Committee. Notable projects include the restoration and additions to the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, renovations to the Society of Petroleum Engineers' World Headquarters, and the College Park Pavilion, completed in collaboration with SNØHETTA. His work has been recognized by local and state design and preservation communities, including multiple Preservation Dallas Preservation Achievement Awards, Preservation Texas Historic Rehabilitation Awards, and AIA Dallas Honor Awards. John lives in San Antonio with his wife Irene, daughters Nora and Josephine, dogs Nelson and Mona, and one crazy cat named Gravy.
Jungmin Kim joined Architexas in 2015 as a member of the firm's architectural design staff. Jungmin earned his Bachelor's degree in Architecture at Yeungnam University in Daegu, Republic of Korea, followed by his Masters of Architecture at Texas A&M University. He is currently an AIA Associate member and Leed Green Associate. At Architexas, Jungmin brings considerable knowledge of design from two different cultural and academic backgrounds. His extensive knowledge of restoration and renovation allows him to contribute to the historic preservation works of the firm, while also excelling in general design. In 2018 Jungmin has won 1st place at International Design Competition for a Desert Waypoint for Contemplation and Exhibition. He is interested in finding underused spaces and research infrastructure rehabilitations in architectural scale.
Alexander Goessler joined Architexas in 2022. He received a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M with a Minor in Urban Planning. Before joining Architexas, he worked for firms in Dallas, Denver, Austin, and New Braunfels, Texas. Alexander has a diverse background of project types ranging from traditional, custom residential to mid-rise commercial and hospitality to religious and sacred architecture. He has worked on projects from schematic design to construction administration on restoration and renovation to new build construction.
Kaitlyn joined Architexas in October 2023 after spending nine years working on a variety of commercial, industrial, and parks projects. Kaitlyn discovered her love of architecture via her passion for art. While her interest in art began in childhood, her architectural adventure began in high school, where she learned AutoCAD and Rhino and the basics of how to create functional designs. She went on to pursue her Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Texas Tech's College of Architecture and she quickly dove into her career. Along the way, she discovered her passion for historic preservation, likely from having spent her childhood in New England admiring its plentiful historic structures. She enjoys watercolor painting, both traditional and digital art forms, reading, and spending time with her husband and their dog.
Kensey Wiggins joined the Architexas Design Staff in 2023 after graduating from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where she received her Bachelor of Environmental Design. During her time at Texas A&M, Kensey spent a semester and summer interning for F.D. Freeman & Associates in Conroe, Texas, where she found a passion for community service and community-centric design. Kensey developed a love for historic buildings through many facets, including her architectural history classes and her small Texas town. Kensey has professional interests in historic preservation, sustainable architecture, adaptive reuse, and affordable housing. In her free time, Kensey enjoys cycling, reading, spending time with her family, and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Senior Principal
- Architect and Senior Principal With
Larry Irsik is an architect and Senior Principal with Architexas and has over 30 years of historic preservation experience. He joined the firm in 1985 and opened the Austin office of Architexas in 2000. From 1988-1990, Mr. Irsik worked in Cambridge, MA, where he was a designer for Arrowstreet Inc., and taught at the Boston Architectural Center. Prior to becoming a Principal of the firm, Mr. Irsik served as Project Manager and Architect for many of the firm's most important historic preservation projects. Mr. Irsik also has extensive experience working with governmental entities at the federal, state, county and city government level as well as with educational institutions, including the University of Texas and St. Edward's University. Mr. Irsik is a leader in the preservation community in Austin, having served on the board of Preservation Texas, as Chairman of the Building Industry Council, and as chairman of the statewide Awards Committee for that organization. He has also served on other boards and commissions while in Dallas, has published articles on preservation and on courthouse restoration, and has lectured at professional conferences nationally. Larry lives in Austin with his wife Amelia, sons Zachary and Matt, and daughter Katie. Larry and Amelia have also personally worked with their best friends on restoration of the historic 1867 R.H. Wood house, one of the oldest houses in Rockport, Texas, which serves as a vacation home.
Luis Aguirre join Architexas in 2022 as a Design Staff. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the university of Texas at Arlington in 2017 and receive his Master's in Architecture from the University of Southern California in 2020. Before Luis started working at Architexas, he worked for a Los Angeles based firm, working in a variety of projects mainly commercial from schematic design to construction document production for new construction, remodels and additions for well-known brands such as Sephora, Balenciaga and UCLA system.
At ArchiTexas, Luis is currently working on the Denton City Hall West - renovation and preservation of the landmark building through analysis and research to incorporate modern material and technique preserving the essence of the original building design; and the Center for Fiction at DalPark Building - readapting commercial use building to bring a space for creative writing and reading in the heart of Downtown Dallas.
Luis has actively participated in college fairs around Dallas-Fort Worth in coalition with Richland college to inspire and advocate minorities to attend college and Architecture major. In addition, He became an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Arlington, teaching architecture and design through principles, techniques, case studies and technology innovation.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- in 2022 As a Design Staff Team Member
Mayra joined Architexas in 2022 as a Design Staff team member in the San Antonio office. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Interior Design at the Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes in Aguascalientes, Mexico, followed by a Masters of Architecture, Certificate in Historic Preservation and, Certificate in High-Performance Design and Sustainability from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to joining Architexas, she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Building Performance Research Lab and the Center for Cultural Sustainability at UTSA on the Project of Investigation of HVAC Integration and Impact on U.S Historic Stone Buildings with the San Antonio Missions. As a licensed Interior Designer in Mexico, Mayra worked as an Independent Consultant and Designer on a variety of private residential and commercial projects. At Architexas, she is currently part of the teams working on projects like Milam County Health Building and Cultivarte involving the rehabilitation of a 1940s building to house an arts incubator. When she is not at the office, you'll find Mayra staying active, spending time with her family and enjoying her free time anyway she can.
Michael joined Architexas in 2005, after graduating from the University of Texas in Austin with his Bachelors in Architecture. At Architexas, Michael is an architect and project manager who leads the production team in Revit documentation for a wide variety of projects. His project management experience includes three buildings in the Maple Avenue Restaurant District, the adaptive re-use of three buildings in Downtown Dallas into the mixed-use Mid-Elm Lofts project, and the restoration of the Society of Petroleum Engineers' World Headquarters. He serves as Vice Chair on AIA Dallas' Historic Preservation Task Force, as well as Chair on two task forces of the Dallas Landmark Commission. Michael lives in Dallas' Junius Heights neighborhood with his wife, Maggie, and son, Daniel. He is a Mavs fan for life, avid music lover, and Tex-Mex enthusiast.
Nancy Ramirez joined Architexas in 2021 as a Design Staff. She received her B.A. in Spanish Translation and Interpretation in 2016 and her Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2020. At Architexas, Nancy is part of the design team helping with the production of building documentation, programing deign, schematic design, and construction administration. Prior to joining Architexas, Nancy worked primarily on new construction projects within the residential markets around the DFW area. Nancy strives for her goals, she is constantly improving and growing her knowledge in the filed. Nancy enjoys time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors, running, cycling, or playing soccer.
Job Titles:
- in 2019 As a Project Architect
- Senior Associate San Antonio
Nicholas Melde joined Architexas in 2019 as a Project Architect. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2012 and became a licensed architect in 2016. At Architexas, Mr. Melde serves as Project Architect leading the production team on a variety of project types throughout the state of Texas from building documentation, design, drawing production and construction administration. Prior to joining Architexas, Mr. Melde founded Nicholas Melde, Architect focusing primarily on renovations, additions, and new construction projects within the residential, commercial, and recreational markets. Nick's experience working for firms in New York City, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio has led to a diverse background of project types for private and public entities, ranging from restoration and adaptive-use of civic facilities to new construction for both commercial and residential clients. His body of work includes the Cedar Hill Government Center, the Delaware State Wellness Center, the San Antonio College Veteran's Center, the US headquarters for GDC Technics in Ft. Worth, as well as a myriad of multi and single-family residential projects. At Architexas, Nick is coordinating the design documentation for the renovation and addition to the Ellis County Museum, and will be involved with the Courthouse Master Plans for Frio and Duval County. Mr. Melde has been an active participant in the San Antonio architectural community since moving there in 2007. He currently serves as Director of Planning for the Lavaca Neighborhood Association, graduated from the AIA-SA Professional Practice & Leadership Program, is routinely a juror for University of Texas at San Antonio Architecture studios, and coordinates fundraising graphics for non-profits including the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center.
Renee Bresson joined Architexas in 2015 after graduating with her Masters of Architecture from Kansas State University. At Architexas, Renee serves as Project Architect on a variety of project types in the civic, religious and historic preservation markets. Her project experience includes the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas and Factory Six03 in Dallas' historic West End district. Most recently Renee completed the Texan Theater, an adaptive-use of an abandoned historic main street theater in downtown Athens, Texas into a multi-use performing arts facility. Renee enjoys being involved in the community and is a member of AIA Dallas, Preservation Dallas and Downtown Dallas, Inc. She enjoys celebrating her Wisconsin roots and is a proud fan of the Green Bay Packers. Go Pack Go! Outside of the office, you can typically find her at classic rock concerts - even if she's the youngest one there - or at Rangers, Stars and Mavs games supporting the local teams.
Job Titles:
- Executive Controller, Associate Dallas
Nino recently joined Architexas in 2022. He's a Texan but has enjoyed a lifetime of unique experiences having traveled and lived abroad. After receiving his Master's degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, he returned to Texas and now considers Austin his home. Nino is an artist by nature and his creative sensibilities have translated across many aspects of his professional and personal life. He finds inspiration in music, craftsmanship, and community service, all of which influence his work. He's also a soccer fanatic and devotes a portion of his time as Director of a youth soccer club.
Rosa joined Architexas in 1998 and continues to play a vital role in the growth and operations of the firm. Rosa is responsible for managing all financial and administrative efforts, including; invoicing, accounts payable and accounts receivable, as well as human resources. Her focus is on planning a securely managed financial future for Architexas and developing policies and strategies in support of growing the firm. Rosa lives in Mesquite with her husband Mauro, daughters Genesis and Giselle and son, Julian. Rosa, along with her Father, manages Mariachi Los Reyes de Dallas.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Registered Architect
Sara Patrick is a registered architect with over 15 years of professional experience in the preservation and renovation of historic buildings, as well as the design and implementation of new construction projects. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Drexel University in 2009 and Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. A lifelong learner, this recent return to graduate school has allowed Sara to deepen the research skills and technical materials conservation knowledge gained during her years of professional practice in Philadelphia. In her free time she enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, exploring Austin's restaurant and live music scene, and spending time with her dachshund, Theo.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus Senior Principal Austin
Stan Graves, with over 35 years of historic preservation experience, joined Architexas in 2013 as Senior Principal. He is the former Director of the Architecture Division and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer of the Texas Historical Commission. As director, he created and administered the nationally acclaimed Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, which awarded over $245 million to 83 historic county courthouse projects. Stan served as the agency's liaison for the restoration of the Texas State Capitol and Grounds, and the Texas Governor's Mansion. Mr. Graves and his 14 member staff approved, consulted on or provided grants for over $2 billion worth of preservation activity in the State of Texas. Stan has led the Texas Society of Architects' Historic Resources Committee, Chaired the Rehabilitation Tax Incentives Committee of the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, and served as Session Chair at the recent US/ICOMOS International Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. Stan has also been recognized for his contributions with the Edwin C. Waller Award for Public Architecture from the Austin Chapter of the AIA and was elevated to the College of Fellows of the Institute for his work in preserving the architectural legacy of Texas. Additionally, Stan Graves maintains his family's fifth generation Central Texas ranch. He and his wife, Diana, have also personally restored several historic homes, including the award winning restoration of his great grandfather's 1870's Greek Revival home, which serves as his family's residence.
Ms. Frocheur has over 25 years of experience in the restoration of historic buildings, as well as designing new structures located within historic districts. She obtained a Master of Architecture from Tulane University in 1989 and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation with an emphasis in Conservation Technology from Columbia University in 1994. A Principal at Architexas, Ms. Frocheur managed the conditions assessment study and analysis of the LBJ Library and Museum Building on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. This included preparation of base drawings for the project team, a comprehensive building envelope study, an interior materials condition assessment of the Auditorium and Service levels, and preparation of construction documents for the exterior restoration of the travertine cladding. Other recent projects include the interior and exterior renovation and restoration of the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, the Potter County Courthouse in Amarillo, and the Rains County Courthouse in Emory, Texas. These projects included sensitive installation of new MEP systems into historic fabric, and restoration and reconstruction of historic elements and finishes. Ms. Frocheur was also the project manager for the interior and exterior restoration and rehabilitation of the Historic Kyle City Hall, as well as the renovation and expansion of the Geography Building at the University of Texas in Austin. Susan and her husband, Joe, have also restored their own home; a bungalow in Austin's Hyde Park Historic District.
Susie Noble joined the Architexas team in 2014 and serves as the Executive Administrator, Human Resources Director and Marketing/Production Admin for the Architexas Austin and San Antonio offices. Ms. Noble handles all administrative, financial and marketing efforts for the Austin and San Antonio team, including bookkeeping/accounting duties, plus preparation and execution of Request for Qualifications submittals/responses. Susie has been living in Austin since 1993 and has been in the professional field for 29 years.