Dallas Architecture Forum Launches Spring 2019 Series: “Design Inspirations Part One” Unites Visionary Leaders
Discover the creative forces shaping Dallas’s iconic landscapes and interiors as leading architects, designers, and landscape architects share their unique inspirations.
Dallas, a city celebrated for its dynamic growth and architectural prowess, is set to host a pivotal event for design enthusiasts and professionals alike. The renowned Dallas Architecture Forum, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering public education about architecture, design, and the urban environment, proudly announces the kickoff of its spring 2019 panel discussion series. On Thursday, January 17, the Forum will present “Design Inspirations Part One,” an enlightening discussion moderated by Eurico Francisco, Design Principal at HDR Architecture, bringing together some of the most influential minds in the region’s design community.
This inaugural panel promises an exclusive glimpse into the creative processes that drive the design of award-winning projects across Dallas and North Texas. From sophisticated residences and innovative public buildings to meticulously crafted interiors and breathtaking landscapes, the region boasts a rich tapestry of design excellence. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to hear directly from the visionary professionals who are consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards in their respective fields.
Unveiling the Creative Process: What Inspires Dallas’s Design Elite?
Nate Eudaly, Executive Director of the Dallas Architecture Forum, highlights the significance of this event: “Dallas and North Texas are celebrated for their award-winning projects across residential, commercial, interior, and landscape design. Through this panel, the Forum continues its vital mission to explore the motivations and inspirations behind our area’s outstanding design professionals. These leaders consistently create highly regarded projects that define our urban and natural environments. They will not only showcase some of their most amazing works but also engage in a Q&A session, allowing attendees to delve deeper into their methodologies and philosophies.”
The “Design Inspirations” series is designed to be a catalyst for dialogue, offering invaluable insights for aspiring designers, seasoned practitioners, and curious members of the public. Understanding the wellspring of creativity—the specific ideas, influences, and challenges that shape a designer’s vision—is crucial for appreciating the art and science of architecture and design. This panel will provide a platform for such exploration, making complex design concepts accessible and inspiring.
Event Details: Mark Your Calendars for an Evening of Inspiration
The first discussion of the series is a complimentary event, open to both Forum members and the general public, underscoring the organization’s commitment to community engagement. It will be held at the esteemed Dallas Black Dance Theater, located at 2700 Ann Williams Way within the vibrant Dallas Arts District. The discussion is scheduled to commence at 6:30 p.m., with complimentary beverages available from 6:15 p.m., providing a perfect opportunity for networking and informal discussion before the main event.
No prior reservations are needed to attend, making it an accessible event for anyone interested in architecture and design. Furthermore, for professionals seeking to advance their continuing education, one CEU AIA credit will be available, adding significant value for architects and allied disciplines. This initiative demonstrates the Forum’s dedication to supporting professional development while also enriching the public’s understanding of design.
The choice of the Dallas Black Dance Theater as a venue is particularly fitting, as it situates the discussion within the heart of the Dallas Arts District, a beacon of cultural and architectural innovation. This setting itself serves as a testament to the power of design and its role in shaping public spaces and community identity.
Meet the Visionaries: Shaping Dallas’s Future Through Design
The January 17th panel will feature a distinguished lineup of professionals, each recognized by their peers and the wider design community as true leaders in their respective fields. Attendees will have the unique privilege of engaging with these designers in a lively and insightful discussion. Moderating the panel is Eurico Francisco, an architect whose profound passion for buildings and cities fuels his innovative approach to design. He will be joined by the esteemed Dallas design doyenne Emily Summers, celebrated modern architect Ron Womack, and the prolific landscape architect David Rolston. Their collective expertise spans a wide spectrum of design, promising a multifaceted exploration of creative inspiration.
Eurico R. Francisco, AIA – Moderator
Eurico R. Francisco, AIA, embodies an architect whose deep-seated passion for buildings and urban environments drives his every endeavor. As a Design Principal with HDR Architecture, he leads significant projects within their Dallas studio, consistently creating memorable spaces that inspire both clients and colleagues. His extensive portfolio includes a diverse range of built work, encompassing government facilities, healthcare institutions, academic buildings, research centers, hospitality venues, multi-family residences, and dynamic mixed-use developments, showcasing his versatility and commitment to design excellence.
A distinguished alumnus of Harvard University and the University of Sao Paulo, Eurico’s exceptional talent has garnered over 20 local, regional, and national design awards for his contributions in both the United States and abroad. Beyond his professional practice, he is a dedicated educator, having taught design studios at prestigious institutions such as the University of Sao Paulo, Boston Architecture College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Texas Tech University. His intellectual contributions extend to his role as a contributing editor to Texas Architect magazine. Actively involved in the architectural community, he serves on the Board of Directors and the Lecture Programming Team for The Dallas Architecture Forum, and is a committed member of the Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Texas Society of Architects. Francisco’s broad experience and profound insights make him an ideal moderator to guide this exploration of design inspiration.
David Rolston – Landscape Architect
For over 35 years, David Rolston Landscape Architects has been a cornerstone of Dallas’s landscape design community, renowned for their unparalleled knowledge and profound passion for crafting bespoke outdoor environments. Their approach to design is client-centric, meticulously responding to individual needs and desires while exhibiting a clear aesthetic leaning towards modern sensibilities. However, their expertise is not limited; they skillfully embrace hybridization, famously exemplified by their “Texas Native Meets English Garden” philosophy, which harmoniously blends regional character with classic elegance.
What truly sets Rolston and his team apart is their foundational identity as “gardeners first.” This priority translates into exceptional care and attention for every project, from initial concept to ongoing maintenance. Unlike many firms, David Rolston Landscape Architects personally oversees the installation and continuous care of each residential landscape, ensuring that every planting thrives and evolves beautifully within its specific home site. This unwavering commitment to observing growth and reaction underscores their dedication to excellence. They are passionate about revealing the full potential of a personal garden and generously share this vision with their clients. Furthermore, they frequently collaborate with architects and clients to forge a unified vision, seamlessly integrating the architectural structure with its surrounding natural beauty, creating cohesive and inspiring living spaces.
Emily Summers – Interior Designer
Nationally recognized designer Emily Summers stands as a preeminent figure in the world of interior design, celebrated for her refined interiors and an exceptionally creative eye. With over three and a half decades in the business, her distinguished work is characterized by a seamless integration of architecture, art, and interior design, resulting in spaces that are both sophisticated and deeply personal. Her consistent excellence has earned her a coveted spot on the AD100, Architectural Digest’s prestigious directory of the world’s top 100 designers and architects, a recognition she has maintained since 2007.
Ms. Summers and her acclaimed firm have forged successful collaborations with an impressive roster of award-winning architects, including luminaries like Antoine Predock, Lake/Flato, Larry Speck, Overland Partners Architects, Dick Clark, Marc Appleton, Max Levy, Miro Rivera, Olson Kundig, Coleman Coker, and the late Samuel Mockbee. Her significant contributions extend to institutional projects, where Emily Summers Design Associates consulted on and contributed to the interior design of the iconic Wyly Theater and The Winspear Opera House in Dallas. Beyond her design practice, Ms. Summers has a remarkable 36-year involvement with the Dallas Museum of Art, having served in roles such as Director of Exhibitions and Fundraising, and currently as a vital member of the Building Committee, influencing the very fabric of Dallas’s cultural landscape.
Her commitment to design and education is further evidenced by her service as a Life Member of the Advisory Council for the University of Texas School of Architecture and as a member of the Advisory Council for the School of American Ballet since 2012. Her influence has even reached the federal level, with President George W. Bush appointing her to the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation from 2002 to 2006. A true pillar of the Dallas design community, she is a founding member and past President of The Dallas Architecture Forum, a board member of the Trinity Trust, and a current member of the Advisory Council for The Dallas Architecture Forum and the Historic Preservation Alumni Foundation. Additionally, she serves on the Architecture and Design Council at the Palm Springs Art Museum, showcasing her broad impact and dedication to advancing design discourse across various platforms.
Ron Wommack, FAIA – Architect
Ron Wommack, FAIA, founded his acclaimed firm, Ron Wommack Architect, in 1990, building upon a rich foundation of experience gained at two of the Southwest’s most recognized and design-oriented firms: The Oglesby Group and Frank Welch Associates. His extensive background provided a springboard for establishing a practice deeply committed to innovative and thoughtful architectural solutions.
The projects undertaken by Ron Wommack Architect demonstrate a wide-ranging expertise and a profound impact on urban development. His firm has successfully executed everything from the sensitive refurbishing of older housing units, transforming them into vibrant urban dwellings, to the pioneering development of new, denser housing typologies that address contemporary urban living challenges. Beyond residential work, which includes distinctive single-family homes, Wommack’s portfolio also encompasses corporate office facilities and significant public and community projects, showcasing his versatility and ability to tackle diverse architectural briefs. This impressive body of work has garnered substantial critical acclaim, with the firm receiving more than twelve American Institute of Architects (AIA) component design awards since 1994, including six prestigious Texas Society of Architects and AIA/Dallas Honor Awards. Further recognition includes D-Magazine Home of the Year awards and accolades from Preservation Dallas, underscoring his contribution to both modern design and historical conservation.
Ron earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University in 1976 and continues to contribute to architectural education, periodically serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington and as a visiting studio critic at his alma mater, Texas Tech University. His lasting impact on the profession was formally recognized in 2004 when he was elected to the College of Fellows of the AIA, one of the highest honors for architects. In a testament to his firm’s collective excellence, Ron Wommack Architect was celebrated as the 2006 AIA/Dallas Firm of the Year, solidifying their legacy as leaders in architectural innovation and design within the region.
The Enduring Impact of The Dallas Architecture Forum
Beyond individual events, The Dallas Architecture Forum plays a crucial role in shaping the architectural discourse of the city. The Forum diligently organizes and presents an annual series of panels—local, informal, and open to the public, offered free of charge as a vital community service. Each panel is skillfully led by a moderator who introduces a subject of local importance, prompting insightful commentary from participating panelists. These discussions often feature prominent voices not only from Dallas and other Texas cities but also from esteemed national institutions, connecting local issues to broader architectural and urban planning trends.
These panels are more than just presentations; they are interactive forums that offer attendees the unique opportunity to participate directly in creating discourse. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, the Forum encourages critical thinking and community engagement on vital urban issues. Important topics addressed in recent years reflect the Forum’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in design, including “Thoughts on the Dallas Comprehensive Plan,” “The Kimbell Expansion: A Discussion” (exploring the complexities of architectural growth within historical contexts), “Filling Out the Dallas Arts District” (delving into urban infill and cultural development), and “Re-envisioning the Trinity” (examining the future of one of Dallas’s most significant natural assets).
These discussions highlight the Forum’s dedication to public education, providing accessible platforms for exploring how architecture and design profoundly impact our daily lives, our communities, and the very identity of Dallas. By bringing together diverse perspectives and engaging the public, the Forum not only educates but also empowers residents to become active participants in the evolution of their built environment.
Join the Conversation: A Call to Action
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with some of Dallas’s most influential design leaders and gain profound insights into the inspirations that drive their groundbreaking work. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone with a keen interest in how design shapes our world, “Design Inspirations Part One” promises an evening of enrichment and enlightenment. Engage with the creative minds behind Dallas’s most celebrated projects and become part of a vital community dialogue.
For more detailed information about The Dallas Architecture Forum and its upcoming programs, please visit their official website. For any specific questions regarding the Forum or this event, please do not hesitate to call 214-764-2406. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring evening of design exploration.