A rendering of Rockport Center for the Arts displays the work of Richter Architects, which received the highest honor for a lifetime of honorable service to the trade of architecture. Courtesy image
Richter Architects receive highest honor by Texas Society of Architects
A Corpus Christi architectural firm hired for the new Rockport Center for the Arts, which is currently under construction, recently received the Medal for Lifetime Achievement by the Texas Society of Architects. The highest honor bestowed by the TSA was awarded to David Richter, FAIA, and Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA.
Presented annually, the award is given in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished leadership and outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment, and quality of life in Texas. The pair will be recognized at the TSA's 82nd annual Conference and Design Expo in San Antonio on Oct. 7-9.
“We knew we made the right choice when selecting Richter Architects as our designer for the new Rockport Center for the Arts,” said Luis Purón, executive director for RCA. “And the announcement of this well-deserved award only bolsters the confidence we have in that decision.”
The $8.7 million coastal contemporary art facility is located in the heart of downtown Rockport and is expected to be completed in August 2022.
"Over the years, we've been so fortunate to have had many creative collaborations with clients with shared values,” the Richters said in a joint statement. “It is the best way, and maybe the only way, to make good architecture happen.”
Together, the two have dedicated countless hours to local, statewide, and national organizations, including both serving as presidents of their local chapter and the Texas Society of Architects. In 2015, Chu Richter became only the fourth woman elected as president of the American Institute of Architects, also marking the first time a woman from Texas and an Asian American woman headed the organization.
The new RCA will be home to a 14,000-square-foot visual arts and art education complex and an 8,000-square-foot performing arts facility and convention center featuring a culinary arts education kitchen and meeting rooms. The outdoor sculpture garden will house works from the permanent collection by nationally and internationally recognized artists.
Rockport Center for the Arts is currently located at 401 S. Austin St. on the first floor of the Baker Law Building. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Go to the RCA website or Facebook or call 361-729-5519 for more information.
