CATHERINE CALLAWAY
Kirksey Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - TEXAS Exhibitor
Texas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by so many excellent leaders whom I am lucky to work with every day. Women and men who live with integrity, care about our impact on the earth, treat people with respect, and crack a good joke because we all need to laugh more.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY
Bio:
The great designer, Catherine Callaway, AIA, is recognized for her talents as a designer, project manager, and community advocate. At Kirksey Architecture her projects serve the local community, whether a church, city hall, or non-profit. Her involvement in AIA Houston, TXA, and other organizations centers around shaping a more resilient future for the region. She recently earned young architect awards from AIA Houston, TXA, and AIA. Catherine serves as 2021 ArCH President and enjoys being mom of two awesome kids.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My first job out of college was as an AmeriCorps volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Leading volunteer crews and seeing the impact a modest building can have on a family touched my heart and inspired me to become an architect.
What do you do?
My role as Project Manager involves communicating with clients, consultants, contractors and colleagues. I help elucidate the project goals and vision, and ensure they are carried through to the project completion.
What excites you in the work you do?
It excites me to think about the kids playing at a Boys and Girls Club I worked on, or people networking at an AIAH event I helped create. I enjoy seeing how my efforts, with support of many colleagues, result in a ripple effect of positive impacts.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by so many excellent leaders whom I am lucky to work with every day. Women and men who live with integrity, care about our impact on the earth, treat people with respect, and crack a good joke because we all need to laugh more.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
As AIA Houston President in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I learned what it meant to answer our call as architects to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public. I am proud of how I set aside fear, led AIAH, and served my community.
Featured Project Name:
Galveston Bay Foundation
Featured Project Location:
Kemah, TX
Featured Project Completion Date:
2023
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
The Galveston Bay Foundation headquarters embodies the organization’s mission. A journey across the restored site takes one through all five Texas Gulf Coast ecosystems. The zinc-clad building rises above the meandering path, protected from storm surge yet open to expansive views of the bay. From solar panels and composting toilets to filtered daylight and bioswales, the well-integrated design supports the pursuit of Living Building Certification and offers myriad ways to engage with the bay.
