Over the past three decades, Curtis & Windham Architects have established themselves among the nation’s premier architectural firms, shaping some of the most distinguished residences in Texas and leaving an indelible mark on Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood. Known for their fresh interpretation of classical design, William Curtis and Russell Windham are admired for their versatility. Rather than adhering to a single style, the firm’s work reflects a nuanced understanding of place, history, and lifestyle, an approach that makes each project deeply personal and timelessly elegant.
Founded in Houston in 1992, Curtis & Windham balance the principles of traditional and modern architecture while honoring the specific context of every site. Their debut book, Building on Tradition, offers an illuminating look at this philosophy through a richly photographed survey of their work.
The chapters present a diverse range of projects that reveal the breadth of the firm’s architectural vocabulary. Among the highlights are several Houston residences: the classically inspired “upside-down” Piping Rock House, designed for entertaining on a grand scale; the Mediterranean-style Looscan Lane, centered on courtyards and gardens; and the thoughtful restoration of the midcentury Homewood House.
Rural commissions also shine—Carisbrooke Farm, for instance, reimagines the Texas farmhouse with refined simplicity, while the Bonney Briar Pub playfully channels a Scottish tavern nestled beside a golf course.
Across these pages, readers discover the firm’s abiding respect for craftsmanship, history, and collaboration. Building on Tradition affirms that great architecture endures—rooted in place, inspired by the past, and ever looking forward.
