Building on Tradition: The Exploration of a Practice — An Evening with William Curtis and Russell Windham

Join us for a special evening celebrating the publication of Building on Tradition: The Work of Curtis & Windham Architects, the newest book by esteemed architects William Curtis and Russell Windham. The evening will feature an engaging lecture by the authors, offering personal insight into their architectural philosophy and body of work, followed by a book signing and reception with wine and light bites provided.

Through their decades-long partnership, William Curtis and Russell Windham have refined a practice that honors the enduring principles of classical architecture while thoughtfully adapting them to the needs of contemporary life. Their work reflects a deep commitment to beauty, proportion, and tradition—values eloquently captured in their richly illustrated new book, Building on Tradition: The Work of Curtis & Windham Architects.

Award-winning architects Curtis and Windham are known for skillfully blending classical design principles with a keen awareness of modern living. Join them as they share how their projects respond to cultural and physical environments—embracing constraints, possibilities, and local vernacular, whether it’s a windswept retreat on the California coast or a tree-lined enclave in Houston, Texas.

BILL CURTIS BIO: 

William Curtis, a founding co-principal of Curtis & Windham Architects, began collaborating with partner Russell Windham in 1992, shortly after both parties relocated to Houston. Returning to their native Texas roots, they established a firm capable of expressing itself through a traditional and classical architectural language. Though their practice has grown considerably in the ensuing decades, this commitment to respecting and revitalizing the local historical context has not wavered. A graduate of the University of Texas, Curtis has lectured and participated as a critic at various architectural schools throughout the United States. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Texas School of Architecture. Curtis is a founding member of the Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. In 1999, he and Russell Windham received that organization’s highest honor, the Arthur Ross Award. His work has been published widely in several books and magazines, including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Décor, and the firms’ first monograph, A Vision of Place. 

RUSSELL WINDHAM BIO: 

Russell Windham is a co-founder of award-winning architecture firm, Curtis & Windham Architects, along with Bill Curtis. Based in Houston, Texas, the firm comprises three independent but collaborative studios specializing in interiors, gardens, and landscapes and has received consecutive Palladio Awards and multiple John Staub Awards. They are also the recipient of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s highest honor, the Arthur Ross Award. Russell is a graduate of Texas Tech and has served as the President of the Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and the Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Curtis & Windham’s new book, Building on Tradition, is coming out from Rizzoli in fall 2024, and is a follow-up to their monograph, A Vision of Place, which came out in 2017. Their work has been featured in various publications, including Architectural Digest, Veranda, Elle Decor, House Beautiful and many others. Russell regularly lectures on traditional architecture and is working on projects throughout the US and in England. He lives in Houston.