For more than three decades,
Curtis & Windham has pursued excellence in architecture and landscapes.
Founded in 1992 by William Curtis and Russell Windham, Curtis & Windham Architects is a Houston-based firm renowned for skillfully blending traditional architectural principles with a keen awareness of modern living.
The Firm / Principals / Approach / Services / Meet the Team
The firm's collaborative, client-focused process results in spaces that are both contextually appropriate and individually tailored. With a diverse portfolio spanning private residences, estates, commercial projects, and public institutions, their work showcases a meticulous balance of scale, proportion, and good manners.
Curtis & Windham’s multidisciplinary approach encompasses architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design, ensuring a cohesive vision across every project.
Their dedication to excellence has garnered widespread recognition, including multiple John Staub and Palladio Awards and the prestigious Arthur Ross Award for excellence in classical architecture.
Their work has also been featured in notable publications, including Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, and House Beautiful.
At Curtis & Windham, our architecture represents an ongoing dialogue between the past and present. Rooted in a deep knowledge—and joyful appreciation—of architectural history and the beauty of tradition, our work seeks to honor the history and context of each project while thoughtfully addressing the aspirations of modern life and the individuality of every client.
Every project begins with a rigorous analysis of the cultural and physical environment—understanding its constraints, possibilities, and the local vernacular, whether it’s a windswept retreat on the California coast or a tree-lined enclave in River Oaks, Texas. We focus on how architecture can complement its surroundings and enrich the lives of those who experience it.
Equally important is our engagement with you—our client. We take the time to listen and understand how you live, work, and play so that every detail reflects your lifestyle and aspirations. Together, we refine concepts and test ideas to arrive at unique solutions that feel truly special.
Process
Craft is at the heart of everything we do. Our team of architects, landscape architects, and interior designers approach every project with a blend of intellectual rigor and creative vision, considering every detail as part of a cohesive whole. We think holistically, blending scale, proportion, and ornamentation with a deep understanding of how design shapes the way we live.
Our hands-on approach extends from the first sketch through to completion, ensuring the integrity of the design is maintained throughout construction. We don’t simply hand off responsibility; we actively manage the budget, timelines, and contractor relationships so that every project is realized to the highest standards.
Craft & Collaboration
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Services
Our comprehensive services guide every stage of your project, from initial site assessments and master planning to schematic design development and construction management. Whether crafting a private residence or a public or commercial institution, we remain deeply involved throughout the design process,ensuring the vision is meticulously executed and every detail thoughtfully resolved.
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Architecture
Our portfolio reflects a deep understanding of context, with particular expertise in the unique landscapes of Houston, as well as projects spanning California, the Cotswolds, and other distinctive regions. Notable projects include:
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Private Residences: Elegant homes in Houston’s River Oaks, a shingle-style retreat on the Eastern Seaboard, and a rustic ranch in Montana.
Institutional Projects: St. John’s School Campus Center Expansion, St. Mark’s Church renovations in Houston, and additions to the Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene.
Commercial Spaces: Houston restaurants Rosie Cannonball and March; a sorority house at the University of Arkansas.
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While architecture forms the core of our practice, landscape and interior design services can be integrated to further enhance and unify the design. These disciplines are offered as part of a holistic approach rather than standalone services, ensuring every element supports the architectural vision. We also welcome opportunities to collaborate with outside landscape architecture and interior design firms to ensure every project reaches its full potential.
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Landscape Architecture
Established in 2005, our Landscape Architecture Studio works in close collaboration with our architectural team to create settings ranging from intimate courtyard gardens to expansive park-like estates. Our landscapes have been recognized with multiple John Staub Awards and featured in prestigious tours and exhibitions, including the National Garden Conservancy Open Days and the AIA Garden Architecture exhibition.
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Interior Design
Our Interior Design Studio plays a crucial role in extending our architectural vision into the interior spaces of each project. From lighting and finishes to fabrics and custom-designed furniture, we create interiors that are both functional and timeless, tailored to the client’s lifestyle while respecting established design principles.
Whether crafting the perfect blend of texture and color for a family residence or designing bespoke furniture for an institutional space, our interiors reflect a commitment to elegance and individuality.
