REES Volunteers Slide into a Day of Design with Young Architects
The REES team in Houston spent a joyful, imagination-fueled Saturday at the Architecture Center Houston’s ArcHERtect Workshop—an architecture experience designed especially for kids. Hosted by the Houston National Organization of Minority Architects (HNOMA) and the Kids and Architecture Committee, the hands-on event invited children ages 7-12 to explore what it means to be an architect, all while dreaming up the ultimate treehouse and garden design.
The workshop was inspired by the work of artist and Landscape Architect Falon Mihalic. Falon kicked off the day by sharing her journey through architecture and the visual arts.
The aspiring architects each paired up with a partner and took turns interviewing one another. Through the process, they learned how to listen to their “client”, communicate a vision of their own, and translate those ideas into an exciting design. With guidance from a few provided prompts and enthusiastic mentors, the participants sketched their partner’s dream treehouse and sculpted it into reality using clay and other crafting materials.
REES volunteers helped spark initial conversations with the partner groups, troubleshoot structural challenges during the building process and even created details like flowers, ladders and winding slides. The workshop ended with presentations, where the kids shared their ideas with the group, showcasing their builds for the large group.
“We had an amazing experience working alongside aspiring future architects and designers at the ArcHERtect Workshop,” said Anthony Furino, REES Senior Associate, President-Elect of the Architecture Center of Houston Foundation and Kids and Architecture Committee Member. “REES generously sponsored this event, but more importantly, gave their time to assist students with designing and building inspiring treehouses and gardens. It was fun to watch the creativity of the students and see their inspirations come to life!”
The ArcHERtect Workshop was a great reminder for our team of how early that spark of passion can begin. Events like this are part of how we’re celebrating our 50th Anniversary year—by investing in the communities we serve and nurturing the next generation of thinkers and creators.
