Stephen Knowles, AIA, moved to Dallas in 2020 to join HDR as a Design Principal for their architecture studio. A 35-year veteran, he started his architectural journey with Iowa State University to earn his Master of Architecture degree, after a career in graphic design. His career began at 2001 AIA Firm of the Year Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to practice, Stephen supports future generations as an educator at UTA CAPPA and led the Curriculum Committee at the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis in creating a new accredited 5-year architecture degree program. Stephen is also an active Board Member of The Dallas Architecture Forum.

Stephen has a passion to connect and support HDR’s design excellence initiative to the firm’s projects throughout Texas. Having spent much of his career in the Midwest, he knows the importance of supporting local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, as well as cultural and academic institutions that focus on sharing knowledge that helps improve the built environment. Stephen is focused on engaging in a collaborative process that considers the technical, environmental, economic, and social impacts of his projects. He strives to advance innovative solutions that integrate the site, surrounding resources, craft, and local culture.

Stephen’s memorable accomplishments include two projects that received national AIA awards for design excellence; awards from Business Week magazine for helping clients achieve their goals through great design; his work as editor of Iowa Architect magazine; and speaking as a guest lecturer at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and estate near Spring Green, Wisconsin.

PANELISTS:

Amy Bartell  – As a leader in the Residential Studio at Studio Outside, Amy Bartell is responsible for coordination on high-end residential projects at all scales.

Her past experience in projects of all sizes including many years of residential design has put her in a unique position to usher projects along from design through to construction. She is involved in client development and communication. Amy’s presence on-site to answer questions for clients and contractors is part of Studio Outside’s commitment to design excellence. From plant selection to furniture selection, she is engaged and involved to ensure the best beginning and future for each garden.

Architect David Droese, AIA, along with his partner Lance Raney, has led the team at their namesake firm, Droese Raney Studio, for over 25 years. The full-service architecture and interior design studio specialize in the design of commercial, hospitality, and retail projects around the country. Focused on individualize approach to each client relationship, the firm has become known for developing creative, innovative design concepts, while addressing intricate needs of each project. Droese is also an ardent supporter of emerging artists and artisans. With his guidance, the DR Studio is not only an architecture studio, but also an incubator space for artists and fabricators.

With a roster of prestigious brands and clients such as Forty Five Ten, The Warehouse for Howard Rachofsky, Lucchese, The Conservatory, and CFDA-designer and award-winner Billy Reid, the DR team has evolved into a creative force in the architecture and interior design realms. The firm has been featured in numerous publications including Texas Architect, New York Magazine, WWD, VM+SD, DNR, Open: The World’s Best New Fashion Stores, D Magazine and numerous shelter publications. The West Dallas Chamber of Commerce presented Droese Raney with its Visionary Developer Award. In 2024, Droese Raney x Design was published by ORO Editions. The book, which has been recognized in various shelter publications, highlights key projects in the firm’s history, including first-person narratives by some of Droese Raney’s most cherished clients and collaborators. Droese resides in the Dallas Arts District with his wife, Suzanne.

Jean Liu is the founder and principal of Jean Liu Design, a full-service Dallas based interior design firm that specializes in high-end residential and commercial projects. The firm is a “party of five”, all of whom would do almost anything for a pretty picture–of interiors, that is. Jean leads the studio, all of whom are design aficionados whose talent, experience, and training equips them to work alongside clients, builders, and architects on all aspects of interior design, whether it is new construction, historical renovation, space planning, furniture sourcing, or staging.

Jean and her studio focus on creating modern, edited, comfortable, and inspired spaces. Jean’s projects have been featured in design publications includingHouse Beautiful, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, and The Wall Street Journal.

DALLAS MODERN

Enjoy some of the best of Dallas architecture while sheltered at home. The Dallas Architecture Forum’s monograph, Dallas Modern, featuring 20 outstanding contemporary residences in Dallas, is available now from The Forum. More information and order HERE.

“If there’s an authority on beautiful buildings around town, it’s the Dallas Architecture Forum, a nonprofit that’s been discussing and driving architecture and design in Dallas since 1997.” D Magazine