Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston Headquarters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston, the local branch of a nationwide organization dedicated to fostering positive relationships between the community and its youth, sought a new local headquarters to serve as a nurturing environment. Big Brothers Big Sisters Houston Headquarters are located at 1003 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002. The envisioned project comprises a three-story steel-framed edifice featuring a glass atrium, a Mentoring Hall of Fame, a café, a children’s playroom, and an event space on the third floor equipped with a full kitchen and an open-air balcony boasting downtown views. The headquarters also accommodates ample open and closed offices to accommodate the organization's anticipated growth. Method Architecture and Stantec generously provided $250,000 worth of architectural and engineering services pro-bono to aid in completing the building. Realizing this vision involved a collaborative effort across multiple phases between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston and various local entities including individuals, businesses, agencies, and institutions. Outgrowing their previous space, a former doctor’s office outside the 610 loop, the organization sought a new location to expand its services, enhance visibility, and bolster effectiveness and productivity. The project's design journey began with a seed grant from Rice University School of Architecture for initial research. During this phase, the 35-member staff of BBBSGH was individually interviewed to grasp the diverse needs of different teams such as Events and Programming, understanding workflows, interactions, communications, and organizational dynamics. Comparative analyses were conducted on existing local non-profit buildings and BBBS organizations nationwide to glean insights from existing models. Subsequently, the project team, comprising Agency—Agency (project designer) and Method Architecture, collaborated with DMAC Construction, Stantec, and TBG Partners to bring the project to fruition. Emphasizing community engagement, Rice Design Alliance hosted a design charrette for the exterior courtyard, which TBG Partners won following a spirited one-day event involving numerous talented local designers.