Small Firms Roundtable

MISSION:

The Small Firms Roundtable Network focuses on engaging small firms through educational programs and activities that inspire growth, collaboration, and leadership in the profession.

PROGRAM:

Noon Coffee is a discussion with small firm architects who have successful practices, moderated by Nick Dean, AIA.

Mark Wellen FAIA is co-founder and principal of Rhotenberry Wellen Architects in Midland, Texas. Early in Wellen’s career he was a member of Frank Welch’s studio when Frank was based in Midland.

Rhotenberry Wellen imbues their buildings and spaces with vernacular beauty recreating the DNA of Texas Regional Modernism. The buildings are appropriate to their time and place. Typical materials include raw and galvanized steel, humble concrete, and glass – all appropriate to the setting and the landscape of West Texas. The care with which these materials are detailed, the way they provide shade and shelter, and their inherent durability are all important parts of experiencing Wellen’s work.

More from Candy's Dirt:

"Drawing inspiration from the vast, inimitable landscape and the traditions of Texas’ modernist regionalist architects of previous generations, he has become a champion of the highest standards of the built environment, through both design and leadership. His work is both intuitive and instinctive, drawing on the unrelenting characteristics of the region – its big sky, long horizon, intense light and climatic extremes to reveal moments of richness that elevate the human experience."

"Wellen’s body of work includes varied building types and project sizes from ranch shelters to residences, museums and downtown office towers. His work has received numerous national, regional, and local design awards, including AIA National, Residential Architect, TSA and AIA West Texas. His award-winning projects include Cinco Camp, Sombreada Hasta, the Burns Residence, and Ranch Shelter."  

"A long-time champion and advocate for design excellence, Wellen is the co-creator of the highly successful Texas Architects Design Conference.  Wellen has also served on numerous design juries, lectured and contributed to professional committees, including the Texas Architects Design Awards.  He is a founding member of the Texas Tech School of Architecture Visiting Critic’s Studio and the former chair and long-time member of the TSA’s Publications Committee, where he has influenced Texas Architect to bring the best design in the region to a national audience. Among his many honors are the Texas Tech College of Architecture Tau Sigma Delta Silver Medal and its Distinguished Alumnus award."