Texas Society of Architects awards Medal for Lifetime Achievement to Richter Architects

ROCKPORT, Texas (Aug, 18 2021) — As work continues on the new 22,000-square-foot Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) in the heart of downtown Rockport, designers of the new $8.7 million coastal contemporary facility, Richter Architects of Corpus Christi, have been recognized for their outstanding architectural achievements. 

David Richter, FAIA, and Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, have been awarded the Medal for Lifetime Achievement by The Texas Society of Architects, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Presented annually, the award is given to a single member in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished leadership and outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment, and quality of life in Texas. The pair will be recognized at the 82nd Annual Conference and Design Expo in San Antonio, October 7–9.

“We knew we made the right choice when selecting Richter Architects as our designer for the new  Rockport Center for the Arts, and the announcement of this well-deserved award only bolsters the confidence we have in that decision” said Luis Purón, executive director for RCA. “David and Elizabeth have been phenomenal to work with and their bold and contemporary design for our new facility is exactly what we had hoped for. We are building their vision of a beautiful, modern facility that will allow us to expand the breadth of our programs, including the performing arts and the culinary arts, as we work to attract more visitors and business tourism to Rockport.”

Partners in life and work for more than four decades, David and Elizabeth have made an indelible mark on the architectural profession and the state of Texas with their firm globally recognized as a design and sustainability leader whose work reflects intrinsic natural beauty, function, and cultural pride.

"Over the years, we've been so fortunate to have had many creative collaborations with clients with shared values. It is the best way, and maybe the only way, to make good architecture happen," said the Richters in a joint statement.

Together, they have dedicated countless hours to nonprofit groups, city planning agencies, and local organizations, both serving as presidents of their local chapter and the Texas Society of Architects, and championing several programs, including The Shape of Texas, Tour des Monuments, and the Consortium for Sustainability. In 2015, Chu Richter became only the fourth woman elected as president of the American Institute of Architects, also marking the first time a woman from Texas and an Asian American woman headed the organization.

The new $8.7 million RCA will be home to hallmark programs in the 14,000-square-foot visual arts and art education complex, an 8,000-square-foot performing arts facility and convention center featuring a culinary arts education kitchen and multiple break out rooms for meeting space, along with the sculpture garden housing works from the permanent collection by nationally and internationally recognized artists.

About Rockport Center for the Arts

Rockport Center for the Arts has moved temporarily to 401 S. Austin Street at the Baker Law Building, first floor, while awaiting the completion of a new facility in August 2022. Hours of operation for the showroom, galleries, and gift shop are Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Sat from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., and  Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. Visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519 for more information.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Artist renderings of the new RCA are available at rockportartcenter.com/imagine for media download and use.