Mark Humphreys Recognized for $1.5M Donation to Texas Tech College of Architecture

Lubbock, Texas—Texas Tech’s College of Architecture celebrated Mark Humphreys with a prominent distinction on September 25-26^th. Humphreys received an AIA—American Institute of Architects—Chair in Urban Design. Of the two Chair sponsors, Mark Humphreys is the only architect. His contribution is the largest amount donated to the architecture school consisting of $1.5 million of which includes partial state matches. On November 5^th he will be recognized with another distinction, the college’s Architecture Kleinschmidt Award; both tributes are prestigious honors within the field of Architecture.  The September 25th occasion featured esteemed speakers including Texas Tech President Nellis, Dean Andrew Vernooy and Mark E. Humphreys, and the November 5^th happening will be highlighted with an Alumni reception held in conjunction with the Texas Society of Architects.

Humphreys is the CEO of the largest multifamily and student housing architecture firm in the U.S., designing approximately 12-15 percent of the U.S. apartment market, which equated to about 40,000 units in 2014. Headquartered in Dallas, with eight U.S. offices and five international offices, Humphreys & Partners Architects (HPA) employs a talented team of professionals with artistic talent, classical training and diverse experience in all aspects of the architectural process.

The Mark E. Humphreys AIA Chair in Urban Design will support research concerned with sustainable and engaged models of Urban Design in Lubbock, at Urban Tech, and in Houston. Research will include, but not be limited to, the intersection of business and urban architecture design, mixed use multifamily residential development, urban energy consumption, community definition and engagement, transportation consequences and environmental imperatives – wind, water and micro-climates. The Humphreys Chair will give the College of Architecture at Texas Tech a national profile as Lubbock consolidates its growth leaning forward over the next twenty years and as Houston becomes the third largest city in the United States. This profile will augment to be the most professionally involved urban design program in the country.

The Kleinschmidt Award was established by the Texas Tech Architecture Advisory Council to recognize any individual, alumni or non-alumni, or firm whose commitment or service has enriched the College of Architecture. Professor Florian A. Kleinschmidt’s eponymous award was distinguished by being the first leader of the Texas Tech Architecture Program.