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<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nJim notes how their early years prepared them for the journey. \u201cWe were lucky that at our previous firm, we had the privilege and latitude to learn all of the skills we needed to run the business \u2013 business development, project management, design, how to take care of the client and manage the project budget, and construction management.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their lifelong friendship become a strategic advantage. \u201cWhen you\u2019ve been best friends for more than 40 years, there\u2019s a level of trust that is unmatched. We know that we can count on each other. We think a lot alike so we can solve problems quickly, more efficiently. We tend to arrive at decisions quickly,\u201d said Richard.<\/p>\n
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But the two are, in fact, polar opposites in more ways than just their appearance. Jim is a tall guy with a big personality to match. A self-described \u2018people person\u2019, he excels at<\/p>\n
collaborating with others from all walks of life \u2013 from executives to tradespeople on job sites. \u201cBeing in the field is my favorite. I think it goes back to being on job sites with my grandfather as a kid, talking to all of the craftsmen and understanding the way things are put together,\u201d he mused.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRichard, on the other hand, tends to be more reserved and contemplative. \u201cI\u2019m the worrier, but that has become a strength in our partnership. I\u2019m the risk manager, always thinking, \u2018What is the long-term outcome of this decision?\u2019 It\u2019s always top of mind. I think about all of the scenarios that can play out so we can be as prepared as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim enjoys the building process and looking at the details of a design, understanding how the building will function and how the systems will fit together in the most efficient way. Richard excels in the creative aspects of design, how the building will look and the feelings it will evoke. Their differences are precisely why the firm thrives. Together, they create spaces that are both efficient and inspiring.<\/p>\n
That balance of creativity, innovation and practicality and a focus on exceptional service is why clients return to WTA again and again \u2013 with multiple municipal projects in Euless, Bedford, and Flower Mound. One of their most significant recent accomplishments: the Mustang Park Recreation Center in Irving \u2014 poised to become the largest municipal recreation center in Texas at more than 127,000 square feet.<\/p>\n
But for Jim and Richard, the goal was never about achieving the largest facility \u2013 it was about giving the City of Irving an innovative, efficient facility that met all of the City\u2019s needs, both now and far into the future. \u201cWe didn\u2019t set out to design the biggest. But, as we were working with Irving\u2019s project team, we realized we needed that much space to accommodate what the community asked for. Yes, it\u2019s a large project, but there is no wasted space. That is a testament of being able to look at how things go together, visualize all of the possibilities and outcomes and design a space efficiently and affordably. I think it\u2019s also a testament to how well Jim and I work together. We had a client that challenged us, pushed us \u2013 which gave us the momentum we needed,\u201d said Richard.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe project exemplifies the goal of WTA \u2013 collaborative relationships that lead to successful projects.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with these guys has been great!\u201d shared Joe Moses, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Irving. \u201cFor me, they took a fresh approach and pushed the envelope on design and concept. They really had value in mind but also didn\u2019t cut corners on products. They made sure we got good value, but also nothing that wouldn\u2019t stand the test of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe calls Mustang Park his \u201cdrop the mic\u201d project. \u201cThis was a challenging project, and these guys were up for it and flexible. This is a great project to finish out my career. Working with them captures everything that my career has been about\u2014exceeding expectations, pushing the envelope, innovating. We came up with some crazy things, and they made it work. I can\u2019t imagine we would\u2019ve gotten this product working with a different firm. I didn\u2019t want cookie cutter. I wanted something unique where we could put our mark on it. And these were our guys! I can\u2019t wait to see it going up. It\u2019s like waiting for Christmas!\u201d<\/p>\n
For Jim and Richard, the goal is always to move past cookie cutter design. \u201cSpaces have the power to influence mood and emotions and to improve the quality of life for end users. So for us, design starts with the individual person \u2013 building a space that makes their life better, easier. But it expands to how that building impacts the occupants socially, economically, and environmentally.\u201d<\/p>\n
While those impacts have influenced their designs since the beginning of their careers, how they\u2019ve done the work has changed drastically. Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our society, but the architecture\/construction industry has long been one of the most innovative.<\/p>\n
Since Jim and Richard started their careers, they\u2019ve seen a shift from building plans and renderings drawn by hand to 3-D renderings and plans done in a fraction of the time with the help of software. \u201cWe witnessed the birth of the PC. We taught ourselves AutoCAD 2.0. Now we don\u2019t even use AutoCAD anymore, we use Revit \u2013 which models in 3D to allow us to see all components of a building. We use virtual reality to show the building in real time, as if we were physically taking a walk through. We used to print drawings, overnight them to a job site and then wait to get them back with all of the revisions. Now, with the click of a button, we can send drawings instantly. As project managers, that means clients have higher expectations and expect instant responses,\u201d said Jim.<\/p>\n
This innovation affects every aspect of construction as well. The entire team \u2013 architects, engineers, and trades \u2013 can now work seamlessly and simultaneously. Where everyone on a job site used to work from one set of drawings housed in a job trailer, now most workers on a job site view digital drawings on their tablets. This translates into projects that are built faster and better, since trades can see potential issues faster and deal with them proactively.<\/p>\n
And, like most industries, AI is making a profound impact. Some see the potential for architects and engineers to become \u2018validators\u2019 of what AI generates. And it has the potential to decrease the need for certain aspects of the A\/E industry \u2013 such as artist and interior designers. For example, wall graphics, murals, even d\u00e9cor ideas can be generated with AI and allow for multiple modifications quickly until it generates the design exactly to the client\u2019s specifications \u2013 without having to depend on a person and the time it takes to create those same things. From a client perspective, it can be a way to make projects more cost effective.<\/p>\n
However, WTA continues adapting without losing the human-centered approach that defines them. \u201cAI will not be able to collaborate as effectively as a human, especially in terms of client management. And when it comes to construction management on a job site, I don\u2019t see a way for AI to be as effective. I think for us, we want to be careful about not cutting out humans. We encourage our staff \u2013 many of whom are starting their careers \u2013 don\u2019t rely on technology to do their thinking for them. One of the ways we\u2019ve set ourselves apart is finding innovative ways to problem solve on projects. So, yes, the world is changing but hard work will still be the key to success.\u201d<\/p>\n
When reflecting on the past and thinking about what they\u2019d go back and tell their younger selves, their answer is identical, \u201cDon\u2019t play it safe. Take more risks.\u201d And for Jim and Richard, WTA has been a risk well worth taking. Jim \u2013 Frank Welch \u2013 architect in Dallas \u2013 \u201cBe subtle. Be evocative. Be graceful. But above all, be credible.\u201d That influenced me in all aspects of life. Richard \u2013 structural professor \u2013 \u201cSurround yourself with excellence\u201d<\/p>\n
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