Chet Morgan, AIA
Architectural Portfolio, 2013-2024
I believe that good architecture results from the marriage of design and functionality. Both style and purpose are integral to my philosophy as an architect. These core principles guide my approach to every project.
However, great architecture goes even further. It incorporates sustainability from environmental and social perspectives with aesthetics that endure. I believe great vision takes cues from the user/ owner and the setting, but seeks inspiration from professionals willing to dare. That is the professional I challenge myself to become every day, to determine the best solution for every project, approaching it with an innovative and open mindset, always aware that architecture is in all respects a collaborative process.
907 South Congress Ave.
High End Office Renovation
Austin, TX
907 S Congress transforms a 100+ year-old bungalow into a vibrant space that thoughtfully blends the old with the new. 907 showcases fresh design and historical preservation, breathing new life into a century-old building while creating an inspiring environment for employees and visitors.
A key feature of the design is the addition of a glazed exterior corner, which emulates the screened porch that once graced the building. The glazing creates a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces.
The layout took cues from the existing chimneys to create new hearth moments and leaned into dark, warm tones to create a rich and cozy interior. The sophisticated study-like atmosphere is achieved through careful selection of materials and color-mapped palettes. The furnishings, a mix of vintage and modern pieces with luxe fabrics and textures, create a sense of intimacy.
Notes:
- Texas Society of Architect’s Design Excellence Award Winner 2023
- IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter of Design Excellence Award 2023
- AIA Houston Design Award Winner 2023
- Cover Photo for September /October TSA Magazine
- Located on prominent South Congress Ave.
Assembly Park Creative Offices
Renovation of an Existing Antique Mall
Plano, TX
Notes:
Breathing new life into an existing Antique Mall, Assembly Park will be the catalyst to new energy in a corner of Plano that is lacking it. With over 180,000 SF of new office space and an additional 20,000 SF of future Food & Beverage as well as an adjoining multifamily development.
One of the biggest challenge of this project was to design a space that felt open and welcoming, within an existing shell what was designed to do the exact opposite. The Plano antique mall had 4 major entries and no exterior windows. We re-clad the existing tilt up walls with new brick (frogs out) and emphasized the existing entries with a new steel structures, each embodying their own characteristic to help with way finding. In addition to the new exterior assemblies, there is also a new pocket park that provides ample outdoor space of the occupants.
To enhance the site further, we designed two stand-alone Food/ Beverage and retail buildings as you enter the site to the south. These buildings are connected through a pedestrian plaza, ripe for a block party. These buildings also have their own feel and character to them. One designed to house two restaurants, one higher end and one fast casual and the other aptly named the “Beer Chapel”
- Adaptive Reuse Project Utilizing a 300,000 SF Mall
- NAIOP Best Of Award Winner
- Opening in Winter of 2024
4201 South Congress
Adaptive Re-Use Office Park
Austin, TX
Inhabiting an existing warehouse building used for the off loading of materials brought into town via train, 4201 S Congress leans into it’s existing structure and accentuates it’s original character. The project itself consists of around 90,000 SF of adaptive reuse office space with new mezzanine structures. The existing building saw tooth is highlighted through it’s high bay spaces and emphasized with the new “reverse saw” mezzanine.
The site will house a total of 8 buildings, new and renovated. All of which will house either office or Food/Beverage retail spaces. Building 1 will be an 110,000 SF ground up office building with an accompanying parking garage capable of parking over 500 vehicles. Located on the corner of South Congress and Industrial Avenue, 4201 will act as the bookend to the historic and lively S Congress Avenue and will be a welcome amenity to the rapidly developing area.
Notes:
- Adaptive Reuse Project utilizing a Saw tooth warehouse building - Targeting LEED Gold
- Currently in Development
TENTSION
Waller Creek
Austin, TX
Constructed from over 120 tents, TENTSION served as a manifestation of the tensions present every day at Waller Creek. The dichotomy between its ephemeral role as host to a beloved community event and its daily function as a refuge for those experiencing homelessness inspired our team to create an installation of objects that can be given back to serve as shelter
The physical force of tension was integral to our design. We leveraged the inherent tensile strength from each tent, in addition to intermediate bracing and tension cables, to suspend the exhibit over the water.
TENTSION served as a conversation starter, sparked curiosity, and raised awareness of the hardship of those experiencing homelessness. In an effort to give back , we partnered with local homelessness outreach organizations to redistribute the tents incorporated in our design in a way that is respectful to the Austin community at large.
Notes:
- Won 2019 AIA Austin Design Award with additional commendation of Award of Excellence
- Featured on the Front Cover of the Austin Chronicle
-Nominated for Interior Design Magazine’s Best in Show 2019
-Won People’s Choice AIA Austin Design Award
-All tents photographed (over 120) were donated to local homelessness outreach centers
-Installation raised over $10,000 for local non-profit, Integral Care
Price Science Commons
Onyx Green - University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
The Price Science Commons (PSC) at the University of Oregon is an impressive response to a demanding set of requirements located on a high-visibility piece of real estate. The existing Science Library at Oregon is located in the heart of the science wing of campus complex and is entirely below grade. Our mission was to create the new face of the existing, somewhat obscured library while also putting a social spin on the characteristically silent library typology. The program consisted of a 30,000 sq ft renovation of the existing library space plus the addition of a new 5,000 sq ft pavilion/portal to the library. An especially striking element of the design is the grand staircase, which created a visual and auditory connection to the library. Not settling for a traditional approach, this dramatic entry also created its own sense of place in an area that was otherwise mundane and underused. Our team determined a way to allow solar gain (sunlight) into this space in a visually appealing way. After careful examination, we designed a porous but functional sunscreen. We approached this unique challenge by abstracting zebra fish DNA and creating a pattern (see front cover) that speaks to both the overall design of the library as well as its intended purpose, which is to facilitate the understanding of the scientific disciplines that now have a permanent home in the library.
Notes:
- SCUP Honor Award, 2017 - AIA CAE Education Facility Design Awards, 2017 - AIA ALA Library Awards, 2017 - LEED Silver Certification
Oregon Zoo Education Center
NESt, Classroom Building & Train Station
Portland, Or
The survival of the modern zoo is largely dependent upon its ability to educate and entertain simultaneously. Such was the challenge well-understood by the visionary leadership of the Oregon Zoo. The design problem addressed various common-use spaces like classrooms and conference rooms but also had very unusual areas, such as an insect zoo and turtle lab. The site was inherently challenging, located on a prominent hill in Washington Park within the confines of the Oregon Zoo campus. With such prominent visibility, the natural topography is steep and the seasons ever-changing. This required great vision and an intimate appreciation for the natural beauty of its setting.
Rather than try to re-grade or shy away from the difficult terrain, we embraced the topography by studying the warbler—a local inhabitant—and its nest. In addition to being inclusive and open, we sought to incorporate sustainable design wherever possible. This project is a perfect example of sustainable innovation, with several “green” elements such radiant floors, rainwater catchment systems and a gigantic solar array. This entirely wood-frame-constructed building inspires learning among all zoo guests while fostering a strong sense of community.
Notes:
- COTE Top 10 Award Winner 2019
- Net-Zero Building
- LEED Platinum
- Honorable Mention AIA Portland Design Awards
Licenses & Accreditations:
- Licensed Architect - State of Texas
- LEED AP, BD+C
- Fitwel Ambassador
Work Experience:
- Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
2021 - Present - Austin, TX
- Perkins & Will
2017 - 2021 - Austin, TX
- Opsis Architecture
2013 - 2017 - Portland, OR
- John Imhoff Architects (in assoc. w/ Gensler SF)
2012 - San Francisco, CA
Interests & Achievements:
- AIA Austin
DesignVoice Chair, Leadership Collective
- Speaking Events
AIA Summer Conference 2018 & 2019, ADW
- Design Competitions
Stitch II, Force Majeure
- Sustainability
Design Excellence Action Plan, COTE
- Stewardship
Design for All Partnership, DV Charrettes