Summer 2022 | Insights to Opportunity
www.houstontx.gov/obo | Page 5
BUSINESS PROFILE
FS Group Architects: Build Trust to Ensure Contracting Success By: Enzo Mungu
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S Group Architects (FSG) was established in 1999, after licensed architect and accredited LEED professional Sabir Fakhruddin was asked to design a medical office building by a Houston cardiologist. Twenty-four years later, the company has grown its portfolio to include projects in commercial, corporate and institutional spaces, as well as in aviation, education, healthcare, and public works. FSG is licensed in Texas to provide architectural services and employs licensed architects and licensed interior designers under Fakhruddin’s leadership, and provides master planning, professional architectural design, and interior design services. In the City of Houston, FSG is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and has been awarded several professional services contracts, including: for Houston Public Works, buildings for the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP); for the General Services Department, renovations at the Memorial Park Golf Club; and for the Houston Airport System, the Infrastructure Development Office – PMO/IDO Building at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the Aerospace Institute and the Campus Masterplan for the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Field, as well as new construction and renovations to
MAJOR CITY OF HOUSTON PROJECT: FS Group Architects at the site of the Dewatering Building of the Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP), which will provide the pumping of finished and filter backwash supply water with seven high-service pumping unit turbines. The NEWPP project is the largest progressive design build project in the United States, and FSG is the Architect of Record and in charge of 40 buildings on the campus.
Terminal B, also at IAH. FSG also worked on designing the iconic wayfinding signage at the William P. Hobby Airport, which helped Hobby achieve its Skytrax 5-Star rating.
being committed to maintaining a high quality of professional service, coupled with excellent relationships, financial, and time management, according to Fakhruddin.
“We are one of the largest MBE architects in the city, with a diverse team reflecting the diversity of Houston,” said Fakhruddin. “We have been doing work with the City for over 15 years since FSG designed renovations for Mayor Bill White’s offices.”
“It is extremely important to manage your accounting, your time, and your cash flow to become a solid financial partner as a prime or as a sub,” he said. “These aspects build trust, which is critical to building a continuing relationship from one project to another.”
The key to longevity and repeat business for contractors, whether at the prime or subcontractor level, is continuously
For more information about FS Group Architects, go to www.fsdesignbuild.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Acres Home Chamber of Commerce Business Networking Luncheon: Join OBO Director Marsha Murray at 11 a.m. on Aug. 18 at 6112 Wheatley Street. As guest speaker, Murray will share information about OBO’s free services and resources, including City of Houston certifications and business development programs. To register or sponsor a table at this in-person event, go to acreshomechamber.com. Live & Virtual Pre-Certification Workshops: Attend virtually at 2 p.m.
on the first and third Tuesday of each month via Microsoft Teams. Attend in person at 611 Walker, 7th Floor at 2 p.m. every third Tuesday. Representatives from OBO’s Certification Division will provide an overview of certification types, requirements, application procedures and certification benefits. Registration is required and can be completed by going to http://www. houstontx.gov/obo/registrations.html. Additionally, on-demand versions of the workshop can be accessed 24/7 via the link above.
Increasing Your Business and Business Strategies Panels: Join OBO and SCORE Houston for a series of discussions designed for City of Houston vendors and Houston entreprenuers. Topics cover Obtaining OBO Minority Certification, Sept. 1; Contract Management, Oct. 6; Managing Financials with QuickBooks, Nov. 3; and Forecasting, Dec. 1. All events take place from 1-2 p.m. at Houston Community College – Missouri City, 1600 Texas Parkway. For registration links, contact Porscha.Jackson@houstontx.gov.
