Kirksey Architecture is pleased to announce the strategic expansion of its Collegiate Practice with the addition of Justin Winchester, AIA, NCARB, as Partner and Managing Director.
Justin will be based in Kirksey's Houston office while leading the practice alongside Steve Durham, who currently oversees the firm’s higher education market sector.
Justin has more than 20 years of experience in higher education architecture and a proven track record of delivering complex academic facilities and driving strategic growth across institutions in Texas. He joins Kirksey from Page, where he previously served as Principal and Academic Director. Justin's collaborative approach, deep understanding of how universities operate, and innate understanding of the unique needs of students, staff, or facilities groups provide clients with a tailored project experience and unmatched client service. His portfolio includes high-profile projects for the University of Houston, Sam Houston State University, Rice University, San Jacinto College, and Texas State University System, among others.
“Kirksey has long been a leader in collegiate design, with a robust portfolio spanning student housing, academic buildings, research facilities, and workforce training centers,” said Kirksey President Wes Good. “Justin’s varied and deep expertise, collaborative leadership, and industry standing align with our commitment to innovation and excellence in higher education design.”
Kirksey’s Collegiate Practice continues to be one of the firm’s most enduring and active studios, reflecting decades of dedicated service to public and private institutions across the region. With over 150 projects on more than 40 campuses, Steve Durham and the firm’s collegiate experts have spent decades designing innovative learning environments that facilitate success for students and staff alike. As the newest member of the team, Justin will work closely with Steve and Kirksey's Collegiate Practice Director in North Texas, Brady Jobe, to further strengthen the firm’s position in the higher education market sector.
"It’s a privilege for me to join Kirksey,” Justin remarked. “The firm’s values align with my commitment to creating environments that make a lasting impact for clients and communities. Kirksey continues to set the bar with a respected reputation across Texas for sustainability and design excellence. I’m inspired to drive the firm’s impact to an even greater scale while shaping what’s next in collegiate design."
Kirksey’s recently completed higher education projects include the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School in College Station, Stephen F. Austin State University’s new Pineywoods Dining Hall - the first mass timber building for the University of Texas System – and the new Graduate Student Housing complex at the University of Texas at Austin. The firm also has several collegiate projects underway, including the new Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao College at Rice University, the mass timber Stephen F. Austin State University Forestry Building, the University of Houston Student Center expansion, and the new Corporate and Continuing Education building at College of the Mainland.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Justin and for Kirksey to build on an existing, strong foundation,” said Steve Durham. “Kirksey’s legacy in higher education design and commitment to sustainability and innovation make it an exciting place to lead and grow.”