Drawing Inspiration: Bill Dwyer’s Journey from Sketch to Senior Leadership

Bill Dwyer's journey to becoming an Executive Architect and Associate Partner at Kirksey Architecture spans more than a decade of leadership, dedication, and passion for design. Celebrating his 11th anniversary with the firm this year, Bill has become a key contributor to Kirksey's growth as a technical expert and a mentor.

His path to architecture began with a love for drawing that started in childhood and endured far beyond the classroom. While studying drafting in college with the intent of pursuing engineering, Bill quickly realized his genuine interest lay in design's visual and creative aspects, leading him toward architecture and away from the heavy focus on mathematics.

After internships in Galveston and Houston, and earning his degree from the University of Houston, Bill worked with a few Houston-area firms before joining Kirksey in 2013 as a Senior Project Architect. From the start, he stood out for his attention to detail and ownership of every aspect of a project.

Design Leadership in Action

One of his early and defining projects at Kirksey was the extensive renovation and modernization of Milby High School, a 1926 historic campus. Tasked with balancing preservation and innovation on a limited budget, Bill led a complex design and coordination effort that earned the project the Caudill Award from the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Bill's approach is grounded in two key attributes: accountability and persistence. "If you care about your part, then there will be a much greater chance of a successful project," he says. These traits have consistently shaped his role in driving projects forward and meeting deadlines.

A Mentor and a Resource

As an Executive Architect, Bill sees himself as both a leader and a resource. His years of experience across diverse projects equip him to mentor less experienced architects and help implement firmwide standards and practices.

"The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know," Bill says, acknowledging the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the profession. His curiosity and humility fuel a continuous learning mindset that he brings into every project and every team interaction.

Looking Ahead

Now in a senior leadership role, Bill is focused on contributing to Kirksey's future growth and is energized by the firm's trajectory.

"It gives us all opportunities for advancement and opportunities to work on exciting new projects," he says.
Outside of the office, Bill values time with his wife, Eve, their daughter, a junior at Texas State University, and their two pets, Pebbles and Jack. Bill is also a longtime rugby enthusiast. He enjoys watching the Houston Sabercats and reflecting on his playing days with the Bay Area Rugby Club.

From a childhood passion for drawing to a leadership role at one of Houston's top architecture firms, Bill Dwyer exemplifies what it means to grow with your profession while helping others do the same.