MRGA Architecture: About Us

For the past fifteen years, MRGA Architecture has been directed by Madison R. Graham and Bess Althaus Graham. The firm draws upon thirty years of architectural project services to corporate and public clients.

Our direction has evolved from an early immersion in commercial and industrial projects to a "big picture" perspective on strategic master planning of facilities for corporate and institutional clients. Throughout the history of the firm, principles of sustainability have been incorporated by designing energy-conserving, versatile facilities, by using proven building systems and materials, and by following through at every stage of the design/construction process. Sustainability is not a service. It's a part of everything we do.

It's our task to find innovative and practical solutions while doing our part to preserve the planet. We add value to every project by balancing environmental strategies with the practical limits imposed by scope and budget. By responding to design challenges with holistic planning at the outset of the project, our goal is to achieve the best fit within the aesthetic, environmental, and historical context.

Madison is the principal architect and lead designer of the MRGA team. He works closely with clients and personally coordinates all aspects of the design process. Madison is known for his ability to creatively analyze design issues through schematic concept drawings, as well as formal presentations, that capture the essence of the design solution.

Madison brings a broad base of experience to MRGA Architecture. For thirty years, he has participated in the design of a diverse range of project types and master-planned numerous sites in Texas and around the world. These projects have included the design and renovation of manufacturing, office, and industrial facilities in Texas, Europe, Mexico and Japan. He has experienced the architectural profession at many levels, from work as a construction laborer to field architect for the Historic American Buildings Survey, to principal partner for The Colley Associates, Architects and Engineers.

Madison's community experiences have included pro bono work for Any Baby Can Child and Family Resource Center. He has served on the Campus Advisory Council of Hill Elementary School, as well as the Citizens' Planning Committee for the Austin ISD Health and Safety Bond Program. He is an active member of the Austin Energy Green Building Program.

Madison's advanced studies have encompassed climate-responsive design, historic preservation, energy conservation, and other sustainability issues. He has a Master of Architecture degree in Energy and Architecture from the University of Colorado, with a concentration in passive solar design. In 1977, he graduated first in his class from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture as recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Award and School Medal.

Registered Architect, Texas #9139, Colorado #C-2706, New Mexico #4176
Registered Interior Designer, Texas #1164
LEED 2.0 Professional, accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council



	Home Portfolio Services Company	Zimmerscheidt-Leyendecker House near Frelsburg, Texas (destroyed) Measured by Madison R. Graham at the Winedale Institute in Historic Preservation Summer 1976 Firm Profile Team Profile Firm Profile For the past fifteen years, MRGA Architecture has been directed by Madison R. Graham and Bess Althaus Graham. The firm draws upon thirty years of architectural project services to corporate and public clients. Our direction has evolved from an early immersion in commercial and industrial projects to a "big picture" perspective on strategic master planning of facilities for corporate and institutional clients. Throughout the history of the firm, principles of sustainability have been incorporated by designing energy-conserving, versatile facilities, by using proven building systems and materials, and by following through at every stage of the design/construction process. Sustainability is not a service. It's a part of everything we do. It's our task to find innovative and practical solutions while doing our part to preserve the planet. We add value to every project by balancing environmental strategies with the practical limits imposed by scope and budget. By responding to design challenges with holistic planning at the outset of the project, our goal is to achieve the best fit within the aesthetic, environmental, and historical context. Team Profile Madison R. Graham, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Madison is the principal architect and lead designer of the MRGA team. He works closely with clients and personally coordinates all aspects of the design process. Madison is known for his ability to creatively analyze design issues through schematic concept drawings, as well as formal presentations, that capture the essence of the design solution. Madison brings a broad base of experience to MRGA Architecture. For thirty years, he has participated in the design of a diverse range of project types and master-planned numerous sites in Texas and around the world. These projects have included the design and renovation of manufacturing, office, and industrial facilities in Texas, Europe, Mexico and Japan. He has experienced the architectural profession at many levels, from work as a construction laborer to field architect for the Historic American Buildings Survey, to principal partner for The Colley Associates, Architects and Engineers. Madison's community experiences have included pro bono work for Any Baby Can Child and Family Resource Center. He has served on the Campus Advisory Council of Hill Elementary School, as well as the Citizens' Planning Committee for the Austin ISD Health and Safety Bond Program. He is an active member of the Austin Energy Green Building Program. Madison's advanced studies have encompassed climate-responsive design, historic preservation, energy conservation, and other sustainability issues. He has a Master of Architecture degree in Energy and Architecture from the University of Colorado, with a concentration in passive solar design. In 1977, he graduated first in his class from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture as recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Award and School Medal. Registered Architect, Texas #9139, Colorado #C-2706, New Mexico #4176 Registered Interior Designer, Texas #1164 LEED 2.0 Professional, accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council Bess Althaus Graham, AIA,NCARB, LEED AP Bess is a project architect and partner at MRGA Architecture. She is involved in all phases of design and construction administration. She is particularly adept at working with clients to determine programmatic requirements. Bess' architectural background includes AutoCAD and manual drafting techniques, sustainability documentation, historic preservation research and photographic surveys, material and color selections in interiors, cost estimates, and accessibility reviews. She is also responsible for the financial and marketing aspects of the firm's operation. Her interests reflect a broad range of community issues. She is a graduate of Leadership Austin, Class of 2000-01. For many years, she was a public representative on the State Board and the Advisory Committee for the Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention, by appointment of Governors George W. Bush and Ann Richards. She also co-taught a course on early childhood intervention at the University of Texas. She previously worked for The Colley Associates in Corpus Christi and for the Historic American Buildings Survey in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Before she began working in the architectural field, she worked as a museum specialist, a historian, and a librarian in museums in Colorado and Corpus Christi, Texas. Bess received a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UT in 1977 with a major in Plan II and a Bachelor of Arts with Highest Honors and Special Honors in History. Registered Architect, Texas #19409 TxDOT Precertification to Perform Historical Research TxDOT Precertification to Conduct Historical Building Surveys LEED 2.0 Professional, accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council


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