In 1999 I attended a fortuitous meeting with Houston architects Carrie Glassman Shoemake and Ernesto Maldonado, who wanted to discuss ways in which the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) could become more involved with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Their goal was to broaden the public’s understanding of the architecture profession, while mine was to bring attention to the Museum’s nascent design collection by reaching an expanded audience. Over several months of meetings, the idea to establish an American Institute of Architects Houston Design Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, was born. Now, twenty-five years later, it remains one of the Museum’s most significant community partnerships and the only one of its type in the United States, having brought into the collection more than sixty important architect-designed objects to date.

I would like to thank Director Gary Tinterow and the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for supporting this project. Gary, in particular, provided encouragement as well as the blessing for continued collection development. The Museum’s decorative arts subcommittee, especially its chair, Cecily Horton, and committee members Carrie Glassman Shoemake and Randall Walker, has also been a source of incredible support for this endeavor. Without Gary and the Trustees’ leadership, this online catalogue and the related exhibition would not have been possible.

At the AIA Houston, I have had the privilege of working with three executive directors—Martha Murphree, Barrie Scardino, and Rusty Bienvenue—as well as countless board members. Each has brought a sense of enthusiasm and commitment to this collaboration and has been an exemplary partner. I would also like to thank the staff of the AIA Houston. Over the years, they have undertaken countless tasks that have ensured the success of the project.

Numerous scholars and colleagues at other institutions have been instrumental in providing research support for this catalogue. The authors would like to thank Amy Auscherman, Director Archives and Brand Heritage, MillerKnoll; Nicholas Barba, John Pawson; Matthew Bird, independent scholar; Alan Bruton, Director of Interior Architecture, Gerald B. Hines School of Architecture and Design, the University of Houston; Eric Colleary, PhD, Cline Curator of Theatre and Performing Arts, Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin; Marji de Brabandere, the Maaarten Van Severen Foundation; Beatrice de Lafontaine, whenobjectswork; Erik Litke, curatorial assistant, department of American decorative arts, Yale University Art Gallery; David B. Long, George Nakashima Woodworkers; Jonathan O’Hea, independent scholar; and Eva Van Regenmortel, research curator, Design Museum Gent.

Many of my colleagues at the Museum have ensured that the exhibition and catalogue were a success. Deputy Director for Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs Deborah Roldán and Senior Exhibitions Coordinator Jane Hamel ably directed the logistics for the show. Chief of Conservation Per Knutås and conservators Trevor Boyd, Jane Gillies, and Sara Luduena deserve my utmost thanks for their careful and diligent care of the objects. Dale Benson and the entire preparations team expertly coordinated the installation of the exhibition, while Marty Stein, Cynthia Odell, and Will Michels ensured that photography and rights for the catalogue were in fine shape. Marie Wise, managing archivist, and the entire staff of the Hirsch Library worked hard to provide research support and secure interlibrary loans. Heather Brand, publisher in chief, kept the catalogue on schedule and worked her usual magic as editor. To all, I am incredibly grateful.

Finally, I would like to thank my amazing colleagues and coauthors in the Museum’s decorative arts, craft, and design department—Christine Gervais, curator of decorative arts; Elizabeth Essner, Windgate Foundation Curator of Craft; and Sarah Horne, curatorial associate—as well as Jon Evans, chief of libraries and archives, and May Howard, administrative assistant. I am so lucky to work with such talented people. This catalogue is dedicated to them with my utmost gratitude.

Cindi Strauss
The Sara and Bill Morgan Curator of Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston