How to Decorate Podcast – Episode 429: Building on Tradition with Bill Curtis and Russell Windham

Date: September 2, 2025
Hosts: Caroline (A), Taryn (B), Liz (C)
Guests: William Curtis (C), Russell Windham (D) – Curtis & Windham Architects

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the enduring value of classical architecture in contemporary life through a conversation with William Curtis and Russell Windham, principals of Curtis & Windham Architects. Celebrating the release of their second book, "Building on Tradition," the discussion navigates their Texas roots, creative process, the unique vernacular of Houston's River Oaks, lessons from working with repeat clients, and the subtle art of blending tradition with innovation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Origins & Partnership

[01:53–07:16]

• Bill and Russell’s independent journeys began in small Texas towns, with Bill wanting to be an architect since age six.
• Observed a lack of Texas-native architects shaping major Texas cities, fueling their ambition to return and make a difference.
• Both gained experience in major cities (Washington D.C. & London) before being introduced and forming their firm in Houston.
• Houston chosen for its social openness and receptiveness to newcomers with ideas and ambition.
• Their partnership, based on mutual respect and complementary backgrounds, has flourished for over three decades.
• Quote:
  "We got to the end of those roads and decided we wanted to come back to Texas and make our mark here… Houston is socially open and...available to people who come in here with ideas and ambition and skills and just energy." (C, 03:10)

The Texas Vernacular & River Oaks

[08:48–15:37]

• Texas, particularly Houston and River Oaks, is central to the firm's work and identity. River Oaks is described as a uniquely harmonious architectural fabric, blending various traditional styles.
• The neighborhood’s ethos historically balanced building scale and landscape prominence – a value sometimes lost in new development.
• Quote:
  "Houston is quintessential Texas. And River Oaks, I think, is even specific to Houston because...it was based on different types of architecture speaking to one another." (D, 09:39)
• Concern about recent trends: homes now maximize lot coverage, disrupting the area's original landscape-driven plan.
• Quote:
  "Now people are filling up lots, and frankly, it’s sad...it’s being destroyed." (D, 12:52)
• Curtis & Windham see their role as maintaining the original vision, often acting as “editors” or “surgeons” on established properties.
• Quote:
  "The good manners that were implicit by the original developers and the original architects...isn’t happening now." (C, 14:07)

Principles for Lot Selection & Site Planning

[15:58–19:39]

• Emphasize honest guidance: refusing projects that would compromise neighborhood or architectural integrity.
• Original River Oaks homes designed for cross-ventilation and landscape connection (pre-air-conditioning).
• Try to adapt analogous principles for modern living – maximizing natural light, connection to gardens.
• Quote:
  "We're pretty good architects. We're awful magicians." (D, 18:35)
• Importance of contributing to the greater context, not just fulfilling programmatic desires.

Collaborating with Clients – Styles, Listening & Iteration

[19:39–23:16]

• River Oaks' conceptual openness allows variation: formal Georgian, French, or more romantic interpretations, as fits site and client.
• Strong client collaboration: collecting inspiration, probing beyond surface preferences ("Why do you like that picture?").
• Multiple schematic plan options to help reveal what works best for the client—and, subtly, which are preferred by the architects!
• Quote:
  "When clients come, we really ask them, bring as many pictures as you want...but you have to...say why do you like that picture?" (D, 21:43)
• Recognize and gently course-correct impractical or out-of-place style requests.

Client Relationships & Repeat Projects

[24:46–29:05]

• The studio, known for forthright advice, seeks mutual fit with clients—turning away those who may not value their expertise.
• Half or more of current work is for returning clients, reflecting deep trust and evolving design relationships.
• Working with familiar clients gives more creative flexibility and shared language.
• Quote:
  "I look forward to...the phone rings. I'm just like, where are we going now? You know, it's gonna be great fun." (C, 27:13)

Spotlight Projects

Homewood House (Modernist Renovation, Houston)

[29:05–36:38]

• Major restoration and update of a mid-century modernist house by Hugo Newhouse.
• Process included extensive research, restoring original features where possible, adding sensitive updates, and collaborating on art integration and landscape with Reed Hildebrand.
• The home features playful, whimsical, and sculptural details, including a striking entry with a water feature.
• Quote:
  "Our goal was more or less to...get it back to the way it was and then...modify it to her goals." (C, 29:56)

The Pub (Golf Course Outbuilding)

[37:54–41:22]

• Commissioned by "frequent flyer clients," the pub is a hidden, whimsical escape for golfers—detailed inside and out to combine humor, tradition, and exclusivity.
• The building subtly matches main house architecture and plays with site rules, making it feel integrated yet special.

Wallisville Farm

[42:20–45:00]

• Historic property with strong Texas roots—home to ancient trees and rich family history.
• Work included restoration, reorganizing historic structures, and adding new outbuildings to foster a "little community."
• Emphasis on preserving landscape and sense of place: old trees, farm history, and a harmonious architectural ensemble.

Bill Curtis’s Own House Near the Menil Museum

[49:29–52:42]

• A personal project for Bill and his wife—downsizing from River Oaks to a contextually sensitive house adjacent to renowned museums.
• The process highlighted integration with existing trees, respecting the Menil's campus aesthetic, and navigating the designer-as-client dynamic.
• Quote:
  "We set about trying to do a building that was thoughtful, a thoughtful insertion on a very tiny lot...with an 80 foot diameter oak tree in the middle." (C, 50:57)

Practice & Team Culture

Education and In-House Development

[56:37–62:07]

• The firm’s staff often includes graduates from Notre Dame’s leading classical architecture program.
• New hires, regardless of school, require time—sometimes six months or more—to absorb the firm’s depth of precedent, contextual design, and focus on fitting buildings to climate, landscape, and neighborhood.
• Quote:
  "It just takes a long time to absorb things. And Russell and I are often talking about subtle things like...a pre-air conditioned plan or...a lifestyle plan." (C, 59:12)

Drawing by Hand—Why It Still Matters

[62:07–66:43]

• Hand drawing is central to their process, especially at the creative ideation stage, enabling speed, freedom, and spontaneity.
• Sketching in early phases is valued over computer drawings which can feel unnecessarily resolved and limit exploration.
• Quote:
  "When they come with their three sketches, these are way too pretty...All I need is a kernel of the idea so we can have a discussion. Do not waste more time." (D, 64:02)
• Drawing keeps scale, proportion, and emotional connection to design at the forefront.

Philosophy: Blending Tradition, Humor, and Context

[37:54–45:19]

• Across all projects, the throughline is respect for context, willingness to adapt, and an openness to surprise, delight, and even humor.
• Client input is honored, but filtered through decades of precedent and practical wisdom.
• Long-lasting architecture is seen as both fabric for the city and daily joy for occupants.

Notable Quotes

• "There’s no separation between love of architecture and traditional architecture because...I don’t like most of what’s being built." (D, 04:09)
• "We're doing...surgery and repair and editing and yes, we get a chance to do new things on occasion, but they're always done with respect to the original vision." (C, 14:07)
• "It's as much about contributing to the city as it is about existing within its own landscape." (A, 19:03)
• "If you can compromise...you can change your paradigm...there may be something unique that allows you to focus your property on the tree and enjoy the tree every moment." (C, 53:13)

Memorable Moments

• Recounting the moving of massive old trees with creative engineering, revealing dedication to preserving site history. (D, 54:37)
• The story of Lucy Curtis writing the book, adding humor and warmth that reflect the firm’s spirit. (C/D, 69:54–71:28)
• The inside joke that an abundance of initial design options signals Bill isn’t satisfied with the client’s brief. (D, 23:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Bill & Russell’s Path to Architecture: 01:53–07:16
• Texas and River Oaks as a Design Laboratory: 08:48–15:37
• Lot Selection & Principles of Siting: 15:58–19:39
• Design Process & Client Education: 19:39–23:16
• Repeat Clients & Project Examples: 24:46–41:22
• Wallisville Farm and Other Site-Sensitive Work: 42:20–45:19
• Team, Mentorship & Classical Training: 56:37–62:07
• Hand Drawing, Creativity, and Tradition: 62:07–66:43
• Lucy Curtis’s Role in the Book: 69:54–71:28

Resources

• Curtis & Windham Architects: curtiswindham.com
• Book: Building on Tradition (Rizzoli, available for preorder via Amazon, releasing Sept 9, 2025)
• Instagram: @curtiswindham

In Conclusion

This lively episode showcases how Curtis & Windham blend tradition with personal touch—never shying from honest advice, innovating within classic parameters, and mentoring the next generation of architects. Whether you’re a design lover or working on your own home, their insights offer both practical wisdom and inspiration, reminding us that great architecture is always a dialogue between history, place, and the hopes of those who inhabit it.