Early Career
Founding partner Bobby Michael McGlone earned his BA at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, graduating in 1978. Mike interned with UT professor Sinclair Black, FAIA, an influential force in downtown Austin planning. On making the move to New York with others in his cohort, he landed a position with Lundquist & Stonehill Partners, and later Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer. Mike immersed himself in the work, with high-profile project experience on Sotheby Parke-Bernet (now Sotheby’s), Bryant Park Redevelopment, New York Public Library, Willard Hotel (Washington, D.C.), Los Angeles County Art Museum, and Los Angeles Public Library Master Plan.
Founding Alamo Architects
Returning to Texas in 1983, McGlone joined UT professor Cy Wagner in San Antonio in startup firm Arrow Associates. Departing Arrow in 1984, he, along with UT classmates Irby Hightower, Billy Lawrence, and Mike Lanford, founded Alamo Architects. Each brought formative East Coast experience to the new partnership: Lanford from Johnson/Burgee, and Lawrence and Hightower from several influential firms including Friday Architects (Philadelphia), whose corps d’esprit and civic idealism is in our DNA today. The fledgling Alamo group set themselves apart in the market with a “can-do” approach, workmanlike attitude, and collaborative spirit.
A Multidisciplinary Career
In the decades since Alamo’s founding, Mike has led some of the firm’s most prominent projects for public and nonprofit, religious, education, and preservation clients. In equal measure, Mike has sought to elevate design and building processes, and to leverage the value of collaboration and engagement. He has directed any number of the firm’s landmark projects, from the move and restoration of the Fairmount Hotel (1986) to the adaptive reuse of the firm’s current home – a reimagined industrial space at the SoFlo office campus (2006).
Mike has brought his colorful brand of personal magnetism, leadership, and tireless service to the AIA for over 25 years, with capstone years as president of AIA San Antonio (2012) and president of the Texas Society of Architects (2018). Most recently, he joined AIA’s Strategic Council, Aligning Climate Action and Social Justice with Affordable and Equitable Housing. In 2022, he was recognized as a Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellow for his service to the AIA, and in 2023 was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. Mike and wife Ann Benson McGlone, former Historic Preservation Officer for the City of San Antonio and well-regarded preservation architect, were frequent collaborators on adaptive reuse projects, transforming structures of historic significance. Together they raised two accomplished sons who are married to wonderful people, and Mike and Ann are now doting grandparents to four grandkids.
Congratulations, Mike – well done!
