Through several client engagements with the City of San Antonio Fire Department, we explored strategies to create authentic architecture with basic, durable materials and construction methods. As expected in a municipal project, we worked with the City to manage construction cost, long term maintenance, and programmatic requirements inherent in the building type. Knowledge gained in this early group of successful fire station projects formed the basis for a set of design standards and specifications we developed with city staff at the CoSA Fire Department.

Sometimes, our opportunities are not centered on unique design expression, but rather on a highly responsive solution to a client brief. In the case of our expansion to the City of Shavano Park fire station, we designed to prioritize the client’s programmatic needs, seamlessly integrating a significant addition. This 2010 project is a prime example of a tailored response to client requirements, an elegant solution at home in its residential neighborhood context.

City of San Antonio Fire Station 48, a bold stroke of “fire engine red” metal cladding on a hill, is one of our favorite examples from recent archives. By pushing past expectations while being mindful of budget and building lifespan, we were able to give back to the community with a signature building.