Dallas, Texas (September 2008) PR Newswire �  WHR Architects is marking its fourth year in Dallas. In 2004 the Houston-based firm opened a second Texas office to provide a broader, more direct service and project delivery to clients in the region. A nationally recognized leader in healthcare design with a 25-year track record, WHR also has a strong portfolio of projects in education, science and technology. The firm was named one of the "60 Best Companies to Work for in Texas" in 2007 -- the only architectural firm on the list. It has also been recognized for achieving the highest levels of business performance by the Professional Services Management Journal's Circle of Excellence.

Two years ago, Mark W. Vaughan, AIA, ACHA, a firm principal and senior medical planner/project designer, relocated to become Principal In Charge of the Dallas office. "It was important for us to 'implant' the culture of the firm here," says Vaughan. "Our firm DNA, with its commitment to critical thinking, innovation and client-centric values, is our greatest strength. The Dallas office is a vital part of the overall growth strategy for the organization."

Under Vaughan's leadership the office has enjoyed steady growth, with 16 employees now working with clients in multiple states including: CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, Texarkana, Texas; Hopkins County Memorial Hospital, Sulphur Springs, Texas; The University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas; Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Lawton, Oklahoma; St. Edward Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Arkansas and St. John Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

"As pioneers in the practice of evidence-based design, WHR is committed to bringing new levels of accountability and satisfaction to our mission-driven clients," comments Ken Ross, FAIA, FACHA, Principal of WHR. "Mark Vaughan is a leading practitioner in the design of family-centered care facilities, and a recognized authority on the role of evidence-based design in creating patient safe healthcare environments. He and his Dallas team are invaluable contributors on a number of our most demanding projects."

Vaughan's goal focuses around building and maintaining a high performance studio, which enjoys working on exciting projects. "We have an outstanding team of professionals in several disciplines including architects, interior designers, and medical technology specialists," notes Vaughan. "Our reputation and supportive culture attract like-minded planners and designers."

Other key individuals on the team include Mark Stewart, senior project manager and Mike Dowling, who is responsible for assuring technology and production quality for the office. "I really respect the knowledge base at WHR," says Stewart. "WHR uses team members with decades of experience in addition to younger, eager talent. It's a good, balanced mix." Dowling agrees, "We have real strength of expertise in healthcare here. It's exciting to be able to shape the studio with my experience in technology -- it helps to keep WHR in the forefront."

Peggy Noakes, FIIDA, an award-winning interior designer who was one of the office's first employees concurs, saying, "I knew about WHR through professional colleagues and I knew that it was the kind of firm culture that I wanted. I have had the opportunity to help grow the practice -- it is very rewarding."

"Dallas has proved to be a valuable platform for the firm," says David Watkins, FAIA, Chairman and Founding Principal of WHR. "Our presence in the market has enabled us to better serve our clients in North Texas and the surrounding states, and expand our recruitment base. It's a success by every measure."

For more information on WHR Architects, visit www.whrarchitects.com. 

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