Houston Metropolitan Research Center

This database contains records of over 8,000 architectural jobs with an estimated 125,000 sheets designed by more than 250 architects and engineers stretching back to the early part of the twentieth century. While the vast majority of database records are concerned with the drawings of buildings in the Houston area, there are a few structures from elsewhere in Texas and the nation. Drawings in the collection comprise a history of homes from the modest to the grand, small office buildings to recent skyscrapers, "dream palace theaters" to the Astrodome, manufacturing plants to automobile dealerships and even service stations. The architects range from the famous such as Finn, Moore, Staub, and Sullivan to the less well known. These are records of drawings, not the drawings themselves.

The drawings cataloged in the database record a vital part of Houston's history as many homes and buildings survive only as two-dimensional images. For those who wish to visit the Architectural Archives and see the drawings first-hand, please email the Texas Room to request an appointment and specify drawings of interest. Please provide at least two business days notice to allow time for confirmation. Appointments are limited to 9 am - 6 pm, Monday through Friday, depending on availability. The Architectural Archives are closed on weekends and holidays.

Performing a Search

Please fill in one or more of the following boxes. Not every field in every database record necessarily contains information. In order to broaden your search, please fill in fewer boxes.