Parkhill Welcomes Chris Casey as New Practice Leader to Champion Community Growth in Southeast Texas

Parkhill is thrilled to announce the addition of Chris Casey, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, as the new Practice Leader in Southeast Texas. Based in Houston, Chris will lead the charge in expanding Parkhill’s footprint throughout the region, fostering strong relationships with city, county, and state agencies to build community-focused projects that make a lasting impact.

With more than 20 years of experience in architecture and urban planning, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for public sector projects. His career spans over 55 successful public projects across Texas, including city halls, police and court facilities, dispatch centers, county administration buildings, fire stations, park structures, public works facilities, aviation facilities, and more. A master at balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, his designs reflect a commitment to community enhancement and environmental stewardship. 

A Lifelong Dedication to Public Projects 

Chris’ journey into architecture started with a strong educational foundation, earning his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University and a Master of Architecture from Rice University. His early passion for community development and public service has only grown stronger throughout his career. As an active member of the American Public Works Association, Texas Municipal League, and Texas City Management Associations, he continuously contributes to the architectural community and beyond. 

“Public projects can seem fairly broad and endless in nature, but they entail any project a city, county, or state agency would need,” Chris said. “When you help a public client build or improve their dream facility, it makes a positive impact on the entire community and everyone benefits. That's rewarding to me. It’s my passion to work on projects that are supported through public funding.” 

Leadership With Purpose  

Chris’ leadership philosophy is rooted in adaptability and collaboration. He sees architecture as a “team sport,” where collective effort and diverse perspectives create the strongest outcomes. His leadership style is not one-size-fits-all, but rather an “adaptive approach” that evolves with the needs of the team and project. As Chris puts it, “Leadership has evolved from the singular ‘heroic’ individual and now is more of a team sport. At Parkhill, we’re a very successful 80-year-old company built on multilayered leadership that works collectively with our employees to accomplish goals and initiate change.” 

A Commitment to Community Beyond Architecture  

In addition to his professional achievements, Chris is a dedicated mentor and community advocate. He serves on the Board of Directors for BayTran, a nonprofit that supports transportation initiatives in Southeast Houston. He also mentors high school students through the ACE Mentoring Program and guides aspiring architects from Rice University and The Ohio State University. His dedication to community engagement extends to volunteering at the Houston Food Bank and coaching local youth sports. 

He has been honored with numerous industry awards, including the prestigious Landmark Award for the IAH Terminal B project and the Development of Distinction Award from the Urban Land Institute. These accolades reflect not only his technical prowess but also his dedication to creating sustainable and impactful spaces. 

Building Community Through Vision and Innovation   

Parkhill’s mission of “Building Community” aligns perfectly with Chris’ vision of transforming public spaces into community assets. His approach to planning and programming public facilities ensures that every project serves the people it’s meant to benefit, fostering long-term growth and connection. 

“Chris’ reputation for quality, responsive service, and dedication to client satisfaction is beyond question and has been proven many times over,” said Parkhill’s Director of Community Michael Howard. "We are confident that his leadership will further our mission of building stronger communities across Southeast Texas.” 

With Chris on board, Parkhill is set to continue its legacy of building community with purpose and passion by enhancing lives and inspiring people for many years to come.