Parkhill Named Outstanding Business of the Year by Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

At this year’s Celebrate the Arts luncheon, hosted by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council (ACAC) at Abilene Christian University, Parkhill was honored as Outstanding Business of the Year for its decades-long dedication to the arts and cultural life of the Abilene community.

For more than 30 years, Parkhill has supported the arts in Abilene with many team members serving on the boards of ACAC and the Abilene Arts Alliance. This legacy of service and creativity continues today through both volunteer leadership and visionary design. 

Parkhill Partner and Director of Design, Brandon Young, who also serves on the ACAC board, played a key role in the recent installation of “The Storybook Giving Tree” — a sculpture by Nic Noblique located in the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden. Brandon collaborated closely with the artist to ensure the piece was thoughtfully integrated with the garden’s other features. 

Parkhill’s impact doesn’t stop there. Brandon and Senior Architect and Associate Chip Whitlock helped secure a $50,000 donation in design services through last year’s BCI campaign to create “Winnie-the-Pooh’s 100 Acre Wood,” a whimsical new addition to the garden. This imaginative space will feature eight bronze sculptures of classic characters, complete with charming “homes” for Eeyore, Owl, and more. 

Jared Horsford, a landscape design professional with Parkhill, is designing a log play area, giving children an interactive and nature-inspired space to explore alongside the art. 

Several Parkhill team members are also proud supporters of HeARTS for the ARTS, a program that helps fund art initiatives for children throughout the region. 

Congratulations to all of the 2025 Abilene Art Award recipients. Parkhill is grateful to be recognized not only for design excellence, but for Building Community through the arts. 

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