Blog

Public school districts across Texas are operating in a fundamentally different enrollment environment than they were a few years ago. In 2020, statewide enrollment dropped by 2.2%. While the two years following the pandemic saw modest recovery, growth has since slowed dramatically. Annual enrollment growth for 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 was just 0.2%, the smallest increase…

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Cindy Villarreal, AIA, RID, WELL AP, LEED AP, CDT to Principal at O’Connell Robertson. As Director of our Houston office, Cindy has been a driving force behind its growth, culture, and success, exemplifying leadership aligned with O’Connell Robertson’s mission-driven values. Over the past five years, her leadership…

Strong community communication is essential before the passage of a school bond program. Typical outreach efforts (such as public presentations, social media updates, and printed mailers) are important for sharing information, but they often overlook opportunities to build lasting trust and meaningful relationships within the community.  Expanding communication beyond the campaign phase and throughout the…

The Changing Face of Texas Architecture, Engineering and Interior Design Over the past 75 years, Texas has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by population growth, urbanization, technological advancements, and a dynamic economy. The impact of these changes is visibly evident in the buildings and spaces that shape our communities. Since 1950, O’Connell Robertson has been…

Comal ISD’s Farias-Spitzer Elementary School design has been recognized as an award-winning benchmark facility for its incorporation of next generation learning space design and planning methodologies. Learning by Design has designated this as an Outstanding Project in their Fall 2024 Architecture and Interior Design Awards of Excellence edition. O’Connell Robertson’s innovative design was inspired by…