O’Connell Robertson’s track record of designing smart, elegant and effective environments has enabled our Firm to thrive for more than seven decades.
From our offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, we continue to enrich people’s lives through design by providing comprehensive architectural, MEP engineering, and interior design services throughout the state of Texas.
In the early 1960’s, William O’Connell, AIA, was asked by famed cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, a pioneer in the development of the artificial heart, to help design environments that would support his groundbreaking work for years to come. That strengthened the foundation Mr. O’Connell had built since starting the Firm in 1950 after serving as the first architect for the Texas Department of Health. The Firm realized the further impact it could have on the community when services were expanded to designing schools in Austin in the mid-1960’s. Since that time, we have developed a specialized expertise that has led to working with public school districts, educational organizations, colleges and universities around the state, creating classrooms and athletic facilities that inspire and engage students and teachers alike.
Today, we continue to concentrate on elevating our design of healthcare and education environments, along with a variety of other building types, which all focus on a single purpose: to enrich people’s lives through design.
Austin Community College’s Elgin Campus is the first higher education campus in Bastrop County.
The Texas Center for Infectious Disease Hospital in San Antonio is the first new hospital for TB patients in the U.S. in 50 years.
The Firm designed more than 620,000 SF of new educational space across Central Texas for the 2009-2010 school year, including the new Schlather Intermediate School for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD.
Seton’s Brackenridge Hospital Emergency Department renovations assist the hospital in reaching Level 1 Trauma Center Status.
A long-range master plan for Westwood High School begins a long and ongoing relationship. Design and construction of four phases added more than 200,000 SF and renovated over 100,000 SF on this Round Rock ISD campus.
The Firm establishes the Noel G. Robertson Endowment for Neuroscience at the Brian and Spine Center at Seton Health Network, recognizing Noel G. Robertson’s commitment to supporting state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.
Rick Burnight, AIA, ACHA, becomes the Firm’s Third President.
After winning a state-wide competition, O’Connell Robertson’s design of the 9/11 Memorial is dedicated in the Texas State Cemetery.
O’Connell Robertson is selected for one of the first Design-Build projects for UT Austin – Jackson Geology Building.