Featured New Construction Design Projects
St. Mary’s Catholic Center
New Church DESIGN & SACRED ART PROGRAMMING
Starting in 2019 and following the dedication of a substantial student center expansion, Studio io was re-engaged by St. Mary’s Catholic Center to produce a revised conceptual design for a new 1500+ seat church for a thriving college parish to launch a new phase of fundraising campaign. The team produced then led the selection of the architect of record, BRW and collaborated on formation of the design team to begin developing the project in early 2020. The style is consistent with Byzantine Romanesque and Spanish Colonial vernacular brick style in keeping with the Academic Eclecticism movement around Texas from the 1890s to the 1940s, especially several important churches across southeast Texas, and corresponds to other important buildings on the university campus and in the historic Northgate district. The new church will be home to one of the largest Catholic student ministries in the country and will serve as a primary catechetical and evangelization tool, as initially envisioned by the ‘Beauty Encounter Tradition’ Capital Campaign. (With BRW Architects)
Dedicated July 29, 2023
“I have worked with Michael on two church projects at parishes where I have served as pastor. In all of these projects Michael has brought a unique combination of architectural and building expertise, theological and liturgical knowledge, along with superb leadership and people skills. Michael is the ideal consulting professional as he knows how to get a team excited about a project, give valuable input, and put everyone at ease in the process. He is a good communicator, well-organized, and gives helpful presentations to inform others. Most importantly, Michael is a man in love with the Church and since in using his God-given gifts. His professional approach is supported with spiritual depth. I highly recommend him to you as a consultant or project manager.”
– Rev. Brian McMaster, Pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University
To take a virtual tour, click here. To view a tour guide booklet, click here.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA AND PRESS
‘Inspired by the Ciborium: A Carved Tabernacle Covering for a Church in Texas’ (Liturgical Arts Journal)
Catholic News Agency: ‘A glimpse into heaven’: Bishop to dedicate new Catholic church at Texas A&M
Texas Catholic Herald: Whoop! Aggie Catholics say ‘Howdy’ to their new parish church
We are especially grateful for the close collaboration with several key artisans, including Foster Stained Glass, Albl Oberammergau, and EverGreene Architectural Arts (read more about the extensive decorative paint program here).
Thanks to continued and generous donor support…
future phases of statuary, stained glass, and decorative / mural paint are coming soon – stay tuned!