Midland-Based Mark Wellen to Deliver The 4th Annual Frank Welch Memorial Lecture June 16

From Staff Reports

Dallas is lucky to have such an outstanding collection of Frank Welch designs. In fact, it’s such an incredible group that Preservation Dallas once dedicated an entire architectural tour to the late Texas icon.

Welch still looms large in the city, and for as long as the Dallas Architecture Forum is concerned, it’ll stay that way. The organization is hosting the fourth annual Frank Welch memorial lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, in the Moody Performance Hall (2520 Flora St.). This year, Mark Wellen, co-founder of Rhotenberry Wellen Architects in Midland will deliver the address. Wellen’s career started in Welch’s studio, and the influence on his work is unmistakable.

Drawing inspiration from the vast, inimitable landscape and the traditions of Texas’ modernist regionalist architects of previous generations, he has become a champion of the highest standards of the built environment, through both design and leadership. His work is both intuitive and instinctive, drawing on the unrelenting characteristics of the region – its big sky, long horizon, intense light and climatic extremes to reveal moments of richness that elevate the human experience.

Wellen’s body of work includes varied building types and project sizes from ranch shelters to residences, museums and downtown office towers. His work has received numerous national, regional, and local design awards, including AIA National, Residential Architect, TSA and AIA West Texas. His award-winning projects include Cinco Camp, Sombreada Hasta, the Burns Residence, and Ranch Shelter.  

A long-time champion and advocate for design excellence, Wellen is the co-creator of the highly successful Texas Architects Design Conference.  Wellen has also served on numerous design juries, lectured and contributed to professional committees, including the Texas Architects Design Awards.  He is a founding member of the Texas Tech School of Architecture Visiting Critic’s Studio and the former chair and long-time member of the TSA’s Publications Committee, where he has influenced Texas Architect to bring the best design in the region to a national audience. Among his many honors are the Texas Tech College of Architecture Tau Sigma Delta Silver Medal and its Distinguished Alumnus award. 

Wellen will be joined by Max Levy, FAIA, and Mark Gunderson, AIA, in conversation about Frank Welch at the conclusion of his presentation.

“The Dallas Architecture Forum is pleased to continue the legacy of Frank Welch who created the highest levels of careful and thoughtful design in harmony with its site surroundings, by presenting Mark Wellen for this season’s Frank Welch Memorial Lecture,” stated Forum Executive Director Nate Eudaly. “Mark started his career in Frank’s studio, so he is an especially appropriate speaker for this year’s lecture. Mark Wellen is deeply committed to creating designs that are harmonious with and enrich their environment and ‘uncover the inherent spirit of place and personality’ of the project site. Careful attention to detail and close collaboration with clients and everyone involved in a project has enabled Rhotenberry Wellen to create many unique, award-winning projects. Mark Wellen will inspire us with his presentation.”  

This lecture is for members only, and anyone can join. Seats must be reserved in advance. To join The Dallas Architecture Forum, go to www.dallasarchitectureforum.org, and to reserve seats, email, [email protected]