Building Communities Through Design

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As communities across the Rio Grande Valley expand, new schools, government facilities, entertainment venues, and commercial developments are changing the area’s built environment. For Brian Godinez, CEO of ERO Architects, that growth presents an opportunity to consider how buildings function within the communities they serve.

“I’m encouraged, I’m happy, and I’m excited about the growth for our region,” Godinez said.

ERO Architects has completed more than 350 projects during its 25-year history. The firm has worked on projects in education, government, public and private spaces, guided by a design philosophy centered on impacting communities positively.

This philosophy is reflected in projects including the Edinburg Arts, Culture and Event Center, new Hidalgo County Courthouse, and the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The Edinburg cultural facility includes spaces for painting, sculpture, music, and performance as well as events, while the McAllen Performing Arts Center accommodates the Valley Symphony performances, Broadway shows, concerts, and local arts performances.

These facilities were designed not only to serve functional needs, but also to create gathering spaces that celebrate culture, creativity, and community engagement. Incorporating local identity into a project is also a key part of ERO’s design process.​‌

At the Hidalgo County Courthouse, for example, the design includes an entrance porch and features inspired by mesquite trees. At the McAllen Performing Arts Center, exterior elements reference palm fronds, while colors inside the theater were selected to represent Rio Grande Valley birds, butterflies, sunrises and sunsets.

“There’s many instances where in our buildings, we add references of a community’s culture, respecting elements of its people, land, and history into our designs inside and out,” Godinez said.

He said those details intend to give residents a sense of familiarity and ownership when using public facilities.

As development continues across South Texas, Godinez identifies K-12 education as one area he believes requires particular attention.

He emphasized modernizing aging school facilities and expanding career and technical education programs. Such facilities can provide environments for students studying welding, construction, technology, robotics, aerospace, manufacturing, and other fields while strengthening connections among high schools, colleges, and employers.

Godinez said those spaces should reflect the environments students may encounter after graduation.

Technology is also affecting how ERO approaches its own operations.

The firm began taking a more purposeful approach to artificial intelligence about 18 months ago, adopting tools intended to improve efficiency and inspiration rather than replace employees or creating visuals simpler. The company has also used Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit drafting architecture technology for years.

ERO’s use of technology expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted changes in workplace operations. The company developed infrastructure that allowed employees to work remotely and later adopted a hybrid structure supporting its offices in Brownsville, McAllen, and San Antonio.

Despite those technological changes, Godinez said young professionals entering architecture, engineering, and construction should not overlook interpersonal skills.

“I believe that it’s not so much about high tech as it is about high touch,” he said.

Communication, networking, organization, and community engagement are among the skills Godinez said help young architect professionals develop their careers. ERO has incorporated community engagement into its operations through ERO Cares!, a philanthropic program launched two years ago. The initiative encourages employees to participate in civic groups, committees, advisory organizations, and community events.

Godinez also encourages developers and investors entering the South Texas market to consider hiring locally based architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors. “Hire local,” he said.

Local firms bring familiarity with the region’s environmental conditions, construction practices, building standards and permitting processes. Using local companies can keep more economic activity and dollars within the communities where those businesses and their employees live, work and play.

For Godinez, ERO’s long-term legacy will be measured by the buildings that remain in use across the region for years.

He cited the McAllen Performing Arts Center, Hidalgo County Courthouse, Edinburg Arts, Culture and Event Center, San Juan City Hall and Weslaco Public Safety Complex among projects he considers significant to the communities they serve.

Godinez said some of those structures could remain for 50, 75, or even 100 years. Future generations, he acknowledged, may not know which architectural firm designed them.

“They eventually may not know that it is an ERO building, but that’s fine,” Godinez said. “The fact is that it’s still around and serving.”

For a firm whose stated philosophy centers on connecting and impacting communities, Godinez said the continued use and purpose of their buildings is ultimately what matters.

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