Shepley Bulfinch Expands Reach in Houston Market Through New Talent Acquisition & Senior Promotion

Award-Winning Architecture Firm Hires Trent Williams as Principal, Promotes Natalie Thurman, AIA, to Principal

Leading architectural firm Shepley Bulfinch announced today the addition of Trent Williams as a Principal and the promotion of Natalie Thurman, AIA, to Principal at its growing Houston studio. Williams, who comes to Shepley Bulfinch with an extensive background in Houston's healthcare and higher education design and construction industry, brings a bold and unique perspective to the firm. Thurman, who has been with Shepley Bulfinch since 2019, will continue to bring her design leadership both to the Houston studio and across the firm.

Williams previously served as the Director of Capital Projects at Texas Medical Center, and before that was the Senior Director, Capital Projects, at the University of Houston. He also spent more than a decade as a construction project manager in Houston and received his Bachelor's degree in construction science from Texas A&M. His background as both a client and a construction manager positions him with a fresh approach to the design process, and his experience in Houston will help Shepley Bulfinch expand its footprint in this dynamic architecture market.

"I was intrigued by Shepley Bulfinch's purpose-driven architecture philosophy and its culture of designers who truly listen and embrace what clients have to say," said Williams. "In this business, collaboration between parties is critical to a project's success, and Shepley Bulfinch is uniquely positioned to leverage that through its approach. I am thrilled to be joining this team of highly skilled architects and to build upon the great work that Shepley Bulfinch is doing in Houston."

"Trent Williams brings a wealth of career experience and personal connections in the Houston market to Shepley Bulfinch and we are very excited to have him on board," said Angela Watson, FAIA, President and CEO of Shepley Bulfinch. "We have a great team in place at our Houston studio, and with Trent and Natalie's leadership, we are confident that Shepley Bulfinch's presence and reach in Houston will continue to grow for years to come."

Thurman, a key contributor to our success in the Houston market, has led design teams on a wide range of healthcare, higher education, and research projects.

"I believe that design should be innovative, purposeful, and sustainable, and it all starts with effective collaboration," said Thurman. "Working alongside Trent, I am looking forward to furthering Shepley Bulfinch's impact in Houston."

Shepley Bulfinch has a strong history in Houston, with projects including: The University of Houston's John M. O'Quinn Law School, the University of Houston's Health and Biomedical Sciences Buildings, the Bellaire Health Hub at Memorial Hermann Medical Group, the Fondren Library at Rice University, The Awty International School, the Houston Public Library and the Howard Hughes Corporation.

"Houston is a dynamic market and one that is always looking for innovative and new ideas," said Williams. "This is a city where relationships and trust between parties are key. Through my experience, I know what it's like to be on all sides of the table, and we at the Houston studio will work hard every day to strengthen those relationships and that trust between Shepley Bulfinch and its clients."

About Shepley Bulfinch

Shepley Bulfinch is a national architecture and design firm with studios in Boston, Durham, Hartford, Houston, and Phoenix. Founded in 1874, the firm has a notable legacy of challenging convention, pioneering visionary design ideas, and collaborating with clients who seek to drive measurable change. Shepley Bulfinch architects and designers are regarded for their expertise in tackling complex projects, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, and urban development. For more information, visit shepleybulfinch.com.

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