K-State professors recognized as two of America’s top 200 residential architects
For most K-Staters, “I’m proud of the house we’ve built” is a phrase only heard blasting from Bill Snyder Family Stadium on a crisp fall evening.
But for Michael McClure, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, and Ursula Emery McClure, teaching professor in architectural engineering and construction science, the famous Brooks and Dunn line holds an additional meaning — it describes the feeling of their designs landing them on forbes magazine’s Top 200 Residential Architects list.
Based in Manhattan, Kansas, and Lafayette, Louisiana, the talented pair have worked with their firm, Emery McClure Architecture, since 1996 to turn common materials into top-notch designs.
Recognition among “the nation’s finest practitioners of the creation of ‘home’” affirms the McClures’ design commitment to blend innovation and sustainability.
Their recent project, Fontana Place, a 4,900 square foot home in Zachary, Louisiana, showcases the pair’s unique talent for blending regional architecture with contemporary aesthetics.
“Fontana Place is a continuation of our work exploring the unique social, cultural and environmental landscape of southern Louisiana,” said Ursula Emery McClure.
While still working as partners in their firm, the McClures don’t let their impact stop at the construction site. They also push boundaries in the classroom.
Michael McClure brings his vision to the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, overseeing nearly 90 faculty and staff and 1,000 students.
“Our privilege is to work on solving problems and creating solutions for others,” he said. “We believe in a better future, and we are equipped to bring our visions into reality.”
Ursula Emery McClure says the best part of working with students is “transforming their creative thoughts into tangible products and projects.”
“Helping a young person bring their ideas and imaginations forward gives them a sense of value,” she said.
Whether leading lectures or drafting their next design, the McClures have no plans to stop contributing to the world of architecture, planning and design — or their surrounding communities.
Written By: Abbigail Marshall
Curated from: https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=100853
