building community

Texas architect behind top Houston restaurants searching for a nonprofit partner

A rendering of The Women's Home submitted pro-bono by MHOA.

MHOA has previously offered pro-bono design work to the Women's Home in Houston.

Courtesy of the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Modern nonprofit organizations often require slick, tasteful offices in order to attract donations, partnerships, and media attention. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) has opened their fourth-annual Design for All Partnership, which will donate $20,000 worth of office design work pro-bono in order to help non-profits improve their physical spaces.

"We are excited to continue our Design for All Partnership in 2025,” said Maija Kreishman, AIA, principal for MHOA. “As we celebrate our 20th year, we believe it is important to serve the communities that have enabled us to practice architecture and design.”

Applications are open through May 16. MHOA is specifically seeking non-profit organizations within a 50-mile radius of either Houston or Austin. In 2023, the Women’s Home in Houston was the partner chosen by MHOA. The company designed and consulted on a behavioral wellness and workforce-development space for low-income families. The Women's Home is currently fundraising to construct the space, according to MHOA. Other recipients from past years include Central Table of Grace in Round Rock and Austin Angels.

To qualify for the Design for All program, organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Master planning initiatives should encompass an area of 50 acres or less, while architecture and interior design projects must not exceed 20,000 square feet. MHOA will provide assessment of the building or site’s potential, initial site and floor plan, one architectural rendering, and a proposal outlining ongoing design services and timelines.

Founded in 2005, MHOA is responsible for several iconic designs in the Houston area, including Uchi, Loro, Da Gama, and the Montrose Collective. One of their more notable works is the Community First Tiny Victories tiny home subdivision from Mobile Loaves and Fishes in Austin, a master planned community for those coming out of chronic homelessness. More than 300 formerly unhoused people now call the neighborhood home.

MHOA will announce the winner of the partnership on June 21.

While many nonprofits prioritize cost-savings measures over nice office space, some are finding that skimping on real estate has negative effects. Employees and volunteers often feel demoralized in poor conditions, while at-risk populations who use the services may not trust rundown-looking facilities. MHOA's Design for All Partnership may help nonprofits increase their reach without costly design fees.

Sobering statistic

Texas ranks as one of the deadliest states for New Year’s crashes

Courtesy

Be sure to arrange a safe ride home on New Year's Eve.

At more than 314,000 miles, Texas boasts the largest system of public roads among the 50 states. It also holds the unfortunate distinction of being one of the deadliest states for New Year’s car accidents.

An analysis of 2014-2023 traffic data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows Texas is the ninth worst state for traffic deaths on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

During the 10-year period covered by the analysis, commissioned by AutoAccident.com, Texas tallied 280 traffic deaths on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day — the highest total of any state. The 280-person toll in Texas works out to 9.61 deaths per one million residents, a rate that’s 37 percent above the national average of 6.99 deaths per one million residents.

The analysis reveals that nearly three-fourths (64 percent) of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traffic deaths in Texas were drivers, nearly one-fifth (19 percent) were pedestrians, and 16 percent were passengers.

“New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights on American roads,” says Edward Smith, managing attorney at AutoAccident.com, a personal injury law firm.

“With impaired driving incidents spiking during holiday celebrations, every driver has a responsibility to make smart choices that protect themselves and others sharing the road,” Smith adds. “Even in states with strong safety records, one preventable death is too many.”

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), more than 2,000 drunk driving-related crashes happened during the 2024 holiday season. Last year, December ranked as the No. 1 month in Texas for wrecks caused by drunk drivers.

“The holidays are a wonderful time to be with family, and yet they can also be a painful reminder for those who have lost loved ones to preventable crashes,” says Marc Williams, executive director of TxDOT. “Let’s make a new holiday tradition to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous, and safe. That means always getting a sober ride.”

TxDOT offers these four tips for staying safe on the roads as the calendar switches from 2025 to 2026:

Designate a sober driver before the celebrations start.
Ask a sober relative or friend to pick you up if you’re too tipsy to drive.
Use public transit or rideshare services.
Stay off the roads until you’ve sobered up.

traffic fatalities crime holidays new year's day new years eve traffic