Click individuals to view their bios
JOSE FERNANDEZ, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Jose has both an undergraduate degree with a major in Philosophy and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University. Since then, he has gathered invaluable experience in all aspects of project management, design, construction documents, and construction administration. Jose has worked on particularly challenging and complex renovations and additions to existing buildings on restricted sites. Jose believes that the proactive and open collaboration of all team members produces an enhanced design outcome for everyone. A LEED accredited professional, Jose is committed to energy efficient and environmentally sensitive design. A thoughtful Architect, Jose’s dedication to all details of the project and his excellent administrative skills have earned him the respect of our clients and contractors alike.
BILL MERRIMAN, AIA, NCARB
Partner
A graduate of Rice University, Bill has over forty-seven years of experience in the master planning, programming and design of churches, schools, libraries, recreational and cultural facilities. He is actively involved in the programming and conceptual design of each project. Bill learned his “problem seeking-problem solving” approach to design at CRS Design and has built that process into the firm’s approach. Bill’s projects have been recognized with awards from Houston Chapter of the AIA, the Texas Society of Architects, the Interfaith Forum on Religion Art and Architecture, the American Association of School Administrators, the Baptist Sunday School Board, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, the Houston/Galveston Masonry Institute and the Association of General Contractors. Bill has been active in the Houston community and he has served as President of the Association of Rice Alumni, President of the Rice University School of Architecture Advisory Council, and Clerk of the Session at First Presbyterian Church of Houston. He is a former board member of Presbyterian School and The Park People.
MICHELLE CARTER
Principal
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Michelle has over twenty years of experience in project management, programming, master planning, building interiors, construction documents, and construction administration. Michelle has served as Project Manager for major additions to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Chapelwood United Methodist Church and Sugar Land Baptist Church, as well as major renovations to First Methodist Houston and Houston’s First Baptist Church. Michelle plays a major role in the interior design of most major projects. Her projects have received awards from the IFRAA (Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture) and the Houston/Galveston Masonry Institute.
JOHN MONTAG, AIA
Principal
John has a BS in Civil Engineering and a Master of Architecture from Rice University and a Master of Asian Arts from the University of Michigan. John has over twenty-six years of experience in design, project management, construction documentation, and construction administration. He leads the firm in the development of technical systems. He is LEED accredited. John has served as Project Architect/Project Manager for major projects with St. Theresa Catholic Church and School, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, All Saints Episcopal School in Beaumont, Grace Fellowship Church and First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo. John is a parishioner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
JIM POWELL, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Partner
A graduate of the University of Virginia with a Master of Architecture from Rice University, Jim has over twenty-four years of experience in the design of schools, churches, office buildings and recreation facilities. In addition to being actively involved in Programming and Master Planning, Jim plays a lead role in the design of all major projects. Jim’s projects have won design awards from the Interfaith Forum of Art and Architecture and the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston/Texas Masonry Council. Jim has served on the Board of Trustees and Administrative Board at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. A LEED Accredited Professional, Jim is a member of the U.S Green Building Council-Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, the Rice Design Alliance and The Church Network.