TESSERE

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Emergency

services

Award-Winning Architectural Design Services

Established in 1919, TESSERE is a 100% employee-owned design firm with a century-long commitment to architectural excellence. Our multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and designers collaborates closely with clients to create innovative, sustainable environments that enhance communities. We integrate authenticity, creativity, and technical expertise across architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and civil engineering projects. With 48-state licensing and 150+ professionals, we combine historical expertise with modern solutions for education, industrial, civic, and commercial sectors.

Our LEED Proven Provider status and award-winning projects reflect our dedication to quality, while our employee-owned structure ensures every team member treats client projects as their own. We prioritize client partnerships, leveraging collaborative processes and advanced visualization tools to deliver cost-effective, future-ready designs that stand the test of time.

Services

Architecture Civil Engineering Historical Preservation Interior Design Landscape Architecture Master Planning Sustainability Visualization

Details

Year established: 1919

Highlights and features

We offer 100+ years of architectural expertise across 11 project markets.
Our 100% employee-owned structure ensures unmatched project dedication.
We employ 60+ licensed professionals with LEED certification expertise.
Our collaborative process integrates client needs with technical innovation.
We deliver nationwide projects with state-specific licensing in 48 states.

Associations and certifications

LEED Proven Provider

What people say

Award-winning designs Collaborative approach Historical expertise Sustainable solutions Employee dedication

Website

Update Listing

Services

Architecture

TESSERE's architecture team creates innovative, award-winning designs for educational, industrial, and civic projects. With 48-state licensing and LEED-certified professionals, we deliver cost-effective solutions that integrate client vision with technical excellence. Our century-long experience ensures buildings that balance aesthetic appeal with functional longevity while meeting modern sustainability standards.

Historical Preservation

Specializing in heritage building restoration, our team combines historical knowledge with modern code requirements. We conduct comprehensive assessments to preserve architectural character while enabling adaptive reuse through sensitive expansions, material conservation, and compliance with preservation standards for lasting community impact.

Sustainability

As LEED Proven Providers with 30+ certified projects, we integrate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials into every design phase. Our approach reduces environmental impact through rainwater management, native landscaping, and energy-saving technologies while maintaining aesthetic integrity and functional performance across diverse project types.

Master Planning

Our master planning service creates comprehensive development strategies by analyzing site potential and client needs. We develop phased plans that optimize land use, infrastructure integration, and future adaptability while maintaining budget control and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle from concept to construction.

Visualization

Using advanced visualization tools, we transform concepts into immersive 3D models that enhance client understanding and decision-making. This technology supports quality control, budget optimization, and stakeholder communication by providing realistic project previews before construction begins.

People

Matt Cortez

President + CEO

Licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional leading TESSERE's strategic vision. With decades of experience in complex design projects, he champions employee ownership and client collaboration to deliver innovative, community-focused solutions that maintain architectural excellence.

Jeff Weiford

Executive Vice President + CMO

As a LEED-certified architect and marketing leader, Jeff drives business development while maintaining technical expertise in architectural design. He focuses on expanding TESSERE's market presence through client relationship building and innovative service offerings.

David Asaud

Vice President + Director of Houston Office

Licensed architect overseeing TESSERE's Houston operations. With extensive experience in Texas projects, he ensures state-specific compliance and quality control while managing multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects that meet regional needs and design standards.

Lori Guthridge

Vice President + Senior Landscape Architect

Award-winning landscape architect specializing in sustainable outdoor environments. She leads site design strategies that integrate natural materials, water conservation systems, and native plantings to create functional, ecologically responsible spaces that enhance building projects.

Angie Morgan

Vice President + Director of Federal Projects

Licensed professional engineer managing federal and complex institutional projects. Her expertise in infrastructure integration and regulatory compliance ensures successful delivery of technically challenging assignments while maintaining TESSERE's quality standards.

Questions

What services does TESSERE offer?

We provide architecture, civil engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, historical preservation, master planning, sustainability consulting, and visualization services for education, industrial, civic, and commercial clients nationwide.

Is TESSERE employee-owned?

Yes, we became 100% employee-owned in 2011 through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ensuring every team member shares in our success and maintains client-focused dedication.

What makes TESSERE different from other design firms?

Our century-long history combines with employee ownership and LEED-certified expertise across 48-state licensed professionals to deliver collaborative, sustainable solutions tailored to each client's unique needs and community context.

Do you handle projects outside Texas?

We operate nationwide with particular expertise in Texas and Kansas projects, maintaining state-specific licensing for architectural, landscape architectural, and engineering services in 48 states.

How does TESSERE approach sustainability?

As LEED Proven Providers with 30+ certified projects, we integrate energy-efficient systems, water conservation strategies, and sustainable materials throughout design phases while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.

Can you work on historically significant buildings?

Our historical preservation specialists have decades of experience restoring heritage structures, balancing code compliance with character preservation through comprehensive assessments and sensitive adaptive reuse strategies.