SIR Architects

Bold new Astrodome plan: A mega farmers market with a high-tech twist would blossom into real revenue

siradmin — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 09:04:27 +0000

In light of Harris County Judge Ed Emmett’s most recent proposal for saving the Astrodome, the question arises: Why have so many of the proposed solutions for the future of the Astrodome failed, from demolition to remodeling, to a plethora of suggestions?

Fans have suggested everything from a parking garage, to green park space, to a mini dome plaza and beyond. An examination of these various proposals reveals that they are either impractical, too costly, or both.

Emmett’s proposal for creating the world’s largest indoor park is heading in the right direction. However, this idea might not attract enough visitors to become an economically viable solution.

Hot New Restaurant Happenings On Houston’s West Side

siradmin — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 21:06:27 +0000

The Houston food scene is not just exploding, it’s also expanding. In the past, high-profile restaurants would not dream of opening anywhere except within central Houston (the area Houstonians refer to as “inside the loop”); but that’s changed recently as restaurateurs are looking further afield. The new Gateway Memorial City complex on Houston’s west side is a prime example. Located in the flourishing Memorial City area in close proximity to Houston’s thriving Energy Corridor district, it has become home to three of the city’s most exciting new eateries, profiled here.

Shafik Rifaat, the architect behind the “magic” at Tony’s…

siradmin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:06:27 +0000

Beyond Tony’s stunning wine list and five-star wine service, beyond its award-winning cuisine and its world-class tableside service, the thing you hear most about the Tony’s fine dining experience is what a gorgeous, “magical” room.

The other day, we sat down with celebrated Houston architect Shafik Rifaat (pictured left with Donna Vallone) to chat about his long friendship with Tony and his uncanny ability to implement Tony’s vision for his restaurants.

“What I like about Tony,” said Shafik, “is that he makes decisions. There’s no wishy-washyness. With Tony, you present him with options and he makes decisions.”

Archichat-September-2011

siradmin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:06:27 +0000

Professor of Architecture, University of Houston, SIR Inc. Architects & Planners, www.sirarchitects.com Master’s of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Master’s of City Planning, Harvard University Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Alexandria, Egypt.

CURRENT PROJECTS: Remodeling an addition to the old Boy Scout Building on Bagby and an accompanying 8-story garage with restaurant on the ground level.

RECENT PROJECTS: Philippe Restaurant + Lounge on Post Oak Boulevard; a proposal for a glass and canvas pavilion in Hermann Park; a residence in Sugar Land; tax credit housing for veteran women.

HOW DID YOU COME TO LIVE IN HOUSTON? I came to Houston to attend the master’s program at the College of Architecture at the University of Houston.

Newcomer Philippe Schmit delivers some of the best fare in Houston

siradmin — Fri, 20 May 2011 05:00:27 +0000

A mini-mystery hovers over Philippe Restaurant + Lounge, the terrific new eatery and watering hole located prestigiously across Post Oak from the original Tony’s and in the same BLVD Place building as Robert del Grande’s RDG + Bar Annie.

The mystery isn’t “What’s with all those capital letters?” It’s “With the name Philippe Schmit, is the owner French or German?”

One look inside the place solves it. Designed by architect Shafik Rifaat — who shaped Tony’s, The Grotto, and the River Oaks Shopping Center — and Interior Design magazine Hall of Famer Lauren Rottet, Schmit’s sleek operation seems all but draped in France’s red, white and blue flag. Walls in the downstairs bar and upstairs dining room are etched with French culinary terms, such as pomme de terre (apple of the earth, or potato), boulettes de viande (meat balls) and ecrevisse (crawfish).