Established in Houston by Fernando L. Brave, FAIA.
Independent editorial profile
BRAVE/architecture
Houston headquarters
Founded 2002
Civic & community
Education
Adaptive reuse
Commercial & interiors
A Houston practice whose documented work connects rigorous construction detailing with civic, educational and nonprofit programs, from neighborhood libraries to supportive housing.
Best suited for: community, library, nonprofit, education and adaptive-reuse projects where a clear public mission, durable materials and close coordination between program and construction are central to the brief.
At a glance
The practice lists one office on Montrose Boulevard.
Peter Ho, AIA, is listed as associate principal.
New construction, renovation, adaptive reuse, planning and interiors.
Also active in commercial, residential and interior projects.
Firm verification and Texas registration review remain in progress.
Editorial overview
Clear concepts carried through construction
Independent TxA coverage describes the practice through clarity, resolution and direct material detailing. Across the public portfolio, that approach appears in legible circulation, economical structural systems and purposeful use of color, daylight and exterior gathering space.
Civic work anchors the recent record
The Texas Society of Architects selected BRAVE/architecture for its 2021 Architecture Firm Award. The Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library later received a 2024 AIA Houston Design Award and 2025 recognition from ULI Houston and the Houston Business Journal.
Procurement details require direct confirmation
Public sources establish the office, leadership, services, projects and professional recognition, but do not standardize fees, current workload, team availability, typical budgets or delivery capacity. Those items should be confirmed during procurement.
Ranking placements — 2026
Selected projects
Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library
Why it matters: the 23,260-square-foot library reworks a former post-office site as a community hub with meeting, study, maker and recording spaces. Its 2024–2025 jury and industry record provides the practice’s clearest recent civic evidence.
View official project page →ReCenter
Why it matters: a five-story nonprofit facility combines housing, rehabilitation, education and shared community spaces on a Midtown light-rail corridor. Texas Architect’s independent review emphasized the project’s clear organization and careful execution.
View official project page →Houston Zoo Headquarters
Why it matters: the headquarters consolidates offices, training, technology and operational support while providing daylight, garden terraces and shared outdoor space. The practice reports LEED Gold certification and multiple 2024 industry awards.
View official project page →Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Hall
Why it matters: an economical metal-building framework supports a 600-person hall, classrooms, childcare and outdoor gathering areas, showing how the studio adapts durable systems to a complex community program.
View official project page →Project imagery will be added only after publication rights and photography credits are confirmed.
Evidence ledger
This ledger separates professional-jury and independent editorial records from information reported by the practice. Evidence grades describe the independence of the source, not the architectural quality of the practice.
| Claim | Grade | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Society of Architects Architecture Firm Award — 2021 | B | Texas Society of Architects | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| AIA Houston 2024 Design Award — Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library | B | AIA Houston / Architecture Center Houston | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| ULI Houston 2025 People’s Choice and Small-Scale Non-Profit awards — Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library | B | ULI Houston | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| Houston Business Journal 2025 Landmark Award for Community Impact — Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library | B | Houston Business Journal | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| Independent architectural review of ReCenter published in 2021 | B | Texas Architect | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| Practice founded in Houston in 2002 by Fernando L. Brave, FAIA | C | Firm studio page | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| AIA Houston Firm of the Year — 2018 | C | Firm awards page | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| Current people directory lists Fernando L. Brave, FAIA, as principal and Peter Ho, AIA, as associate principal | C | Firm people directory | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| Current Houston address listed at 4200 Montrose Boulevard, Suite 400 | C | Firm contact page | Jul. 26, 2026 |
| ReCenter completion, size and supportive-housing program | C | Firm project page | Jul. 26, 2026 |
Read the full evidence-grade definitions
Grade A means a claim is supported by an independent national record or official registry. Grade B means it is supported by a professional jury, regional institution or authoritative professional publication. Grade C means it was reported by the firm or a related company and has not yet been independently confirmed. View the evidence standards.
Practice information
Leadership
The current practice directory identifies founder Fernando L. Brave, FAIA, LEED AP, as principal and Peter Ho, AIA, as associate principal. It also lists Paula Killebrew as chief financial officer, Edward Hidrogo and Dominique Khawaja as associates, and additional design, marketing and administrative staff.
Licensure and registration
Registration review in progress. Texas business-registration information is being checked against the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners registry. Registration confirms legal standing to practice and is not an editorial endorsement.
Services and specialties
Civic & Cultural ArchitectureEducation ArchitectureAdaptive Reuse
Considering BRAVE/architecture for a project?
Review the practice’s official portfolio or submit a project brief to compare firms with documented experience relevant to your site, building type, community program and delivery priorities.
Introductions and referral inquiries do not affect rankings or editorial coverage.
Related research and rankings
Profile changelog
- Profile structure, selected projects, ranking presentation, leadership and evidence ledger revised. Sources rechecked; edition evidence cutoff unchanged.
- Initial directory profile recorded for the 2026 edition.