Michael Hsu Office of Architecture Wins Texas’ Top Architecture Firm Honor
Founded by Michael Hsu, the Austin studio has spent more than two decades designing restaurants, hotels, residences and public spaces across Texas
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) has been named the Texas Society of Architects’ 2026 Firm of the Year, the organization’s highest honor for a Texas architecture practice. Founded in Austin in 2005 by architect and TRIBEZA Curator Michael Hsu, the firm was recognized for its sustained design excellence and contributions to the profession, the built environment and quality of life across Texas.
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the collective effort of our entire firm,” Hsu said in a recent statement. “From the beginning, we have believed that design is for everyone. Our work is about shaping places that improve the quality of daily life.”
Established in 1996, the Firm of the Year award is presented to one Texas practice that has produced distinguished architecture for at least 10 years. The organization considers a firm’s body of work as well as its influence on the profession and communities it serves.
MHOA now employs more than 60 people at offices in Austin and Houston. Its work spans architecture, interior design and branding for hospitality, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, workplace, residential and public projects across Texas and the United States.
Outside Austin, its portfolio includes M-K-T and Montrose Collective in Houston and The Terminal at Katy Trail, Le PasSage and Rose Café in Dallas.
The practice is led by Hsu; Senior Principal Maija Kreishman; and principals Jay Colombo and Jeff Clarke. Its principal-led studio structure is intended to support mentorship, shared leadership and collaboration as the firm grows.
Community impact
The studio has also expanded its work with nonprofit and community organizations. In 2022, it launched the Design for All Partnership, which provides affordable design services based on an organization’s mission and operational needs.
Other programs include We Are All Designers, a hands-on design education event produced with the Children’s Assessment Center, and Inside the Lines, a public art and play initiative organized with Architecture Center Houston.
The firm incorporates sustainability goals into each project through a Design Excellence Action Plan addressing energy performance, material impact, environmental stewardship and social value. It is also a signatory of the American Institute of Architects’ 2030 Commitment.
The Firm of the Year designation follows several design awards from the Texas Society of Architects. Clarksville Residence received a 2026 award, while Burnet Place and Wolf Ranch River Camp were recognized in 2025. Previous award-winning projects include Uchiko, 8VC, Habitat Mueller Row Homes, Waterloo Park Family Pavilion, M-K-T, Springdale General and Tiny Victories.
“We are honored to be recognized by TxA and grateful to our clients, collaborators, and team members who have shaped the practice over the past two decades,” Hsu said.
The firm will be recognized during the Texas Society of Architects’ annual awards program and at the TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo in San Antonio.
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