Dallas’ top architects form new boutique firm

An architect who has already marked the Dallas skyline is working on a new project.

Eddie Abeyta’s latest contract isn’t another skyscraper, at least not yet.

After nearly three decades at Dallas’ HKS, Abeyta formed a new venture with his good friend and fellow architect Bentley Tibbs.

“I resigned from my position as design director at HKS to pursue a long-held dream: to create an architectural design company specializing in projects of different scales and typologies,” said Abeyta. “Having the opportunity to partner with someone with a shared set of values ​​is very meaningful to each of us.

“We seek to grow together.”

While at HKS, Abeyta worked on some of downtown Dallas’ newest buildings, including the W Hotel in Victory Park, the KPMG Plaza on Ross Avenue, and the new Hall Arts Residences condo tower and hotel. adjoining in the arts district.

“I am extremely proud of the Hall Arts hotel and residential tower,” he said. “With the number of years I’ve worked on this project, it really is a landmark project for me.”

Abeyta also completed designs for the retail and garage at 2000 Ross Avenue and the JW Marriott Hotel under construction across from Trammell Crow Center while at HKS.

Tibbs, his new partner, has a proven track record of designing high-end, modern custom homes in the Dallas area and beyond.

“There are a few ranch projects outside of Dallas and a few smaller commercial properties,” Tibbs said. “I started in the office of Frank Welch (the late Dallas architect) and spent almost five years with him before going out on my own.”

The two friends met while studying at Texas A&M University.

“Even though my work has been on a large scale, I have always focused on the impact it has on the individual, the user,” Abeyta said. “Bentley has focused on this experience on a human scale.”

New Abeyta Tibbs Architecture plans to work on a variety of commercial and unique residential projects of all sizes.

“Eddie and I have in many ways similar approaches to things – how they connect and go together,” Tibbs said. “The scale is less important than the poetry’s desirability in the work.”

Due to its recent downtown projects, Abeyta is well known in the local development community.

“Eddie is a very talented design architect,” said developer Craig Hall. “He did a number of buildings for us over many years.

“I believe we started working together certainly over 20 years ago and have benefited from his great talents on many projects.”

Abeyta and Tibbs say their decision to form the new company was partly influenced by recent times.

“I always dreamed of owning my own business,” Abeyta said. “The past two years – given the craziness in the world – have given me time to reflect on my personal and professional life.”