Elements of Architecture: Building a business while building Fort Worth

FWBP 7-30

Elements of Architecture Inc.

1201 Sixth Ave.

Suite 100

Fort Worth, TX 76104

- FWBP Digital Partners -

817-333-2880

www.elementsofarc.com

In the ever-changing business world, those who can adapt are the ones who thrive. Just ask Debbie Fulwiler, owner of Elements of Architecture.

Fulwiler started Elements of Architecture in 1996 as a firm specializing in telecommunication facilities. When the tech wreck of 2000 hit and work on these facilities dried up, Elements expanded into other property types, and it now serves a wide range of commercial and institutional clients.

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Among those clients is the City of Fort Worth. Her firm has been chosen as the architect for the $1.5 million renovation work on Pioneer Tower at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.

“We are very honored to have been selected for this project. The Will Rogers Center is a national landmark and reflects the enduring frontier spirit of the City of Fort Worth,” Fulwiler said. “Anytime we can provide new life and prominence to historic icons, as architects we are truly preserving history and culture.

“Rehabilitating the Pioneer Tower, in conjunction with the completion of the Dickies Arena, will further elevate Fort Worth as a world-class destination city.”

Noted Fort Worth architect Wyatt C. Hedrick designed the 208-foot-tall Pioneer Tower and adjacent buildings for the Texas Centennial celebration in 1936. The tower stands as the centerpiece of the Will Rogers Memorial Center and of the Fort Worth Cultural District.

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Fulwiler describes Elements as a company that creates environments that shape the human experience.

“Our name comes from our philosophy of using basic elements to compile into the whole,” she said. “This uses all aspects of the environment that are physical with psychological impacts to provide our client with an efficient, functional and personalized space uniquely defined.”

Fulwiler is herself a registered architect in several states, one of four registered professionals in the firm. Her experience encompasses all facets of architecture, project management and program management, including programming, site planning, zoning and code research, design, construction document preparation and construction administration.

She moved to the Mid-Cities area from Florida in 1976 and attended Trinity High School. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and architecture. After graduating, Fulwiler worked in Florida for two years until the Texas economy recovered, and she has worked in the field of architecture in Fort Worth since 1990.

Her husband, Jerry, is a licensed real estate broker with over 25 years of experience. He joined Elements of Architecture in May to oversee business development.

Fulwiler believes that one reason for the long-term success of Elements is the company’s values:

*Stand by actions — Keep promises and be responsible for actions.

*Create something great — Apply knowledge and innovation to the creative process in the design of beautifully effective buildings for people.

*Do the right thing — Approach work with honesty, fairness, trust and pride.

*Pay fanatical attention to detail — Pursue knowledge, improvement and excellence in every aspect of the practice to create built environments of the highest quality.

*Be the go-to resource — Put the needs of others first. Be advocates for the unrepresented, careful stewards of resources, and dedicated supporters of the community.

“Elements has always strived to provide functionality while creating a building or space that also reflects our clients’ individual identities,” Fulwiler said. “We dive deep into the business of our clients to totally understand what will have a positive impact on their work environment and how best to create an atmosphere that resonates with the business.”

Among its projects are:

· Various work at the University of North Texas, including renovation of the coliseum, aka the Super Pit.

· Fort Worth Convention Center renovations.

· Wilks Brothers at the Willow Park Center.

· Taylor Farms Administration and Food Processing Center, Dallas.

· Don Misenhimer Park in Arlington.

· Will Rogers Memorial Center and Cowtown Coliseum renovations.

· Fort Worth Independent School District.

· Forest Park pools, Fort Worth.

· Farbest Foods, Huntingburg, Indiana.

· Pacific Seafood, Houston.

“My favorite project was the construction of our own building at Sixth Avenue and Oleander,” Fulwiler said. “We did our own construction management on the building, including extinguishing a fire caused by one of the subcontractors, but that is another story. The building represents our roots and commitment to our Fort Worth community.”

Fulwiler said one of the most notable projects for her company is the arena work at UNT.

“This project will reposition the arena as a multi-purpose venue, accommodating not only sports events but also a wide range of cultural and entertainment events,” she said. “The significance of this project was the opportunity to transform an outdated facility into one that gives the venue new life, energy, and encourages interaction of the users.”

Fulwiler said the most important part of the work her company does is making a lasting impact on the community. She said the eight-person firm has always had a team philosophy, not only within the business but also within the community.

Employees regularly participate with the Ronald McDonald House, providing breakfast for the children and their parents. She is also a court-appointed special advocate for the Tarrant County CASA organization.

“As architects, we do have a responsibility for improving the well-being of communities, and I feel that we should always work toward that goal by giving back to those less fortunate than ourselves and hopefully having an impact on others outside of the spaces that we create,” Fulwiler said.

As for the future of Elements?

“Work, work, and more work — and maybe a little fun,” she said. “We have wonderful clients that have helped make us who we are today, and creating spaces that make them happy and the opportunity for them to excel in what they do is our full-time endeavor.”