The Holdsworth Center
Part of Season 3 of Design vs. Build: The Series
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Austin, TX
The Holdsworth Center, located in Austin, Texas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public education in the state. 1 Founded by Charles Butt, the chairman of H-E-B, in 2017, the center provides leadership training and development programs for public school districts. 2 Their unique five-year program focuses on building leadership capacity within districts, with tailored approaches based on individual needs and goals. 3 The center's state-of-the-art campus on Lake Austin provides a conducive environment for learning and collaboration, featuring indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, guest lodging, and a range of amenities. 2 The Holdsworth Center's mission is to empower educational leaders to drive positive change and ultimately improve the quality of education for all Texas students.
Design & Construction Credits
Architect: Lake Flato
Landscape Architect: Ten Eyck
Interior Design: Looney & Associates
MEP: Integral Group
Structural Engineer: Architectural Engineers Collaborative
Engineering Consulting: Stantec
GC: The Beck Group
Production Credits
Production Company: Pearl MF
Host & Producer: Ben Roberts
Director: James Burniston
Editors: James Burniston, Ian West, Austin Travis
Color: Ian West
Post Production Sound: Drew Griffith
Camera Team: James Burniston, Sharayah Kurowski, Austin Travis, Jose Griego
Photography: Kristian Alveo
Additional Photography, Video and Renders provided by: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Olson Kundig, Mikel Amias, Aaron Straight, Soulcraft Allstars, Adam L Weintraub, Aaron Leitz, Stephanie Bower, Gavin Argo, Richard Brown Photography, Kevin MacLeod, Skanska, Lindsay Kunz, Andrew Waits, Stephen Brashear, Jeff Bradley, Jack Storms, Rachel Manning, Chris Cunningham, Rachel Ormiston, Kiest Photography, David Ryder
Additional Stock Footage Provided by: Rick Ray / Pond5, Zenstratus Premium / Pond5, Johnathan001 / Pond5, Lumixar / FilmSupply, Aerial Edge / Filmsupply, Evan Schneider / Filmsupply
Special Thanks to the Holdsworth Center, Lake Flato, Ten Eyck, Mary Beth Lineberry, Elizabeth Del Toro.
People
History & Vision
The Holdsworth Center in Austin, TX, was established in 2017 with a mission to enhance educational leadership across Texas. Founded by former Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and philanthropist Charles Butt, the Center was inspired in part by Butt’s mother, who was a dedicated educator and a passionate advocate for improving education in Texas. Her commitment to nurturing future generations deeply influenced Butt’s vision for the Center, driving the belief that strong leadership can transform schools. By providing high-quality training and development programs, the Center has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach, becoming a vital resource for educators and fostering a community focused on improving student outcomes across the state.
Design & Construction Photos
Obstacles
Is it a Resort, is it a Conference Center or is it a Hotel? Yes, yes and yes. The Holdsworth Center embodies elements of all three and needed to be designed accordingly, while still seamlessly blending into the natural landscape (and without compromising the views of its affluent neighbors). The site itself posed several challenges, one being its proximity to Lake Austin, requiring strict adherence to environmental regulations to safeguard the surrounding ecosystem, including the preservation and working around several Heritage Trees essential to the area’s character. Additionally, the steep 150-foot drop to the location posed an immediate and significant challenge for access.
Standout Features
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Lake | Flato, the Center features a blend of modern aesthetics and natural elements intending to cultivate an inviting and stimulating atmosphere for educators. Emphasizing the importance of connection and reflection, the design incorporates expansive glass facades and outdoor gathering areas that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor learning, with each space intentionally crafted to encourage collaboration and engagement. Flexible meeting rooms, Casitas for on site stays, lounges and serene lakeside spots for reflection pepper the 44 acre campus. This thoughtful approach isn’t just for aesthetic appeal, but also reflects the Center’s mission to foster truly meaningful connections and innovative thinking among educators in a tranquil and inspiring setting.
Photography
