Our Story
FPC's history reflects the colorful and unique history of San Antonio. The firm's founding partner, O'Neil Ford, came to San Antonio in 1939 as an architect for the National Youth Administration. Working with the San Antonio Conservation Society, he directed the restoration of historic La Villita on the banks of the San Antonio River. Ford married and stayed in San Antonio until his death. In the meantime he built a practice with a national and international reach that became a partnership and then a corporation.
Like many of its contemporaries, the firm followed the Baby Boom generation, first building primary schools, then secondary schools, and finally college and university campuses and buildings. Many of the iconic buildings and places in San Antonio, such as the Tower of the Americas, the Alamo and the Spanish colonial missions, Trinity University, the Urban Segment of the Museum Reach of the River Walk, San Fernando Cathedral and many others were designed or restored by the firm.
Our Philosophy
FPC has always been concerned with making vital, active places, whether they be public plazas and squares, university campuses or waterfront recreational spaces. Our approach to design has always included a concern for common sense economy, using regionally produced materials, and for environmental sustainability through the conservation of water and a sensible design of buildings for our climate.
FPC provides a broad range of services from planning and programming through historic preservation, architectural and interior design, and construction administration. Our work includes large residential commissions often on ranches in the Southwest, the design of world-class fine arts projects, large-scale restoration and renovation projects for public and private clients alike, ground-breaking design for education institutions, and preservation of houses of worship across the State.