Theodora earned 40 under 40 award!

Theodora Batchvarova’s diverse professional experience involves a broad spectrum of the architectural design and construction process including commercial, healthcare, genetic and pharmaceutical facilities, banks, education buildings and public sector work. She is committed to creating high quality environments that are safe and healthy for the clients, that add value over time, and are worth conserving for future generations.

In addition to her architectural expertise, Theodora is actively involved in educational opportunities in Houston, and throughout the country. As an instructor of LEED® NC seminars, she encourages individuals in all positions in the AEC industry to become LEED® Accredited Professionals, and she promotes the sharing of sustainable design information. She has taught over 200 professionals in LEED® NC. Theodora is a highly requested lecturer by area design programs. She has been involved in several educational opportunities with students at Rice University, the University of Texas, the University of Houston, and the Art Institute of Houston.

Theodora is currently heading the RdlR team in the design of a new facility for Houston Food Bank. The project consists of a LEED certified Pantry of Last Resort; a 285,000 SF warehouse featuring energy efficient and sustainable design; 58,000 SF office, and 28,000 SF of community classroom spaces. At the forefront of sustainable building techniques, Theodora will help meet the organization’s intent to incorporate sustainability throughout their new campus.

Education: University of Kansas, Master of Architecture, 1998. Magna Cum Laude, BA Fine Arts and Mathematics, Park College, 1995.

Accomplishments:
+Being part of the architecture community is very important to Theodora. She is a member of the AIA Committee on Healthcare, and has assisted in the organization of Healthcare symposiums. This year’s symposium had over 360 professionals in attendance

+Theodora is a recognized LEED NC instructor providing workshops nationwide for the AEC community. She is also actively involved in teaching Sustainable Design and Presentation Techniques at the Art Institute of Houston, and is a sought after studio critic.

+Besides design, coordination, and project management, Theodora has been responsible for marketing efforts, and has helped bring in new clients.

+Theodora’s professional interests extend beyond the office environment. She has participated and has won awards in several design competitions.

+Yet, the best accomplishment so far has been “The Best Mother Award” she was given by her daughter’s daycare teachers (colorful jello had something to do with it).

Recent Projects:
COH Recycle Center Renovation
Houston Food Bank, Houston, Texas
Michael J. Cemo Lecture Hall, University of Houston, Houston, Texas

Extracurricular:
Theodora loves to travel and somehow, even after the best planning, she ends up going to unexpected places (by getting lost) - she has some stories to tell. Perhaps because of it, she has become interested in studying foreign languages (it helps sometimes to be able to ask for directions). She speaks Russian, German, Bulgarian, and is currently taking French lessons. She is a certified diver, and is willing to make the most out of it. Painting and drawing have remained an old passion, always accompanied by good music.