Empowering transformative civic spaces through collaborative design.
We collaborate closely with organizations dedicated to positive human impact to actualize their missions through purpose-driven design. Our active engagement fosters deep connections, elevating project outcomes and relationships with clients and communities. With a focus on storytelling and fundraising, we deliver spaces that resonate and spark lasting change, setting ourselves apart in creating impactful environments.
Thought Leaders
Overland’s willingness and ability to truly understand the work we do with children and families is reflected in their meticulous design decisions.
Kim Abernethy, CEO of ChildSafe
When I’m giving tours my voice changes. When I am talking in this building my voice changes… to be able to do a building that does that, is pretty significant. And the kids get it. They say they feel safe here.
Kim Abernathy, CEO of ChildSafe
Individualization / Input / Futuristic / Competition / Communication
James Lancaster is a Principal with Overland and leads the firm’s Visitor Experience area, developing market strategies and serving as a subject matter expert in the areas of non-profit, civic and cultural work. James celebrates the quality of all life through design leadership. Motivated by the potential of creating regenerative places, James approaches projects through the lens of creating harmony between the environment and the well-being of individuals and communities. By fostering a fun and inclusive design atmosphere, his teams are empowered to create immersive environments that facilitate healing, invite inspiration, and allow visitors to experience contemplation and joy.
His notable projects include the East Gateway Lodge and Visitor Center at Zion National Park, ChildSafe Harvey E. Najim Children & Family Center, Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, and The Color Inside – a James Turrell Skyspace at the University of Texas at Austin. James received his Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M University and received his Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech University. He serves on the board of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and holds a Living Future Accreditation with the International Living Future Institute.
We’re deeply inspired by the idea that this is a place we come to, that in a way recalibrates and reorients us and our relationship to ourselves, to one another, but also to the natural environment.
Stephen Purcell, Executive Director, Laity Lodge
Learner / Achiever / Responsibility / Connectedness / Strategic
Rick Archer, FAIA, is a founding partner at Overland Partners Architecture + Urban Design and served as Overland’s CEO from 2016 to 2023. Rick plays an active role as Design Principal with a focus on projects in the areas of education, healthcare, non-profit and urban design. Serving as a mentor, teacher and collaborative partner, Rick is known for drawing out the best from his teams and clients. He is an active leader in community initiatives around the globe, with a focus on education, sustainability, social equity and design that inspires human flourishing.
Join us in shaping communities for a brighter future.