I'm driving back from school today and decided to stop at the new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart church in downtown Houston. So I park across from the church and have my camera handy, and started snapping pics of the exterior of the church. Then I go inside and there's a security guard at the door. He stops me and asks "what are you hear for?"...I say "I am a student at the College of Architecture at UH, and I wanted to take some pictures for my portfolio". He let's me in through the double doors, and what I saw next was just astounding and breath-taking. This church is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, settled in the heart of downtown. I have NEVER seen an alter made COMPLETELY, top-to-bottom, left to right, of pure Ethiopian marble. The aisles are solid 19th century classic architect with a slight Romanesque touch and a semi-Gothic twist.

I walk outside and the security guard ask me "so how did you like it? Fascinating huh?" I said "yes sir...it sure is! I wish i could meet the architect that designed this." He says "oh...just turn around and look behind you. That's him". I turned around, and the legendary, renowned Scott Ziegler of Ziegler/Cooper Architects is standing just 10 feet from me. I dashed down the steps...turned to him and said "please tell me you are Scott Zielger"...and he says "yes sir I am". I introduced myself to him and told him that I was pursuing a degree in architecture, and that interested him more as we began to exchange words.

This totally blew me away. This guy stands there, adjusts his tie and black sport coat, and asks me "So, how do you like my work Mr. Pereira?" I was a nervous wreck and couldn't get the words out of my mouth, but I think I said something like "I have always wanted to see the classical style in front of me, and I've always wanted to feel the presence of being inside something so religiously artistic, and you made that dream a reality today. Your work is extravagant." After a few minutes of chit-chatting (he was in a rush) he gave me his business card and said "here, keep that, frame it, do whatever you want with it. If you're in need of ideas or need any help with anything, there's my email address. As long as you stay in school and finish that career, we'll be good freinds." I nearly fell to the ground, took the card and thanked.

Scott Zielger has designed numerous buildings, schools, homes, and most sustainable structures in Texas. He is now recognized and is famous for designing the largest Cathedral in the United States. I thought I would share this with you guys...as I am still in awe about all this. I am really passionate about architecture, and I get excited when I meet people like Scott Ziegler.


ZIEGLER/COOPER Official Website














Mr. Scott Ziegler & his wife

Last edited by Carlos Pereira on May-01-2008 at 00:49