Tag: Architecture

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2026 Season with Architecture-Inspired Vol. 49

The final PechaKucha of 2026 will be at the recently renovated Magik Theatre. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2026 Season with Architecture-Inspired Volume 49

Get ready for an evening of rapid-fire inspiration, architecture, and local culture. PechaKucha San Antonio is closing out its 2026 series with Volume 49 on Thursday, October 15, 2026, hosted at the newly renovated Magik Theatre. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2026)

📅 Event Details at a Glance

  • Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
  • Location: Magik Theatre (420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
  • Welcome Reception: 6:30 PM
  • Presentations: 7:30 PM
  • Tickets: $10 (+ fees) | Available at the door or online

🏛️ Returning to Architectural Roots

Created in 2003 by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture, PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) gives creative minds a platform to share their passions using a unique storytelling format: 20 images, shown for 20 seconds each (a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per speaker). What started as a showcase for architects has evolved into a global phenomenon in over 1,200 cities worldwide.

For Volume 49, PechaKucha San Antonio is returning to its design origins in a special collaboration with the Texas Society of Architects, featuring a curated lineup inspired by design, architecture, and the built environment.

🎤 Featured Presenters

The evening features a diverse array of local voices:

Emcee: Mike Long (builder at work, armchair philosopher at leisure)

🎷 Music, Bites & Hospitality

Come early for the 6:30 PM welcome reception, featuring:

  • Live Music: Fresh, modern jazz standards performed by the 210 Young Jazz Trio (Joel Castillo, Jared Finn, and Isaiah Williams).
  • Complimentary Bites: Delicious food and coffee courtesy of local favorites:
    • Liberty Bar
    • Olla Express Coffee
    • Duke’s Dive / Mission Bell
    • Folklores Catering

🤝 Community & Venue Partners

This event is presented in partnership with The Power of Preservation Foundation.

Annual Sponsors

Maltz Properties • Frost Bank • Lake|Flato Architects • Best Quality Daughter • 80|20 Foundation • Big City Small Town • Blue Star Arts District

Community Partners

Texas Society of Architects • Magik Theatre • Josh Huskin Photography • Studio Morris • Giant Noise • Sprocket Productions • Wenger Productions • SmithPrint • Ben Yanto Visuals • Gary Sweeney’s Postcards • Liberty Bar • Olla Express Coffee • Duke’s Dive/Mission Bell • Folklores Catering

About the Venue:

Founded in 1994 by Richard Rosen, the non-profit Magik Theatre creates professional, accessible, literature-based theatrical experiences designed to ignite young imaginations and inspire empathy across San Antonio families.

Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio

Where Creativity Meets Compassion: Paws and Claws Pet Habitat Competition at Pearl

Pearl has been transformed into a showcase of custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers, with public voting from March 1-22. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO – Pearl is giving the community and visitors another reason to plan their next visit by hosting a Claws and Paws Construction event across its 22 acre footprint for the first time. This innovative architectural and design competition, modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build, showcases pet-friendly structures created by local talent. (Pearl, 2025)

The showcase will feature custom-built pet habitats designed by local architects, builders, and designers. The structures will be on display for public viewing and bidding across Pearl from March 1-22, 2025. The competition aims to support two local pet charities, Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service, while highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of San Antonio’s design community.

Visitors are invited to view and vote on their favorite designs throughout the event. “We’re thrilled to showcase San Antonio’s incredible architectural and design talent through this collaboration with Claws and Paws,” says Mesha Millsap, CEO of Pearl. “This event not only highlights our city’s creativity but also demonstrates how local innovators can come together for a great cause. We’re eager to see the ingenious and inspiring pet habitats that our community’s skilled professionals will design.”

The builds will be on display at Karnes St., between Pullman Market and Can Plant Residences at Pearl. The competition features entries from local firms including The Lique Group, Sol Studios, Villa Park Architects, Pfluger Architects, Garza Architects, and three entries from Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat Home Center.

Awards will be presented in various categories, including the Top Dog Award (People’s Choice), Best in Show (Overall design winner), and category-specific awards for Canine Cabin, Furr-niture, and Cat Condo.

The pet habitats will be auctioned off at a “Housewarming” event on March 22, 2025, with all proceeds benefiting Daisy Cares and PAWS for Service. The event is made possible through the support of sponsors including Historic Pearl, PAWS edu, NorthPark Subaru, IBC Bank, and Chicago Title.

Claws and Paws Construction is an innovative architectural and design competition that brings together local talent to create unique, pet-friendly structures. Modeled after Dallas’ successful Bark n Build event, Claws and Paws Construction showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of architects, builders, and designers while supporting local pet charities. The event features custom-built pet habitats that are judged on innovation, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Through public engagement and auctions, Claws and Paws Construction raises funds and awareness for animal welfare organizations, fostering a community that values both design excellence and compassion for pets.