Announcing the SARA Texas Council Formation
SARA Expands with the Founding of the Texas Council
The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) is proud to announce the formation of the SARA Texas Council, further strengthening the organization’s national presence and its mission of Architect Helping Architect.
The new council was founded by Warren Johnson, SARA, whose story is deeply intertwined with the history and values of SARA itself. Warren’s connection to the organization goes back decades. In the 1970s, as a young student interested in architecture, Warren attended an event hosted by Wilford Gregson, FSARA, the founder of SARA. At that event, Warren received a scholarship that helped support his early path into the profession.
That moment proved transformative.
Inspired by the encouragement he received and the spirit of architects supporting one another, Warren went on to become an architect himself. Now, many years later, he has returned to that same spirit of generosity and mentorship by helping establish the SARA Texas Council, ensuring the next generation of architects has the same opportunities that once helped launch his career.
This story reflects the heart of SARA’s mission: Architect Helping Architect. Warren began his journey as a student supported by the profession, and today he is giving back by creating new opportunities for those following in his footsteps.
Warren and his newly formed council have already hit the ground running. They recently set up a booth at the University of Houston (Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design), where students were introduced to SARA, its mission, and the organization’s free student memberships. The event provided students with an opportunity to connect with practicing architects and learn about the support network SARA provides throughout the profession.
Fabiyan Pembelski, National Executive Director of SARA, spoke about the significance of the moment.
“This is what Architect Helping Architect looks like in practice. Warren began as a student who received support from this organization, and now decades later he is paying that forward. Our profession depends on the willingness of experienced architects to step up, mentor, and support the next generation. If we want to guarantee the longevity and strength of architecture as a profession, now is the time for those who came before us to give back.”
Kevin Regalado, FSARA, National President of SARA, also welcomed the new council.
“The formation of the Texas Council is an exciting step for our organization. Seeing leaders like Warren build new communities for architects shows the power of our grassroots mission. We are proud to welcome Texas and look forward to seeing the council grow and inspire the next generation of architects.”
The Texas Council joins an expanding network of SARA councils across the country, including California, Florida, Mid-Atlantic (Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland), Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania. With almost a dozen additional councils currently in conversation about launching, the organization continues to grow its national footprint.
For architects in Texas, this is the perfect time to become involved. If you are located in Texas and would like to join the new council, please contact memberships@saranational.org.
If you are interested in starting a council in your own region, SARA would be happy to speak with you about how you can support our mission of Architect Helping Architect and contribute to the growth of our grassroots organization.