Projects

Kinder Museum of Fine Arts

Houston, TX

Marek Location

General Contractor

McCarthy  

Architect

Steven Holl Architects

Year

2021

Sectors

Awards

ABC Houston Excellence in Construction Eagle Award
ABC National Excellence in Construction Eagle Award

Challenge

The Kinder Museum of Fine Arts required a team that could translate a complex architectural vision into precise, durable interiors suitable for world-class art. The project included challenging elements such as curved drywall surfaces, three-story atriums, galleries, a theater, and underground pedestrian tunnels connecting multiple buildings. The high-visibility nature of the museum demanded flawless finishes and careful coordination to protect both the structure and the artwork it would house.

Solution

MAREK partnered with McCarthy Building Companies and Steven Holl Architects to deliver framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, fabric panels, and insulation throughout the 240,000-square-foot building. Our team implemented an innovative “Dave McMillan Method” for curved drywall, combining prefabrication, on-site mockups, and consistent quality checks to prevent cracking and maintain tight tolerances. This approach, paired with Level 5 finishes and meticulous attention to detail, ensured smooth surfaces in critical areas including the atrium, galleries, and theater. MAREK also worked closely with artist James Turrell on his light installations, delivering precise knife-edge finishes and custom GRG shapes that brought his vision to life without compromise.

The result was a bold, light-filled structure with sweeping curves, refined finishes, and seamless integration of art and architecture. The Kinder Museum reshaped Houston’s Museum District and created a space that elevates both the visitor experience and the city’s cultural landscape.

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