Fanning Howey + House Partners designed Nord Anglia Education’s British International School of Houston located in Katy, Texas.

The new British International School of Houston (BISH) is the North American flagship campus for Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium schools organization. The 280,000-square-foot new building is designed for 1,600 students through a joint venture between the national K-12 school design firm Fanning Howey and House Partners, a Houston-based architecture firm.

The dramatic facade of BISH serves as testament to a design effort focused on transparency and connectivity. As one of the world’s leading premium schools organizations, BISH collaborates with organizations such as MIT and The Julliard School to deliver a comprehensive global curriculum.

Walking through the entrance, a four-story atrium greets students with a view of everything the school has to offer. The extensive use of glass provides a glimpse into maker spaces, science laboratories, an International Baccalaureate Center and other specialized learning areas. At the center of the atrium is the second-floor research commons, called the Agora, which serves both architecturally and philosophically as the hub of the school.

BISH has a strong focus on educating the whole child. A Performing Arts Center supports the school’s partnership with The Julliard School, and an Aquatics Center and outdoor sports fields serve the school and community.

Since opening in 2016, teachers and students have praised the campus, with Principal Andrew Derry calling BISH, “The most pedagogically-advanced school building in the world.”

Architect: Fanning Howey + House Partners
Design Team: Project Executive – Dan Mader, Project Architects – Andy Miller and Geoff Bay, Interior Designer – Carla Remenschneider
Contractor: Tribble & Stephens
Photography: Geoffrey Lyon