S.I. Morris architectural papers and Astrodome memorabilia

Seth Irwin Morris (1914-2006) graduated from the Rice Institute School of Architecture in 1935. In 1938 he founded his own architectural firm with Talbott Wilson and continued practicing architecture in Houston under various successor firms until his retirement in 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-46, initially in bomb disposal and later serving in intelligence. He married Suzanne Kibler of Columbus, Ohio, in 1945, and they raised 5 children. He was a founding member of the Municipal Art Society, was the President of the Board of the American Institute of Architects, Houston, and twice President of the Board of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He also served on the Boards of The Contemporary Arts Museum, The Boy Scouts, The Red Cross, The United Way, and The Houston Chamber of Commerce.

Morris's firms, alone or in association with others, were responsible for such buildings as the Astrodome, First City Tower, the Houston Public Library Downtown, the Houston Country Club, One and Two Shell Plaza, Pennzoil Place, the Wortham Center, the Glassell School of Art, and Williams Tower.

Morris served Rice as a member of the Board of Governors, was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1981, and received the Gold Medal Award from the Rice Alumni in 1991. He was also Fellow of the AIA; received the Llewellyn Pitts Award from the Texas Society of Architects; the Master Builder Award from the Association of General Contractors; and the Rice Design Alliance Award for Design Excellence.