Our Story

As stewards of distinctive yet functional architecture, we provide creative, thoughtful, and efficient designs.

The story of SLA from inception through multiple decades of success is a tale of dedication, mentorship, and the unwavering support of family. It's a journey that began well before the formal acquisition, was rooted in the first hire, and grew exponentially through the invaluable guidance of mentors who helped to shape the future. SLA’s path was paved by the collective efforts of numerous architects and engineers, and the understanding of a family who endured the long hours that were required to become successful.

It was Don Daugherty's confidence in me and my capabilities that led to the pivotal moment when I decided to acquire DDI Architects in 1995. Within just a few short months, I knew I needed other design professionals to make this venture successful and sought out acquaintances from past affiliations. The trust placed in me by these colleagues and the blessings of a supportive family allowed DDI Architects to grow and ultimately culminated in the establishment of Secord & Lebow Architects in 1998, and marked the beginning of a new chapter in architectural excellence for the firm.  

Due to the number of experienced architects already established in Wichita Falls, we made the decision early-on to place our focus on public-sector institutional architecture, primarily with Federal, State, and Municipal Government entities and to seek out clients on a regional basis more than locally. Through this focus, SLA developed foundational relationships with clients such as the Fort Worth District US Army Corps of Engineers, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Health and Human Services, and the City of Wichita Falls.   

Since its inception, SLA has nourished long-term relationships with clients throughout Texas and the entire southwest. As stewards of distinctive yet functional architecture, we provide creative, thoughtful, and efficient designs. This concept is the keystone of our practice. It is our vision for now and the future. Because of this vision, SLA can reliably guide our clients with a willingness and a desire to bring their visions to fruition.

~ Troy Secord, Founding Partner of Secord & Lebow Architects, LLP


Timeline
:

1978 – Daugherity & Glover, Inc. was founded.

1983 – Don Daugherity became sole proprietor and the firm changed to DDI Architects, Inc.

1995 – Troy Secord purchased the firm.

1997 – Jackie Lebow became co-partner of DDI Architects.

1998 – The firm was reorganized into a Limited Liability Partnership and the name changed to Secord & Lebow Architects, LLP.

2011 – Craig Hopkins and Danny Richardson jr became partners.

2014 – The firm rebranded and started doing business as SLA Architects.

2021 – Nichole Schroeder and Nicholas Schreiber became partners.

2023 – Marcela Medellin became partner.

Firm Partners

Managing Partner, Project Manager, Architect, Interior Designer
Troy Secord
AIA, RID, LEED AP
Managing Partner, Project Manager, Architect
Danny Richardson Jr.
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Managing Partner, Project Manager, Architect
Craig Hopkins
AIA
Partner, Project Manager, Architect
Nichole Schroeder
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Partner, Architect, Interior Designer
Marcela Medellin
AIA, NCIDQ
Partner, Project Manager, Marketing Director
Nick Schreiber
Assoc. AIA, DBIA, MBA
CFO, Treasurer
Jeani Secord
Browse All Staff