It would seem as though it wasn’t until last summer’s unrest that prioritizing support for Black-owned businesses became a popular trend for the nation at large. However, that is simply not the case, especially for Houston-based BLCK Market. Jeremy Malone (also known as J.O.) founded BLCK Market with the mission to provide a safe place for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The BLCK Market is curated to the Black American experience and provides an opportunity to showcase quality brands and products to tens of thousands of consumers. Their vision is to bring value back to the community through financial literacy, wellness, and creativity. BLCK Market, considered to be Houston’s largest gathering of Black-owned businesses, started out holding in-person events every first Friday and second Saturday. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, it pivoted to an online platform out of necessity. Not only did this e-commerce marketplace keep the BLCK Market name alive, but it also kept other Black brands open for business. Today, BLCK Market has begun holding its in-person events again and it will continue growing its digital platform. On the horizon are plans to open its first retail store to further this important mission. BLCK Market Retail will be opening Labor Day weekend and will be located at the Pearland Town Center, only 15 minutes south of downtown Houston. Pearland currently ranks #6 on 24/7 Tempo’s list of fastest-growing American cities according to USA Today. PRISM was honored to produce the rendering used to market the storefront debut. If you’d like to be one of the first 25 vendors to be featured at the Flagship store, visit BLCK Retail to learn more. The great news is all vendors keep 100% of their sales at BLCK Market Retail!
Her title may be Director of Operations, but we consider Sarah Amos our own Wizard of Oz. She works behind the scenes to keep everything moving forward with our clients and their projects. As the mom of four, it’s no wonder she is so good at keeping us all on track! Happiest Birthday to you Sarah!
The East End Maker Hub epitomizes Houston’s can-do attitude. A public-private partnership made the renovation of this 300,000 s.f. facility possible. This innovation/manufacturing center aims to create 1,000 new companies in five years. PRISM was honored to attend the opening festivities!
3D models are powerful tools architects and designers use to communicate space. The layout of the space, lighting, and the finishes within it can entirely and distinctly differentiate two spaces of the same size. Home design shows are popularizing 3D models, using them to guide homeowners through the design process to their dream kitchen, master bath, man cave – the list goes on. Outside of the TV studio, firms are using models in increasing ways. PRISM helps clients take a limited model to a richly detailed, polished rendering quickly and efficiently. This video shows some of the basic models' PRISM received, compared to the professional renderings we produced. Architects use our renderings in many ways:
The old Sears building on Main in Midtown Houston has come back to life in a big way since it closed in 2018. After almost two years and $100 million in renovations, the former department store that opened in 1939 now houses Houston’s new tech hub, called The Ion. The building totals 288,000 s.f. and has dedicated academic space for innovation research, along with offices, collaboration areas, and a grand staircase with seating for 250 people. And don’t forget the food! The Ion will be home to some amazing new hospitality concepts. PRISM worked with design firm HOOD/C on marketing renderings for the anticipated new concept from Lucille’s Hospitality Group, Late August. According to chef and co-owner Dawn Burrell, the menu will “explore the soul of Afro-Asian flavors.” The restaurant name pays homage to Sears; the name references the time of year when the retailer mailed its holiday catalog, the wish book.
For the 29% of Miami-Dade residents living with a disability, a visit to the beach is no easy feat. Inaccessible walkways and the sand itself make it almost impossible for people with limited mobility to put their toes in the sand. A new adaptive oceanside park in Miami Beach is about to change that. And with an adjacent adaptive fitness and recreation center, there will be no shortage of inclusive recreational opportunities for residents of all ability levels.
It’s been said that home is not a place, it’s a feeling. Ruth Bennett, founder of RBA Architecture, has built a successful practice on this concept, connecting people to each other and to their environments. Bennett left the large firm world where she designed projects like high-rise office towers, federal courthouses, and academic buildings to open her firm and concentrate on residential and live/work projects. She works throughout New England and New York. Bennett’s approach integrates sustainable design solutions, site conditions, and technology with expertise, proportion, and beautiful details. PRISM has been working with RBA since 2019 to produce design renderings that communicate her vision and solutions for her clients. Renderings incorporate a high level of detail showing the exterior building and materials, connection to the landscape and outdoor spaces, and definition of interior spaces to show views, light, circulation, furniture, and finishes, all very helpful to achieve client buy-in on the design.
“She never met a stranger.” Maybe it’s her energetic smile, or her special ability to connect people. Either way, we can say with certainty that our VP of BD Deborah Gross brings brightness to each day. You inspire everyone you work with every day, and we’re grateful you’re part of the PRISM team! Happy 4th Anniversary!
Thanks for our VP of Operations, Sarah Amos, PRISM runs like a finely tuned race car. Her positivity, dedication, and leadership brings joy to our clients and all of us. Thank you for seven years of service! You make us all better and we’re blessed you’re part of our team. CHEERS!
Originally known as Decoration Day in 1868 honoring those lost while fighting in the Civil War, the Memorial Day holiday evolved during World War I to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. A century later, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that established the holiday we celebrate today. Thank you to all who have unselfishly served our great nation. "May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn't free." - Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
