Prof. Howe makes this a regular part of the curriculum of his first level studio. The tour comes at a convenient point in the course, since it occurs just as students are to begin working on their principal project for the semester, the design of a house to a specific site and program. “One of the most important parts of architectural education is to walk through the spaces of a well-designed piece of architecture. It is the only way one can get the sense of how much extra spirit and energy there is in a piece of good design. We are fortunate that there are now a number of first-rate architects now working in Austin,” says Howe.