University of Houston Guy V. Lewis Development Facility

The renovation of the Guy V. Lewis Development Facility was driven by a bold and dynamic concept inspired by the iconic Nike Air Jordan IV shoe—an homage to the University of Houston’s status as a proud “Jordan School.” Designed with recruitment at its core, the space was envisioned to captivate prospective athletes and ensure student-athletes, recruits, and visitors are immersed in the iconic Jumpman logo activated through the interior design and graphics. The most recent iteration of the facility takes every interior design cue from the Jordan Brand, the distinct patterns found in Jordan design elements, and classic Jordan shoes, namely the red sole accents of the legendary Jordan IV. The Jordan Brand was seamlessly infused into Houston’s scarlet red, white, and black school colors. The project was a collaborative effort among interiors, architecture, engineering consultant, and facilities. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by a bold, branded feature wall that introduces the rich legacy of Houston Basketball, setting the tone for the entire experience. As individuals make their way up to the main level, a defining feature of the space is a striking Jordan shoe display wall, serving as both a storytelling element and a visual centerpiece. The left side of the display features the iconic Air Jordan series while the right side celebrates Houston's customized collections. Throughout the space, curated photo opportunities further enhance engagement, transforming the environment into an immersive brand experience that resonates with young talent. The interior finish palette reflects the grit and energy of Houston, incorporating dark textures, laser-cut metal accents, and rich wood tones that establish a bold yet refined atmosphere and tie back to Houston roots. These elements seamlessly tie back to the existing space while reinforcing the program’s toughness and determination. Glossy red accents punctuate the design, adding vibrancy and a dynamic connection to the university’s identity. Strategic lighting throughout illuminates key graphics and introduces movement into the space reminiscent of the Jordan shoes. This state-of-the-art basketball training facility prioritizes student-athlete health and well-being and consists of identical, top-tier amenities for both men’s and women’s basketball programs. Each wing features a practice court, locker room, team lounge, rest and recovery sleeping pods, nutrition center, academic/film room with tiered seating, video editing suite, and coaching office suite with views to the practice court below. The teams share centrally located sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and academic support service facilities. Custom Jordan branding throughout the space enhances team culture, reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence.