Explore MACRI’s new traveling exhibit, William Merriweather Peña: The Father of Architectural Programming.

William "Willie" Merriweather Peña (1919-2018) was perhaps the most important Mexican American architect of the 20th century, yet he remains largely unknown outside of the architecture field. Learn more about the life and work of this remarkable trailblazer with MACRI!

This Laredo, TX native was a proud Aggie, decorated World War II veteran, author, and partner in Caudill, Rowlett, Scott, which grew to become the largest architecture firm in the world. Peña’s groundbreaking work on architectural programming, which he honed during his first two decades at CRS, became the basis for a book first published in 1969, Problem Seeking: New Directions in Architectural Programming, which he followed with Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming Primer, now in its fifth edition and considered the classic programming guide for architects and a standard architecture textbook. It also earned Peña the title of “the father of architectural programming.” Peña was one of the leading architects in the nation, a visionary, an industry pioneer who was named an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fellow in 1972 and received multiple awards from AIA Houston. When Peña retired in 1984, he had directed programming for over 400 projects in 38 states and ten countries while mentoring younger architects and writing and speaking about architectural practices across the globe.

The exhibit will be on view at the MACRI Visitor Center from Monday, December 8, 2025 through Friday, March 20, 2026.

The exhibit gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM—NOON and 1 - 4 PM, or by appointment.

🌟 This exhibit was created with support from the Conservation Society of San Antonio. 🌟

MACRI's programs are funded in part by the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, Bexar County, the Mellon Foundation, the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, Spurs Give, and individual donors like you! Gracias!