NEWS | January 8, 2026
WJE UT Austin Alumni Work on Restoration of Iconic Tower
In 2023, a WJE team of mostly University of Texas, Austin graduates, primarily from WJE’s Austin office, began work assessing the University’s iconic Tower and Main Building as part of a major restoration effort. UT Austin recently highlighted the initial assessment phase of the project, recognizing contributions from WJE staff and UT alumni Melannie Ruiz Moreno, Daniel Chavez, Katy Aughenbaugh, and Matt Carlton. Also featured was Mike Ford, from WJE’s Northbrook, Illinois, office. Other UT graduates working on the project have included Dean Deschenes, Michael Monroe, Thanos Metaxas, Raul Olvera, Melaney Gorman, and Zein Marchioni. In addition, Matt Haberling, a UT alumnus based in WJE’s New York office, is actively involved in the project.

“The UT tower is THE symbol of campus. It lights up for big wins, it anchors the skyline, it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Austin,” said Matt Carlton, WJE Austin Unit Manager and UT Austin graduate. “As someone who grew up here and went to UT, getting to work on a building that meant so much to me during my college years is incredibly meaningful. It’s a rare privilege to help preserve a landmark that’s woven into the identity of both the university and the city.”
The WJE team continues its work today. Over the last year, restoration has progressed steadily, with WJE serving as the exterior renovation consultant as part of the design team led by Robert A.M. Stern Associates. The project is expected to continue through 2027.
Read the full University of Texas, Austin article here.
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