About Us
Connolly Architects & Consultants is a Texas-based firm with a national reputation for excellence in animal welfare design as well as expertise in diverse commercial & residential building types. Our reputation is built on a keen understanding of animal control, animal welfare, veterinary and boarding issues, application of progressive ideas about shelter design, and a commitment to improving conditions for animal welfare staff and the animals in their care.
Connolly’s national practice includes more than 100 projects in 30 states.
Our Team
Larry Connolly, FAIA - Principal
Larry Connolly is a nationally-recognized authority on shelter design who regularly presents workshops at conferences for state and national animal welfare organizations.
In 2016 Larry was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in recognition of his work in advancing the design and construction of animal shelters. His work has appeared in Animal Sheltering, NACA News, The Line, Architecture, Redwood News, Southern Living and Texas Architect. In 2009, the Texas Society of Architects honored Larry with the John G. Flowers Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Architecture in the Media. He holds architectural licenses in Oklahoma, Texas, NCARB and is Fear FreeTM certified.
Larry has dedicated more than 31 years to designing animal shelters and habitats.
Mike Tibbets, RA - Quality Assurance/Quality Control
At Connolly, Mike is responsible for design review to ensure buildability and quality assurance. He also provides contract administration, code compliance and field observations. Mike was directly responsible for several projects that did not have any change orders.
Hunter Powell - Project Manager/Marketing Director
Hunter Powell's responsibilities include the production of architectural contract documents as well as preparation of shelter evaluations, feasibility studies, work flow diagrams and master plans. He is also Fear FreeTMcertified.
Jeff Smith, P.E. - Livestock & Equestrian Design
Jeff Smith is by education and practice a structural engineer. In an additional capacity he provides, as a life-long rancher and rider, user insight to livestock and horse habitat and support spaces.
Denae Wagner, DVM, MPVM, Assistant Director and Chief Portalizer, UC Davis - Design Review
Denae’s work for the Koret Shelter Medicine Program has helped shelters from Florida to Vancouver improve their facilities.
Dr. Wagner received the CFHS/FSCAA Innovation Award in 2016 for her work improving shelter design, animal health, infectious disease prevention and control, and shelter data management.
