Dichotomy: A separation into two divisions that differ widely from or contradict each other.
It is this gift, this novel ability to harness the power from both sides of his persona which allows Henry R. Muñoz III to envision and to create. It is a rare occurrence to possess both, the imagination to dream the biggest dream, and the pragmatism, heart and vision to complete them.
Muñoz, president and CEO of San Antonio-based Kell Muñoz Inc., is a highly respected entrepreneur, cultural activist, award-winning designer, and a sought-after philanthropist. No matter which side of the political fence you sit on, he garners respect from both sides for his determination and his work ethic, and adoration from his family and friends, thanks to a generous and caring nature.
“I believe I had a desire to be successful at an early age, having been raised by a family of activists,” states Muñoz. He refers to the example set by his father, Henry “The Fox” Muñoz, a celebrated labor organizer, who merely by example, paved the road and ignited the thirst for community change in his son. “I grew up around picket lines and the civil rights movement; I learned early on, the power of a community comes from its inclusiveness.”
Despite his youthful presence, Muñoz has racked up a number of impressive achievements under his designer belt, all in a relatively short amount of time. As the first minority transportation commissioner in the history of the state of Texas, Muñoz served as a member of the Texas Turnpike Authority, the Texas High Speed Rail Authority and as the state’s representative to the Bi-National Bridge and Border Crossing Commission.
“I’m not sure I would have known how to do things any differently than the way I’ve done them in terms of combining this desire to be a member a successful member of the business community and just being a giving member of the community. It’s my upbringing,” he explains.
Once again, Muñoz embodies the dichotomy; with an original sense of style that others can only emulate. He carries himself with the grace and demeanor of an emperor. Yet this is the same young man who marched with the migrant farm workers from the Rio Grande to the capital in Austin. “I understood from a very young age that the world was complex, and that there was a fabric woven in a particular way here and interwoven in another way there. It is perhaps the most important lesson I’ve been given.”
As the founding chairman of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture in San Antonio - the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the country, Muñoz has fused these fabrics. It is a credit to Muñoz and his connections as vice chairman of the Smithsonian National Board, that the seeds were planted to expand to the nation, via affiliates, what the Smithsonian currently offered. This also led to his chairmanship of the Smithsonian National Board for Latino Initiatives.
Muñoz has drawn both praise and fire for his work, perhaps because of the single-mindedness and determination he employs to get things done. As friends say, “When Henry says it’s going to happen, it happens.” The trait has earned high praise and a slew of fans that approach him for assistance when they need support. Mayor Phil Hardberger recently tapped Muñoz as chair of fundraising for the upcoming San Antonio Arts Night in March, with a goal of $300,000.
While many youngsters were out playing ball, Muñoz spent his childhood with his family, making a difference. “One of my first memories of the Greater Chamber (of Commerce) was standing with my father outside the building picketing it,” he laughs. “Then, when I was 28, one of the last things my father learned about my career was that I had been elected Vice Chairman of the Board of the Greater Chamber. It’s a very interesting commentary on how far San Antonio has come and I’m very proud of that.”
Muñoz recalls his first visit to the Texas Capital in Austin, and the impact it made at the tender age of nine, when he served as a statehouse page. While it was a bit of déjà vu, family and friends weren’t surprised when he returned to Austin under the auspices as Texas’ first minority Transportation Commissioner.
His voice crackles with passion and an emotional fervor, that transcends his cool exterior, when he discusses his community vision. Muñoz is a paradox in many ways, bathed in genteel elegance with the grace of a privileged upbringing, but yet with a heart steeped in the history and passion of his ancestors. It is this passion and drive that led him to the Alameda, a dream that many scoffed at, but one Muñoz would not deny. 10 years in the making, the Museo Alameda features a wide array of Hispanic contributions to art and culture and has charmed and delighted thousands since its opening this past April.
“All of these experiences have prepared me to tell the American story,” says Muñoz, referring to the mission of the Museo Alameda. “Our culture is interwoven, constantly being rewritten, being reinvented, and that’s what makes it so special.”
While most know he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Kell Muñoz Architects, Inc., many are not aware that it is the largest minority-owned architectural firm in Texas. With commissions such as the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Expansion, the Fiesta Texas and Sea World Theme Parks, Kell Muñoz’s work dots across the city’s footprint. Kell Muñoz has also made significant contributions to many South Texas university projects as well.
Although not formally trained as an architect, Muñoz’s innate sense of aesthetics quickly confirmed him as an invaluable part of the team. “I really credit John Kell for guiding me and taking a chance on my visions,” he says. “He encouraged me and I knew I belonged here.” In the years that followed, Muñoz became a partner, eventually a majority shareholder and ultimately the CEO of what is now Kell Muñoz Architects, Inc.
“I’ve always viewed architecture as a public art with a public voice.” As an award-winning designer, Muñoz has helped guide the firm with a design emphasis on the exploration of an emerging architectural vision for South Texas. “I realized that the architecture my region was known for didn’t look like me, and I wanted to try and understand what that meant.” This led Muñoz to the concept of Mestizo Regionalism, and he credits Tomas Ybarra Frausto for showing him the way. “He mentored me through the serious areas of cultural mestizo (blending) acculturation and creativity,” says Muñoz. “I feel it incorporates into design the unique history, traditions, and cultural evolution of the people of the Texas/ Mexico Borderlands.”
Muñoz has utilized the Mestizo influence in a number of AIA award winning projects. “It’s important to articulate a blended culture,” he says emphatically. Examples of such influence include the Time Warner Cable Corporate Headquarters, the University of Texas at San Antonio Biosciences/ Engineering Building, and the University of Texas-Pan American Science Complex. Kell Muñoz also directed the cultural wing of the ATT Center.
It’s difficult to imagine that the boyish, unlined face belongs to one with such great responsibilities. As the founding president of Texas Public Radio, he has served in virtually every leadership position within the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. As a philanthropist, Muñoz has raised over $2.0 million in scholarships for young people, including over $1 million dollars for the UTSA Downtown Campus Scholarship Initiative. He is also a sought-after fundraiser for political causes and candidates that are close to his heart.
Nearly 10 years ago, Muñoz accepted the tremendous responsibility of spearheading the capital campaign to restore the legendary Alameda Theater, a cultural icon for Latinos throughout the United States. Under his focused leadership, the Museo Alameda del Smithsonian opened its doors in April.
Culminating with a weekend-long celebration, graced by both Hollywood stars and thousands of San Antonians who packed the closed streets, the opening of the museum gave a voice to what national media coverage referred to as “those not traditionally represented in museums.” As Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” blared through the speakers and the world’s largest group of mariachis played, collective lumps formed in throats and tears welled in the eyes of nearly everyone, including Muñoz, as the city brought the dream to life.
“The root of my feelings about this country and about this moment I’m living in…all of these experiences prepared me to really want to tell the American story. Nothing about this country is pure, we are all intermingled. Our lives are constantly being renegotiated, but that’s what I love about our city. Although it doesn’t always occur harmoniously, it still feels like progress. What a wonderful example for the rest of the country.”
