From the “narrow skinnies” of Ed Romieniec to the creative cravats of Rodney Hill, ties have had an historic role in the College of Architecture. In fact, since the 1970’s, the college’s Technical Resource Center has maintained a modest tie library for students to check out. The neckwear was once mandatory for classroom presentations and job interviews.

To honor this tradition and celebrate the college’s centennial anniversary, 100 blank white polyester neckties were distributed to former and current students, faculty, and special friends of the college to design, adorn, accessorize and otherwise decorate. The results were displayed at the 2005 former student open house and sold in a silent auction to raise funds to help place a grand piano in the Langford Architecture Center atrium.

“This was a fitting tribute to the artistry and creative energy of our former students,” said Larry Zuber, the college’s director of advancement officer and organizer of the centennial tie project.

For a web gallery of all 100 ties:
http://archone.tamu.edu/college/news/
newsletters/fall2006/neckties/index.htm

Some of the ties designed by former and current students, faculty, and friends of the college (click image for gallery of larger images).

Detail of "Kaa" by Natalie Bushman '06

Detail of "Crazy Quilt Detail" by Mark A. Stewart '74