Tessere
Architecture and engineering specialists creating zoos, aquariums and visitor destinations
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Overview:
TESSERE is an employee-owned architecture, engineering and planning practice that has built a strong reputation designing environments where people, animals and nature connect. While the firm works across a range of sectors, its specialist Zoo + Aquarium team focuses on helping zoological parks, aquariums and conservation organisations create habitats, visitor facilities and long-term masterplans that balance guest experience, animal welfare and operational efficiency.
Drawing on expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, interior design and planning, TESSERE supports projects from the earliest strategic discussions through to construction. This multidisciplinary approach allows attractions to work with a single integrated team throughout the life of a project.
Designing for animals and guests
Creating successful zoological attractions requires more than attractive buildings. TESSERE's projects are developed around the needs of both the animals and the people who care for and visit them. The practice works on everything from immersive habitats and visitor circulation to entry experiences, education spaces, food and beverage facilities, support buildings and behind-the-scenes animal care areas.
Its designers also consider how attractions can evolve over time, helping organisations plan future expansion while maintaining a coherent guest journey across the site.
Masterplanning for long-term growth
Many attractions face the challenge of modernising ageing infrastructure while continuing to welcome visitors. TESSERE works with clients to develop phased masterplans that allow improvements to be delivered over many years, minimising operational disruption while creating a clear long-term vision.
This strategic planning experience extends beyond individual exhibits to entire campuses, helping organisations prioritise investment, improve accessibility and identify opportunities for future development.
Conservation-focused design
Conservation is an important consideration throughout TESSERE's zoological work. The practice incorporates sustainable design principles, resource-efficient buildings and landscape strategies that support both environmental performance and animal wellbeing.
Alongside new developments, the company assists organisations in renewing existing facilities, creating environments that meet modern husbandry standards while enhancing the visitor experience. Its collaborative approach brings together architects, engineers, landscape architects and planners to solve the complex challenges unique to modern zoos and aquariums.
Experience across North America
TESSERE has completed projects throughout the United States and holds licences in almost every state. Its portfolio includes work for organisations such as The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, alongside universities, museums, public institutions and commercial clients. This breadth of experience enables the practice to apply ideas from multiple sectors while tailoring every project to the operational needs of visitor attractions.
Following its rebrand from GLMV Architecture, TESSERE continues to expand its work within the attractions sector, partnering with clients on projects that combine conservation, education and memorable guest experiences. Rather than focusing solely on individual buildings, the practice aims to create destinations that remain relevant and adaptable for decades.
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Company information
Address:
1525 E. Douglas Avenue Wichita, Kansas 67211, USA
Telephone:
+1 316 265 9367
Products & services
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Address:
1525 E. Douglas Avenue Wichita, Kansas 67211, USA
Tel:
+1 316 265 9367
Website:
https://tessere.com/Social media:
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