New Braunfels, Our Beautiful City was the topic for a panel discussion held at Lark Mason Gallery and sponsored by Preserving New Braunfels, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The panel discussion was represented by Lark Mason, moderator and speakers Brett Davidson, Wesley Osborn,  Akiko Fujimoto, and Brit King.

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Brett Davidson, spoke about his experience that led him to a career in architecture. Brett has experience working on the Pearl project in San Antonio and more recently on the Faust Hotel in New Braunfels. Historic restoration involves a respect for choices made by the original designers and those who constructed the structures and the craftsmen whose skill is present in the finishes and details. It also requires considerations about practicality and cost. A hidden staircase may have once had an important function but today is no longer needed, but it adds value to the overall project because it gives context to other adjoining features and an insight to the past and to cultural and practical considerations when the building was designed. Brett is a recent resident of the city of New Braunfels and founder and owner of Assemble + Co. https://assemble-co.com/

Wesley Osborn is a chef and founder of Noshly, a marketplace for independent chefs. His professional journey began in the Coast Guard and then later a series of businesses working in the culinary industry. Bringing Culinary Excellence to New Braunfels through his company, he works with independent chefs who use the Noshly platform to connect with clients for specially organized, memorable culinary experiences in unique locations. https://noshly.io/

Akiko Fujimoto, brings music to our city as the Director of the Mid-Texas Symphony. The Sound of Symphony in the Hill Country resonates with music lovers who appreciate the professionalism of the Mid-Texas Symphony. She spoke about her path to become a conductor from Stanford University to positions as the Associate Conductor for Minneapolis and San Antonio. She creates special bespoke programs, assembling works that complement each other and challenge and delight the listener. Importantly, her programs in New Braunfels attract thousands of attendees each season, bringing the best of orchestral performances to the Hill Country. https://mtsymphony.org/

Brit King is the President and CEO of the New Braunfels Community Foundation, and spoke on Elevating Lives Through Generosity. His background in finance and service on non-profit boards made him an ideal match for his leadership role at the New Braunfels Community Foundation.  Foundations organized by individuals in response to a passion or desire to fill a need, often can benefit from professional oversight which is the purpose of the New Braunfels Community Foundation. Brit shared experiences about his role assisting donors and how the New Braunfels Community Foundation uses its resources to improve the lives of the citizens of our city. https://nbcommunityfoundation.org/

Preserving New Braunfels, the sponsor of this event is a non-profit foundation administered under the New Braunfels Community Foundation with a mission to highlight the works of organizations like the Sophienburg, Conservation Society, Heritage Society and others who are interested in preserving our historic architectural past, our natural treasures such as Landa Park, and the deep cultural traditions from our original settlers.

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