George Bush Intercontinental Airport Federal Inspection Services Building

HOK designed a major component of George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s $1.45 billion redevelopment program, which includes construction of the new international terminal.

Our team designed renovations to the airport’s Federal Inspection Services (FIS) building and new construction for portions of the international ticketing and departures hall, known as the International Central Processor (ICP).

Exterior and Arrival Experience

The “Mozart Blue” color of the exterior metal building panels attracts the attention of departing passengers traveling via automobile and helps with wayfinding. The blue color distinguishes the new building while relating to the Texas state flower (bluebonnet) and dog (Blue Lacy), as well as to the numerous bodies of water in the Bayou City.

The HOK-designed addition includes a stacked roadway for departures and arrivals and a full-length, protective canopy spanning all 11 lanes at the departures level. The arrivals level includes a nine-lane curb to improve traffic flow.

Departures Experience

Passengers move from the new 11-lane departures curb into the check-in hall, where diffused daylight floods the double-height space from three sides. The hall features natural wood materials, clear wayfinding and durable, contemporary finishes.

HOK’s design transforms the ICP’s check-in area into a light-filled, spacious TSA security checkpoint. With generous queue space and 10 automated screening lanes, this new space brings a sense of calm to passengers. Once fully complete, there will be 17 automated screening lanes, biometric screening, self-service check-in kiosks and modernized baggage handling systems will streamline the passenger experience.

As passengers enter the security checkpoint, two flanking portal walls on the departures level showcase the beauty of Houston’s landscape. The Congressman Mickey Leland statue relocated from Terminal D serves as a focal point.

Arrivals Experience

The design revitalizes the international terminal’s arrivals area. Arriving passengers experience renovations in centralized immigration and customs inspection areas. Re-check accommodations in the FIS re-check area include new ADA counters, flight information displays, restrooms, bag service offices and vertical circulation for those continuing their travels. An oversize baggage handling system is on the south end.

Within the new terminal, exiting passengers pass through the FIS exit featuring images of the welcoming arms of Houston’s live oaks and park settings. These are the large portal walls separating passengers from the FIS and new meeter/greeter area.

The new arrivals hall accommodates four pre-cleared bag claim carousels, a large meeter/greeter area, concessions and information/concierge services. An oculus-shaped threshold links the departures and arrivals halls.

Art and Sustainability

The curbside experience sets the stage for travelers to admire the airport’s expanding collection of public art. Planned in collaboration with the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, exterior art installations will appear on both departures and arrivals levels along the garage façade and vestibules. The art program continues in the building’s large public spaces, with pieces in key locations acting as focal points for each step of the passenger journey.

The team’s sustainable design goals include providing a LEED Silver equivalence design indicative of the highest design standards. Additionally, HAS standards require a 20 percent improvement over current energy code requirements.

Project Team

HOK is collaborating with Houston-based architect Page and construction manager at-risk Hensel Phelps. The International Central Processor partially opened in early 2025.