2025 Home & Design Awards

THE 2025

HOME & DESIGN H&DAWARDS 2025

US $5.95

AWARDS

Senna Dining Banquette, Amber Lewis x Four Hands, Domino Good Design Awards

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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ACCENTS 46

ESSENTIALS 64

EXPERIENTIAL 72

WHOLE HOME 102

TOP HONORS

Editorial

Hearst Media

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GENERAL MANAGER

Karen Zabarsky Blashek

Randi Stevenson

Art

Circulation

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Mara Esquivel

Tom Nork

Digital

Contact

DIGITAL MANAGER

MAILING ADDRESS

Abigail Stewart

Austin Home, Hearst Newspapers P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, Texas 78297-2171 Phone 512-263-9133

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Sara Bryant ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dana Horner Jennifer Tully Teddy Ivanova CUSTOMER SUCCESS SPECIALIST

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Send address changes to Austin Home, Hearst Newspapers P.O. Box 2171 San Antonio, Texas 78297-2171

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Lauren Sposetta

© Copyright: Austin Home is published by Hearst Newspapers, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine.

Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative. Austin Home is locally operated.

Statement of Ownership, management and circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). 1. Austin Home Magazine 2. Publication No. USPS 001-514 3. Oct 1, 24. 4. Quarterly, 5. No. of issues published annually. 4, 6. Annual subscription price $14.95; 7. PO Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171 9. Names and addresses of Publisher and Editors are: Publisher, Mark Medici, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, Texas 78297-2171. Editor, Karen Zabarsky Blashek, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, Texas 78297-2171. 10. Owner: Hearst Newspapers, LLC, mailing address: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Members of Hearst Newspapers, LLC are: Hearst Communications, Inc. (Managing Member), and Newspaper Holding, Inc., mailing address: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 11. See Item 10 above. 15. A. Total no. copies printed (Net Press Run). Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 14,885. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date 17,850. B. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution. 1. Outside-County Subscriptions. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,746. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,706. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other outside USPS. Average no. of copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,683. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 4,584. C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 4,429. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date 7,290. D. Nonrequested Distribution. 1. Outside County, Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 7,053. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 7,159. 4. Outside the Mail, Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 2,398. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 2,560. E. Total Nonrequested Distribution. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 9,451.

Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 9,719. F. Total Distribution. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 13,880. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date 17,009. G. Copies not Distributed. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 1,005. Actual no. copies each issue published nearest to filing date, 841. H. Total Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, 14,885. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 17,850. I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months 32%. Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date 43%. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Mark Medici, Publisher.

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KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @KZBLASHEK

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my first year as Editor-in-Chief of Austin Home, it’s that the level of talent, dedication, and innovation in our design community far exceeds the sum of its parts. There is something extraordinary in what we’re building here that has caught the attention of leaders across the country and around the world.

This year’s Home & Design Awards finalists and winners give us a glimpse into what’s in the water. The projects span condominiums, ranches, townhomes, and estates, and celebrate everything from millwork detailing to the best use of a view. For the first time, we introduced “Experiential,” a category that celebrates the fourth dimension of design: what it feels like to live through space. Shaping light, engaging community, focusing on sustainability, and much more is highlighted.

As Austin’s standing on the world stage grows and grows, it felt only fitting that our panel of judges should match the bar. Joining us from New York, Brazil, Colombia, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, from companies like ASH, goop, and 11Fiftynine, these design leaders were blown away by the level of ingenuity, beauty, and thoughtfulness that Austin’s design scene has to offer.

As I look back at how we’ve worked to craft the magazine over the past twelve months–to explore, define, and platform that particular “Austin” lens of design–I am heartened to see this issue as the culmination of the effort thus far. The infusion of heart, high design, and most importantly, Austin character is on every page.

Cheers to the winners and finalists! I look forward to clinking glasses with you.

H OM E FU RN ISHIN GS | H OM E D ÉCO R | O UTD O O R LIVIN G | INTERIO R D ESIGN

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lizmacphail INTERIORS

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS

MEET THE JUDGES

This year’s Home & Design Awards brings together an esteemed panel of world-renowned judges—visionaries who have shaped the global design landscape through their groundbreaking work in architecture, interiors, and beyond.

Hailing from studios across the world, these industry leaders set the standard for innovation, craftsmanship, and design excellence.

With decades of experience and a keen eye for the extraordinary, they have carefully evaluated this year’s submissions, celebrating the projects that push boundaries, inspire, and redefine the way we live. Two judges were assigned to each category based on their specialization, and the highest ranking determined the winners.

Regardless of points, the verdict is in: these judges were blown away by the level of talent in Ausin, Texas.

ANDREW BOWEN

LUANA LIMA FOX

PARTNER, ASH

CREATOR, LLF DESIGN AND LEBLON STUDIO

NEW YORK

NEW YORK, BRAZIL

Andrew Bowen is a Partner of AD100 firm Ash and Head of Ash Staging. In this role, he leads the company’s staging division and oversees design, operations, staffing, investment and growth, client interaction, new business development, and web systems. Andrew manages a staff of approximately 50 from the company’s New York City headquarters, in addition to its staging offices in Los Angeles and the Hamptons. He has completed over 1,000 staging projects across the country over the past decade, representing over $40 billion in real estate in the company’s key markets, which include New York, Los Angeles, the Hamptons, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., and southern Florida.

He is currently managing over 250 projects annually.

Luana Lima Fox is a Brazilian architect based in New York with a passion for interior design and crafting spaces and objects that spark joy and connection. With experience as an in-house designer for brands like WeWork and Soho House, she’s now diving into residential and furniture design, infusing her projects with rich layers, patterns, and the vibrant essence of her culture.

Andrew was raised on Long Island, New York and graduated from New York University with a degree in Urban Design and Architecture.

Previously, he worked in residential and commercial real estate sales. He splits his time between New York, the Hamptons, and Los Angeles.

Luana grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and attended the Architecture and Urban Planning major at Pontifical University of Rio de Janeiro.

Upon moving to New York she joined WeWork’s in-house Design Studio where she was able to work in several projects from Berlin to Mexico City. Her last title in a design team, was as Senior Designer for all US Soho Works locations, leading a team of amazing designers rethinking coworking spaces and adapting it to the Soho House brand.

After visiting over 45 countries, her source of inspiration stems from my desire to understand how people from different cultures, times and places create and experience design in the world they live.

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS

ANDREW GHADIMI

KATIE SARGENT

NOORA RAJ BROWN

MANAGING PARTNER, EMERALD DEVELOPMENT

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, 11FIFTYNINE

EVP, BRAND, GOOP

COLORADO, COLOMBIA

GEORGIA

CALIFORNIA

Andrew Ghadimi is the Managing Partner of the Ghadimi Group. He serves as Partner of Emerald Management and Head of Development for Emerald Development. Mr. Ghadimi spearheads community-oriented development in Colorado, Texas, and the Midwest, including Emerald Workshops and BMoCA’s new museum in North Boulder. He is a board member of Display Ventures and a founding partner of Plane Site and Aerial Futures. He received his MBA from IESE in Barcelona, and a bachelor’s degree in urban design and architecture from NYU.

Katie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but moved around a lot as a kid—she credit those years for turning her into a bit of a gypsy.

She attended the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she earned a Masters Degree in Interior Design. Her very first job moved me to Italy, where she was the on-site designer for the restoration and conversion of a 10th century castle and surrounding farmhouses on a 4,500- acre property in Tuscany into a luxury resort. Through that experience she fell in love with historic renovations, and also with the construction process. A significant portion of my career from that point on has been spent on job sites actively advancing my projects to the finish line. She lives for time spent in a hard hat and boots.

Noora Raj Brown is the Executive Vice President, Brand at goop. A member of the executive team, Raj Brown oversees brand and integrated marketing, corporate positioning, talent outreach, television production, social media, influencer marketing and press strategy for the goop brand and all initiatives. She also serves as chief spokesperson for the company and CEO.

As the Creative Director of 11fiftynine, she specializes in leading the team’s artistic vision, adapting each project’s unique story and location into a package of highly bespoke designs, details, and furnishings. If old buildings are her first love—custom FF&E is most certainly her second. She is always deeply involved with each of our fabricators and contractors, to ensure that things run smoothly from the initial concept through to the finished product.

Prior to goop, Raj Brown worked in various creative industries, most recently at Time Inc, where she led communications for their fashion and style brands, including InStyle, People StyleWatch, XoJane and Wallpaper*.

Raj Brown is also an accomplished freelance writer, focusing on travel, culture, and art for publications such as Departures, Wallpaper*, Food & Wine and InStyle.

Originally from Palo Alto, California, Raj Brown holds a B.A. in Literature/Writing and Italian Literature from the University of California, San Diego. She has also studied Creative Writing at New York University and Italian Literature and Art History at Lorenzo D’Medici in Florence, Italy. She lives in Pacific Palisades with her daughter and husband.

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS

MEET THE JUDGES

NICOLE COHEN

DANI ARPS

FOUNDER, SKETCH42

CO CEO + HEAD OF DESIGN, ARTISAN

NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

Nicole Cohen is a multidisciplinary talent. As founder of Sketch42, her former lifestyle blog, she culled her skills as a photographer and visual artist. Now, as principal of her eponymous firm, she is leading large scale interior design projects for clients. Channeling her creativity, ambition, and aptitude for invention, her firm designs fresh and livable homes.

Dani Arps is an interior designer who bootstrapped her way to designing office spaces for top startup companies throughout NYC. She has worked with the Founders and CEO’s from buzzy startups like Rokt, Daily Harvest, SeatGeek, Codecademy, and General Assembly; to create over 350K sqft of striking and of the moment designs that cater to their unique needs. She co founded Artisan, a design, brokerage, and project management firm in 2021.

As an artist-turned-designer, she’s able to see a home as a composition, understanding the scale and balance of forms in a room, how the colors will play together and what risks to take when mixing materials and textures. Her work celebrates the mix of vintage and new while maintaining the architectural integrity of each home she designs. Nicole’s philosophy on interior design is about making people’s lives better by focusing on livability within their space. Her firm is based between New York and New Jersey.

Dani has over 13 years of design experience, opening her eponymous firm Dani Arps LLC in 2014. She was named by top design publication, House Beautiful, as 2019’s ‘Next Wave Interior Designer’ and awarded as 2017’s ‘Star on the Rise’ by the renowned Decoration and Design Building. Arps also had the honor of being chosen as part of Curbed ‘Young Guns’ class of 2016.

In 2019, Dani was named as a ‘Best of NeoCon’ Gold winner for her table design the, ‘Epono’, for NuCraft. Dani has been prominently featured in many publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, and Interior Design Magazine.

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LEFT: DAGNUSHKA PIASECKI; RIGHT: CASEY DUNN

RUBY CLOUTIER THE

DESIGN METHOD

Interior design is often seen as an exercise in aesthetics— an arrangement of color, texture, and proportion meant to delight the eye. But for me, design is something far deeper.

It is not just about what a space looks like; it is about how it breathes,how it feels underfoot at sunrise, how it echoes with the rhythms of daily life.This is the essence of my approach, methoddesigning—a philosophy that mirrors the intensityand emotional depth of method acting.

BEYOND AESTHETICS Designing from the Inside OutTraditional interior design often begins with a visualreference—a mood board, a collection of materials, apredefined style. My process, however, starts in adifferent place: inside the life that will unfold withinthe space. I step into my client’s world, absorbingtheir routines, their emotions, their unspoken needs. Iimagine how their mornings begin, how they winddown in the evenings, how the space should respondto the moments in between.This means testing materials in shifting lightconditions, walking a floor plan in my mind before it’sbuilt, and even curating the acoustics of a space toenhance its atmosphere.

I DON’T DESIGN FOR MY CLIENTS, I DESIGN AS THEM

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U N D E R D O G B Y L I L I A N N E S T E C K E L I N T E R I O R D E S I G N | W I N N E R F O R B E S T R E S TA U R A N T D E S I G N

ACCENTS C U S TO M F U R N I T U R E E V E N T S PAC E HOME FURNISHINGS R E S TA U R A N T R E TA I L S PA C E TEXTILES

BEST CUSTOM FURNITURE

MK Workshop MK Workshop, and their offshoot MK Objects, has an eye for exquisite finish combinations in custom furniture. Exemplifying this talent is a table tailor-made for their Deverne Street project. This slab leg 9’ x 3’ table possesses a minimal monolithic silhouette. Due to the space’s open layout and tall ceilings, MK workshop owners Petra McKenzie and Jonah Kilday knew the piece needed a substantial presence. Zellige tile in steel frames provides interest and texture.

LEFT: MK WORKSHOP; RIGHT: AYUMA PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF FOUR HANDS

Finalists: Growler Domestics, Liz MacPhail Interiors, Austin Waldo

ACCENTS

BEST EVENT SPACE

Colton House Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Lilianne Steckel designed the Colton House Hotel drawing room to be a marriage of vintage charm and modern amenities. A celebration of jewel tones, the space features Eskayel wallpaper, Shaw Dye Lab carpet tiles, velvet drapes, and vibrant wainscoting.

Other standout elements include a roof terrace and a secret study accessible through a bookcase.

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

Four Hands This nearly 30-year-old Austin-based company is known for crafting beautiful, timeless, designforward products that enhance one’s home. Four Hands introduces more than 2,000 styles annually across multiple categories and provides customers with access to almost 6,000 pieces spanning every home furnishing category. However, the brand’s impact goes beyond furniture, as demonstrated in its dedication to supporting and growing the Austin community.

Finalist: MK Objects by MK Workshop

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BEST RESTAURANT

Underdog | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Lilianne Steckel is the creative mastermind behind the interiors of this Korean fusion restaurant and natural wine bottle shop. The space boasts a tambour-clad bar and a custom 25-foot Texas Pecan bar top carefully crafted locally. An arched, lime-washed back wall above the bar softly glows, drawing attention to the wine ready for serving.

Finalists: Poeta Restaurant | Kim Lewis Designs, Junction Prime | Liz MacPhail Interiors, LeRoy and Lewis | OPA Design Studio, Nomade | EDEN

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LEFT: ANDREA CALO; RIGHT: CHASE DANIEL

ACCENTS

BEST RETAIL SPACE

Tecovas Michael Hsu Office of Architecture When designing the interiors of Tecovas’ flagship retail location, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture leaned into Western architectural elements like plaster and millwork combined with modern touches of steel structured framing and comfortable furnishings.

Designed to welcome people in and allow them to explore, the space also features a boot shine station and embossing station.

Finalists: Underdog Wine Shop | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design, Urban Betty Round Rock | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design, Zephyr South Lamar Sales Office | Kim Lewis Designs

BEST TEXTILES Since they were founded in 2014, SUPPLY Showroom has quickly become an Austin design institution.

Offering a curated selection of artisan wallpaper and textile lines from around the world, their collection spans modern, whimsical, and traditional aesthetics.

With a showroom here and reps across Texas, SUPPLY also features its exclusive “Supply Collection” for unique design sourcing.

Finalists: Austin Salt Box | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, Garden House Project | Audrey Scheck Design

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MOLLY WINTERS

SUPPLY Showroom

CHASE DANIEL PHOTO:

CASA A L E G R E BY K I M L E W I S D E S I G N | W I N N E R FO R U S E O F A C O L L E CT I O N / A N T I Q U E S

ESSENTIALS CHILDREN’S BEDROOM C U S TO M CA B I N E T RY D E C K / P O RC H / O U T D O O R K I TC H E N DINING ROOM FIREPLACE F LO O R I N G + C O U N T E RTO P S F U L L B AT H K I TC H E N L I B R A R Y/ H O M E O F F I C E LIVING ROOM M I L LW O R K POWDER ROOM PRIMARY SUITE LANDS CAPE DESIGN SWIMMING POOL S P E C I A LT Y R O O M U S E O F A C O L L E CT I O N , A N T I Q U E S U S E O F C O LO R U S E O F V I N TA G E WA L L T R E AT M E N T WINE ROOM

BEST CUSTOM CABINETRY

Driven by Design | Savannah Paige Savanna Paige designed this custom cabinetry with meticulous attention to detail, making it a central focal point of the space. The cabinetry’s sleek lines and custom finishes juxtapose the rough industrial architecture. Most importantly, it combines form and function, providing hidden storage solutions and multi-purpose features that help maintain the space’s tidiness and practicality.

LEFT: NICK SORRENTINO; RIGHT: ARMADILLO PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO:

Finalists: Rollingwood New Build | Shannon Eddings Interiors, Travis Country Remodel | Audrey Scheck Design, Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture

ESSENTIALS

BEST CHILDREN’S ROOM

South Lamar Cleo’s Room | Skelly Build This children’s bedroom is fit for a fairytale. The Skelly Build team used Sherwin Williams’ 6324 Mellow Coral for the ceilings, trim, cabinetry, and doors, complementing the vibrant pink flower wallpaper. Matching curtains create an extra element of whimsy, while a chandelier adds a touch of elegance. A staircase directly on top of the space connects two floors.

Finalists: Austin Salt Box | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, Imagination in Bloom | Mohon Interiors, Whimsical Bunk Room | Tribe Design Group

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BEST DECK/PATIO/PORCH/OUTDOOR KITCHEN

The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects Furman + Keil Architects designed The Roost to be an elevated platform where the owners could enjoy nature. The structure is a renovated boat dock in an environmentally sensitive wetland with an apartment built in the floodplain. To decrease the impact on the wetlands and design for flood resilience, the team lifted habitable spaces to a second level and provided access through a bridge.

Finalists: Transformative Patio Retreat | David Wilkes Builders, Venado Residence | Mosier Luxury Homes, Highland Park | Blueberry Jones Design

50

LEFT: LEONID FURMANSKY; RIGHT: LIKENESS STUDIO, KARISSA WIDDER

ESSENTIALS

ESSENTIALS

BEST DINING ROOM

Seaholm Penthouse Urbanspace Interiors Highlighting the importance of subtle yet significant enhancements, this redesigned space features custom furniture, such as a standout 12-foot dining table. Swivel chairs allow guests to connect fluidly, while benches flanking the table, upholstered in Mètaphores fabric, act as a conversation piece. The light fixture brightens the space and serves as a modern sculptural element.

Finalists: Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co, Avery Ranch Furnishing | Audrey Scheck Design, Dining in Tarrytown | slic Design

BEST FLOORING + COUNTERTOPS

Westlake Remodel Audrey Scheck Design Audrey Scheck Design modernized the kitchen and primary bath of this Westlake home. The team brightened the former space by painting the existing cabinets a creamy white, changing the brown granite countertops to quartz, and updating the wet wall to a white ceramic tile. This contemporary glow is also seen in the bathroom, which features white vanity cabinets and a new freestanding tub.

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BEST FIREPLACE

Venado Grand Fireplace | Mosier Luxury Homes This luxurious and eco-conscious biofuel fireplace acts as an architectural centerpiece for the home with its sleek, modern look, and clean, smokeless flame. The piece imbues the interconnected living, kitchen, and dining areas with a shared warmth and sophistication, while the subdued glow of the fire creates a welcoming and cohesive environment.

LEFT: ROBERT GOMEZ; RIGHT: CHASE DANIEL, LEONID FURMANSKY

Finalist: Rivercrest Fireplace | Ashley Ferguson Interiors, Oakhaven Fireplace | Davey McEathron Architecture, and Northwest Hills Remodel | Laura Burton

ESSENTIALS

BEST FULL BATH

BEST LIBRARY/STUDY/HOME OFFICE

Estates | Cedar & Oak

Haskell | Murray Legge Architecture

Cedar & Oak’s Estates Project—a home for a growing family—features a particularly bold guest bathroom covered in dramatic Calacatta Viola marble. The marble spans the shower trim, bench, and floating vanity, establishing a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance for visitors.

Murray Legge Architecture designed this backyard office for a young couple who work remotely and outgrew their home. As a result of their budget constraints, the project’s scale was limited to 200 square feet, producing an office that plays with the typology of a backyard shed through a split shed roof.

Finalists: Normandy Bathroom | Davey McEathron Architecture, Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture, Kid-Centric Retreat | CG&S Design-Build

Finalists: 6G Penthouse Lounge | Ashby Collective , Seaholm Penthouse | Urbanspace Interiors, Penthouse Home Office | David Wilkes Builders

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ESSENTIALS

BEST KITCHEN

Estates Kitchen | Cedar & Oak This kitchen boasts an oversized island, finished in the custom Cedar & Oak stain, a built-in wall of inset cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak, and a range alcove.

The range wall features a stone backsplash, complemented

by Venetian plaster walls. A butler pantry behind the kitchen with similar cabinetry and Calacatta Cremo countertops contribute added practicality and elegance.

Finalists: Sightline Residence | North Arrow Studio, A Culinary Dream | David Wilkes Builders, Lilac Marble Kitchen | Matthew Tsang

BEST LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM Cedar & Oak infused this open living room concept with old-world European charm. The space features a stone-clad fireplace, ceiling beams, custom drywall curved stair railing, and unlacquered brass accents, all of which collectively establish an approachable yet elevated environment.

Expansive windows welcome an abundance of natural light which further highlights the area’s beauty.

Finalists: Driven by Design | Savanna Paige, Laceback Terrace | Kelle Contine Interior Design, Historic Charm | Mohon Interiors

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LEFT: CHASE DANIEL; RIGHT: KIERAN REEVES

Sinclair II | Cedar & Oak

ESSENTIALS

BEST USE OF VINTAGE

Almirante Cove | Ashley Ferguson Interiors Ashley Ferguson wanted to highlight the well-worn beauty of vintage with this project. The interior designer gained initial inspiration through an 1800s Belgian trunk, which she used as the focal point of the powder bathroom. A 1700s European tapestry from Chairish adds height and softness to the primary bedroom, while a 1700s wall art suspended from gold chains adds drama to the bathroom.

Finalist: Avana Second Story | Audrey Scheck Design

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Estates Primary Suite | Cedar & Oak This primary suite consists of a spacious bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, Venetian plaster walls, and rustic beams that contribute warmth and character. Vintage wall sconces flank and illuminate a cozy nook, while an oversized window invites natural light. The home’s signature stone clads the primary bathroom’s alcove walls and limestone pavers ground the space.

Finalists: Great Hills | Etch Design Group, Barton Hills Residence | Tribe Design Group, Wooldridge Dr. Design | JS Dwellings

LEFT: CHASE DANIEL; RIGHT: DANIELLE DENHAM, LIKENESS STUDIO PHOTO:

BEST PRIMARY SUITE

ESSENTIALS

BEST POWDER ROOM BATH

BEST MILLWORK

The Art of Ornamentation | M. Elliott Studio

44 East Avenue Condo | Urbanspace Interiors

Custom low-relief tile and a handmade brass sink create a striking and harmonious powder bath. M. Elliott Studio chose intricate ornamentation and global influences to heighten the space’s visual appeal while maximizing the impact of the small area. The design team aimed to demonstrate how thoughtful choices can elevate even the most limited spaces.

This condo’s elevated millwork includes the Taj Mahal stone-framed kitchen with preserved front cabinet panels matching a new pantry and wine fridge extension. The cocktail bar features a meticulous installation including stone elements spanning the ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and a Rimadesio sliding glass door system make up the primary suite.

Finalists: Hillside Hideaway | Britt Design Group, Bell Mountain | Bespoke Design Co., Barton Creek Residence | Curated Studio

Finalists: White Oak Penthouse | David Wilkes Builders, East Austin Remodel | Audrey Scheck Design, The Proper Built-In Wall Cabinet | Ashby Collective

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ESSENTIALS

BEST RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL OR WATER FEATURE

The Ridge | Brian Dillard Architecture A koi pond at the front entry of this residence fuses with the concrete stairs and mirrors the opening above. On the opposite side of the house, the koi pond detailing is repeated on the pool, which melds into the concrete deck with dark tile and plaster. The expansive and outward-facing pool’s negative edge provides a visual connection with the sky.

BEST RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN From the outset, this project was guided by the clients’ deep connection to the landscape. With a focus on natural beauty and outdoor living, EDEN embraced the site’s challenges, including elevation and drainage. Terraced limestone boulders, silvery pocket plantings, and a secluded vine-covered seating area provided both function and privacy. The final design features winding paths, serene seating areas, and an orchard of fruit trees, all enhanced

by Live Oaks, Redbuds, and native grasses. Just four months post-planting, the landscape is already thriving, a testament to thoughtful planning and expert execution.

Finalists: California Casa | Jauregui Architect, Inner City Oasis | Mathis Landscape Design, Northwest Hills 2.0 | Robert Leeper Landscapes

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LEFT: RYANN FORD, BEN NEWMAN; RIGHT: CHASE DANIEL

Casasanta Trail | EDEN

BEST USE OF A COLLECTION, ANTIQUES, OR ART

Casa Alegre | Kim Lewis Designs For this project, Kim Lewis Designs sourced antiques from Austin, Lockhart, and Round Top vendors. In the entryway, a Turkish olive oil vase rests on a console table, framed by an oversized mirror. Additional standout pieces include the living room’s Dutch hand-carved wood accent chairs with woven seats, the dining room’s 19th-century Danish chairs, and the guest room’s framed Cowboy oil painting.

Finalists: Rivercrest Split-Level | Ashley Ferguson Interiors, Avana Second Story | Audrey Scheck Design, Homage to Alexandra Valenti | Liz MacPhail Interiors

BEST SPECIALTY ROOM

A Morning Sanctuary | David Wilkes Builders Designed to provide a tranquil and intimate atmosphere, this breakfast nook features smooth plaster-finished walls and ceilings that create a soft and warm ambiance. Custom leather banquette seating contributes both comfort and sophistication. An expansive window frames the picturesque view and welcomes an abundance of natural light.

LEFT: CASEY DUNN; RIGHT: JULIE SOEFER PHOTO:

Finalists: Normandy Hammock Room | Davey McEathron Architecture, Sinclair II Pantry | Cedar & Oak, Make+House | Hush House

ESSENTIALS

BEST USE OF COLOR

Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co Scheer & Co kicked off the design process of this cocktail lounge and dining room with the selection of Iksel’s dark and moody Scenic Wallpaper, which inspired the space’s color palette. The custom steel window’s shelves and cabinetry subtly mirror the wallpaper’s darker tones. A quartzite slab as the bar complements the room’s rich hues.

Finalists: Musée Monet | Younger Homes, Artists’ Residence | Page Paul Architecture, Castlewood | Jordyn Garcia Studio

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ESSENTIALS

BEST WINE ROOM/BAR Davey McEathron Architecture designed the Annie Residence’s bar to feel like an upscale cocktail lounge.

This amenity is outfitted in terrazzo, rich walnut, honed Saratoga black quartzite, and velvety black Venetian plaster, creating a moody and elegant atmosphere. Plush sofas provide an element of comfort and added luxury.

Finalists: Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co, Hilltop Haven | Lauren Allyn Interiors, Northwest Hills Remodel | Laura Burton Interiors

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JEREMY DODDRIDGE

Annie Bar | Davey McEathron Architecture

BEST WALL TREATMENT

Oakhaven Raked Plaster | Davey McEathron Architecture Challenged by the double-height space in the Oakhaven Residence’s living room, the design team used two unique surfaces for the area’s tall wall. Soft gray Venetian plaster covers the art wall, juxtaposing the fireplace wall’s bespoke raked plaster. The craftsman behind the raked plaster wall meticulously maintained plumb lines and wrapped the texture under the bottom of the partition.

Finalists: Hye Organic Wall Treatment | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design, Organic Luxe Retreat | ATX Interior, Tarryhollow Guest Bath | Chu Interiors

RYANN FORD PHOTO:

T H E R I D G E BY B R I A N D I L L A R D A RC H I T E CT U R E | W I N N E R I N B E S T U S E O F A V I E W

EXPERIENTIAL C L I M AT E C O N S C I O U S COMMUNITY-ORIENTED FLEXIBLE LIVING I N D O O R / O U T D O O R R E L AT I O N S H I P SITE WORK U S E O F D AY L I G H T / F E N E S T R AT I O N USE OF A VIEW WAT E R F R O N T

MOST CLIMATE CONSCIOUS

The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects Furman + Keil Architects lifted this structure—originally a boat dock with an apartment built in the floodplain that flooded often—to a second level and provided access through a bridge. This design strategy minimized construction at the ground plane and created a spot to view local plants and animals. Besides lights and ceiling fans, The Roost is unconditioned, generating little to no energy consumption.

LEFT: LEONID FURMANSKY; RIGHT: ANDREA CALO PHOTO:

Finalists: Kinney Avenue | Barley Pfeiffer Architecture, Lake Belton | Murray Legge Architecture, Central City Elegance | Barley Pfeiffer Architecture

EXPERIENTIAL

MOST COMMUNITY-ORIENTED

CFV x ICON Prototype Homes | THOUGHTBARN Architectural practice THOUGHTBARN, 3D printing company ICON, and non-profit organization Mobile Loaves and Fishes joined forces to design new housing prototypes for Community First! Village, a master-planned tiny home development serving residents coming out of chronic homelessness. These prototypes include Tiny Townhomes (duplex structures with bathrooms), a Family Home (2-bed/2-bath house for ‘missional families’ providing pastoral care,) and a Hospice Home (to expand end-of-life care facilities on site).

Finalists: Parkside at Mueller | Kim Lewis Designs, Mishpocha Woods Compound | LOWDO, The Austonian Refresh | Cinda Brown Interiors

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EXPERIENTIAL

BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR RELATIONSHIP

Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture Banked along the side of its small lot, this house forgoes a typical front yard-backyard relationship and embraces an expansive side yard instead. Site walls imbue outdoor living areas with a sense of enclosure and definition, inviting indoor functions and living spaces to transfer outdoors. This connection is also evident in the upper level’s vaulted ceilings, tall dormers, and skylights that create naturally brightened spaces.

BEST SITE WORK

Perching Pergola | Open Envelope Studio For this project, a drainage swale that significantly reduces available yard space challenged the Open Envelope Studio team. They aimed to expand usable living space outdoors, resulting in the design of a pergola that maximizes the yard’s potential. An adjacent swing bridge complements the structure, further enhancing the yard’s overall look.

Finalist: Independent Sprinkler Site Prep | Skelly Build

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LEFT: LEONID FURMANSKY, BLAKE SHAW; RIGHT: NICK SORRENTINO

Finalists: Seamless Harmony | David Wilkes Builders, Westlake Residence | Workshop No. 5, Harmonizing Home and Nature | Mohon Interiors

BEST FLEXIBLE LIVING

Driven by Design | Savanna Paige This home focuses on crafting adaptable and inviting living spaces reflective of the client’s lifestyle while maintaining a warm and relaxing environment. An open-plan living and dining area with modular finishings offers easy reconfiguration. The driveway—a functional racetrack—and the workshop—a fully equipped, high-tech room, are also connected to the home’s living spaces.

Finalists: Inside Out | Open Envelope Studio

BEST USE OF A VIEW

The Ridge | Brian Dillard Architecture Set along a ridge overlooking the Bright Leaf Preserve and Pennybacker Bridge, this home’s design focuses on capturing the expansive westward panorama and sunsets. The L-shaped layout of the main space and guesthouse makes views accessible from all major indoor and outdoor spaces.

Additionally, floor-to-ceiling windows, large sliding door systems, and the configuration of the raised concrete planters and negative edge pool highlight the property’s scenery.

Finalists: Westlake Residence | Workshop No. 5, Skyline Condo | O’Hara Interiors

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LEFT: RYANN FORD RIGHT: LEONID FURMANSKY

EXPERIENTIAL

EXPERIENTIAL

BEST WATERFRONT PROJECT

BEST USE OF DAYLIGHT/FENESTRATION

The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects

South 2nd | Murray Legge Architecture

The Roost is located at the bottom of a bluff along a secluded waterway only navigable by canoes and kayaks. An elevated platform floating over the water, this structure offers views into the trees and down the slough.

Below the screened porch for lounging and birdwatching, one will find an area that functions as a boat launch and provides access to the shoreline.

This 800 square foot budget-conscious addition includes home offices on the ground floor and a new bedroom and bathroom suite on the second floor. One of its standout features is the roof’s linear clerestory structure that runs the length of the single-story American ranch house. The clerestory invites diffused, natural light into the second-floor bedroom and bathroom.

Finalists: Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture, Ave H Residence | Page Paul Architecture, Lightwell | Open Envelope Studio

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STEPHEN KARLISCH: PHOTO:

P R O P E R P E N T H O U S E B Y D AV I D W I L K E S B U I L D E R S | W I N N E R F O R B E S T C O N D O M I N I U M

WHOLE HOME A D U ( C A S I TA / G A R A G E A PA R T M E N T ) A PA R T M E N T/ LO F T/ C O N D O HOME IN THE HILL COUNTRY H I S T O R I C R E N O VAT I O N REMODEL INTERIOR DESIGN A RC H I T E CT U R E READERS’ CHOICE E D I TO R ’ S C H O I C E

STEPHEN KARLISCH PHOTO:

BEST APARTMENT/LOFT/CONDO

Proper Penthouse David Wilkes Builders Spanning half of the 32nd and 33rd floors of the Austin Proper, this two-story penthouse is a masterclass in modern luxury, where architecture and artistry converge. At its heart stands a striking custom-designed steel staircase—an engineering marvel that serves as both a functional passage and a sculptural centerpiece.

Crafted from solid steel with warm white oak treads, the staircase is a study in contrast—robust yet ethereal, industrial yet inviting. Its structural ingenuity lies in its minimal anchoring, connected only at two key points: the 32nd floor and the landing on the 33rd. Beyond these anchors, it appears to defy gravity, elegantly suspended from the ceiling by over 70 stainless steel wires that wrap its perimeter like an intricate web of tension and precision.

A glass-lined interior railing enhances the floating effect, allowing natural light to move fluidly through the space and further emphasizing the staircase’s weightless allure. More than just a dramatic focal point, this staircase transforms the residence into a dynamic, immersive experience—where movement through the home becomes an interaction with art itself.

Finalists: 44 East Condo | Urbanspace Interiors, Seaholm Residence | Matthew Tsang, Gaines Court | Aidan Lane Designs

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STEPHEN KARLISCH

WHOLE HOME PROPER PENTHOUSE | DAVID WILKES BUILDERS

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PROPER PENTHOUSE | DAVID WILKES BUILDERS WHOLE HOME

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BEST ADU

Travis Heights Guest House Charles Melanson Architect Nestled among the oak trees on a sloping lot in Travis Heights, this thoughtful addition breathes new life into an aging carport and second-floor deck.

Tasked with creating a functional yet unobtrusive studio apartment with outdoor living above, the design team took a sensitive approach to both site and structure.

Rather than starting from scratch, they preserved the existing concrete slab foundation—several feet thick and positioned adjacent to two mature oaks— allowing the new space to nestle within the trees with minimal disturbance. Careful height calibrations ensured the addition avoided tree limbs while maintaining fluid access to the main house.

Finalists: Verano Artist Studio ADU | Nolan+Bell Design Studio, Henri | Murray Legge Architecture, Writer’s Retreat | McKinney York Architects

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ANDREA CALO PHOTO:

Conceptually, the project is divided into two distinct systems: an enclosed gabled studio, where dropped plate heights accommodate the surrounding branches, and an elevated wood deck supported by steel beams, bridging over the volume below.

A dynamic interplay between built and natural environments allows trees to push through precisely framed openings, and outdoor spaces to unfold across multiple levels. Thoughtful sustainability measures, including the reuse of wood from the original deck, reinforce the project’s commitment to material efficiency. The result is a masterful fusion of old and new, where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony.

ANDREA CALO

WHOLE HOME TRAVIS HEIGHTS GUEST HOUSE | CHARLES MELANSON ARCHITECT

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TRAVIS HEIGHTS GUEST HOUSE | CHARLES MELANSON ARCHITECT WHOLE HOME

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CHASE DANIEL

BEST HOME IN THE HILL COUNTRY

Lean On Me House | North Arrow Perched atop a dramatic hillside overlooking the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, Lean On Me House embraces the steep topography of its site, using the natural grade as a guide rather than an obstacle. Rising over 50 feet from front to back, the home unfolds in a tiered, terraced design, its stacked volumes stepping gently down the landscape to maintain an intimate connection with the terrain.

The upper volume, clad in warm vertical cedar, rests lightly on the limestone-clad lower level, a material nod to the region’s natural geology. Expanses of glass frame sweeping views of the preserve, while deep overhangs and a custom wood screen provide relief from the Texas sun. At the highest level, the main bedroom offers west-facing vistas, filtered through a delicately designed screen that balances openness with shade.

At the heart of the home, a striking glass “belly” is carved into the transition between levels, housing a music room and meditation space. Custom windows—including an angled glass wall—flood this space with natural light, reinforcing the home’s permeability between indoors and out. With thoughtful sustainability features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting, as well as multiple outdoor living spaces—from a courtyard pool to a rooftop deck— this home is both a response to and a celebration of the land it inhabits.

Finalists: Driftwood Residence | ALIGN Architects, Casa Alegre | Kim Lewis Designs, American Farmhouse | Danze & Davis

CHASE DANIEL

WHOLE HOME LEAN ON ME | NORTH ARROW

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CASEY DUNN PHOTO:

WHOLE HOME

BEST HISTORIC RENOVATION

The Maiden House Liz MacPhail Interiors A testament to the power of preservation, The Maiden House emerged from a desire to save one of Austin’s cherished 1920s bungalows from neglect and potential demolition. When designer Liz MacPhail of Liz MacPhail Interiors discovered the largely untouched gem in 2021—still brimming with original details like intricate millwork, unpainted trim, bi-part pocket doors, and period lighting— she knew it needed careful, experienced hands.

Partnering with silent investors, she devised a plan not just to restore the home, but to expand it thoughtfully, balancing historical charm with contemporary functionality.

The renovation honored the original 2/1 footprint, solving layout inefficiencies while adding modern essentials like a proper entry, utility room, powder room, and pantry—all within the existing structure. Every salvageable detail, from trim and baseboards to doors and light fixtures, was carefully removed, preserved, and reinstalled after strategic reprogramming.

To meet the needs of modern living, a minimalist yet warm addition by FORRM Architects introduced a family room and a main bedroom suite, juxtaposing the historic bungalow with a sleek, contemporary counterpart. The result is a home that embraces its past while stepping confidently into the future—a seamless blend of old and new, lovingly positioned for its next century.

Finalists: Brackenridge Bungalow | Stouse Design, Travis Heights Historic Home | Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Davis-Sibley House | Chu Interiors

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BEST REMODEL

Tarryhollow Residence | Chu Interiors This transformed residence balances modern elegance with a sense of history, creating a home that is both refined and inviting. By opening up the layout, the design team introduced a fresh, airy flow that enhances daily living while catering to the clients’ needs for seamless entertaining.

Plastered walls bring warmth and depth, their subtle texture adding a tactile quality that softens the contemporary aesthetic. Vintage lighting fixtures punctuate the spaces, lending a timeless character. The result is a design that feels sophisticated yet approachable, where every detail contributes to a sense of effortless comfort.

Finalists: OFFbeat | NICK DEAVER JES DEAVER Architecture, Cherico | Charles Melanson Architect, Lone Oak | Etch Design Group

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LINDSAY BROWN PHOTO:

Throughout, the home embodies a thoughtful interplay of old and new—where contemporary lines and materials are balanced by the charm of historic influences. The final result is a beautifully composed space that is as functional as it is stylish, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere tailored for modern living.

MOLLY CULVER

WHOLE HOME

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

The Perry Lane House Lindsey Hanna Design Set within the natural beauty of Highland Park West, the exterior of Perry Lane House—moody grey stucco and a concrete tile roof—establishes a palette of quiet sophistication, while a path of oversized flagstones leads to a terracotta-clad entry framed by custom copper lanterns.

The interiors unfold as a study in contrast and continuity, drawing inspiration from a broad geographical sweep—Southern California, New Mexico, West Texas, Louisiana, and even the Mediterranean coasts of Italy and France. Earthy materials like terracotta, travertine, weathered wood, bronze, and patinated brass ground the home in warmth, softening the modern architectural lines.

Throughout, architectural gestures such as reclaimed beams, plastered walls, and arched doorways define the common spaces, while private rooms become canvases for bold color and playful patterns. The baths and kitchen feature a quiet elegance, where concrete and brass fixtures strike a refined balance.

Antiques mingle seamlessly with custom and contemporary furnishings, while the clients’ personal collection of art and objects infuses the space with depth and personality. The result is a home that feels both timeworn and fresh, deeply layered yet effortlessly livable—a perfect equilibrium between past and present.

Finalists: Laceback Terrace | Kelle Contine Interior Design Old Enfield Historical Home | Chu Interiors, Kassarine Pass | Ruby Cloutier

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BEST ARCHITECTURE

East Austin Triangle House Studio Oriell + Fazio Architects

A defining feature of the home is its relationship with the outdoors.

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize light and openness, while a cinder block perimeter wall provides privacy and a lush backdrop for landscaping.

On the second and third floors, privacy is achieved in a more integrated way—planter boxes and operable rain screens line the glass façade, filtering light while creating the sensation of living in a treehouse.

Inside, a custom floating steel staircase rises three stories alongside 25-foot picture windows, reinforcing the verticality of the home. Materiality plays a central role in the design: honed Brazilian soapstone countertops and steel cabinetry define the kitchen, while a Tadelakt wet room features a cast-in-place soaker tub and hand-crafted Moroccan brass fixtures. A rooftop deck, finished in imported Saltillo tile, offers panoramic views of downtown and the 360 Bridge. Compact yet intentional, this home proves that great design thrives within constraints.

Finalists: City Park Residence | Alterstudio, Connector House | Chioco Design, Maufrais Residence | Logan Architecture

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PHOTO: STUDIO ORIELL IN COLLABORATION WITH VAST MEDIA

Set on a compact triangular corner lot in East Austin, this home embraces constraints as an opportunity for innovation. Where others saw limitations, the design team saw the potential to craft a space that feels expansive despite its footprint—leveraging natural light, thoughtful materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections to create a dynamic living experience.

PHOTO: STUDIO ORIELL IN COLLABORATION WITH VAST MEDIA

WHOLE HOME EAST AUSTIN TRIANGLE HOUSE | STUDIO ORIELL

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EAST AUSTIN TRIANGLE HOUSE | STUDIO ORIELL WHOLE HOME

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CHASE DANIEL PHOTO:

WHOLE HOME

READERS’ CHOICE

Casa Alegre | Kim Lewis Design Kim Lewis Designs reimagined a historic Fredericksburg residence with a deep reverence for Old World and Spanish Colonial influences. The homeowners, new to the area, wanted a design that honored the region’s rich heritage while creating a spacious, light-filled retreat suited for modern family life.

To achieve this, the team undertook a dramatic transformation—gutting the home to the studs, demolishing interior walls, raising the roof, and installing reclaimed beams to define the expansive new open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, where timeworn materials meet contemporary livability.

The home’s material palette is a testament to craftsmanship and history. The primary bath features hand-hewn terracotta tile in a matte white finish, its softened edges striking a balance between rusticity and refinement. The guest bath celebrates Mexico’s colonial past with Talavera tiles—a vibrant nod to 16th-century Iberian artistry—alongside recycled clay and water tiles from Guanajuato.

Underfoot, handmade cotto tiles in a star and cross pattern anchor the kitchen and dining area, while Macchia Vecchia marble on the island and countertops adds a touch of opulence. A curated mix of antique and contemporary furnishings completes the home, ensuring that every detail feels both storied and timeless.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE

Travis Heights Historic Home Michael Hsu Office of Architecture Set in the heart of Travis Heights, this remarkable residence expands upon one of Texas’ oldest brick homes, blending historic preservation with modern livability. Originally built in 1851 by Texas Ranger James Gibson Swisher, a signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the home carries nearly two centuries of history. Constructed using bricks fired in a kiln along the Colorado River, it later gained a Victorian addition in 1889, layering architectural eras within its walls.

Rather than replicating the past, the new addition embraces its own time, acknowledging the home’s evolution within a dynamic neighborhood. A grand spiral staircase links the four levels, where historic details give way to modern expanses, fostering a dialogue between moody, lounge-like spaces with rich textures and ambient lighting, and bright, open areas designed for gathering.

CHASE DANIEL PHOTO:

Set on a rare 1.25-acre lot just off South Congress, the home is surrounded by a landscape that celebrates Texas’ native ecosystem. Wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife create a tranquil, low-maintenance retreat, where the past and present merge seamlessly. From its brick foundation to the downtown skyline views, this home is a study in preservation, adaptation, and the art of living with history.

CHASE DANIEL PHOTO:

TRAVIS HEIGHTS HISTORIC HOME | MICHAEL HSU OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURE WHOLE HOME

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CASEY DUNN PHOTO:

A LT E R S T U D I O A R C H I T E C T U R E | W I N N E R F O R G E N E R A L E X C E L L E N C E I N A R C H I T E C T U R E

TOP HONORS G E N E R A L E XC E L L E N C E | A RC H I T E CT U R E GENERAL EXCELLENCE | INTERIOR DESIGN GENERAL EXCELLENCE | BUILDER R I S I N G S TA R L E G A C Y AWA R D

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PHOTO: CASEY DUNN

GENERAL EXCELLENCE ARCHITECTURE

Alterstudio Architecture Alterstudio Architecture has become a revered household name in the arena of Austin design.

With a philosophy rooted in spatial generosity, masterful daylighting, and an exacting attention to detail, the firm crafts buildings that heighten human experience and frame the complexities of the world around them. Their work is guided by the belief that architecture should not only serve functional needs but also enrich daily life, fostering a deeper connection to place, time, and the natural environment.

Specializing in meticulously conceived buildings, landscapes, and interiors, the firm’s approach is both precise and deeply responsive to the nuances of site and context. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of their design process—not simply as an engineering solution, but as an integral part of a thoughtful, ethical architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings. Their recently completed project, City Park Residence, is a perfect manifestation of this, and was recently featured on the AIA Homes Tour and on the cover issue of the 2024 Austin Home Fall issue.

For over two and a half decades, partners Kevin Alter, Ernesto Cragnolino, and Tim Whitehill have maintained an intentionally small, highly focused practice, allowing them to remain deeply engaged in every project. This hands-on approach ensures a continuous exchange of ideas among the firm’s talented team, reinforcing a culture of rigorous design inquiry.

With more than 200 design awards, including twelve National AIA Awards, Alterstudio’s work has been widely recognized and published, solidifying its reputation as one of Austin’s most respected architectural practices.

Finalists: A Parallel Architecture, North Arrow Studio, Ryan Street Architects

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CASEY DUNN PHOTO:

ALTERSTUDIO ARCHITECTURE TOP HONORS

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GENERAL EXCELLENCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Lindsey Hanna Design Since 2012, Lindsey Hanna Design (LHD) has taken a deeply considered approach to interiors, blending creativity with practicality to create spaces that evolve with the people who live in them. Every project— whether a full-scale renovation or a ground-up build—is approached with curiosity and care, from big-picture space planning to the smallest, most personal details.

LHD doesn’t simply follow trends; their interior spaces push to strike the right balance between old and new, bold and understated, functional and polished. Finishes and fixtures are chosen with longevity in mind, always considering how a space will feel not just today, but decades down the line. The goal is to create homes that are layered, thoughtful, and reflective of the client’s way of life.

With projects featured twice on the AIA Homes Tour and with a presence in the Architectural Digest Pro Directory, LHD’s work is often described as warm, livable, and whimsical—a reflection of its belief that great design should feel both inspired and effortless.

Finalists: Cedar & Oak, Audrey Scheck Design, Cravotta Interiors

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PHOTO: MOLLY CULVER

Beyond design, LHD helps clients navigate what can often be an overwhelming process. Whether working through floor plans, refining selections, or problem-solving unexpected challenges, the firm is as much a guide as a designer. Collaboration is at the core, with architects, builders, and artisans all playing a role in shaping the final result.

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MOLLY CULVER

TOP HONORS LINDSEY HANNA DESIGN

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GENERAL EXCELLENCE BUILDER

The Escobedo Group For nearly four decades, The Escobedo Group has set the standard for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in Central Texas. As the region’s only fully vertically integrated builder, the firm seamlessly unites traditional artistry with cuttingedge technology, ensuring unparalleled precision in every project. Founded by David Escobedo in 1987, the company’s legacy is built on integrity, expertise, and mastery of essential crafts—stonework, millwork, steel, and concrete—allowing them to control every facet of the building process.

With a team of 150+ skilled professionals, The Escobedo Group continues to push the boundaries of luxury construction, proving that craftsmanship and innovation are not opposing forces—but powerful partners in building the future.

Finalists: Gossett & Co, Joseph Design Build, Skelly Build

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PHOTO: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

At the heart of their operation is a 60,000-squarefoot production facility outside Austin, where their team fabricates custom stone, millwork, and metal elements, streamlining construction while maintaining meticulous quality control. Their holistic, collaborative approach—working closely with architects, designers, and clients—results in homes that endure for generations.

Beyond traditional construction, The Escobedo Group is at the forefront of innovation with its proprietary DARIO Panelized System, a revolutionary method that enables luxury homes to be built in a fraction of the time while reducing waste. By prefabricating precision-engineered panels in a controlled environment, the system ensures exceptional quality while allowing entire structures to be erected in days rather than months.

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LEFT: LINDSAY BROWN; RIGHT: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

TOP HONORS THE ESCOBEDO GROUP

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PHOTO: LIDSAY BROWN

RISING STAR

Tête-à-Tête Tête-à-Tête was born from an unexpected meeting between Gillian Blair and Rocio O’Cone—one designer newly arrived in Austin from New York, the other dreaming of making the move in the opposite direction. Instead, they stayed put, drawn by the idea of creating a studio that valued creativity over quick turnarounds—a place where clients could bring wild ideas and trust they’d be met with curiosity, technical expertise, and a sense of possibility.

With backgrounds spanning high-end furnishings, architectural drafting, historical remodels, and international projects, Gillian and Rocio bring a layered perspective to their work. More than just designers, they are deeply engaged in the technical side of the process, producing their own drawing sets to ensure a seamless collaboration with architects and contractors. They thrive on the details, finding beauty in the precision of a well-crafted plan.

What truly defines Tête-à-Tête is their belief that design is, at its core, about storytelling. In a world that moves fast, they create homes that feel considered, personal, and timeless—each one shaped by the people who will live there. The result is not just a beautiful space, but one that feels distinctly and authentically like home. We’re excited to see where they go.

Finalists: Savanna Paige, Studio Celeste, BB Design

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LIDSAY BROWN PHOTO:

TÊTE-À-TÊTE TOP HONORS

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TOP HONORS

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LEGACY AWARD

Juan Miró, FAIA LEED AP

Few architects embody the intersection of design, advocacy, and education as seamlessly as Juan Miró. His work is a testament to the belief that architecture is not merely about creating beautiful structures, but about shaping environments that enhance the human experience. As the recipient of this year’s Legacy Award, Miró stands as a beacon for how architecture can engage with nature, push the boundaries of urbanism, and fight for a more humane built environment.

Born in Barcelona and raised in Madrid, Miró grew up immersed in the rich architectural traditions of Spain. He studied at the Escuela de Arquitectura at the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid before earning a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a post-professional master’s degree at Yale University. His career took him to New York, where he worked with Gwathmey Siegel & Associates before ultimately finding his home in Austin, Texas, co-founding Miró Rivera Architects in 2000.

What sets Miró apart is his ability to see Austin not as a place to be molded in the image of our European counterparts, but as a uniquely American “landscape city,” as he calls it, that thrives in its relationship with nature. “This city is different from what we assume is the right way to be urban,” Miró says. “It has DNA that has nothing to do with [European] cities,” but rather has precedents in Mayan and pre-colonial America.

This perspective is embedded in Miró Rivera Architects’ work, which has shaped some of the

most remarkable residential designs in Austin and beyond. The firm’s projects create dialogue between land, light, and the people who inhabit them. Miró is keenly aware that architecture should not impose itself on nature, but rather integrate into it. “Having a beautiful site is the best thing that can happen to you – just don’t mess it up,” he says.

Beyond his professional practice, Miró is a revered educator at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been teaching since 1998.

His influence on young architects extends far beyond the classroom; he instills in them a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and advocacy. He urges his students to engage with their surroundings, to question norms, and to recognize their power to shape not just buildings, but communities.

Perhaps the most significant example of this is his fight against windowless dormitories in Austin. It was in his classroom that he first learned of this disturbing trend—students, assigned to a simple exercise of sketching the window in their bedroom, revealed that many of them had none. Outraged, Miró took action. He wrote op-eds, spoke at City Council meetings, and mobilized students to push for a change.

His relentless efforts led to a landmark decision in April 2024 when the Austin City Council officially banned the construction of windowless dormitories.

Miró sees this victory not as a personal triumph, but as a reflection of what collective action can achieve. “The fact that the students are now

aware of it and have created a permanent system that has leadership is exciting,” he says. “They mobilized, they fought, they wrote letters. And when 800 students write to the City Council saying, ‘You are not protecting us,’ that was what made the difference.”

His influence is now extending beyond Austin.

He has been working tirelessly to change the International Building Code, the root cause that allowed windowless bedrooms to be legally built in the first place. “What I discovered is that Chicago changed it. Washington, D.C. made the change. Now, in Austin, we have made the change,” Miró explains. “So it can expand.”

Miró’s legacy is not just in the structures he has designed, but in the ideas he has championed.

He has helped redefine what Austin architecture can be, not through imitation of other cities, but by embracing its own identity. He has empowered students to use their voices and reminded architects that their responsibility extends far beyond aesthetics. His work serves as a reminder that architecture, at its core, is about humanity.

For Miró, the future is not about imposing a vision onto the city, but about protecting what makes it special. “Austin has welcomed so many people, and it will continue to change,” he acknowledges. “But we must be careful not to lose the things we love about it in the process.”

As he steps onto the stage to accept the Legacy Award, Miró does so not as an architect looking back on a completed career, but rather, still deeply engaged in shaping the future—one student, one project, and one city at a time.

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The design for Kassarine Pass, a finalist in the Whole Home | Interior Design category, dissolves the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. With interior design by Ruby Cloutier, architecture

by Odom Studio, and construction/development by FIA Homes, this stunner certainly stood out among the crowd. For a full list of finalists, visit austinhomemag.com.

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