Austin Home Fall 2024

THE PERSPECTIVES ISSUE

AIA Austin Homes Tour Preview Ingrid Spencer’s Long-Term Vision Rethinking Home Health

Elevated Designs, Close to Home

Find the perfect pieces at our South Austin flagship.

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B U I L T TO B U I L D

CLAYTON KORTE & OUTWARD ARCHITECTURE • SPARROW INTERIORS • ANDREA CALO PHOTOGRAPHY

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October 26-27, 2024 Sundown Residence by Hogan Architects and Development

aiaaustinhomestour.com Image © Casey Woods Photography

FALL 2024

CONTENTS

FEATURES

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Building Bridges

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Next Gen Bungalow

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Ingrid Spencer delves into her career, Homes Tour, and the future of design in Austin.

Hunt Architecture reinvents an Austin staple with their live-work Bungalow.

FAB Architects manifest their forever home right in their own backyard.

A father-daughter duo bring brilliant modernity to a historic gem.

MIKKI BRAMMER

SARAH ARCHER

LAUREL MILLER

Flourishing in Place

All in the Family

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AIA Austin Homes Tour Preview Be the first to catch a glimpse of the 2025 line-up.

CASEY WOODS

INTERVIEW BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

ON THE COVER INGRID SPENCER ADMIRING CITY PARK RESIDENCE. PHOTO BY CASEY WOODS.

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FALL 2024

CONTENTS 14 Editor’s Letter 38 Elements These local lines aren’t afraid to shift gears this Fall and expand their offerings for designers and homeowners .

40 Blending Eras Layers of history inspire modern reinvention in these three masterful renovations, featured on this year’s AIA Austin Homes Tour.

42 Interiors In East Austin, a home built on a back lot paves the way for an urban, walkable way of living.

DAN HOWARTH

46 Designer Challenge We challenge local interior designer Melanie Raines to manifest a space capable of dramatically shifting a homeowner’s perspective.

48 Design Futures Matriarchy Build introduces a new way of tackling your home’s health for long-term value.

50 Art: Point of View Four Austin-based artists reframe our perceptions, both literal and abstract.

NICHOLAS CAMPBELL

Meet Casey Woods, the photographer behind of the stunning AIA Austin Homes Tour visuals featured in this issue.

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TOP: MADDY PEASE; BOTTOM: CASEY WOODS

90 Curtains

Editorial

Hearst Media

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GENERAL MANAGER

Karen Zabarsky Blashek

Randi Stevenson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dan Howarth, Nicholas Campbell, Mikki Brammer, Sarah Archer, Laurel Miller

Art DESIGNERS

Susan Barber, Adrian Alvarez, Mara Esquivel, Nadya Hassan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Casey Woods

Digital DIGITAL MANAGERS

Circulation CIRCULATION MANAGER

Tom Nork

Contact MAILING ADDRESS

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

512-263-9133 or subscriptions@austinhomemag.com

Abigail Stewart Katie Canales

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Advertising

STORY IDEAS

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Kate Weber SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sara Bryant ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dana Horner Jennifer Tully Teddy Ivanova CUSTOMER SUCCESS SPECIALIST

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editor@austinhomemag.com POSTMASTER

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

Events EVENTS DIRECTOR

Lauren Sposetta

Kiely Whelan

© 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.

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KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

The built world around us – rooms, buildings, streets, skylines – frames and shapes the way we experience our everyday lives. Through layered spaces, contrasting volumes, and delightful use of natural light, good design plays with perspective.

But the best design can shift our internal perspective: the way we see our place in our community, the importance we give design in improving quality of life, how we open our minds to the unknown.

The homes on this year’s AIA Austin Homes Tour, now celebrating its 38th year, accomplish just this. While they wow us with their beauty and flow, they also encourage us to rethink what we previously thought was possible. Alterstudio Architecture asks how a 7,600 square foot home seems to float on air. Hunt Architecture explores what a modern interpretation of the iconic Austin bungalow looks like. Pollen Architecture unveils how an ADU can serve as a full-time home for Austinites who value walkability and urbanity.

They challenge what we are used to seeing and how we are used to living.

This profound thread comes as no surprise considering the phenom who has been running the Homes Tour for the past ten years: Executive

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Director of AIA Austin and our cover girl, Ingrid Spencer. Like great architecture does for its end user, Ingrid works tirelessly to shape the perspective of Austinites both within and outside of the industry. In our exclusive interview, Ingrid describes her pursuit to elevate good design, raise the bar of what we should expect from our city, and envision greater dialogue between decision makers and everyday citizens.

Beyond our Homes Tour preview, we highlight leaders that challenge traditional perspectives in the built environment. Matriarchy Build, who has already disrupted the construction industry by elevating female tradespeople, suggests we treat our homes more like people that need to be taken care of with their innovative Home Health Report. Interior designer Melanie Raines manifests a liminal space where homeowners can reconnect with themselves before passing into the next day in our Designer Challenge. We explore this theme in local high art, design firms that are reinventing themselves as multi-hyphenates, and more.

It’s my great honor to continue the cherished partnership between AIA Austin and Austin Home in this Fall issue. I hope to see you all on the Tour this October!

BECKY PLANTE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @KZBLASHEK

WWG

Wa l ly W or k m a n G a l l e ry

JA M E S A N D R E W S M I T H Wally Workman Gallery 1202 W. 6th St. Austin, TX 78703 wallyworkmangallery.com 512.472.7428 Nightcap / 2024 / 28 x 24 inches / oil on linen

EXQUISITE HOMES, EXCEPTIONAL REPRESENTATION. At Compass, we understand that luxury homes require a unique level of expertise and discretion. That's why we’ve curated a distinguished group of agents renowned for their success in the Austin luxury market. Our elite professionals have proven track records, extensive networks, and exclusive access to off-market properties. Trust Compass Austin Luxury Advisors to maximize your real estate investment with unparalleled service and sophistication.

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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. Data as of December 31, 2023, based on sales volume, luxury sales volume, closed sales, co-op sales, unit sales, market share, or luxury market share depending on the ranking criteria for each specific region included and that region’s MLS data. Market Share data pulled from the ABOR/MLS report. 1/1/2024 to 6/30/2024. Based on total number of sold single family residences sold at $3,500,000 and above. Results deemed accurate but are not guaranteed.

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Photo by James Ruiz

Meet the team behind

Zilker’s Luxury Compound Nestled on a distinguished corner amidst a canopy of heritage oaks, 1804 Margaret Street embodies the pinnacle of urban luxury in Austin’s most iconic neighborhood.

Expertly revived by Craig Parker of Homes By Parker, the original 1930s cottage has been meticulously preserved and is complemented by a stately new-construction home and pool house. These new additions were masterfully designed by the award-winning Black+Motal Architecture with interior finishes curated by HouseMill Design.

1804 Margaret Street perfectly marries historic charm with modern sophistication and seamlessly integrates into the rich tapestry of the Zilker neighborhood. Offered for sale by Zilker Properties of Austin, a boutique brokerage established in 1985.

For additional listing details on 1804 Margaret Street, please scan the QR code on the adjacent page.

Photo by James Ruiz

CALL FOR ENTRIES Best Builders

Are you one of Austin’s Best Builders?

To learn more and nominate today, head to austinhomemag.com/ nominate.

Nomination deadline: December 10, 2024

We invite you to nominate your favorite construction firm or your own, and to share the opportunity with colleagues and collaborators.

Builders who do residential work in Austin or a surrounding county are eligible.

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STOCK ADOBE

Austin Home is seeking nominations for the Best Builders in town. The annual list is part of our mission to showcase creative standouts in a region that provides international inspiration. Design groups with the most nominations will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Austin Home and online.

OTAL-

BAN DESIGN

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Erin Fabacher YOUR AUSTIN R E AL ESTAT E E XP E RT As a Broker with over a decade of residential real estate experience, Erin has successfully helped many clients achieve their lifestyle goals by finding their dream homes in their desired neighborhoods. Her thoughtful nature and direct communication style have proven to be effective in delivering results for all types of clients— buyers, sellers, investors, and builders— across all price points.

Erin Fabacher BROKER ASSOCIATE 512.500.3462 ERIN.FABACHER@SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM ERINFABACHER.COM

2624 Deerfoot Trail, Austin, TX 78704

2311 Indian Trail, Austin, TX 78703

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700 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin 512.383.9906 ARETEKITCHENS.COM

Photo by Cassie Cunningham

Katz Builders | Laura Burton Interiors

CALL FOR ENTRIES

THE 2025

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS

Entries are open for the 2025 Home & Design Awards.

Deadline Extended: October 11, 2024 To learn more and nominate today, head to austinhomemag.com/designawards.

For the competition, a panel of nationally renowned design professionals will judge entries in more than 40 categories, including best in residential architecture and interior design, indoor and outdoor spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens, and decks, and local showrooms and shops that supply all the details.

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HIGHLAND HOMES

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Enjoy an award-winning design built with the quality and architectural beauty you only find in Highland Homes – all delivered with unmatched ser vice that makes it easy to buy and build a new home.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADDY PEASE

ACCENTS

A pair of friends has translated their love of interior design into a new line of otherworldly furnishings and objects.

ACCENTS WHAT’S NEW

ELEMENTS

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

These local lines aren’t afraid to shift gears this fall and expand their offerings for designers and homeowners alike.

Blooming Buddies Best known for the interiors of soulful Austin staples, including new go-tos like First Light Books, designer Ann Edgerton has partnered with designer Megan Carney to launch MUHLY. This line of furnishings and objects is equal parts function and high art, referencing regional design details and classical forms. Pictured here is their new planter collection designed in collaboration with Plants & Spaces from Los Angeles. muhly.studio

We love a good multi-hyphenate. Interior design firm MK Workshop launched in 2013 in New York before expanding into Austin four years ago.

The firm is once more broaching new territory: furnishings and textiles.

MK Objects, a spinoff of the design company and the winner of the 2024 Home & Design Awards for Best Textiles, is launching a showroom featuring custom and vintage rugs, handwoven fabrics, and a curated selection of one-off vintage furniture pieces. MK Objects also represents Blueprint Lighting in their new space.

This mix of accents comes together with the signature MK Workshop eye for quirk and elegance that they’ve become known for. Shown here is their “Geometry 6” textural pattern rug. mkworkshop.net/mk-objects

Remote Revamp Cantoni, a household name in the design industry, is going virtual. Late last year, the Texas-based luxury home furnishings and interior design company appointed Victoria Shrader, a veteran of the industry, to oversee the national launch of “Virtual Studios” in response to post-COVID consumer behavior changes. She's launching their first outpost and dedicated designer here in Austin. Unlike similar platforms that require clients to handle significant tasks or travel, Cantoni provides a designer who will visit your home, take measurements, bring samples, and offer first-class service. The company also serves as a furniture and fixture resource. cantoni.com/stores/austin

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FROM TOP: MADDY PEASE; COURTESY OF MK OBJECTS; COURTESY OF CANTONI. FACING PAGE: COURTESY OF P. SCHUMACHER/LEICHT.

Follow the Pattern

Iconic Expansion This year, Arete Kitchens + Closets celebrates its 25th year in business here in Austin and announces the launch of a new line. Owned by Tom and Andrea Wilkinson, Arete has evolved from making one-off furniture pieces at its inception, to producing architectural millwork, and into its current form as a design showroom of made-to-measure residential European cabinetry. Their newest offering is Bahia by Leicht, a veneer cabinetry line with vertical groove surfaces that further highlights the Arete thesis: you don’t have to compromise design for functionality. As Tom puts it, “they’re Texas kitchens with European efficiency.” aretekitchens.com

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ACCENTS INTERIORS

BLENDING ERAS

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

Layers of history inspire modern reinvention in these three masterful renovations, featured on this year’s AIA Austin Homes Tour.

1900

1910

HARTFORD RESIDENCE RESTRUCTURE STUDIO Before its renovation, the Hartford Residence embodied all the charm of a nearly century-old home — and all the problems. Restructure Studio stepped in to honor the home’s heritage while improving flow and adding living space. They created new areas for gathering, and established visible and accessible connections to open up the house. Brick from the original rear facade was carefully preserved to clad the new mudroom and blend with the original structure for a seamless look.

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1920

1930

1940

SUNDOWN RESIDENCE HOGAN ARCHITECTS Designed by renowned architect Robert Renfro in the 1980’s, Sundown Residence is nestled into a West Austin sloping lot. True to the home’s postmodernist fundamentals, Hogan Architects embraced individualism and natural surroundings in reimagining this historic gem. They paid attention to details, honoring the original design while expanding the footprint and upgrading infrastructure for modern-day needs.

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

BRIDLE PATH RESIDENCE POINT B DESIGN GROUP Point B Design Group embraced the splitlevel volumes of a 1950’s home at Bridle Path. Their aim was to maintain the essence of the historic home while integrating modern elements through relatively simple, yet strategic moves. Realigning wall heights and the fascia of the structure, embracing multi-functional areas and integrating a repurposed carport allowed this midcentury stunner to blend old and new.

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ACCENTS INTERIORS

A PETITE PARADIGM SHIFT In East Austin, a 917 square foot home built on a back lot paves the way for an urban, walkable way of living.

WRITTEN BY DAN HOWARTH PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

H O M E FU RN ISH I N GS | H O M E D ÉCO R | O U T D O O R L IVI N G | D ESI G N SERVI CES

TOMMY BAHA M A HOME DOM AIN NORTHSIDE Next to Perr y’s Steakhouse | 512.782.4255 | tbfurnitureaustin.com

Several years ago, an East Austin couple purchased a small property that many had overlooked in the Holly neighborhood.

The modest half lot backed onto a quiet alley and had only an existing dilapidated garage to its name. However, these buyers saw potential.

Thanks to a local zoning law that allows undersized lots with previously documented dwellings to be built upon, the couple found this site to be the perfect base for an efficient, low-maintenance dream home.

“They were talking quality over quantity in terms of their space,” explains Elizabeth Alford, Principal at Pollen Architecture & Design. Her team, whom the couple met during the East Austin Studio Tour many years ago, designed the Double Duty house to be compact in stature, modernist in style, and incredibly dynamic in functionality.

The home’s main social space contains a lounge and kitchen, where concrete flooring and blue-gray cabinets contrast the warm tones of white oak. Wrapping two walls, millwork is carefully detailed to offer space-saving solutions, such as a desk that cleverly opens out for working from home. Another desk folds up from a recess in the wall above a bench so both homeowners can work simultaneously in separate spaces. “It’s almost like a piece of cabi-

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netry large enough to live in,” says Alford of the house.

The architecturally eclectic neighborhood offered a level of creative freedom for Pollen. They took inspiration from the east side bungalows in the area to form a single-story building with a mono-pitched roof, intersected by another plane angled in the opposite direction. The uptilted section creates space for clerestory windows, which bring extra light into the living area and offer views of huge pecan trees in the neighbor’s yard.

A key request from the clients was a screened porch, from which they can watch the world go by without being devoured by mosquitos. Positioned at the front of the house, this lightweight steel structure opens to the main living area via foldaway doors. “We did whatever we could to make the footprint feel bigger,” explains Alford, who also carefully planned sightlines and window place-

Double Duty ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN POLLEN ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN BUILD JUNIPER BUILDING COMPANY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DOVETAIL STUDIO

ments to maximize natural light and the feeling of spaciousness.

From the porch, one can look all the way through the bedroom window to the backyard. This rear outdoor space is equally low-maintenance, consisting of gravel with a limestone paver walk, a formed concrete site wall on the north side for privacy, and custom steel planters sprouting with endemic species. A custom steel bike rack attached to the house provides additional storage.

Rigorous spatial planning and detailing have allowed this home to feel both open and secluded; part of its community and a sanctuary away from it.

Working within a footprint that most would allocate for an ADU, Pollen introduces a design from the perspective of what they call a “new kind of Austinite.” One that wants to work from home, to be able to walk everywhere, and to morph along with their home throughout the day.

EXTRAORDINARY CONSTRUCTION. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. BAXTERBUILDERSGROUP.COM | INFO@BAXTERBUILDERSGROUP.COM

ACCENTS INTERIORS

DESIGNER CHALLENGE

“Wabi” Caved Bathtub

by Hikaru Mori

I work with clients to infuse their spaces with ritual on a daily basis. This stone tub encapsulates the idea of pause and reflection, with an unexpected geometry. We’re always marrying the architecture alongside the furnishings, so this tub anchors the threshold space, giving it a purpose and an elemental quality.

The Challenge: On a mission to highlight the transformative power of design, we tasked an Austin-based interior designer to manifest a space capable of dramatically shifting a homeowner’s perspective upon experiencing it.

Leather Wallcovering

by Rule of Three

I’m consistently drawn to upholstered walls in small spaces because of the instant atmosphere created, as well as the softened acoustics. This hand-marbled Seastone Leather, like so many products from Rule of Three Studio, is refined-meets-edgy and more timeless than a patterned wallpaper.

The Challenger: Melanie Raines Principal of Studio Melanie Raines

For this challenge, I decided to create an expanded threshold space between the primary bedroom and the primary bath. A space to pause, take off the day, and reconnect with yourself before passing into the next day. Time is the most crucial element of this space, but the design items selected all play a sensory role, using space itself to mirror back who we are and what we value.

Daybed

by Kevin Walz

A daybed is so versatile, giving duality to a space. I enjoy the playfully oversized, half-moon bolsters on this piece, in the perfect fawn velvet. I also use a tremendous amount of walnut in our projects, it’s the running joke of the studio!

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Pendant Light

Brume Folding Screen

by Apparatus Studio

by Studioparisien

No room is complete without a thoughtful layer of lighting, and Apparatus Studio can do no wrong. This glowing orb gives a warm ambience and a singular, meditative, focal point. It’s clad in hand-finished brass and green suede: Need I say more?

When I need to make an impact on a space, I often use an art-object that serves a spatial function instead of wall art.

This piece offers a playful, sculptural approach to lend privacy and punctuate the space. And the greens are so grounding!

Rug

by Cappelen Dimyr

Leaning on texture in lieu of color, this rug hits all the marks. I’m drawn to its nonstandard proportions and four-sided fringe, layering in softness and interest.

Mirror

Side Table

by Yucca Stuff

by Marcin Rusak

Created by local designer (and my former UT Architecture classmate!) Daniel Morrison of Yucca Stuff, this mirror is the perfect overscaled portal to another dimension. Or, on more ordinary days, just the outfit check. Black is essential, lending depth and interest to any room.

Marcin Rusak’s work is truly other-wordly. This table is a layered, high-gloss floral constellation and the perfect spot to rest an evening cup of tea.

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ACCENTS DESIGN FUTURES

THE DOCTOR IS IN – FOR YOUR HOME

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

They’ve changed the game for female- and minority-based leadership in construction. Now Matriarchy Build introduces a new way to think about your home’s health.

How would we treat our homes differently if we thought about them more like people that need to be taken care of? This is the question asked by Matriarchy Build, a female-led home renovation platform based here in Austin that seems hell-bent on shaking up the construction industry.

The platform burst into the scene in 2022, offering a rare fresh perspective in a mostly traditional industry. Their founding mission was “to get tools in the hands of women” by carving out new career paths for female tradespeople and empowering all to charge into home improvement projects with confidence and support.

Their promise? “No mansplaining. Ever.”

Since then, co-founders Gabriella Ainslie and Lacey Soslow have made quite a dent. More than 500 builders have applied to be a part of the Matriarchy Build network, and they have $10 million worth of projects in the pipeline within six months of launching their general contractor matchmaking service.

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There is a clear thread of maternal care infused in their approach, one of empathy, understanding, and encouragement. It’s a tone that cuts through the noise of a maledominated industry. Now, Ainslie and Soslow are bringing that same sensibility to their latest offering, what they call the Home Health Membership.

“With folks staying in their homes longer and the stock of aging homes rising,” explains Soslow, “the macrotrends around homes aren’t too dissimilar from how we think about aging bodies and health.” In line with the shift towards preventive

screening (as opposed to reactive treatment) in medicine, this new platform allows members to keep an eye on their home’s condition and make the necessary adjustments that will help it last longer and maintain its value.

The membership includes an annual Home Health Report: a comprehensive overview of which areas of your home need immediate attention and which problems can take a back seat. It covers ground and exterior structure, plumbing and water heating, electrical systems, and more.

From there, members have a one-on-one

consultation with a Matriarchy Build General Contractor to review the report, and unlimited access to the Pro Referral Network to get the job done.

Ainslie and Soslow have found Austin to be the perfect open-minded launching pad for this type of experimentation.

“Austin was our first market because we really felt strongly that the general cultural consciousness, vibe, and attitude of the city would be a great place to bring the femalefirst perspective into the home space,” says Soslow. “But it’s also the breeding ground for rolling it out into other cities.”

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ACCENTS ART

POINT OF VIEW Four Austin-based artists reframe our perceptions, both literal and abstract.

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Austin Home’s Arts Contributor, Nicholas Campbell, is the founder of Campbell Art Advisory and Campbell Art Collective. Having worked as an independent art advisor in the United Kingdom since 2010, Nick moved to Austin with his wife, Kelly, in 2022, and now lends our city his inimitable taste in art.

Here, Nick spotlights local works that offer a unique lens into artistic mastery, shifting the viewer’s perspective. These pieces emphasize the need to pause amidst the chaos of modern society and look inward.

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1 Heather Sundquist

2 Hunter Barnes

“Sunday Morning” 2024 Gouache on paper, mounted on birch 24 x 12 inches

“A Prayer for God’s Will” 2010 Fiber-based, silver gelatin photograph 27.12 x 27.12 inches

Ever since Filippo Brunelleschi introduced perspective to painting in Italy in 1415, artists have used this technique to enhance their works. Today in Austin, one of my favorite local artists, Heather Sundquist, expertly incorporates perspective into her evocative landscapes of the West Texas desert at sunset.

Heather’s work is charming, a highly detailed homage to fleeting memories on road trips. Her latest piece, “Sunday Morning,” captures the serene beauty and vastness of the desert through her masterful use of perspective. heathersundquist.com

Hunter Barnes offers a unique perspective through his various series, often spotlighting fringe societies. From traveling circus folk to devout Christians who handle deadly serpents, he provides a glimpse into communities both near and far from our Texan life. His photography captures the raw essence of these groups, challenging us to see beyond stereotypes and appreciate the richness of human experience. By focusing on these often overlooked societies, Hunter broadens our understanding of the myriad ways people live and connect with their surroundings. hunterbarnes.com

FR O M L E F T : C O U R T E S Y O F T H E A R T I S T A N D P R E A C H E R G A L L E R Y . C O U R T E S Y O F H U N T E R B A R N E S .

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ACCENTS ART

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3 Sarah Ferguson

4 Jong Oh

“But I Can’t Trace Time I” 2023 Acrylic on canvas 60 x 48 inches

“Line Sculpture (marble) #3” 2024 Walnut, metal rod, marble, chain 20.5 x 3.2 x 7 inches

From the literal to the abstract, Sarah Ferguson pushes the limits of perspective in her work. Her vibrant, linear paintings, often seen on the walls of Wally Workman Gallery, possess a hypnotic quality that captivates viewers. The central gold line takes us on an interpersonal journey through the walls and pathways of life, captured in colorful lines that, at first glance, look chaotic but reveal clarity upon closer inspection. Ferguson’s use of perspective transforms her canvases into realms where the understanding of space and form is continuously enriched. sarahcferguson.com

Austin-based Lora Reynolds Gallery represents a remarkable contemporary artist and sculptor, Jong Oh. Oh’s floating sculptures may be perceived as three-dimensional line drawings that balance emptiness and form. When viewing “Line Sculpture (marble) #3” from different angles, it looks quite reinvented, emphasizing the interplay of emptiness and form.

Atop the sculpture is a blue marble that one may assume is fixed, but is delicately balanced. This tension shapes our perspective and prompts us to reconsider our surroundings. jongoh.com

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F R O M L E F T : C O U R T E S Y O F T H E A R T I S T A N D W A L L Y W O R K M A N G A L L E R Y . C O U R T E S Y O F TH E A R T I S T A N D L O R A . R E Y N O L D S . G A L L E R Y .

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MOONTOWERAUSTIN.COM

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512.524.7253

Building Design: Black Rabbit | Interiors: SLIC Design | Photo: Signature Style Imagery

Our team combines construction expertise with a design eye to create finely crafted, one-of-a-kind homes and spaces.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY WOODS

FEATURES

BUILDING BRIDGES

NEXT GEN BUNGALOW

FLOURISHING IN PLACE

ALL IN THE FAMILY

AIA AUSTIN HOMES TOUR PREVIEW

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Dive into the architecture of the AIA Austin Homes Tour, including this light-filled family home in Bryker Woods.

BUILDING BRIDGES How Ingrid Spencer’s leadership at AIA Austin urges Austinites to appreciate — and participate in — good design.

INTERVIEW BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

They say good design is invisible. Ingrid Spencer is here to make sure it’s not.

Spencer has spent the last ten years spearheading AIA Austin into a new era of growth as Executive Director. Her focus on inclusivity, design excellence, and thoughtful citywide evolution has created a vibrant community for architects here, and other cities have noticed. The annual AIA Austin Homes Tour, now in its 38th year, has become a world-renowned phenom under her wing, and aims to communicate viscerally to the public how transformative good design can be.

Now, Spencer shepherds the launch of Design Austin, a new platform that will make the idea of design approachable to the public, and connect Austinites with those making changes to our built environment. It’s the culmination of Spencer’s mission to this point: for us to hear and learn from each other as our city grows, and produce the best design possible.

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Tell us your back story, starting from the top all the way up to where you are now with AIA. I’m from Sunnyvale, California, a great place to grow up. I went to the same high school as Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, so I feel like it was kind of this innovative place to be — but with gorgeous weather and lemon trees. I was introduced to design early on because a lot of my friends had Eichler houses. They had these atriums in the middle of the house that you could walk around. That always stuck with me, how important home design really is.

I went to San Diego State, and I studied journalism. That’s what I wanted to do, magazine journalism in particular. And after college, after stints in Europe and some odd jobs, I moved to San Francisco to work for Miller Freeman Publishing.

After a while, I had a hankering to go to New York City. So I got a job with Contract Design Magazine and moved to the city. I moved around Miller Freeman a little bit, then made the switch over to Architectural Record at McGraw Hill.

That kind of blew my mind. It was such a high quality national magazine. And at the time it was the magazine of the AIA. So the presidents of the AIA would come in and I got to go to AIA conventions, and I was really introduced to that universe. It was just an incredible experience, getting to write about the best projects in the world.

I had a column that was my own called ArchRecord2 about the young up-andcoming architects. It helped me so much because some of them are now Austin’s biggest architects. They were young spring chickens then.

How did you transition from that publishing world to your work with AIA Austin?

I met a Texan boy — a UT graduate — on the job and we decided to move to Austin. After moving here, I started writing for Texas Architect and continued as a contributing editor for Record, working remotely.

Then one day, I got a call from the former editor-in-chief of Architectural Record that I had worked with for years.

He had become the CEO of AIA National, and was encouraging me to apply for an open position as the executive director of AIA Austin.

That was in 2015. Since then, membership has gone from just over 800 to 1,400, we have 24 committees, and this is now my tenth Homes Tour.

So much growth. Does your background in editorial and publishing translate into how you look at your work at the AIA? I think a lot of what we do at AIA Austin is create and host community. That’s the biggest deal. So is storytelling. We ask ourselves: How do we let people be involved in a story that they want to tell or be a part of?

A big part of that story is the AIA Austin Homes Tour. It’s so longstanding, especially for a city that has seen so much change. Tell us a bit about it.

This is the 38th year of the tour — incredible. The tour is so strong because there is a group of people dedicated to being part of it, rigorously considering the homes, and making it a stellar event. For architects and designers, they get to not only showcase their work, but show why it matters. The details. These people are shaping light and materials. To be able to see a piece of wood and a piece of glass and a site and imagine how to put them together to create breathtaking spaces that move people. They’re like magicians! So these architects get to tell that story.

For the public, it’s complete inspiration.

They get to enter spaces they would never get to go into. Although it’s a whole experience walking through, you can see individual moments of natural light or a wallpaper, or an HVAC intake, that make people really stop.

One thing that is amazing about the AIA Austin tour specifically is its emphasis on architects. I’ve been hearing that something architects sometimes fight against is a homeowner mentality that they can just hire a builder and interior decorator — so why do they need an architect? This tour could really shift that perspective.

I mean, sure, you don’t have to hire a doctor if you’re sick. You can hire someone untrained to heal. But why wouldn’t you go to someone who has the training, has gone to school, and studied this profession, and has a license?

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What should people expect from this year’s Homes Tour?

Well, this is definitely a something-foreveryone kind of Homes Tour because there’s quite a range.

This tour has new construction, renovation, additions, accessory dwelling units. It has sustainability. It has beautiful garden spaces, outdoor spaces.

Landscape architects are a crucial partner for all of these houses. It’s got some interiors that will rock your world, with beautiful art and furnishings and wallpapers that I’ve never seen before.

There are some things trending, like having screened-in porches and other things that make life comfortable in Austin, which isn’t getting any cooler.

What are some of the considerations for you and the committee when selecting homes for the tour?

When we plan the tour, there are so many aspects. We don’t just get a bunch of submissions and pick the prettiest houses. We’re thinking about a lot of things.

We’re thinking about scale. Like, yes, there are some 7,000 square foot houses, but we also have some smaller houses to balance that out. We actually have one that’s 800 square feet. The code for this house is an accessory dwelling unit, but it’s a house. You’ll see all the little bells and whistles, like the desk that folds up and things to make a small space really work for a couple.

You’ll see architects from women-led firms. It’s really important to us to have a diversity of firm leaders that win the Homes Tour spots.

So I think people are going to be really impressed, and their minds are going to be blown by how many different experiences they’re going to have on this tour.

One really important thing to mention is that every house is a real collaboration between such a large group of professionals and craftspeople. That’s what makes this tour so incredible.

How would you describe the Austin design community in contrast with other cities you’ve worked in? How has it changed since you moved here 10 years ago?

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One fun thing is that I get to keep in touch with the leaders of all of the other AIA chapters around the country, especially the Big Sibs, chapters with over 1,000 members, of which we are one.

From what I’ve seen, there is not another city I know of that has a residential level of excellence and a willingness to let everyone experience that. National magazines, the New York Times, they keep coming back to Austin.

In terms of the design industry, as we’re growing leaps and bounds, big firms are coming to Austin. The competition is becoming greater. But one thing has not changed no matter how big we get. There is a kind of camaraderie among the design community that we haven’t lost.

People are willing to share resources. If they’re too busy, they’ll hand projects over to another firm.

The community here is also more interested in advocacy. They’re aware of displacement, of the racist policies that Austin was built on, and the need for environmental resiliency. And they want to be a part of the change. I see the design community stepping up to be a part of making Austin a better place for everyone, which I think is fantastic. It makes me love this city even more.

Does Austin foster a strong dialogue about design between industry and public?

No, it does not. There is a void. We’ve got the University of Texas right here, and they are doing so much and talking about these important changes, but there is a complete disconnect between them and the rest of Austin. There is no central place or entity that can bring everyone together to discuss the future of this city. And that’s what Design Austin wants to be.

That’s a perfect segue — Design Austin is launching this month. Where did this idea start?

It started back in 2007, way before my time with the AIA. Many AIA chapters have a nonprofit foundation that they co-locate with, that has public-facing events and activities like home tours. It helps shift the perspective of how important good design is.

Under my watch, we became a bona fide 501(c)(3). It seemed obvious that just fo-

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Serving as the backdrop for the inimitable Ingrid Spencer is one of the homes on this year’s AIA Austin Homes Tour: City Park Residence by Alterstudio Architecture. At once grand beyond measure and intimate, sweeping and understated, grounded and ethereal, the magic of this home is nearly (just nearly) too powerful to put into words. To read our best attempt, visit austinhomemag.com for the full piece, in conversation with Alterstudio partners Kevin Alter, Ernesto Cragnolino, FAIA, and Tim Whitehill.

City Park Residence ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN ALTERSTUDIO ARCHITECTURE BUILD RAUSER CONSTRUCTION LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT HOCKER DESIGN GROUP

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cusing on architecture would not fill the public conversation void, so we’re including graphic designers, UX designers, furniture designers, so many others in design.

Our thinking was: We don’t want a seat at the table; we want to be the table. To be the platform for those critical conversations and bring everyone together.

That’s the goal for Design Austin.

Are you planning to have a physical space?

That’s the dream. We’d love to have a high-foot-traffic retail space somewhere downtown. I know there are a lot of people working on the vision for Downtown and we’d love to be a part of that. Activating one of those empty spaces and being an attraction for families and for the general public to come learn about design, urban planning, landscape architecture, fashion, everything that is designed!

Which is everything.

In the meantime, what can we expect from Design Austin?

Our launch is in partnership with the Trail Conservancy, and we’ve done a projection on the Seaholm Building that can be seen from the water and bridges.

We hosted a boat to view the installation from the water. We’ve also just launched our new website that features

the fresh brand identity created for us by Pentagram.

After that, we’ll be hosting pop-ups in temporary spaces, pursuing lots of partnerships and programming, as well as kids workshops. We’d really love to catalyze some kind of design festival in Austin.

The ethos sounds to be very in tune with the soul and character of Austin — to have a strong dialogue between changes to our built landscape and the people that are going to be impacted by it.

That’s exactly right. And AIA Austin is strengthening its relationship with city leaders. We are a resource for them to help them with all of the things they are doing with development and design. So that will certainly play into how they see Design Austin and how we can all work together.

We’re working with Austin Transit Partnership on all things transit, and I-35 and Cap and Stitch. We see Design Austin as also being “the table” for those discussions. There are a lot of newcomers in town — big developers and design firms — and big global changes happening in our city. So there is a lot to talk about.

And as those new people are coming in, I love the idea of Design Austin not just being the place where the public can

learn about what the builders or the city have in mind, but also, in the other direction, of the new developers or architects coming into town also understanding Austin and what people here care about and need.

That’s a really good point. Because of course people in Austin are worried about the changes and want to keep things the way they were. But what is what we were? Who are we now? How do we progress without losing the culture and character of this wonderful place that everybody wants to come to for a reason?

We don’t want to lose that reason.

When you think about your next 10 or 20 years in Austin, what are your hopes for the city? Both in terms of the design community and the design of the city?

I really hope we become a city that’s more diverse. That has access so people can get around easily without driving if possible.

I would like to see the city bring somebody into city leadership that can oversee the public realm. New York has a Public Realm Officer and that would be important as we grow.

I would love to see a way for young people to be able to afford to live here comfortably and share Austin with us. More walkability, more public space, more shade, more filled retail spaces.

I would love to see that design excellence matters.

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NEXT GEN BUNGALOW A husband-and-wife architecture team reinvents a local archetype, centered around family and work-life balance.

WRITTEN BY MIKKI BRAMMER PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

Bryker Woods Residence ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN HUNT ARCHITECTURE BUILD ENVE BUILDERS

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Look up photos of Austin and you’re bound to get one of two results: the sweeping downtown skyline or rows of charming bungalows. The latter has become an iconic architectural staple of our city, introduced at the turn of the 20th century when Austin was undergoing rapid growth. These bungalows served as cozy, efficient shelter for working and middle class families, and have come to define our local built vernacular.

As we’ve grown, the preservation of this archetype has become a priority — not just saving existing bones, but maintaining the integrity of a compact yet functional way of building housing. Architects Brittany and Nick Hunt have managed to do both in their Bryker Woods home.

After many years in New York City, the couple — who met working at esteemed architecture firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien — relocated to Austin in 2017 to accommodate their growing family. Brittany had fallen in love with the city while studying architecture at University of Texas and quickly convinced Nick of its charms. “There’s so much to love about Austin,” she says. “There’s a creative energy and culture here that supports architecture, and artists and artisans.”

They settled into a 1940s bungalow in Bryker Woods, which was charming and cozy, but wearying with age. It certainly wasn’t large enough for them to run their new practice, Hunt Architecture, within its confines. So the duo built a backhouse behind the bungalow to use as an office and guest suite, which, for a while, made living in the 1,200 square foot house bearable. But they still needed additional space. They’d always intended to buy a larger house elsewhere, but they began to reconsider. Since they were captivated by the historic charm and intimate scale of the neighborhood, why not find a way to grow in place?

Brittany and Nick thought long and hard about what it would mean to replace their bungalow with something new. “We fell in love deeply with this neighborhood,” she says. “When we decided to

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build a new house here, it was a tough decision.” They took careful steps to ensure their existing bungalow wasn’t simply demolished. Instead they donated the house to a reuse company — the new owner, a retired teacher in Smithville, even came to help dismantle some of the interior.

When it came to building something in its place, their priorities were scale and material. “We wanted to choose things that felt in line with the neighborhood and respectful of what’s here,” Brittany says. “There was a one-story house here before, so we felt strongly about putting a one-story house in its place.”

It was also essential that it fit aesthetically with the siding and brick facades of the surrounding houses. They achieved this through a combination of handmade

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long-format brick along with vertical cedar siding that harmonizes with the neighborhood but is still distinctly contemporary.

“It was critical for us to both acknowledge all these things and respond to the historic context in the neighborhood, but have the design also feel like us and our practice,” Nick says. “It’s clearly not like the houses around it, yet it feels very comfortable next to them.”

The interiors, though pared back, still radiate a sense of coziness, feeling livable and warm thanks to the earthy color palette and the abundance of natural light streaming from the a spine of skylights down the home’s center. But what is perhaps most impressive is the delineation of volumes within the small space — the foyer and kitchen, for example, graduate down

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MASTERFUL MANIPULATION OF NATURAL LIGHT MAKES THESE COMPACT SPACES SING.

into a sunken living room, where the artisanal poured concrete sofa frame doubles as a room divider, as well as a side table and a drinks ledge.

Much of the dwelling’s design reflects the duo’s passion for the local and artisanal that drew them to Austin in the first place.

Instead of uniform manufactured bricks, the couple opted for crafted ones where the hand of the maker is still visible. Similarly, the poured concrete of the sofa and kitchen countertops will slightly and naturally patina with time. And much of the art and furnishings are sourced locally.

There were also perks to being their own clients. To economize space and budget, the couple forwent certain luxuries like a bathtub and second sink in the primary bathroom. And they could design the home exactly to their family’s needs—right down to bespoke storage spaces for the kids’ art supplies and birthday gifts.

Now, as Brittany and Nick work from their office in the back house — separated by a landscaped courtyard — it’s satisfying for them to see the two buildings exist in conversation with each other, as if they were always destined to be together. Proof that you can live compactly with a family without sacrifices. “We wanted our house to be on the Homes Tour to show people you can live small,” Brittany says. “And to show a really successful way of living and working on the same property. Maintaining the space between the two, but also the visual connection.”

In this way, Brittany and Nick have ushered in a new era of the iconic Austin bungalow. The craftsman influences, economic use of space, and human scale are all there, but reinterpreted through a lens of a warm minimalism, family function, and an echelon of taste all their own.

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FLOURISHING IN PLACE FAB Architecture honors context and community as they build their own dream home in Bouldin Creek.

WRITTEN BY SARAH ARCHER PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

Post Oak Residence ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS, LANDSCAPE DESIGN FAB ARCHITECTURE BUILD MEZGER HOMES

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Finnish American architect Eliel Saarinen once advised, “Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context.

A chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.” It’s an approach that gives us perspective on scale, proportion, context and the importance of fine details, even as one considers the big picture.

FAB Architecture has always been focused on how its designs fit into the context of both neighborhoods and nature. In fact, the “FAB” in their name doesn’t officially signify “fabulous,” although the firm’s designs certainly are. It’s short for a mission statement: “For a Better.” A better room, a better house, a better community, even a better city.

So when it came time for the firm’s founders, husband-and-wife team Patrick Ousey and Pam Chandler, to build a home for the next chapter of their lives, context was everything. They considered building on a large wooded property they owned a bit outside of town, but ultimately were drawn to stay where they’d been for the last 20 years.

In the heart of Bouldin Creek, adjacent to the house they raised their kids in, was an urban property they owned as a rental home. The size of the lot, the views, the light, and the quality of life available there all suggested that the right spot to build was under their feet. “[It’s] a quarter of a mile to downtown,” says Ousey. “We have hiking and biking trails right at our doorstep. We have restaurants and things to walk to. It’s very urban.”

The challenge? “If we’re going to do this and build a new house for ourselves, it’s going to be an age-in-place [home].”

Ousey and Chandler planned to stay for decades and wanted a house that would evolve with them.

“All of our public space is on the ground floor,” says Ousey. “Our bedrooms can be on the second floor because we have an elevator if we ever need it, and in

WITH A CREATIVE MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH, “IT WAS LIKE A PUZZLE HAD BEEN SOLVED.” 75

the meantime, we’re taking the stairs.” The added height opened up the opportunity to put in a rooftop deck with great views of downtown Austin. “It was like a puzzle had been solved,” he says.

Given the parameters of their urban site, they decided to congregate as much garden space as possible by building a compact vertical home at the rear of the property to allow an open central courtyard at the center of the site.

“We pushed the house all the way to the back of the property, to the setback line, and built a carport and entry structure all the way to the south end of the property, leaving a courtyard in the middle that got nice southern sun,” says Chandler. “It became the focus for the house, and it’s our entertaining area. Even when it’s warm, we have deep shaded porches that work well.

The courtyard has a swimming pool and landscaping that can be appreciated from the inside, all where the original bungalow was.” An elegant louvered steel screen provides shade and privacy while also affording views of the courtyard from the bedrooms on the second floor.

Inside, blues, greens and terra cotta

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bring hues of the outside in. “One of the features we love best is a custom walnut cabinet that defines one edge of the living room. The office is sunk 3 feet below that.

Walnut is a thread that moves through the house,” says Ousey. “We have a walnut island in the kitchen and a similar walnut low-rail cabinet on the second floor that separates the stairs from a den space. We like wood in a project and a mix of warm and cool materials.”

They opted to keep the project as local as possible by working with expert makers in and around Austin. Unique details like the kitchen island were fabricated by craftsman Brian Chilton, while the walnut cabinets, oversized doors, steel rail detailing and many of the home’s interior furnishings were made by local craftspeople.

In a fitting gesture of design coming full circle, the original bungalow and studio that were on the property were relocated through The Reuse People, a nonprofit organization that helps keep buildings and materials out of landfills.

“We tried to be good stewards of the materials,” says Chandler. For a better Austin, indeed they have.

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Father-daughter duo Nick and Jes Deaver bring a breath of modernity to this historic charmer.

WRITTEN BY LAUREL MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY WOODS

ALL IN THE FAMILY OFFbeat Residence ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN NICK DEAVER JES DEAVER ARCHITECTURE BUILD FORM TO FINISH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 8SC

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Renovating a historic home is no easy feat, especially when the project calls for a modern addition. Even in Austin’s most venerable neighborhoods, “the trend is to add contemporary elements in a stark, dramatically contrasting way,” says Nick Deaver, co-founder of Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architecture. “Some architects take less care to integrate the two structures, but we think modern additions should be good companions to historic structures.”

Their ability to nail this delicate balance was recognized this year, when Deaver and his daughter/design partner Jes received the 2024 AIA Austin Design Award of Ex-

THE QUIRKY, ASYMMETRIC ENTRY GABLE WAS A STARTING POINT FOR DESIGN.

cellence for the aptly named OFFbeat Residence in Travis Heights. This was the duo’s first completed project together.

The 1,192 square foot, 1930’s two-bed, one-bath storybook cottage is located on a street of comparable homes under the authority of Mary Street Historic District. The dwelling was vacant for decades. When the Deavers’ client purchased it in 2019, their goal was to renovate and expand the dwelling. Essential to the project was maintaining the home’s history and integrating the design with the existing landscape, including two heritage live oaks in the middle of the backyard.

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During the design process, Nick and Jes were particularly charmed by the dwelling’s quirky, asymmetric entry gable and offset window and door, which they used as a starting point for the original home’s remodel. “The original entry had a flat ceiling, so we opened that up to reflect the exterior asymmetric gable inside,” says Nick.

Adds Jes, “It honors what the original architects were thinking.”

While historic preservation dictates the façade remain the same, structural improvements are permitted. In this instance, because the home was built high above the grade that pitched front to back, the Deavers removed a concrete front porch with numerous steps and added a gentle series of raised terraces of native perennial plants to settle the house into the ground.

The entryway was also paneled with native cypress sourced by Fine Lumber. Jes is a fan of this sustainable wood because it significantly reduces its carbon footprint and was historically used in many Austin homes. The wooden double-hung windows were meticulously restored, and much of the pine teardrop siding was also saved, in keeping with the historic district and the client’s and architect’s ethos of reusing as many original materials as possible.

The 936 square foot addition includes a screened porch off the back of the client’s bedroom. The screened porch also opens to the kitchen for better flow and to facilitate a more versatile indoor/outdoor space, but the biggest challenge to the project was protecting the live oaks in the center of the lot.

The solution lay in cantilevering the addition over the tree roots, which also served to integrate the back of the house with the tree canopy and backyard. To further meld the interior with the outdoors, the addition’s living room features a wall of sitebuilt windows seamlessly constructed along a 36-foot concrete bench that looks onto the side of the gardens. On either end, tall, aluminum casement windows provide ventilation, making the space ideal for socializing, reading, or napping.

“When the light comes in, it skims the white ceiling, which becomes its own form of illumination,” says Nick. Adds Jes, “We went with concrete for the bench because it’s a resilient material that’s also reminiscent of parks and gardens, but when you’re trying to make an interior space channel the outdoors, texture is important; in this case, the concrete and rough cypress walls replicate the bark on the trees.”

The result is a holistic melding of old and new that honors the history of the home and neighborhood while updating it for modern living. Says Nick, “It’s really important when working with disparate entities to weave them together, instead of forcing them.”

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AIA AUSTIN HOMES TOUR PREVIEW FAB Architecture

On the weekend of October 26-27, the AIA Austin Homes Tour opens doors to some of the city’s most exciting properties. Sneak a peek at this year’s exclusive spaces, from historical renovations to eco-friendly new builds. aiaaustinhomestour.com

The Post Oak Residence, a newly constructed home just south of downtown Austin, was crafted for empty nesters desiring a space that harmonizes lively gatherings with serene retreats. The property owners, who are also the home’s architects, designed the house in a compact form and nestled against the rear boundary of the property, utilizing the entire site to create a central courtyard. Page 72

Hogan Architects and Development Originally designed in the 1980s by famed architect Robert Renfro, Sundown Residence defies traditional design norms. Situated on a secluded hillside with a ravine and tranquil stream, the renovation and addition blends with and complements the site, exemplifying renewal. Reflecting post-modernist ideals, the owners prioritized individualism and nature in its renovation.

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Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architecture Pollen Architecture & Design The Double Duty residence, discreetly built behind a 1940’s house, peeks out from an alley in historic East Austin.

The primary design intent was to make a compact home feel expansive with tall ceilings, outdoor views, and flexible components. Clerestory windows provide serene daylight by framing neighboring pecan trees. In a contemporary twist, counterbalanced shed roofs nod to the gables of nearby homes. Page 48

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OFFbeat is a modern residence that transforms a derelict 1930s’ cottage on a rhombus-shaped property in the heart of Austin. Owned by a retired couple, the quirky storybook structure, elevated four feet above a sloping grade, is nestled among two live oaks on a tight lot. The design fuses the house and its habitat with Austin’s urban forest; the narrow, primary gardens bookend a permeable, cantilevered living space that protects the trees and watershed. Page 78

Point B Design Group From the beginning, the homeowners adored the Bridle Path property. The expansive lot featured a charming yet outdated split-level home, surrounded by lush tree coverage and a bonus accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at the rear. Instead of demolishing the house, the project aimed to preserve the 1950’s split-level character while incorporating modern elements and creating versatile living spaces. Page 40

Clark Richardson Architects A modern re-interpretation of the shotgun layout, the Daniel Drive Residence is an homage to both the owner’s Louisiana roots and the long, narrow nature of the property. Visitors enter past the formal sitting room into a central vestibule which flows in an enfilade procession between kitchen/dining and the sitting.

Beyond the public spaces, a u-shaped, stepped retaining system connects the principal suite and pool with the principal bedroom which enjoys a view out to the waterline.

Alterstudio Architecture The City Park Residence, perched along a verdant slope overlooking downtown Austin, is thoughtfully interwoven into the rugged beauty of its surroundings. Rolling hills frame the urban skyline, accentuated by the iconic Pennybacker Bridge. The home is suspended in dynamic tension between this extravagant panorama and the intimacy of a private court. A sloping garden covers the hillside, descending to a breezy, covered terrace with a pool, lawn, and spectacular views. Page 56

Restructure Studio This 1932 home in Old West Austin required an architectural intervention to improve flow and add living space while preserving its original charm and honoring its historic neighborhood. The design team opted to maintain a single-story structure for the 483 square foot addition, which included a new primary bedroom suite and a laundry/mudroom. Page 40

Hunt Architecture The Bryker Woods Residence, home to the owners of Hunt Architecture, is a modestly sized house that provides a unique volume of space with ample natural light, proving that smaller spaces can have a big impact. At only 2,040 square feet, the single story home, clad in brick and vertical cedar siding, utilizes a mix of gable and flat roofs. Page 64

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BEST ARCHITECTS

AUSTIN’S BEST ARCHITECTS We polled homeowners and industry pros to create the list of the top architects in the Austin area.

A Parallel 512-464-1199 aparallel.com @aparallel Alterstudio Architecture 512-499-8007 alterstudio.net @alterstudio Andersson / Wise Architects 512-476-5780 anderssonwise.com @anderssonwise Candace Wong Architecture + Design 980-292-3746 cwaplusd.com @cwaplusd

Lemmo Architecture And Design 512-380-1756 la-n-d.com @la_n_d

Davey McEathron Architecture daveymarchitecture.com @davey.mceathron. architecture

Matt Fajkus Architecture 512-432-5137 mfarchitecture.com @mf.architecture

Dick Clark + Associates 512-472-4980 dcarch.com @dc_architecture

McCollum Studio 512-658-6354 mccollumstudio.com @mccollum_studio_architects

Restructure Studio 512-689-6684 restructurestudio.com @restructurestudio Architecture By George!

512-655-3524 architecturebygeorge.com @architecturebygeorge Shiflet Richardson Architects 512-328-2955 shifletrichardson.com @shifletrichardson architects

Forge Craft Architecture 512-872-6655 forgexcraft.com @forgexcraft

Michael Hsu Office Of Architecture 512-706-4303 hsuoffice.com @hsuoffice

CG&S Design-Build 512-444-1580 cgsdb.com @cgsdesignbuild

Furman + Keil Architects 512-479-4100 fkarchitects.net @fkarchitects

Miró Rivera Architects 512-477-7016 mirorivera.com @miroriveraarch

Specht Novak Architects 512-382-7938 spechtnovak.com @spechtnovak

Chioco Design 512-374-0288 chiocodesign.com @chioco_design

Hunt Architecture 512-460-8770 hunt-architecture.com @huntarchitecture

Moontower Design Build 512-524-7253 moontoweraustin.com @moontoweraustin

Studio Celeste 512-655-9515 studioceleste.com @_studioceleste_

Chris Cobb Architecture 512-482-3399 chriscobbarchitecture.com @chriscobbarchitecture

Jenkins Design Build 512-402-9222 newhousebuilder.com @jenkinsdbatx

Murray Legge Architecture 512-596-2933 murraylegge.com @murray_legge

Thoughtbarn 512-386-1579 thoughtbarn.com @thoughtbarn

Clark Richardson Architects 512-636-7653 clarkrichardson.com @clark_richardson_ architects

Jobe Corral Architects 512-499-1591 jobecorral.com @jobe_corral_architects

Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architecture 512-494-9808 ndjda.com @jesdeaver.nickdeaver

Tornbjerg Design 512-293-7842 tornbjerg.com @tornbjerg_design

Clayton Korte 512-477-1727 claytonkorte.com @clayton_korte

STOCK ADOBE

Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects 512-450-0820 cuppettkilpatrick.com @cuppett_kilpatrick

Coxist Studio 512-992-2304 coxiststudio.com @coxist_studio

Kipp Flores Architects 512-335-5477 kippflores.com @kippfloresarchitects Larue Architects 512-347-1688 larue-architects.com @laruearchitects

North Arrow Studio 512-956-0644 northarrowstudio.com @northarrowstudio Pluck Architecture 512-507-4096 pluckarchitecture.com @pluckarchitecture

Side Angle Side 305-450-0806 sideangleside.co @sideangleside.co

Webber + Studio, Architects 512-236-1032 webberstudio.com @webberstudio Workshop No. 5 512-710-9705 workshopno5.com @workshopno5

How This List Is Made Using an online survey, Austin Home solicited peer and public nominations, asking voters to nominate up to three architects they’ve worked with or know to produce outstanding work.

Austin Home then tallied the results, selecting the top percentage of vote recipients before submitting the final list to our fact-checking process.

Companies do not and cannot pay to be a part of the list. We recognize that many good architects are not included on the list; this is only a sampling of a huge array of talented professionals within the region.

We encourage all consumers to do their own research before selecting an architect.

Austin Home uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. It does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. Austin Home does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved.

No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from Austin Home. If you see an error in the information listed, please contact editor@austinhomemag.com.

Architects: Congratulations! If you’d like to display this accomplishment with a plaque, please visit our official store at austinhomemag.com/plaques.

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ARCHITECTURE | INTERIORS

www.coxiststudio.com

512.992.2304

CURTAINS

SHOT FROM THE HEART Meet Casey Woods

For those blown away by the photography of the AIA Austin Homes Tour residences featured in this issue, please meet Casey Woods. Casey is an editorial and commercial photographer based in Austin, and is a storyteller by nature.

She shoots from the heart while also capturing dynamic, breathtaking vignettes of architectural moments. To see her greater portfolio, visit caseywoods.com.

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