Austin Home Spring 2025

The Patina Issue

SPRING 2025

US $5.95

Preservation Austin Steps on the Gas A Kweller Hill Country Retreat Dimmitt Contemporary Exhibits Texas Icons

Design your outdoor oasis.

Available locally at Copenhagen.

Bring a burst of vibrant color and modern style to your backyard with Copenhagen’s new Circle Table and Click Chairs by HOUE. Showcasing Danish design and a minimalist aesthetic, Circle and Click feature durable, sustainable materials and intuitive comfort. Shop our in-stock selection or special order through our quick-ship program for a wide selection of colors and sizes.

PH O E NI X | T U C SO N | G I L B ERT | SC OT T S DA L E | SA N A N TO N I O | AU S T I N | E L PASO

Circle 59” Table with bamboo top, granite center, and aluminum base $1,804 Click Chairs with bamboo armrests and ergonomic plastic lamellas, starting at $370.

www.copenhagenliving.com

PH O EN I X | T U C SON | G IL B E R T | SC OT T S DA L E | S A N A N TO N I O | AU ST I N | EL PASO

since since

furniture & accessories for your modern lifestyle furniture & accessories for your modern lifestyle PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602.266.8060 AUSTIN 4501 W. Braker Lane at Hwy. 183 512-451-1233 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480.367.6401 SAN ANTONIO 18603 Blanco Road 210-545-4366 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Pkwy. 480.838.3080 TUCSON 3660 E. Fort Lowell 520.795.0316 www.copenhagenliving.com

EXQUISITE HOMES, EXCEPTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

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.

F I N D YO U R A DV I S O R L U X U R YATC O M PA S S . C O M /A U S T I N - A D V I S O R S

At Compass, we understand that luxury homes require a unique level of expertise and discretion. We’ve established a new designation for the agents who specialize in the Austin luxury real estate market. This group boasts proven track records, extensive industry connections, and unparalleled access to exclusive market information. Whether you’re buying or selling, trust a Compass Austin Luxury Advisor to provide an elevated experience tailored to your unique needs, ensuring privacy, sophistication, and results.

GLOBAL SOURCES NATIONAL RESOURCES LOCAL SOUL Elevate your space with the best natural stone selection in Austin. arcsurfaces.com

SPRING 2025

CONTENTS

FEATURES

68

76

82

92

An interview with Executive Director Lindsey Derrington, and a peak at this year’s exciting historic homes tour.

Liz MacPhail and Joshua Mackley join forces to revive a preservation/addition bungalow near campus.

One of Austin’s most beloved creative couples unveils their truly unique historic compound in Dripping Springs.

BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

BY DEVEN WILSON

BY NICOLE HADDAD

An open-concept living room and streamlined modern aesthetic are an unexpected surprise in this Clarksville preservation.

ROBERT GOMEZ

Preservation Austin

Maiden House

Kweller Residence

98

Maufrais Residence

BY LAUREN JONES

Home & Design Awards Finalists Congratulations to the finalists of this year’s awards! We announce the stellar projects and firms and invite you to join us to celebrate the winners.

102

Best Builders We polled homeowners and industry pros to create this list of the top interior designers in the Austin area.

ON THE COVER LINDSEY DERRINGTON IN FRONT OF THE MCFARLAND-MCBEE HOUSE. PHOTO BY ROBERT GOMEZ.

11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2025

16 Editor’s Letter 30 Elements The latest releases, collabs, and openings by local Austin brands.

BY KIERNAN MCCORMICK

32 Design Inspiration | Arena Hall A shared vision for a new type of community gathering space finds its home in one of Austin’s treasured mansions.

BY CODI CHEN

36 Design Futures | AI For Interiors Through their new platform AI for Interiors, Etch Design Group is proving that artificial intelligence can be a designer’s best friend.

BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

38 Get the Look | CG&S Midcentury House CG&S Design-Build breathes new life into a midcentury treasure in Barton Hills, and shares the specifications that made it happen.

BY KIERNAN MCCORMICK

44 Spotlight | The ReUse People

48 “What I Remember of Home” We spotlight the unparalelled cultural talent in our city though poetry, short story, and photography submissions about home.

BY MEG MCLAIN

50 Designer Challenge | Avery Cox Avery Cox guides us through her favorite antique hot-spots in town, and how to find the perfect piece.

The Austin chapter of the ReUse People is saving treasured historic homes that otherwise would have been demolished.

BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

BY KATHRYN STREETER

60 Art | Dimmitt Contemporary Opening

46 Design Inspiration | Cosmic Saltillo Clayton Korte leads the adaptive reuse of an early 20th century warehouse into Cosmic Coffee & Beer’s second location.

BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK

Artist Kristin Moore celebrates history and identity in her new show at Dimmitt Contemporary Art.

BY NICHOLAS CAMPBELL

64 Profile | Paul Clayton

BY CANAN YETMAN

110 In Photos | Winter Editor’s Preview In December of last year, we celebrated the release of the Winter issue in style, and announced the Best of Interior Design awardees.

112 Critique | Bang the Drum Architectural Critic Aaron Seward explores the demolition of the iconic Erwin Center.

BY AARON SEWARD

114 Curtains | Ali Burgoon Nolan With rich, lush interiors, Nolan is growing a recognizable signature aesthetic through her new interior design firm.

12

WALLPAPER: COURTESY OF CYDNEYCOSETTEHOLM2024; LINDSAY BROWN.

In this intimate portrait of Paul Clayton and his firm, Clayton Korte, we examine an approach to preservation of balancing past, present, and future.

NOW OFFERING

THERMALLY BROKEN STEEL

THIS IS A NEW ERA OF STYLE, PERFORMANCE, AND QUALITY LET’S EXPLORE HOW WE CAN ELEVATE YOUR NEXT PROJECT TOGETHER! WWW.CANTERADOORS.COM | 512.767.5295

Editorial

Hearst Media

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

GENERAL MANAGER

Karen Zabarsky Blashek

Randi Stevenson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Circulation

Nicole Haddad, Deven Wilson, Lauren Jones, Nicholas Campbell, Codi Chen, Kiernan McCormick, Kathryn Streeter, Canan Yetman, Aaron Seward

Art CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Mara Esquivel CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Robert Gomez, Jake Holt, Casey Dunn, Sara Cukerbaum, Louie Ayuma, Clay Grier, Ryan Davis, Scott Moore

Digital DIGITAL MANAGER

Abigail Stewart

Advertising CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Kate Weber SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sara Bryant ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Dana Horner Jennifer Tully Teddy Ivanova

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 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

advertising@austinmonthly.com STORY IDEAS

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

CUSTOMER SUCCESS SPECIALIST

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.

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.

14

KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @KZBLASHEK

Jane Jacobs, the 1960s urbanist and author, is a personal hero of mine. She helped define what we now consider to be a healthy, thriving city, and led the campaign to save Greenwich Village in New York City from being demolished to make way for a big, fat highway (can you imagine?).

One of the many reasons I’m such a fangirl is her stance on the importance of saving old buildings. In one of her most famous quotes, she said, “Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings.”

What she meant is that old buildings allow the flexibility, beautiful imperfection, and environment for trial and error that new construction is simply too expensive to accommodate. Old, profitable ideas can foot that bill. New, agile, experimental ideas need a space that can afford the journey. It makes me wonder about the many tech tenants of

16

our shiny new office towers that sit empty – maybe they should have started with a cool warehouse instead.

This is why historic preservation serves up such a delicious duality. Reviving or adapting old buildings preserves the heritage, community, and aesthetic attached to those structures. But at the same time, it offers inspiration to a new generation of fiery ideas and collaboration.

Lindsey Derrington, Executive Director of Preservation Austin, is one of several figures in Austin leading the charge to preserve our significant historic structures. In our interview with her, we hear about the organization’s recent wins, we visit their new home in the majestically restored McFarland-McBee House, and we get a sneak peak at three houses on the historic homes tour this year.

Also in this issue, interior designer Liz

MacPhail takes a forward-thinking approach to reviving a 1920s bungalow; the ReUse People save historic homes from demolition by uprooting them and finding them a new landing spot; and designer Avery Cox masterfully guides us through her art-andscience approach to antique shopping.

We also introduce a new element to Austin Home with poetry, short story, and photography submissions from the community.

Our inaugural spotlight features Meg McClain’s “What I Remember of Home,” a poem equal parts nostalgic and clear-eyed. She collaborated with Jade Skye Hammer, a local photographer, to find the perfect image pairing for this piece.

In a city like Austin that is changing so rapidly, celebrating our older treasures is not only good for the environment and for streetscape vibes. It is also, ironically, our best option for opening our minds to the future.

CALL FOR ENTRIES Best Architects

Are you one of Austin’s Best Architects?

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

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

We invite you to nominate your favorite firm or your own, and to share the opportunity with colleagues and collaborators. Architects who do residential work in Austin or a surrounding county are eligible.

18

IMAGE COURTESY OF ISTOCK BY NATALIA RIABCHENKO

Nomination deadline: May 23, 2025

BRINGING ARCHITECTURAL VISIONS TO LIFE THROUGH AWARD-WINNING CRAFTSMANSHIP

ARCHITECT

Carey Dodson: Architecture + Design Leonid Furmansky

PHOTOGRAPHER

YOUR PARTNER IN BUILDING EXCELLENCE 512.451.8050 | TXCONSTRUCT.COM

WINTER

SALE EVENT ENDS MARCH 4TH

H OM E FU RN ISH IN GS | H OM E D ÉCO R | O UTD O O R LIVIN G | INTERIO R D ESIG N

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

2024/2025 SEASON

Extraordinary Concert Experiences Presenting the extraordinary concert experience that you never knew was in Austin

2025 FEB

Hard Tango with JP Jofre

MAR

Stephen Hough: A Solo Piano Recital

15

28

MAR

Assembly Hall

The Mansion

Love is in the air… Enjoy a romantic evening of tango music with Grammyaward nominated composer and bandoneon virtuoso, JP Jofre. No Valentine this year? No problem. Speed dating begins at 5 p.m. Don’t miss Austin’s most sensuous Valentine’s Day celebration!

Sir Stephen Hough performs a solo piano recital of work by Chaminade, Liszt, and Chopin. Enjoy craft cocktails while listening to one of the most distinctive artists of his generation.

Musical Mixology with Stephen Hough & Ensemble ATX

29

The Mansion

APR

The Joey Alexander Trio

19

MAY

17

The Mansion

Sir Stephen Hough joins forces with our own Ensemble ATX for a riveting evening of chamber music.

Joey Alexander has been widely regarded as one of the most highly skilled pianists and thoughtful improvisers in jazz. The Bali-born pianist is the youngest artist ever nominated for a Grammy Award in the Jazz category. Come hear why he’s become one of jazz’s most expressive and thrilling pianist-composers!

The Juilliard String Quartet with Anna Petrova

Riverbend Centre The Juilliard String Quartet, hailed as “the most important American quartet in history,” will conclude our 24-25 season with a performance for the Arts featuring Co-Artistic Director and pianist, Anna Petrova.

atxmusic.com

March 5 -6 6pm until 6pm

03.27.25 J O I N U S A S W E C E L E B R AT E A W O R L D - C L A S S PA N E L O F J U D G E S , N E W CAT E G O R I E S , A N D T H E B E S T O F A U S T I N D E S I G N I N A N I G H T TO R E M E M B E R .

A U S T I N H O M E M AG . C O M / H DA - E V E N T

PHOTO BY RYAN DAVIS

ACCENTS

CG&S Design-Build breathes new life into a midcentury treasure in Barton Hills, and shares the specifications that made it happen.

ACCENTS WHAT’S NEW

ELEMENTS

WRITTEN BY KIERNAN MCCORMICK

Vanity Fair Just when we thought furniture designer and wholesaler Four Hands’ selection couldn’t get any more expansive, they’re delving into new territory. Their new bath line is rooted in relaxation, and offers single, single-wide, and double vanities, along with damp-rated mirrors, sconces, pendants, and chandeliers. Four Hands intends for the category to help designers and homeowners craft inviting, luxurious, restful, and spa-like bathrooms with grounding, high-quality, damp-rated materials and restorative elements. The line is available for purchase on Perigold’s website. fourhands.com

30

Wanderlust Wallpaper Interior designer Annie Downing recently debuted her product line, ADI, with an inaugural wallpaper collection. Downing, a wallpaper enthusiast, took inspiration from her travels to India, Mexico City, and Istanbul when designing this line with her team. Intended to inject spaces with warmth and joy, ADI Wallpaper features five vibrant motifs and 25 variations. The collection is available for purchase through the firm’s website and Supply Showroom. anniedowning.com/shop

VANITY FAIR: COURTESY OF FOUR HANDS. WANDERLUST WALLPAPER: COURTESY OF CYDNEYCOSETTEHOLM2024.

FACING PAGE: LOOM SERVICE: A. SUBY. BRANCHING OUT: JENN ROSE SMITH. PILLOW TALK: COURTESY OF COUNTERPART STUDIOS.

Refresh your space for spring with the latest from these Austin brands.

Loom Service Canvas Showroom, the brainchild of interior designer Christina Cole Abboud, gives the D&D Building boutiques a run for their money. As one of Austin’s only tothe-trade showrooms of textiles, rugs, and beyond, Canvas features standout brands like La Manufacture Cogolin, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Based in a village near Saint Tropez, the French rug atelier produces pieces hand-knotted or woven by local craftswomen on 19th-century looms. Just last year, the brand unveiled its re-imagined Idylle Fabric Collection, marking the importance of the atelier’s history in the present and future. canvas-showroom.com/ textiles/la-manufacture-cogolin

Pillow Talk Branching Out ATX Interior Design founder Laura Williams brings the firm’s signature combination of sophistication and comfort to her new boutique, Living Oak. The concept evolved from the positive response Laura’s team received to their styling approach. Living Oak carries a selection of thoughtfully curated home goods, including art, decor, kitchen and tabletop items, bath and body products, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind pieces. livingoakhome.com

ByCloudia, a Springdale store launched by Claudia Geoly, dons rare and luxurious art and decorative pieces inspired by Geoly’s travels.

A new addition is Counterpart Studios’ capsule pillow collection. Counterpart, founded by Andrée Chalaron and Stacy Bain, collaborates with artists to create fabric, wallpaper, and other household goods. Its pillow line includes exclusive patterns designed with Fort Lonesome and ELOI. Two coordinating designer trim options are available for each pattern, and custom fabric and trim combinations can be requested through Counterpart Studios. counterpartstudios.com

31

ACCENTS DESIGN INSPIRATION

PAST MEETS PURPOSE

WRITTEN BY CODI CHEN PHOTOGRAPHY LOUIE AYUMA

PHOTO:

A shared vision for a new type of community gathering space finds its home in one of Austin’s treasured mansions.

A pristine Greek-revival home nestled in the historic Judge’s Hill neighborhood has been a social hub for more than a century.

The mansion was originally built in 1896 (although official records do not exist until 1914) for Judge Charles A. Wilcox, who hosted extravagant soirées there where Austin’s elite mingled and shaped the city’s future.

Over the years, it transformed into a school and later Austin’s Inn at Pearl Street, earning a spot on the city’s Ghost Tours due to its rumored friendly spirits. When it was purchased and saved

from falling to ruin in 1993, the first task in refurbishing the home was to remove one of the largest bee colonies ever found in a private Austin residence (hundreds of pounds of honey were removed from the walls and floors of the Inn).

Years after its successful revival, the mansion has found a new steward in Arena Hall, a social club and co-working space that honors the storied legacy of the house while embracing innovation and collaboration.

“We’re drawing people to timeless ideas; ideas that reflect Austin’s deep roots,” says

Chairman Evan Baehr. “Downtown may be full of high-rises that could be anywhere, but here, in this space, you’re transported to a time when community leaders gathered in homes to discuss big ideas that would change the world.”

Arena Hall has hosted lauded speakers, from local heroes like Mayor Kirk Watson and the Blanton’s Simone Jamille Wicha, to national icons like Apollo’s Mark Rowan and the Free Press’ Bari Weiss.

Stepping inside, the polished wood floors and the glimmer of natural light on intricately

33

ACCENTS DESIGN INSPIRATION

The modernized yet respectful kitchen (top) often finds the biggest crowds, contrasted with the calm elegance of the lounge space on the ground floor (bottom).

Opposite: Arena Hall brings ideas, conversation and connection to life under the canopy of its outdoor event lawn.

34

“WE’RE DRAWING PEOPLE TO TIMELESS IDEAS; IDEAS THAT REFLECT AUSTIN’S DEEP ROOTS” CHAIRMAN EVAN BAEHR

stamped ceiling tiles evoke the grandeur of a bygone era. Original features like the dark walnut staircase, large front door, and pocket doors in the hallway also speak to the home’s history, while the space around them has been carefully modernized. The kitchen, once tucked away in the back, now flows into the heart of the building. “We’ve designed this place to invite people to gather in so many ways,” says Executive Director Lindsey Lawrence. “But, like any home, people always tend to end up in the kitchen.”

The blend of antique and modern touches is effortlessly captured in the design.

Built-in couches offer a modern comfort that complements the mansion’s historical charm, while the beverage bar, with its sleek black marble waterfall counter, serves as a welcoming nod to today’s craftsmanship. Upstairs, what were once quiet, private bedrooms have been transformed into airy, light-filled offices with expansive windows. The second floor opens onto a spacious balcony, offering a peaceful retreat amid the live oak treetops.

Outside is, as they say, where the magic happens. A generous deck, illuminated by delicate string lights, connects to a large lawn where Arena Hall’s speaker panels, roundtables, and groundbreaking gatherings take place.

The grounds are shaded by lush greenery, almost muting the sounds of the city, and are often overflowing with life, conversation, and connection.

“We want people to feel free,” Lindsey explains, pointing out the high-top tables designed for movement around the property.

“Nature has a way of loosening the formalities and letting conversations flow before moving into the formal content.”

Whether you’re tucked away in the library surrounded by rich walnut accents, or sharing stories in the expansive kitchen framed by sleek oak cabinets and brick walls, Arena Hall is more than a venue—it’s a living legacy. With each idea sparked and every connection made, this space continues to inspire and evolve, honoring its past while shaping the future.

35

ACCENTS DESIGN FUTURES

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK RENDERINGS ETCH DESIGN GROUP

DESIGNERS — FEAR NOT THE BOT Through their new platform AI for Interiors, Etch Design Group is proving that artificial intelligence can be a designer’s best friend.

INSPIRATION IMAGE

36

INTERIOR SKETCHUP MODEL

PROMEAI RENDERING

A 2D CAD elevation is transformed into a finish elevation using Promeai.

In many design circles, “artificial intelligence” has become a four-letter word. A brewing mistrust of AI among architects and designers has kept some in the industry steering clear from this technology.

Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey of Etch Design Group think that should change.

Their journey began earlier this year when Nelson attended a panel discussion on AI at KBIS, the National Kitchen and Bath Show.

Intrigued but hoping for more actionable insights, she returned home determined to dive deeper. “I put the kids to bed, told my husband I was diving into AI, and by 3:00 a.m., I was waking him up to show him images I’d created,” Nelson recalls, laughing. What started as a late-night experiment quickly snowballed into a passion for exploring how AI could transform the design process.

The outcome? AI for Interiors, a platform offering courses, live webinars, and consulting services to teach designers how to integrate AI into their workflows. The mission is simple but profound: remove the fear surrounding AI and position it as a tool that enhances creativity

rather than replacing it.

“We started with tools like ChatGPT, but quickly expanded,” Nelson explains. “For example, Promeai can render 2D elevations into beautiful, realistic images in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. And with Midjourney, designers can articulate ideas—like a custom table or fireplace concept—to clients or fabricators without hours spent in SketchUp.” These tools offer efficiencies that are transforming the industry. “We teach designers how to use ChatGPT as an administrative assistant— drafting emails, managing projects, and even creating custom GPTs to automate repetitive tasks,” Nelson shares. “It’s a game-changer, and when designers realize the full capabilities, their skepticism turns to excitement.”

Lindsey adds, “The tools aren’t just for interior designers. Architects, builders, and anyone in the design industry can benefit. It’s about speeding up processes, not replacing the creative elements.”

Their offerings are comprehensive. From live seminars where attendees can ask realtime questions, to self-paced courses and a

monthly membership for staying up-to-date on AI advancements, Nelson and Lindsey have created a community of design professionals eager to embrace the future. They even provide one-on-one consultations and full-team onboarding sessions, recently flying to New York to train a firm of seven.

Despite the technical nature of AI, Nelson and Lindsey emphasize its accessibility. “Many creatives worry they aren’t ‘tech-savvy,’” Lindsey says. “But AI is simpler than it seems. With practice, it becomes second nature.”

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Designers report increased efficiency, enhanced creativity, and newfound confidence in their workflows. “Seeing someone skeptical about AI leave optimistic and empowered is the best reward,” Nelson beams.

For those unsure of AI’s place in design, Nelson offers this assurance: “AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to amplify your talent, save you time, and open up new possibilities.

It’s a tool—use it to your advantage.”

For more information about what Nelson and Lindsey have cooking, visit aiforinteriors.com.

37

ACCENTS GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK RETRO REVIVAL, MODERN TOUCH

Find inspiration through CG&S Design-Build’s Settled In Light project.

WRITTEN BY KIERNAN MCCORMICK PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN DAVIS, CG&S DESIGN-BUILD

CG&S Design-Build helped the homeowners of a 1973 midcentury modern abode in Barton Hills celebrate its history while transforming it into a warmer, more functional space.

Led by interior designer Morgan Miller, the CG&S team opened up the flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. They added a flexible space for workouts and movie nights, a screened-in porch, and a new first-floor primary suite to accommodate the homeowners and their two children. Elements such as the Infinity Black Leathered Quartzite countertop sourced from Stratus Surfaces, smart storage solutions, and playful pops of color are practical yet personal.

Lighting proved to be the biggest challenge of this project. In its original state, the home felt dark, and the family wanted a lighter, more inviting feel. However, they strongly disliked bright overhead lighting and favored soft, indirect illumination. Miller and her team

39

ACCENTS GET THE LOOK

came up with several solutions to imbue the space with a more organic glow.

“We installed three strategically placed Fakro windows where the roofline meets the wall, flooding the interiors with natural light,” explains Miller. “For artificial lighting, recessed tape lighting was used under cabinets and seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, providing gentle illumination. We also incorporated wall sconces for diffused up-and-down lighting.”

Additionally, the team placed all light fixtures on dimmers, allowing control over brightness. Pendant lights such as the kitchen’s Louis Poulsen PH5 by Poul Henningsen and the dining room’s 19” Saucer Bubble by George Nelson for Herman Miller, along with the family’s mid-century modern furniture collection, speak to the home’s roots. Some of

NEW WALL-TO-CEILING WINDOWS IMBUE THE SPACE WITH NATURAL LIGHT.

40

1

6

2

3

4

5

7

8

KITCHEN: 1.Bar Stool: AllModern Walsh Velvet Counter & Bar Stool in Gold. Photo courtesy of All Modern.

2.PH5 Pendant Light: Designed by Danish writer, designer, and architect Poul Henningsen. Photo courtesy of Louis Poulsen. 3.Souvenir Tile: 1”x6” Glazed Porcelain Mosaic Tile in Lagos. Photo courtesy of Esmer Tile.

PRIMARY SUITE BATHROOM: 4.Kit Kat Fingers Tile: Sevilla 3.5”x0.5” Glazed Porcelain Mosaic Tile Sheet in Glossy Ocean Blue. Photo courtesy of The Mosaic Factory. 5.Veronese Crema Tile: Photo courtesy of Artistic Tile. DINING ROOM: 6.Saucer Pendant Light: Herman Miller 19” Ball Saucer Bubble Pendant

by George Nelson. Photo courtesy of Herman Miller. 7.Walnut Dining Chairs: Lane Tuxedo Mid-Century Walnut Dining Chairs (similar to ones used.) Photo courtesy of Modern Hill. LIVING ROOM: 8.Armchair: Model 300-192 Armchair by Juliusz Kedziorek for Goscinska Furniture Factory. Photo courtesy of 1stDibs.

41

ACCENTS GET THE LOOK

CG&S WAS NOT AFRAID OF COLOR TO REVIVE THE MIDCENTURY FLAIR OF THIS BARTON HILLS HOME.

these pieces include the living room’s Andre Bus for Lane Furniture Acclaim coffee table and end table pieces inherited by one of the clients, refinished by South Austin’s womenowned Northrop’s Furniture Shop. Purchased from 1st Dibs, Juliusz Kedziorek for Goscinska Furniture Factory 1970’s armchairs add another flair of authenticity.

Due to the unique constraints of the lot lines, the primary suite’s bathroom followed a sloped roofline and angled walls. The team used this to their advantage and turned the back corner into a shower nook, while the angled walls served as a custom plant shelf. A reference to the midcentury modern period, they chose terrazzo flooring (Artistic Tile’s Veronese Crema Tile), paired with blue Kit Kat wall tiles (The Mosaic Factory’s Sevilla 3.5”x 0.5” Mini Kit Kat Fingers).

For Miller, the most rewarding part of the project was witnessing the family’s vision come to life through thoughtful design details.

“There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating a space that feels both stunning and effortlessly functional for the people living in it.”

43

ACCENTS SPOTLIGHT

HOLD THE WRECKING BALL

WRITTEN BY KATHRYN STREETER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE REUSE PEOPLE

44

In 2023, the City of Austin set a zero-waste goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040.

One organization working tirelessly to help reach that goal is the ReUse People (TRP).

The Austin chapter of TRP, a California-based nonprofit, opened its doors in 2015, spearheaded

by Austin resident of 40 years, Kathy Robinson.

The organization’s mission is to keep building materials out of landfills and distribute them for reuse by offering property owners green alternatives. Old homes are deconstructed to salvage materials, or remain intact and are

relocated, Robinson says. “Preserving these older but still very useful homes embodies the mission of TRP.” This is how it’s done: Step-by-step, TRP shepherds the project.

Interested property owners receive a complimentary consultation to assess if their home is suitable for either relocation or de-construction (taking apart the structure and reusing materials). A fee quote for an appraisal is also provided. If the owner chooses to proceed, the materials or home is donated to TRP which

FROM LEFT: SHAWN JONES; KATHY ROBINSON; TK IMAGES; TWIST TOURS.

The Austin chapter of the ReUse People is saving treasured historic homes that otherwise would have been demolished.

STORIES OF THREE RESCUED HOMES 1. A quirky 1946 1-bedroom, 1-bath two-story structure with a solarium, this small oddly shaped 748 square foot home was in bad shape and sat languishing on Avenue G. Just in time, it was discovered by perfect buyers—an engaged couple who own a cider business in Lockhart. Requiring pluck and imagination, the couple reinvented the structure, using the living area as an addition to their Lockhart residence and detaching the solarium to create a stage for events — in fact, the happy site of their very own wedding.

2. A family with three young children had outgrown their adorable bungalow in Rosedale and they decided to build a larger home on their land. Finding TRP was a thrill, enabling them to escape the demolition route and keep their memory-soaked cottage intact.

TRP facilitated the sale and its transfer to Buda in 2016, one of the earliest projects. The charming home served as a detached ADU rental and later as a family guest house.

3. This 1940s home from Clawson Road was moved to South Austin, one of just two homes out of the nonprofit’s 70+ relocation projects to stay within city limits. The tiny 3-bedroom 1-bath classic bungalow was doomed, sitting on a lot where a spec home was slated to be built. A husband-wife builder team snapped it up and restored it, giving it an updated look while respecting its vintage vibes before later flipping it.

assists with ensuring the owner receives an optimal tax benefit for their donation. “With the potentially significant tax savings from donating the house, it can be quite financially advantageous for them,” Robinson points out.

If eligible for relocation, TRP secures estimates from qualified movers to share with prospective buyers before marketing the home.

The buyer pays for the move in addition to the house, an endeavor TRP has been 100% successful in, Robinson says. It’s a win for the seller, as they will not pay for the house transfer

nor a demolition project.

Robinson, who has undertaken 73 house relocations and 75 de-construction projects, believes more people would choose this path if they knew it existed. Saving a house from the landfill is never as easy as demolishing one, she says, but the benefits are far greater.

Economically and fiscally, besides the seller potentially enjoying significant tax savings, the program offers affordable housing, and “instant equity” for those originally intending on building. Environmentally, the program

inherently champions sustainability, saving materials from needlessly going to landfills.

“For the City of Austin to achieve its Zero Waste by 2040 plan,” says Robinson, “more options are needed to limit waste and expand the circular economy.”

Old homes have value in most cases, and Robinson is bullish about spreading the word that there are viable alternatives to demolition.

Ultimately, exploring TRP’s program doesn’t cost a dime.

For more information, visit thereusepeople.org.

45

ACCENTS DESIGN INSPIRATION

STEEL STANDING Clayton Korte leads the adaptive reuse of an early 20th century warehouse into Cosmic Coffee & Beer’s second location.

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK PHOTOGRAPHY CLAY GRIER

46

Often, when we think of historic preservation in Austin, images of adorable bungalows or columned landmarks come to mind. Our industrial history, however, is just as significant.

Saving and breathing new life into the likes of Seaholm Power Plant, the Upcycle building in East Austin, and La Zona Rosa (now LZR), keeps a special era of Austin history alive.

Cosmic Saltillo, finding a new home in two long-abandoned warehouses, is one of these rare remnants of our industrial past.

The two early-20th-century structures— once used by the Texas Company (Texaco)

for storing petroleum products—have been transformed by Clayton Korte into a thriving morning-to-night hospitality space. These relics of Austin’s industrial roots, left untouched for decades, are now at the heart of Cosmic Coffee & Beer’s second location, blending history, art, and sustainability in an environment that invites connection and creativity.

The team working alongside Clayton Korte, including Franklin Alan Construction and Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture, embraced both adaptive reuse and new construction across the site’s 6,531 square feet. Durable materials

RELICS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL PAST ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE AS OLDER PERIODS OF AUSTIN’S BUILT HISTORY.

were chosen to weather gracefully over time, ensuring that the site will evolve while maintaining its connection to Austin’s past.

The warehouses themselves retained their original corrugated steel siding, woodframed windows, and metal roofing. The west building houses a coffee and spirit bar, offering a cozy lounge area, while the east building introduces a taqueria to the Cosmic brand’s offerings. Between them lies a lush garden space—complete with a koi pond, climbing vegetation, and ample seating on covered decks and open patios—that forms the vibrant heart of the property. As night falls, string lights and the curved forms of the garden deck create a whimsical, starry atmosphere that echoes the Cosmic name.

A bold new feature of the complex is a 30-foot steel tower, which not only provides access to a second-level bar but also serves as a canvas for local artistry. Clad in steel mesh, the tower showcases a mural by graffiti artist Miles Starkey that comes alive with light and color in the evening.

Cosmic Saltillo’s collaboration with local artists extends beyond its boundaries. In 2023, the venue invited a group of creatives to celebrate the life of Austin music icon Daniel Johnston by painting murals along the streetfacing fences of the property. These vibrant, gritty works echo the organic character of the space and reinforce its role as a hub for the community.

Cosmic Saltillo is more than a revitalized space; it’s a love letter to Austin’s industrial history and a testament to the creative, sustainable energy of the city. By blending old and new, it invites visitors to explore a piece of Austin’s history while enjoying the laid-back, community-focused atmosphere that defines the Cosmic brand.

47

Shot by Jade Skye Hammer, North Austin @jadeskyehammer

48

What I remember of home Things I cannot touch Light flickering on wooden panels Moss hugging trees outside Sun ripping through curtains and none of these things happened in one single home Just the home of my heart Where I hold everything Home where the streets are paved by the arteries and veins That keep me alive And my memories, too The walls that hold moments Together like a string of pearls And the ocean I ran to so many times Floods my mind like a wave of wine I drank with you there in bed, on counters, in between couch cushions Lived on top of a roof Inside the mattress Under the carpet Was Is Will be Love Where home Was Is Will be Home Written by Meg McLain, East Austin @margaret__grace

Home means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you? Austin Home is seeking to spotlight the unparalelled cultural talent in our city though poetry and short stories about home. Please send submissions to editor@austinhomemag.com.

49

PHOTO:

DESIGNER CHALLENGE Avery Cox guides us through her favorite antique hot-spots in town, and how to find the perfect piece.

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK PHOTOGRAPHY CHES RIVERA

Avery perusing Studio Marchant’s delicious and eclectic collection (left); a moment of intricate beauty at the Renner Project (right).

We all know and love the hunt: the journey into the past, where every object holds a story waiting to be rediscovered. It’s an adventure fueled by curiosity and serendipity, as we wander through aisles and piles of history, connecting with items that resonate with our quirky aesthetic or maybe just a poignant memory. This quest is, of course, antique shopping.

Avery Cox, interior designer and owner of Avery Cox Design, has mastered the art of

the chase. Her thoughtful custom interiors capture a spirit of warmth, playfulness, and theatricality, and nearly always include a layer of hand-picked antique furnishings, finishes, and objects for styling.

For this issue’s special Designer Challenge, we asked Avery to take us around town to her favorite antique go-tos, and try to put into words how she takes on the pursuit of vintage perfection.

51

PHOTO:

ACCENTS DESIGNER CHALLENGE

Avery chats with Kimberly Renner (above), owner of the Renner Project and design/collecting extraordinaire.

Kimberly’s rich vignettes (left and below) are found in every corner of the store.

THE RENNER PROJECT After restoring historic homes throughout Austin for more than two decades, designer Kimberly Renner purchased a 16,000 square foot deserted office space on North Lamar with her husband, and opened up shop. The Renner Project is a treasure trove for 1920’s 1970’s modern pieces out of Europe (although, according to Kimberly, “Post-Modern is kind of the next thing, so we’re buying into the 80’s.”).

Her keen eye for design is obvious in everything from the one-of-a-kind room anchors, to charming vignettes and re-upholstered pieces.

WHY AVERY LOVES IT: “I naturally gravitate toward jewel tones and traditional patterns, so I like to source furnishings that add contrast. Renner Project’s inventory is perfect for this with its subtle masculine undertones, strong lines, and tough materials like metal, leather, and stone—just the right elements to create tension in my designs.”

3018 N LAMAR BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78705

53

ACCENTS DESIGNER CHALLENGE

“[LAURIE MARCHANT] SHOWS HOW CONTEXT TRANSFORMS AN OBJECT.”

STUDIO MARCHANT Stepping into Studio Marchant feels like entering another dimension. Headquartered in the historic faux bois Genaro P. And Carolina Briones House, known by some in the community as “Casa de Sueños,” the collection inside is eclectic, moody, and impeccable. The magic of this space is not surprising given its curator: Laurie Marchant, formerly one half of Alexander Marchant. Since breaking off in 2020, Laurie has built up her design studio and to-the-trade antiques collection, hardware line, and design service.

WHY AVERY LOVES IT: “My Joie de Vivre is in decorative, ornate ceramics—goopy, feminine, or odd pieces like botanical majolica or ceramic fish. Laurie gets this; her curated space brings the theatrical, offbeat energy I love to incorporate into my projects. She shows how context transforms an object.”

1204 E 7TH ST, AUSTIN, TX 78702

54

PHOTO:

D&W LIGHTING SHOWROOM D&W Lighting has become a veritable institution in Austin interiors. Between their unparalleled collection of antique light fixtures (some can be dated to the 1800’s), their refurbishment and repair shop, and their selection of lamp shades (the largest in Central Texas), they’ve become the go-to for all things lighting. The outfit is also an intergenerational family affair. It’s currently run by Amber Wolfe, whose grandfather was an antiques dealer that passed on the trade to Amber’s mother and father, who started the company 45 years ago.

Although Amber tried to go a different path in life, upon visiting home, “all this knowledge of art deco, art nouveau, it came flooding back.

So that’s how I became a lamp nerd.”

WHY AVERY LOVES IT: “What sets this shop apart is the abundance— there’s so much to choose from, and it’s all easy to see. No digging required, and everything is unique. Amber buys multiples and never splits them up so I can always find a great set here.

D&W is iconic, and Amber’s knowledge about antiques is extensive.”

6403 BURNET LN, AUSTIN, TX 78757

57

ACCENTS DESIGNER CHALLENGE

SHOW & TELL VINTAGE & ART On the other side of Town Lake is Show & Tell, a quirky, poppy showroom that feels accessible to both the Averys of the world and the casual passersby. The collection of colors, unexpected objects, and interesting textures give off a modwabi sabi vibe that can only be described as groovy. Owner Katie Vincent McClure has been selling in Austin for over twenty years, first as a vendor at Room Service and Revival while she also served as a Spanish teacher, and then as a full time purveyor when she opened Show & Tell three years ago. She’s extended her “lifelong obsession” with vintage into Pot Luck across the street, a vendor market she launched to platform local makers and collectors.

WHY AVERY LOVES IT: “It’s joyfully curated—a playful mix of texture, color, material, and era. I’m drawn to things that are different, like outsider art that I could never find new, perfect for styling and creating that ever-evolving balance in my work. I love pieces with humor, drama, and a handmade touch. That’s all here.”

2200 S LAMAR BLVD SUITE A, AUSTIN, TX 78704

58

1

AVERY’S LIST OF 15 CAN’T MISS ANTIQUE SHOPS 1. Antique Gallery of Round Rock 1601 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664 2. Austin Auction Gallery 8414 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin,TX 78729

2

3. Modern Redux 120 Research Blvd #108, Austin, TX 78758 4. Joint Detail Vintage Interiors 6409 Burnet Ln Unit B, Austin, TX 78757 5. D & W Lighting Showroom 6403 Burnet Ln, Austin, TX 78757 6. The Next to New Shop 5435 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 7. Uptown Modern 5111 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

3 4 5

9. Save the Good Stuff 3908 Avenue B Room 101, Austin, TX 78751

6 7

10

8

9

12. Whit Hanks Antiques 1009 W 6th St #207, Austin, TX 78703 13

15

10. The Renner Project 3018 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705 11. Rath 900 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

11 12

14

8. Revival Vintage 5201 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

13. Studio Marchant 1204 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 14. Show and Tell Vintage & Art 2200 S Lamar Blvd Suite A, Austin, TX 78704 15. Uncommon Objects 1602 Fort View Rd, Austin, TX 78704

59

ACCENTS ART

BRIDGING REALISM AND MEMORY THROUGH ART Artist Kristin Moore celebrates history and identity in her new show at Dimmitt Contemporary Art.

60

Our 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 highlights an exceptional Texan artist, Kristin Moore, as she explores memory, nostalgia, and meaning in her new show at Dimmitt Contemporary.

FROM LEFT:

“No Place Like H-E-B” Acrylic on wood 36 x 36 inches 2024 “Texas Roadtrip (Buc-ees)” Acrylic on wood 36 x 36 inches 2024 “Texas Bluebonnets” Acrylic on canvas 50 x 50 inches 2024

One of Austin’s newest galleries, Dimmitt Contemporary Art, is gearing up to host their upcoming exhibition by Texan artist, Kristin Moore.

In her debut solo exhibition at Dimmitt, Dallas-based Moore offers a poignant reflection on the landscapes, landmarks, and cultural touchstones that define Texas. Through her paintings, Moore captures the essence of her home state while underscoring the importance of preserving its history and identity. Her vivid depictions of Texas vistas and icons evoke a deep sense of place, inviting viewers to consider the stories these spaces hold and the significance of safeguarding them for future generations.

61

ACCENTS ART

“Austin Bats (Sunset)” Acrylic on wood 42 x 42 2024

62

Titled “Home State” and opening on March 1, this exhibition is a love letter to Texas, rendered in Moore’s signature cinematic style. From the glowing neon of an H.E.B. sign to the quiet majesty of a Marfa sunrise, her work elevates the everyday landmarks that shape Texas’ cultural and natural heritage. Each painting serves as a visual archive, preserving not only the physical beauty of these spaces but also the emotional connections tied to them.

Moore’s exploration of Texas history is deeply personal. The exhibition centers on two cities integral to her story: Houston, where she was born, and Austin, where she attended college. Houston’s rhythm shaped her childhood with iconic experiences like early mornings at Shipley’s Donuts and late nights in Whataburger parking lots. In Austin, she found a new chapter of creativity, inspired by the city’s music, art, and food scenes. These memories

“Top Notch Burgers” Acrylic on wood 42 x 42 inches 2025 “Enchanted Rock” Acrylic on wood 36 x 36 inches 2025

form the backbone of her work, offering a glimpse into how personal histories intertwine with the collective narrative of a place.

For Moore, preserving Texas history is about more than nostalgia. Her paintings bridge the gap between realism and memory, blending the physical and emotional landscapes of her home state. Moore draws inspiration from legendary cinematographers like John Alcott and Wes Anderson, transforming Texas landmarks into cinematic moments, and urging viewers to look beyond the surface.

The absence of human figures in her paintings allows the landscapes themselves to tell their stories, evoking a sense of solitude and timelessness. From the roadside Buc-ee’s sign to the endless Texas skies, these images invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the places they call home and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

As Texas evolves, exhibitions like “Home State” serve as vital reminders to honor and protect its rich heritage. Moore’s work ensures these places and their stories endure, celebrating the profound impact of Texas—its cities, skies, and roads—on both personal and collective identity.

See this exhibition at Dimmitt Contemporary on March 1 - 29, 2025. Visit dimmittcontemporaryart.com for more information.

63

ACCENTS PROFILE

MAKING A CASE FOR ADAPTIVE RE-USE

WRITTEN BY CANAN YETMAN

In this intimate portrait of Paul Clayton and his firm, Clayton Korte, we examine an approach to preservation of balancing past, present, and future.

Above, Paul Clayton of Clayton Korte. Right, Stable Hall, a music venue in San Antonio.

64

Not a preservationist in the technical sense, Clayton is a quiet compromiser, driven by a unique combination of pro-development and pro-reuse that keeps the focus on retaining the qualities and character of place. He articulates this as a sense of responsibility to not mess up what makes a place memorable. But it’s a slippery slope that, as any long-term Austinite will attest, can quickly be overtaken by the pressures of financial and commercial interests.

“I worry that all of the things that people love about Austin are slowly disappearing,” Clayton says. “The parts of Austin’s identity that made it what it is are important and deserve real attention.” Walking this tightrope successfully has become a specialty of sorts, affording opportunities to work with likeminded developers and clients, and helping to fuel the firm’s expanding body of work throughout Central Texas.

The authentic response sometimes requires having the confidence to allow the design to recede and make a quiet contribution to the established conditions. In Fredericksburg, a town beloved for its historic character, Clayton Korte recently completed the Albert Hotel, bringing an urbane hospitality option to extend stays in the beloved day-trip destination. Along

STABLE HALL: KORTA PHOTOGRAPHY. FACING PAGE: SOUTHERLEIGH: NICK SIMONITE; KINGSBURY COMMONS: CASEY DUNN.

For the architects at Clayton Korte, context is everything. The firm’s work is known for being deeply rooted in place, drawing from and integrating with its surroundings and using existing assets as jumping off points for design. And while the firm has projects outside of Texas, for principal Paul Clayton, it’s the context of Central Texas and its layers of history, heritage, and culture that provides his favorite canvas for the firm’s deeply rooted, authentic, and fundamentally honest work. The unwavering commitment to context informs every step in seeking a common-ground architectural response that’s appropriate and respectful as well as design-centered and experiential.

A native Texan, Clayton has worked in Austin for over two decades and cut his teeth on the adaptive re-use of the city’s historic fabric, laying the groundwork for the firm’s commitment to pursue work that serves the community and the stories that inform our sense of place. When the Austin-based firm expanded in 2015, it was to open a San Antonio office rather than a Houston or Dallas branch, drawn in part by the opportunities presented to continue that work within the Alamo City’s unique historical building stock.

THE AUTHENTIC RESPONSE SOMETIMES REQUIRES HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO ALLOW THE DESIGN TO RECEDE AND MAKE A QUIET CONTRIBUTION TO THE ESTABLISHED CONDITIONS.

Top, the main dining room at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery in San Antonio. Bottom, Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park.

the historic Main Street frontage, the hotel appears as an interpretive new construction that mirrors the existing stores, coffee shops and restaurants in scale and materiality. The entry leads to the hotel proper, which makes a right turn and runs the length of the block behind the established Main Street frontage.

The project unifies the historic homestead of prominent Fredericksburg architect and preservationist Frederick Keidel and integrates three turn-of-the century structures with modern aesthetics and amenities, striking a sophisticated balance between old and new. The project sets the tone for future development in the town and thereby provides a responsible and charming role model for the projects that will inevitably follow.

Clayton says that essential to retaining the authentic connection to the past is knowing which elements convey the character of a place and keeping them off the chopping block during the design process. “We talk a lot about the importance of very specific materials, and where to cut costs and where not to,” he adds.

That attention to particulars informs Clayton Korte’s work at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, which helped turn the former complex of industrial buildings into a thriving urban destination. The firm has completed more than ten projects at Pearl, beginning with Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery. That project turned the former brewhouse into a modern eatery that celebrates the narrative of its past by keeping and adapting vestiges of its industrial history in the curated design mix, peeling plaster and all. That strategy of letting the old interact with the new does the heavy lifting of protecting heritage while the architectural re-set helps these memory-filled places endure well into the future.

In a way, Clayton’s is a quintessential Texan approach to architecture: scrappy and resilient, making do and reusing things as was necessary in the hardscrabble lore of the state’s past. Even in the now-glitzy context of downtown Austin, that ingrained ethos drives the conversation.

Currently, the firm is working with a developer to look at the long neglected stretch of historically significant buildings along east

Sixth Street. The group of 29 diverse late 19th and early 20th century structures were a vital part of the city’s downtown economy, housing stores, hotels, and saloons before morphing into the city’s famed live music entertainment district. The entire stretch is part of the Historic Sixth Street District on the National Register of Historic Places while many individual buildings are recognized city and state historic landmarks, making it a minefield of competing but equally weighted interests.

In keeping with the mindset to safeguard and advance what’s valuable and understanding the realities of finance and planning, Clayton is advocating for a mindful approach that preserves the buildings’ character, both architecturally and functionally. To be successful, the re-use must address the city’s desire for density as well as commercial interests while respecting not just the architectural fabric but the precious and unique cultural one, as well. It’s a monumental task that, in Clayton’s vision, will both preserve and transform an essential remnant of the downtown fabric.

65

Are you one of Austin’s Best Interior Designers?

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

Nomination deadline: May 23, 2025 66

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

We invite you to nominate your favorite firm or your own, and to share the opportunity with colleagues and collaborators. Designers who do residential work in Austin or a surrounding county are eligible.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ISTOCK BY ANYABABII

CALL FOR ENTRIES Best Interior Designers

PHOTO BY CASEY DUNN

PRESERVATION AUSTIN

KWELLER RESIDENCE

PAGE 68

PAGE 76

MAIDEN HOUSE PAGE 82

MAUFRAIS RESIDENCE PAGE 92

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS FINALISTS

BEST BUILDERS PAGE 102

PAGE 98

FEATURES

Liz MacPhail Interiors and FORRM Architects team up to create the perfect yin-yang bungalow revival.

ROBERT GOMEZ

PRESERVING AUSTIN’S SOUL

Beyond historic brick and mortar, Preservation Austin is saving the culture and character our city must hold onto in order to move forward.

WRITTEN BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK PHOTOGRAPHY OF MCFARLAND-MCBEE HOUSE ROBERT GOMEZ

McFarland-McBee House ARCHITECTURE HUTSON GALLAGHER LANDSCAPE DESIGN DAVID WILSON GARDEN DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN JS DWELLINGS COLOR + FINISH SELECTION PLUCK ARCHITECTURE

FEATURES PRESERVATION AUSTIN

When folks think of historic preservation, they typically picture buildings being saved. While, yes, they are the medium, they are the means to an end. Preserving the communities, memories, cultures, and stories that have shaped our city— these are the things most important to keep in tact and celebrate as we grow.

Here in Austin, the rapid evolution of our city has put both its historic structures and marginalized communities under constant threat, but Preservation Austin is fighting to protect them. In this interview, Executive Director Lindsey Derrington shares insights on advocacy, equity in preservation, and the stories behind this year’s Homes Tour, showcasing Austin’s enduring historic treasures.

KZB: Tell us a bit of your background, and how you landed at Preservation Austin.

LD: I’m from Saint Louis, a big, old city with incredible architecture that’s been ravaged by postwar policies supporting suburbs at the expense of urban neighborhoods. Those are good conditions for a romantic kid interested in cities to get involved in preservation! And to speak up for vulnerable historic places desperately in need of an advocate. My career spans Saint Louis and Austin, with grad school in New Orleans in between. I’ve been with Preservation Austin for nearly a decade and became Executive Director in 2019. Austin is changing so quickly but there’s this sense of optimism that we can build the city we want to live in – it’s our job to make sure preservation is a valued part of that discussion.

Austin is changing rapidly. How would you describe the state of historic structures in the city amid all of this growth?

Austinites have deep affection for historic places like Barton Springs Pool, Cisco’s, and the Austin Motel, which are huge parts of our identity. The city’s energy and collaborative spirit are big advantages, too, as we build a more progressive, generationally and culturally diverse preservation movement. But we’re also playing catch-up. Austin spent decades designating hundreds of individual landmarks, mostly in West Austin, at the expense of whole neighborhoods or the legacies of people of color. Until recently the city’s Historic

70

The pro bono team collaborating on the restoration of the McFarlandMcBee House: Chris and Tracy Hirschman Hutson of Hutson Gallagher (Architecture), Jackie Streusand of JS Dwellings (Interior Design), and David Wilson of David Wilson Garden Design (Landscape Design). Note pictured is Pluck Architecture, who assisted with color and finish selection.

“THE CITY’S ENERGY AND COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT ARE BIG ADVANTAGES, AS WE BUILD A MORE GENERATIONALLY AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE PRESERVATION MOVEMENT.” LINDSEY DERRINGTON

Preservation Office and Preservation Austin had just a handful of staff between them – that’s just not enough! Our community loves to mourn change so it's a big mental shift to get Austinites invested in preserving culture and architecture in a way that’s positive and forward-looking.

Sadly, it’s hard to save every historic building. How do you decide which ones to put your horse power behind?

This year our advocacy priorities include Underrepresented Heritage, Legacy Businesses, and big-picture preservation policies. We’re a small nonprofit, with just four full-time staff, and have to build enthusiasm through programming while also supporting historic property owners and doing a ton of advocacy.

So we have to use our limited resources wisely and be proactive. While we can’t save every building, we can say yes to fighting for Mexican American heritage, for example, or an iconic business that represents our city’s culture, or policies that will have the greatest impact on the greatest number of buildings.

71

72

1701 San Gabriel RESTORATION SIDE ANGLE SIDE PHOTOGRAPHY CLAY GRIER

Designed by prolific Austin architect Edwin C. Kreisle in 1927, this recently restored home is a stylish beacon of the historic Judge’s Hill neighborhood. Built for Judge Ireland Graves, one of the many notable justices residing in the area during the early 20th century, the home’s design is a refined, brick-clad example of the Colonial Revival style.

In 2023, the residence was purchased by a film industry couple who worked with architecture firm Side Angle Side to lushly transform the home’s interiors and lovingly preserve its pristine exterior.

The refinished attic, now a screening room for the movieminded family, represents one of many creative opportunities for contemporary living in a century-old structure.

There is an enormous need to build dense affordable housing in Austin, which sometimes is at tension with preservation.

How do you approach this issue?

St. as a city of Austin landmark, saving the building from demolition. Tell us about the building and how you accomplished this incredible victory.

Austin loses more than 500 older, smaller, more affordable single-family homes to demolition each year. Right now it’s easier to demolish than to preserve, so we have to create new opportunities for folks to incorporate historic homes into new, more sustainable developments or we’re never going to see this paradigm shift.

Recently we worked with Austin’s City Council on a Preservation Bonus to incentivize preserving historic-aged homes as part of multi-unit projects, and also a resolution to make it easier to relocate houses within city limits that would otherwise be headed for the landfill.

We’re thankful for City Council’s extraordinary leadership; this may be the first time that any Council has protected an East Austin landmark in this way. The Eisenbeiser Building is a great two-story, vernacular commercial structure that shares an intersection with the Southgate Lewis House and the I. Q. Hurdle House, both landmarks of Black history. Its big lot is primed for mixed-used development that could easily incorporate preservation. The building fell prey to a Dallas developer buying up dozens of historic 12th Street properties only to let them fall to pieces. Now that the Eisenbeiser Building is protected we hope to work with the owner to access historic tax credits, grant funding, and more to invest in this important historic place.

Thanks to you and your team, City Council voted in December to designate 1500 E. 12

What did you learn from the experience?

You need to rally community partners, talk to folks with opposing views, and present your case to elected officials, office by office. You also need to choose your battles and believe in the work.

We fought for this building because of its obvious history and potential for reinvestment, and that conviction carried the day. Our vice president JuanRaymon Rubio was a leader in this grassroots effort, and his incredible testimony tipped the scales for City Council’s vote. He passed away just a few days later, very unexpectedly. This victory is really a testament to his advocacy.

You’ve had other big wins this year: having the “Equity-Based Preservation Plan” approved by City Council, launching the renovation of your new headquarters at the McFarland-McBee House. Tell us about these and other accomplishments this year.

73

FEATURES PRESERVATION AUSTIN

5102 Ridge Oak RESTORATION MODERN DESIGN BUILD PHOTOGRAPHY MODERNDB.COM

The Fehr House, built in 1949 by renowned Austin architect Arthur Fehr, exemplifies midcentury modernism. A UT architecture graduate, Fehr’s career included Depressionera restoration work, park designs for the National Park Service, and a partnership with Charles Granger.

Inspired by the Bauhaus, Fehr’s designs emphasized functional, economical construction using local materials. Fehr and his wife, Mary Jane, lived here until his death in 1969. The current owners, who acquired the home in 2010, have carefully preserved its character. Their sensitive updates maintain Fehr’s vision, blending historic charm with thoughtful renewal.

We’ve been big supporters of the Equity-Based Preservation Plan’s inclusive vision for the city’s preservation programs. Now we get to hunker down and advocate for its 107 recommendations! In the meantime, Preservation Austin is finishing work on our new office at the McFarland-McBee House. We saved this Streamline Moderne home from demolition in 2014 and spent the last year on critical repairs. This will be Preservation Austin’s first real, permanent home since 1978, with space for our growing staff and programming. This is a game-changing project for our nonprofit, and for Austin’s preservation community as a whole.

74

What are your goals as an organization for 2025?

We have a lot of work ahead of us, including finishing our current $3.2 million capital campaign. We’ll be adding a new full-time staff person, which is exciting, and offering new programming like lectures, workshops, and tours while expanding our capacity for advocacy. We’re also working to raise awareness for our mission; we have to earn it, but I want Preservation Austin to be a household name.

One of the best ways for people to learn about your efforts and the importance of

908 Bluebonnet RESTORATION DICK CLARK + ASSOCIATES, JOSH SPECK CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY JAKE HOLT

The Bluebonnet House, a 1955 ranch-style home in South Lund Park designed by Leonard Lundgren, has been thoughtfully restored to its midcentury roots.

Best known for his cylindrical Holiday Inn on Lady Bird Lake, Lundgren’s designs emphasized natural connections and open plans. Owners Nick and Brianna Adams purchased the home two years ago, uncovering its potential beneath a 1981 remodel. With Lundgren’s original blueprints, architects Dick Clark + Associates and Josh Speck Construction restored key features, refurbished limestone walls, and reimagined the rear wall using Lundgren’s alternate 1955 glazing pattern. The result seamlessly blends past and present, honoring its historic charm.

historic structures here is through your annual house tour. Tell us about the tour and what attendees can expect to experience.

Yes! This year’s Homes Tour takes place the weekend of April 26 - 27 and showcases ten stunning historic homes citywide. Our event blends design, history, and culture in a way that is really unique. You’ll get to see beautiful spaces but also learn the stories behind these homes, from their architectural influences to the people who built them. Homes represent different styles and diverse cultures, and also different kinds of stewardship – some homeowners have grown with their historic homes for decades, and some have completed more recent renovations working with Austin’s best designers. It’s so much fun.

75

PHOTO:

MAIDEN TO LAST

Just north of the University of Texas at Austin campus, a 1920’s bungalow graduates into a 21st century masterpiece of restoration.

WRITTEN BY DEVEN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY DUNN

The Maiden House INTERIOR DESIGN LIZ MACPHAIL INTERIORS ARCHITECTURE FORRM ARCHITECTS

77

FEATURE THE MAIDEN HOUSE

Liz MacPhail of Liz MacPhail Interiors is not your typical renovator. “I would choke if somebody called it a flip,” MacPhail emphatically says. To her, a “flip” means a quick fix to make a buck. She doesn’t round up listings and have them aesthetically slaughtered by landlord-white paint and cheap vinyl flooring. As a designer, MacPhail works with her clients’ properties to bring their old-school elegance into the modern day without sacrificing their delicious detailing.

On the other end of the spectrum is Josh Mackley, co-founder of FORRM Architects. His architectural minimalism allows geometry to take center stage. MacPhail brought Mackley on to collaborate on the restoration of a historic bungalow close to campus, precisely because his style contrasts MacPhail’s. She wished for there to be complete distinction between the addition and the original home.

78

THE MAIDEN HOUSE IS A MASTER CLASS IN PRESERVATION THAT CELEBRATES THE OLD AND DOESN’T FAKE THE NEW.

Together, these two came together to save the historic “Maiden House,” so dubbed

by MacPhail after the street it backs up to.

MacPhail secured an investor who wanted to back their efforts while not getting in the way, and she and Mackley got to work. Their vision was to breathe new life into the original bungalow and blend it into a modern addition, maintaining a clear visual distinction between the two. Their conversations, collaboration, and, yes, an arm wrestling match (MacPhail was victorious) led to both embracing the other’s way of designing to give Maiden House the freshest breath of life.

From the outside, the bungalow’s facade simply looks refurbished, maintaining the character of the street. At the same time, the addition sings in its own right; as you walk around the property, the soft green wood siding transitions into a grey stucco modernist

79

PHOTO:

The modern addition by FORRM towards the back of the house creates a clean contrast to the immaculately preserved and revived historic front

volume. The horizontal parameters of the original home continue along the property’s dip in elevation, allowing a level to be added to the home without going past the original height. The two parts of the home, old and new, are distinct, but neither overtakes the other.

Inside, the historic portion of the house embraces the traditional room segmentation MacPhail lauds. She generally advocates against hollowing out houses to have open concepts and instead pushes for a return to delineated floor plans. “I’m super anti-open-space.” Liz proudly states. “Individual rooms with clear purposes are healthy for families, and I think it makes for a more beautiful design.” The living room and dining room are given dignified quarters and two bedrooms.

The primary suite in Mackley’s addition features a generous ensuite bathroom. Its minimalist beauty is further enhanced by the skylight that envelops the bath with dappled rays of sun, giving the addition an equal portion of charm despite its age – or lack thereof. In fact, during the 2023 partial eclipse, hundreds of half-moon shadows filled the bathroom walls.

The two volumes of the house reach consensus in the kitchen, as so many families do. “We wanted to treat the addition and where the two interlock so that it was more of a sculptural play,” explains Mackley. He illustrates how they fused the two sides in a way that didn’t provide a precise moment of transition. The kitchen merely splits the difference and, in doing so, allows the original kitchen to retain most of its beauty.

By saving the original hutches and one window on MacPhail’s side of their shared “non-negotiables” list, the kitchen’s historic grace remains intact. To introduce the start of the addition, subtle details help the eye process the change. Where the two floors meet, the original hardwood runs perpindicular to the hardwood on the new side. Opposite the smaller original kitchen window, a new, grand corner window compliments it.

The work done by MacPhail and Mackley emphasizes that by finding a balance between preservation and modernity, beauty can emerge.

Far from a flip for a profit, these two prove that investing in our history will only enrich our present day.

81

THE KWELLERS BRING HEART TO THE HILLS One of Austin’s most beloved creative duos makes a historic compound sing in Dripping Springs.

WRITTEN BY NICOLE HADDAD

PHOTO:

PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT GOMEZ

PHOTO:

The entryway (left) and living room (above) of the Kweller’s main home at Heart Springs, one of four structures on-site.

As I drove up the winding, tree-laden roads of Texas Hill Country towards Dripping Springs, I was struck by the tranquility emanating from the cedar- and oak-framed landscape.

A burgeoning hub for artists and creatives, the vibrant community now includes multitalented musician and founder of The Noise Company, Ben Kweller, his wife Liz, and their family—whom I was en-route to meet.

I pulled up in front of a charming 19th-century carriage house the couple transformed into Liz’s art studio—she has a background in fine arts and small metals. After pausing to admire its refreshed character, I continued on to the welcoming, wrap-around porch of a house steeped in history. Few possess the ability to look past a structure bearing the weight of age and neglect to see the promise of a home within its weathered walls. But as Ben and Liz came out to greet me with a warmth innate to persons unburdened by inauthenticity, I began to understand why these two adventurous co-conspirators chose to painstakingly restore and preserve what later proved to be architectural time capsules.

Walking into the entry hallway—decked out in an attractive olive green wainscotting paired with a vintage Persian rug—the air hums with the unmistakable feel of a home that feels lived in, happy. Ben had just announced a new tour and was working on social media plans, but they cheerfully set aside their work to recount the history of the house and the three additional, previously derelict structures that define their 30-acre property—now aptly named Heart Springs Ranch. “We first started looking into buying something as a cool creative retreat” says Ben. “We didn’t necessarily know if we’d live there.”

The couple toured the property a year before purchasing it in 2015; the sheer amount of work it required was overwhelming. A barnlike structure on the property looked like a teardown and an abandoned 1940’s cottage— once home to sculptor Charles Umlauf before it was relocated in the 90’s—was lime green and had all its windows boarded up. But the Kwellers prevailed—the latter is now a modernized Airbnb rental dubbed the Happy House.

85

FEATURES KWELLER RESIDENCE

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AT A CERTAIN ECHELON TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT’S WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, AND REAL. I THINK THAT’S THE HEART SPRINGS VIBE.” LIZ KWELLER

By 2018, the couple and their sons, Dorian Zev and Judah, were living in Dripping Springs permanently—and they’d uncovered some fascinating historical gems. Not only was the 1886 dwelling rumored to have been built by the first Treasurer of Texas, but its original location was miles away on West 6th Street in Austin.

Its journey to Hill Country took place when a previous owner—now a close friend—spotted a vacant lot bearing a lone Victorian house, convinced the developer to sell it to him for $10,000, and then promptly cut the house in half, shaved the roof down, and moved the house in two sections to Dripping Springs—all within days. “He’s one of the ‘get er done’ types of Texans,” laughs Ben.

86

A trippy view of the Kweller’s staircase from the top floor (above). Twin beds are a landing spot for friends coming in from the city to crash at the Kweller’s (below). Liz and Ben Kweller at their kitchen island (opposite).

FEATURES KWELLER RESIDENCE

The 19th-century carriage house that the Kwellers transformed into Liz’s art studio (above and right).

While plumbing, electricity, bathrooms, a second story, and a partly-covered stone façade were added before Ben and Liz acquired it, the couple spent years finding craftsmen skilled in historic preservation to transform it into a home that radiates the warmth they embody.

Decorative elements, including the more recent dentil moldings, were preserved and repainted, and the original doors and windows were restored. Liz even salvaged an old stove that once served as a heat source, fixed the pump house, and installed a whole-house rainwater collection system. A remnant from a youth

88

spent on a historic property, Liz is adamant about fixing rather than replacing. “She loves things with soul,” says Ben. Remarkably, the home’s entry hallway delineates where it was split in half—with a chainsaw! On its left, a staircase lined with family photos leads up to an expansive floor with vaulted ceilings, an office nook, and two beds that enhance the loft-like feel. “When we first got the place, we’d have friends come out, and they wouldn’t want to drive back. We started collecting beds so people would just stay the night,” explains Ben—evidence of the

89

Ben’s recording studio, NoiseCo Studio, lives in a converted barn from the 1800’s that is a quarter of what was once the Missouri Pacific Railroad station.

couple’s convivial nature. Off to the side, a chic, main suite outfitted with Liz Lambert bedding offers privacy.

To the right of the hallway, original wood floors anchor an inviting entertaining space where an open-concept kitchen and dining area flow into the living room. In the latter, Liz painted the walls in a soft, subtle pink hue that comes alive in natural light, beautifully contrasting with the crisp white moldings and powdery-blue ceiling. The duo also installed a fireplace and flue, upping the coziness factor.

The furniture throughout is a mix of heirloom pieces inherited from Liz’s grandparents, vintage finds, and Facebook Marketplace discoveries. “It doesn’t matter where something is from,” says Liz. “If it feels special to you, it all comes together in this magical, authentic way.” Portraits of Liz’s family members, along with a black-and-white photograph of the tree farm she lived on as a kid, complemented by an antique secretary and white plush sofas, create a warm, livable elegance. The kitchen’s farmhouse vibe, presented in an enchanting palette of blues and white, is equally welcoming.

Twin built-in bookcases that stretch nearly to the ceiling and flank the entrance to the living room, host an enviable collection of records, books, and objets d’art.

To the left of the entry hallway, lie the sons’ rooms—each a reflection of their personalities.

Skateboards, guitars, books, and even a graffiticovered piano showcase lives rich with nurtured artistic pursuits. After one of the couple’s sons, musician Dorian Zev, passed away in a tragic accident in 2023, the couple reassessed and re-centered, letting their creative endeavors and the restoration process mirror their healing.

“Dorian always made art—and he put that first. He was such a creator. It made me realize, I just need to be making art,” explains Ben. A barn, rebuilt on the property with beams salvaged from the Missouri Pacific Railroad Station—was converted into a world-class recording studio and The Noise Company’s headquarters, as featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Austin Home. It was previously destined for a totally different location, but that all changed. “The barn happened in this weird, organic Heart Springs way—we let it flow,” says Ben. “And it all turned out exactly the way it should,” adds Liz. “You don’t have to be at a certain echelon to create something that’s wonderful, beautiful, and real. I think that’s the Heart Springs vibe.”

91

PHOTO:

ECHOING HISTORY IN AUSTIN’S OLDEST NEIGHBORHOOD

A cavernous open-concept living room, crisp wideplank flooring, and streamlined modern aesthetic are an unexpected surprise in this Clarksville preservation.

WRITTEN BY LAUREN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY DUNN

FEATURES MAUFRAIS RESIDENCE

The house on Maufrais Street appears like many of its neighbors, its cottage facade and gabled rooflines a quiet complement to its treelined lot. And like many homes in Clarksville, its modern addition is a thoughtful extension, equally as elegant and subtle as the historic structure it adjoins. When homeowners Sarah and Justin Thomas purchased it, it wasn’t so much the original home, a compact and wellmaintained 1941 bungalow, that intrigued them but the neighborhood, “moments away from downtown,” with a secluded, small-town feel.

The couple, who moved from a condo on West Lynn Street, spent eight years searching for their dream home in a specific portion of Clarksville, between West Lynn and Blanco and

Maufrais Residence ARCHITECTURE ANDREW LOGAN INTERIOR DESIGN SARA CUKERBAUM

94

9th and 12th Streets. “During Covid, we got wind of this off-market home for sale,” Sarah recalls. The idyllic street was a place they could imagine their kids, now aged 10 and 12, having free rein. “Sarah and I both grew up in the suburbs, and I wanted my kids to have that run of the neighborhood,” Justin adds. Plus, the couple longed for outdoor space, a first as they’d spent their adult years as apartment dwellers.

They enlisted architect Andrew Logan and interior designer Sara Cukerbaum to reimagine and add on to the home while preserving elements of its historic charm and character.

Due to its status as a contributing piece of historic architecture, they “worked closely with the neighborhood and Historic Landmark

Commission (HLC) to ensure the cottage remained the dominant feature,” Logan explains. For the Thomases, it was essential that the addition blend seamlessly with the original structure while reflecting their modern sensibilities.

Nearly 600 square feet of the cottage was carefully preserved, retaining its gables, trim work, and porch. The addition, seen in the south and rear of the lot, required removing a nonessential 1960’s structure before constructing a new glassand-wood-clad volume. The addition’s roofline and slope were meticulously designed to mirror that of the cottage and “talk to the rest of the street,” while adhering to HLC’s strict guidelines.

“We’ve done other historic preservation projects, but this taught me so much about navigating the

FEATURES MAUFRAIS RESIDENCE

requirements while creating something fresh and functional,” Logan says.

Site challenges further shaped the design, including a stormwater easement and numerous protected trees in the front yard. “It’s always more challenging in construction to work around existing elements, tying in the two foundations and making them cohesive,” he adds. Despite these hurdles, the final result is a home that feels cohesive and intentional, preserving its historic charm while catering to the needs of a modern family.

To maintain historic integrity, all new construction started below grade, reducing visual impact from the streetscape. Accoya wood siding from Delta Millworks, which the couple “first fell in love with,” served as the inspiration for the palette, Cukerbaum notes.

Rustic ebony-stained cladding, seen on the patio and soffits, provides a grounding touch of black, while inside, the design pairs clean lines with natural textures, something she is known for in her residential works.

“We wanted a modern interior that didn’t feel cold,” Justin shares. “Sara was like a design mediator—she pushed us to try new things while keeping us grounded in what felt authentic.”

While he leans contemporary, she leans more transitional. The result? A home that perfectly walks the line between the two styles.

Standout materials include white oak cabinetry, quartz countertops, terrazzo floors in the primary suite, and blue Ceppo marble surrounding the fireplace, “a palette that felt natural and inviting but still allowed the family to leave their mark,” says the designer. These touches, combined with thoughtful furnishings, make the space feel livable and personal.

In the living room, grand 12-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, a feature only revealed once you walk inside. A bespoke coffee table and vintage accents lend soul to the otherwise minimalist design, while a light blue rug is both family- and dog-friendly. “This house will see a lot of love, traffic, and special moments,” Sarah remarks.

The outdoor spaces were designed with equal care, featuring a pool, lawn, and areas for barbecuing and relaxing—a dream come true for the family.

For Sarah and Justin, the house on Maufrais Street is more than a home; it’s a testament to their journey and vision. “This house is where our family can grow,” Sarah says. “It’s everything we’ve ever wanted— historic charm, modern comforts, and a neighborhood that feels like home.”

Designing with HLC guidelines was a challenge, but both Logan and Cukerbaum believe this residence serves as an excellent example of collaboration and defines what successful historic preservation can be. Thoughtful design should honor the past while embracing the future and balancing tradition while highlighting functionality and forward-thinking.

“WE’VE DONE OTHER HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECTS, BUT THIS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT NAVIGATING THE REQUIREMENTS WHILE CREATING SOMETHING FRESH AND FUNCTIONAL.” ANDREW LOGAN

97

THE 2025

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS We are so pleased to announce this year’s list of finalists for the 2025 Home & Design Awards, our annual showcase of the best of the best in Austin design. Winners will be announced on March 27, 2025 at our completely re-imagined Awards Ceremony

ESSENTIALS

Children’s Bedroom South Lamar Cleo’s Room | Skelly Build Austin Salt Box | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design Imagination in Bloom | Mohon Interiors Whimsical Bunk Room | Tribe Design Group Custom Cabinetry Driven by Design | Savanna Paige Rollingwood New Build | Shannon Eddings Interiors Travis Country Remodel | Audrey Scheck Design Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture Deck/Patio/Porch/Outdoor Kitchen The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects Transformative Patio Retreat | David Wilkes Builders Venado Residence | Mosier Luxury Homes Highland Park | Blueberry Jones Design Dining Room Seaholm Penthouse | Urbanspace Interiors Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co Avery Ranch Furnishing | Audrey Scheck Design Dining in Tarrytown | slic Design

Poeta by Kim Lewis Designs

Fireplace

Finalist for Best Restaurant

Venado Grand Fireplace | Mosier Luxury Homes Rivercrest Fireplace | Ashley Ferguson Interiors Oakhaven Fireplace | Davey McEathron Architecture Northwest Hills Remodel | Laura Burton Interiors

ACCENTS

Custom Furniture DeVerne St Dining Table | MK Workshop The Kindle Credenza | Growler Domestics The Curvy Banquette | Liz MacPhail Interiors Peercium Game Table | Austin Waldo Event Space Colton House | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Flooring and Countertops Westlake Remodel | Audrey Scheck Design Furniture Four Hands MK Objects by MK Workshop Restaurant Underdog | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Poeta Restaurant | Kim Lewis Designs Junction Prime | Liz MacPhail Interiors LeRoy and Lewis | OPA Design Studio Retail Interior Design

Full Bath The Estates | Cedar & Oak Normandy Bathroom | Davey McEathron Architecture Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture Kid-Centric Retreat | CG&S Design-Build Kitchen The Estates Kitchen | Cedar & Oak Sightline Residence | North Arrow Studio A Culinary Dream | David Wilkes Builders Lilac Marble Kitchen | Matthew Tsang Library/Study/Home Office Haskell | Murray Legge Architecture 6G Penthouse Lounge | Ashby Collective Seaholm Penthouse | Urbanspace Interiors Penthouse Home Office | David Wilkes Builders Living Room/Great Room Sinclair II | Cedar & Oak Driven by Design | Savanna Paige Laceback Terrace | Kelle Contine Interior Design Historic Charm | Mohon Interiors

Tecovas | Hsu Office of Architecture Underdog Wine Shop | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Urban Betty Round Rock | Lilianne Steckel Interior Design Zephyr South Lamar Sales Office | Kim Lewis Designs Textiles Austin Salt Box | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design SUPPLY Showroom Garden House Project | Audrey Scheck Design Vintage Almirante Cove | Ashley Ferguson Interiors Avana Second Story | Audrey Scheck Design

99

HOME & DESIGN AWARDS

ESSENTIALS, CONTINUED

Millwork 44 East Avenue Condo | Urbanspace Interiors White Oak Penthouse | David Wilkes Builders East Austin Remodel | Audrey Scheck Design The Proper Built-In Wall Cabinet | Ashby Collective Powder Room Bath The Art of Ornamentation | M. Elliott Studio Hillside Hideaway | Britt Design Group Bell Mountain | Bespoke Design Co. Barton Creek Residence | Curated Studio Primary Suite The Estates Primary Suite | Cedar & Oak Great Hills | Etch Design Group Barton Hills Residence | Tribe Design Group Wooldridge Dr. Design | JS Dwellings Residential Landscape Design California Casa | Jauregui Architect Inner City Oasis | Mathis Landscape Design Northwest Hills 2.0 | Robert Leeper Landscapes

Curvy Banquette by Liz MacPhail Finalist for Best Custom Furniture

Residential Swimming Pool or Water Feature The Ridge | Brian Dillard Architecture Specialty Room (Gym, Music, Billiards, Crafts, Etc.) Normandy Hammock Room | Davey McEathron Architecture A Morning Sanctuary | David Wilkes Builders Sinclair II Pantry | Cedar & Oak Make+House | Hush House Use of a Collection, Antiques, or Art Casa Alegre | Kim Lewis Designs Rivercrest Split-Level | Ashley Ferguson Interiors Avana Second Story | Audrey Scheck Design Homage to Alexandra Valenti | Liz MacPhail Interiors Use of Color Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co Musée Monet | Younger Homes Artists’ Residence | Page Paul Architecture Castlewood | Jordyn Garcia Studio Wall Treatment Oakhaven Raked Plaster | Davey McEathron Architecture Hye Organic Wall Treatment | Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design Organic Luxe Retreat | ATX Interior Tarryhollow Guest Bath | Chu Interiors Wine Room/Bar Annie Bar | Davey McEathron Architecture Post Road Cocktail Lounge | Scheer & Co Hilltop Haven | Lauren Allyn Interiors Northwest Hills Remodel | Laura Burton Interiors

EXPERIENTIAL Climate Conscious

The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects

Kinney Avenue | Barley Pfeiffer Architecture Lake Belton | Murray Legge Architecture Central City Elegance | Barley Pfeiffer Architecture Community-Oriented CFV x ICON Prototype Homes | THOUGHTBARN Parkside at Mueller | Kim Lewis Designs Mishpocha Woods Compound | LOWDO The Austonian Refresh | Cinda Brown Interiors Flexible Living Driven by Design | Savanna Paige Inside Out | Open Envelope Studio Indoor/Outdoor Relationship Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture Seamless Harmony | David Wilkes Builders Westlake Residence | Workshop No. 5 Harmonizing Home and Nature | Mohon Interiors Site Work Perching Pergola | Open Envelope Studio Independent Sprinkler Site Prep | Skelly Build Use of Daylight/Fenestration Vaulted House | Matt Fajkus Architecture South 2nd | Murray Legge Architecture Ave H Residence | Page Paul Architecture Lightwell | Open Envelope Studio View The Ridge | Brian Dillard Architecture Westlake Residence | Workshop No. 5 Skyline Condo | O’Hara Interiors Waterfront The Roost | Furman + Keil Architects

100

WHOLE HOME

ADU (Casita/Garage Apartment) Travis Heights Guest House | Charles Melanson Architect Verano Artist Studio ADU | Nolan+Bell Design Studio Henri | Murray Legge Architecture Writer’s Retreat | McKinney York Architects Apartment/Loft/Condo The Art of Elevation | David Wilkes Builders 44 East Condo | Urbanspace Interiors Seaholm Residence | Matthew Tsang Gaines Court | Aidan Lane Designs Architecture East Austin Triangle House | Studio Oriell City Park Residence | Alterstudio Connector House | Chioco Design Maufrais Residence | Logan Architecture Historical Renovation (50 Years and Older) The Maiden House | Liz MacPhail Interiors Brackenridge Bungalow | Stouse Design Travis Heights Historic Home | Hsu Office of Architecture Davis-Sibley House | Chu Interiors Home in the Hill Country Lean On Me House | North Arrow Studio Driftwood Residence | ALIGN Architects Casa Alegre | Kim Lewis Designs American Farmhouse | Danze & Davis Interior Design The Perry Lane House | Lindsey Hanna Design Laceback Terrace | Kelle Contine Interior Design Old Enfield Historical Home | Chu Interiors

Travis Heights Guest House by Charles Melanson Architects

Kassarine Pass | Ruby Cloutier

Finalist for Best ADU

Remodel Tarryhollow | Chu Interiors OFFbeat | NICK DEAVER JES DEAVER Architecture Cherico | Charles Melanson Architect Lone Oak | Etch Design Group

TOP AWARDS

General Excellence | Architecture Alterstudio Architecture A Parallel Architecture North Arrow Studio Ryan Street Architects General Excellence | Best Builder The Escobedo Group Gossett & Co Joseph Design Build Skelly Build General Excellence | Interior Design Cedar & Oak Lindsey Hanna Design Audrey Scheck Design Cravotta Interiors Rising Star Award | Less than 5 years Tête-à-tête Savanna Paige Studio Celeste BB Design

101

IMAGE COURTESY OF ISTOCK BY JARNBEER19

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

102

BEST BUILDERS

We polled homeowners and industry pros to create the list of the top builders in the Austin area.

Abode Modern Homes info@abodemodernhomes.com abodemodernhomes.com 512-401-3030

Juneberry Homes tom@juneberryhomes.com juneberryhomes.com 512-553-8177

Render ATX

Arrowhead Construction info@arrowhdtx.com arrowhdtx.com 512-994-4148

Kirby Walls Custom Builders info@kirbywalls.com kirbywalls.com 512-466-5774

Risher Martin Fine Homes

Atlas Custom Homes contact@atlashomesatx.com atlashomesatx.com 832-459-5730

Koch McIntyre Construction jon@kochbuild.com matt@kochbuild.com km.build 512-743-6767 (Jon) 512-653-2252 (Matt)

Shiloh Homes

Baxter Builders Group info@baxterbuildersgroup.com baxterbuildersgroup.com 512-337-8790 Burnish & Plumb Construction info@burnishandplumb.com burnishandplumb.com 512-782-0207 CG&S Design-Build db@cgsdb.com cgsdb.com 512-444-1580 Chesmar Homes info@chesmar.com chesmar.com 512-995-5326 Crowell Builders info@crowellbuilders.com crowellbuilders.com 512-328-9974 Dalgleish Construction Company info@dalgleish.net dalgleish.net 512-346-8554 David Wilkes Builders info@davidwilkesbuilders.com davidwilkesbuilders.com 512-328-9888 Emerald & Laurel office@emeraldandlaurel.com emeraldandlaurel.com

Madigan Custom Homes madiganh@texas.net madigancustomhomes.com 512-264-2772

info@renderatx.com renderatx.com 512-436-3261

chris@rishermartin.com rishermartin.com 512-495-9090

info@shilohhomes.com shilohhomes.com 817-721-1216 Shoberg Homes info@shoberghomes.com shoberghomes.com 512-358-4892 Skelly Build

Matt Rygg Homes matt@mattrygghomes.com mattrygghomes.com 512-293-6288

alex@skellybuild.com

Melde Construction info@meldeconstruction.com meldeconstruction.com 512-442-4479

info@southoakbuilders.com

skellybuild.com 512-810-5400 South Oak Builders southoakbuilders.com 512-590-5551 Stewart & Co. Construction

Messer Design & Construction aj@messerdc.com alexa@messerdc.com messerdc.com 512-663-8003 Moontower Design Build hi@moontoweraustin.com moontoweraustin.com 512-524-7253 Neon Agave Homes info@neonagave.com neonagave.com 512-461-0382 Olson Defendorf Custom Homes info@ODcustomhomes.com ODcustomhomes.com 512-243-6508

ryan@stewandco.com stewandco.com Strobel & Associates, LLC office@strobel-llc.com strobel-llc.com 512-627-0380 Sunny Estates 512 sonnyestates@gmail.com sunnyestates512.com 512-210-1029 Texas Construction Company info@txconstruct.com txconstruct.com 512-451-8050

How This List Is Made Using an online survey, Austin Home solicited peer and public nominations, asking voters to nominate up to three interior designers 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 builders 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 a builder.

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.

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

Thrive Construction Company chris@thrive-construction.com

Hudson Builders office@hudsonbuilderstx.com hudsonbuilderstx.com 512-731-3677

Pilgrim Building Company pilgrimbuilding.com 512-707-0760

Jauregui Architect, Inc. angelam@jaureguiarchitect.com jaureguiarchitect.com 512-328-7706

Rauser Construction hello@rauserconstruction.com rauserconstruction.com 512-481-8444

rick@villanigraham.com

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

RedOven Property Solutions jlacayo@redovenps.com redovenps.com 512-580-6222

tony@zhcustomhomes.com

thrive-construction.com 512-799-4135 Villani & Graham villanigraham.com 512-284-9095 Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes steve@zhcustomhomes.com zhcustomhomes.com 512-261-0444

103

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Neon Agave Homes

Brooke and Garrett Mauer, the husband-and-wife duo behind Neon Agave Homes, are proud Texans with a shared passion for exceptional craftsmanship in custom homes, new construction, and renovations. Garrett began his journey in construction with an engineering degree from UT and MEP consulting, then jumped into residential construction. Now, with WWW.NEONAGAVE.COM INFO@NEONAGAVE.COM 512-461-0382

over 25 years of building experience in Austin, Garrett thrives on tackling complex projects, while Brooke’s creativity and organizational expertise keeps their projects on track. Together, they’ve grown Neon Agave Homes organically over the past 13 years and enjoy collaborating as a team with architects, designers, and clients to create stunning spaces.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Render ATX

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

Beyond homebuilders, we are visionaries of healthy, high-performance living spaces.

Render ATX crafts sophisticated sanctuaries where modern innovation meets timeless artistry.

As native Austinites, we are not just constructing homes – we are sculpting family legacies.

Our building science mastery and relentless attention to detail yield residences of rare

WWW.RENDERATX.COM 512-436-3261

marrying cutting-edge building science with meticulous craftsmanship to deliver residences as sophisticated as they are sustainable. Our obsession with non-toxic materials and flawless execution has established us as Austin’s trusted partner for discerning clientele.

JAKE HOLT

distinction, where wellness and luxury coexist. We are revolutionizing healthy home construction,

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rauser Construction

RAUSER CONSTRUCTION

CASEY DUNN

RAUSERCONSTRUCTION.COM 5904 GROVER AVE. 512-481-8444

Rauser Construction provides a tailored home-building experience. Through years of experience, we have developed the knowledge, resources, and team of trades to achieve our clients’ highest goals. We believe that even when it is challenging, the construction process should also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved: clients, architects, and tradespeople. Our depth of professional management and project administration ensures clear communication across the entire project team, and our experience helps us foresee and forestall the difficulties that can threaten a project’s success. In short, we overthink it so you don’t have to!

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RedOven Property Solutions RedOven Property Solutions, a family-owned and award-winning Austin builder, is dedicated to making home renovations and custom builds enjoyable for clients. Founded in 2016, the company leads with integrity, transparency, and quality. CEO JP Lacayo emphasizes LUCIA.SUAZO@REDOVENPS.COM 2500 S. HWY. 183, SUITE 100 512-580-6222

professionals to create not just homes but a lasting community impact. With expertise in remodels, additions, and luxury new builds, RedOven has earned accolades for excellence while navigating Austin’s vibrant market with innovative practices and personalized service, turning dreams into reality.

RAMBLR MEDIA

the belief in “Building Together,” fostering collaboration with clients, trade partners, and

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shiloh Homes

AUSTIN’S BEST BUILDERS

Shiloh Homes, established in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo Taylor and Mandy Shipp, is committed to elevating luxury living in Central Texas with an unwavering attention to detail. Drawing from their construction family backgrounds, they approach each project thoughtfully, ensuring that the unique needs and styles of their clients are at the forefront.

SHILOHHOMES.COM INFO@SHILOHHOMES.COM 817-721-1216

Their passion for design shines through in the timeless homes they create, which are designed to be both functional and inviting. With a strong dedication to quality and craftsmanship, Shiloh Homes aims to build spaces that feel truly like home, offering warmth and character for every family.

CURTAINS IN PHOTOS

IN PHOTOS: WINTER EDITOR’S PREVIEW

PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY VINSON

1

2

4

In December, we celebrated our second Editor’s Preview for the Winter Issue: Space as a Muse. More than 150 Austinites showed up for design. Beyond getting a first look at the magazine, guests heard from local leaders including world-renowned artist RF. Alvarez, interior designer Benjamin Stelly, artist Dawn Okoro, and more.

The preview was hosted at the Cathedral ATX, a 1930s refurbished church that serves as a boutique event venue, art gallery, and co-working space for creatives. We also gave a shout out to Showroom, a high-end boutique that dressed Editor-in-Chief Karen Zabarsky Blashek and Dawn Okoro for the big night.

We are thrilled to continue hosting more gatherings for the design and homeowner community here in Austin, exchanging important ideas, and continuing to push the standards for what is possible in design.

110

3

5

6

8

7

9

10

12

13

11

1. Guests received the Winter Issue before it hit stands. 2. DJ EPZ helped us groove the night away. 3. Founder of the Cathedral ATX, Mónica Ceniceros with architect Alan Gonzalez. 4. Our panel of speakers: Karen Zabarsky Blashek, RF Alvarez, Benjamin Stelly, Dawn Okoro, and Kristen Padavic. 5. Showroom designed outfits instpired by Dawn Okoro’s work. 6. Bites by Muy Yum, Wine from Austin Winery, Beer from Vacancy Brewery sustained the evening. 7. Monica tells us about the origins of the space. 8. Camden McBride of Soho Home. 9.

Photographer Jenn Rose Smith. 10. Chris Velasquez. 11. Cover Photographer Robert Gomez. 12. Ben Kweller checking out his recording studio in our signature feature Space as a Muse. 13. Jordan Goetz of Growler Domestics with interior designer Lilianne Steckel.

111

BANG THE DRUM Was the demolition of the Erwin Center inevitable, or a missed opportunity?

WRITTEN BY AARON SEWARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MOORE

112

As the sun came up on May 19, 2024, the Erwin Center wasn’t looking like its old self. In the preceding months, demolition contractors had enclosed the venerable arena’s site in fencing, gutted its interior and ripped off its roof. With heavy machinery they tore away the concrete panels that formed the building’s circular wall.

All that remained was most of the frame, a towering scaffolding of 10 steel derricks that rose over 100 feet into the air, holding aloft a giant square truss whose cross bracing stood out starkly against the gray sky. The stage was set for the coup de grâce.

It was a hazy morning. A Sunday hush prevailed across the UT campus. Traffic on I-35 was at its lowest ebb. The silence was broken by the roar of diesel engines firing up in 8 excavators. Their articulating arms, dinosaur like, lifted from the ground and began tugging on cables attached to key points on the building’s haggard skeleton. As the tension increased, one of the derricks began to deflect, bowing in the middle. Then, with slow then sudden motions, like cracking the wish bone after Thanksgiving Dinner, the tiebacks that held it to the truss sheared in a shower of debris and the derrick careened onto its side. The loss of this upright support proved decisive. The rest of the structure sagged under its own weight and, unable to support itself any longer, came crashing to the ground with such cacophony that one reporter later wondered whether there hadn’t been any explosives involved. A plume of dust drifted from the heap of twisted metal and quickly dissipated.

Thus ended the perhaps too-short life of the Erwin Center. It was 47, three years shy of the 50 that would have made it eligible for designation as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Originally completed in 1977, it represented an important milestone in Austin’s evolution. Home to generations of UT basketball games and graduation ceremonies, it was also the city’s first big-time concert venue capable of accommodating the major touring acts that previously only stopped in Dallas and Houston.

Now, of course, it’s just a memory, if that.

You know what they say, out of sight out of mind. UT unbuilt it to make way for a $2.5 billion teaching hospital, a collab between the Dell Medical School and the MD Anderson Cancer Center that, if all goes to plan, will start seeing patients in 2030. That’s a significant project in its own right, a marker of yet another evolution in the city’s history. And anyway, the Erwin Center had already been replaced by the new Moody Center just up Red River Street, a “state-of-the-art” venue that does everything the Erwin Center did but with more luxury boxes and a dialed-in brand experience.

So no big deal, right? Time marches on. Change is inevitable and everything is impermanent. In fact, one former employee of the Erwin Center likened the building’s destruction to a sand mandala he once saw Tibetan monks make at the Blanton. After painstakingly crafting it over the course of

several days, the monks dumped the whole pretty picture in Waller Creek. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. This is just what happens to the works of humankind, eventually. Meanwhile, we must keep growing, progressing, moving forward, getting bigger and better every day and in every way. The old must give way to the new.

We must capitalize fully on our real estate assets!

There’s no use getting sentimental about some musty old arena whose sputtering mechanical systems had reached the end of their lives. I mean, when the air conditioning goes out in my apartment I hope they demolish the whole building and start from scratch! And let’s not forget, the style of the Erwin Center was that of a bygone era. The architects, Wilson/ Crain/Anderson, are best known for their part in the design of another old, moldy Texas sport and entertainment venue: the Astrodome. What is Houston thinking preserving that old heap when they replaced it years ago? Here in Austin, people have more sense. The public has again and again put the Erwin Center on lists of

ARCHITECTURE HAS THE POWER TO TRANSMIT MEMORY, HISTORY ITSELF, THROUGH THE GENERATIONS. the city’s ugliest buildings, despite the stiff competition our fair city has to offer. Afterall, it was just a dumb, opaque circle with slightly canted walls, a shape that inspired its most popular nickname, “The Drum,” as well as its best nickname, “The Flan by the Freeway.”

Heads up! Onward! Into the future!

On the other hand, if I’m being honest, I always liked the Erwin Center. I appreciated its masonic solidity, harmonious proportions, and minimalistic detailing. It was a relieving counterpoint to the ridgeline of glaring glass towers that now dominate downtown, a reminder of our mid-20th century legacy, of a groovier time. Maybe it was brutal, but there was something appealingly infrastructural about its no-nonsense geometry and concrete shell that made it vibe well with its perch beside I-35. It looked sort of like a cooling tower, a comforting sight in the singeing summer. It was mysterious,

an architectural quality that has become scarce considering our current obsession with glazed transparency and its concomitant platitudes about openness and inclusivity.

In some ways, the Erwin Center was truly inclusive. When it first opened it wasn’t named after a political power broker (Frank Erwin) or a mega-wealthy family (Moody) or a company (Q2, Austin’s soccer stadium). It was called the Special Events Center, a moniker from a time when people still believed in Society, when public buildings were given names that showed they were meant for everyone, instead of auctioned off to the highest bidder. The interior was basic, utilitarian, and perfect in that it put all attention on the events people showed up to see instead of on the brands there to sell you things. There were no luxury boxes. Everyone sat together, in seats arranged in a circle, enjoying equally distributed sightlines.

No matter what one thinks of the design of public buildings, if you allow that the future is a place where we will face increasingly severe consequences of climate change, that minimizing emissions today will improve our chances of flourishing tomorrow, and then consider that the amount of energy stored in built structures significantly outweighs what they typically use in their lifecycles, then the math becomes clear: The smart money is on preserving as much of our built environment as we can. That’s the environmental argument for preservation. Then there’s heritage. Architecture has the power to transmit memory, history itself, through the generations. Since fashion is ever changing, we shouldn’t let our contemporary opinions about a building’s style jaundice our view of its ultimate cultural value. Take Notre-Dame de Paris for example. It was a forgotten crumbling pile relegated to use as a storage warehouse before Victor Hugo put it in his hunchback story.

Since not every building is going to be needed indefinitely for its originally intended purpose, one of the most rapidly growing practice areas in architecture today is adaptive reuse. According to many architectural thinkers, the most significant project of the 21st century so far is the Tate Modern in London, Herzog & de Meuron’s transformation of an old power station on the River Thames into an art museum. It’s not lauded for its design, per se, but because it’s a bellwether of a new way of treating old buildings. We had a chance to do something similar here in Austin with the Seaholm Power Plant. The structure was saved and is in use, but as a corporate headquarters that is not open to the public.

Now, close your eyes and imagine an Austin where the Moody Center was built, a new teaching hospital was also constructed, but on another site, and The Drum wasn’t wiped off the face of the earth. Instead, it was turned into a museum, or a natatorium and rec center, or the world’s largest James Turrell Skyspace, or fill in the blank. The possibilities are multitudinous! Or, rather, they could have been.

113

Ali Burgoon Nolan’s renovation of her historic Hyde Park home marked a pivotal moment in her career. It inspired her to transition from hospitality to residential design, and gave her another big push: to launch her firm, Studio Burgoon, in 2023. Take a deeper dive into this rich, historic project and Ali’s inspiring story on our website at austinhomemag.com.

114

LINDSAY BROWN

CURTAINS

IWC Portugieser.

Portugieser Automatic 42, Ref. 5017 Conceived 85 years ago as an instrument watch with marine chronometer precision, the Portugieser has evolved into a timeless yet dynamic paragon of understated elegance. A slimmer case now makes the Portugieser Automatic 42 even more refined, while double-box glass sapphire crystals showcase the IWC-manufactured 52011 caliber with a power reserve of 7 days and the elaborately crafted dial in a new color called Obsidian. IWC. Engineered.

IWC Boutique - The Domain - Austin