Austin, the state capital of Texas, is a vibrant inland city located alongside the picturesque Hill Country region. This dynamic city provides a variety of recreational activities for both residents and visitors, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Austin is also renowned as the home of the University of Texas and is celebrated for its iconic and influential music scene.
In this list, we showcase eight of the best architectural firms in Austin. These firms were selected based on their exceptional portfolios, outstanding backgrounds, and unique skill sets. Several of these firms have also won prominent industry awards and have had their work featured in notable publications.
STG Design
828 W 6th St., Suite 300, Austin, TX 78703
STG Design offers its clients a comprehensive range of architecture, interior design, and master planning services. Working out of its offices in Austin, Houston, Nashville, and Phoenix, the firm delivers its services to a wide range of markets, including communities, labs, and corporate spaces, as well as hospitality, education, science, and technological facilities. Its outstanding work has received widespread industry recognition, and it was most recently distinguished with an Architecture Firm Award from The Texas Society of Architects.
Highlighted here is one of the firm’s notable projects, completed for Oracle. This expansive waterfront campus spans over a million square feet and offers a range of impressive amenities, including multiple cafes and state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facilities. Notably, the project is designed to achieve Austin Energy Green Building’s prestigious three-star rating, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.
Chioco Design
1306 Rosewood Ave., Austin, TX 78702
Founded in 2005 and based in Austin, Chioco Design offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architecture and design services. Meanwhile, its portfolio is equally as diverse, showcasing an excellent range of private residence, restaurant, bar, and industrial adaptive reuse projects. The firm has consistently ranked among the city’s best and leading architects, leading the firm to be featured numerous times in prominent publications like Austin Home Magazine.
The firm is the brainchild of principal Jamie Chioco, who draws inspiration from over two decades of industry experience in designing and managing commercial, residential, and institutional projects. He personally oversees each project that the firm takes on, assuring clients that all of the company’s projects receive the benefit of his experience.
Fuse Architecture Studio
1005 E. St. Elmo Rd., Building 4, Austin, TX 78745
Since its founding in 2014 by Beth Guillot and Paul Meyer, Fuse has consistently delivered excellent architectural and project management services to its clients. With a team of 14 members who collectively bring over two centuries of experience, Fuse has successfully completed more than 275 projects to date. The firm draws inspiration from this wealth of expertise to provide innovative and tailored projects across the commercial, educational, industrial, and technological sectors. Its work exemplifies a deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to creating functional and visually stunning spaces.
Showcased here is one of the firm’s most impressive commercial projects. Completed in collaboration with the professionals at Hensel-Phelps Construction Company, this project involved designing and working on an intricate addition for Samsung. The new building features open-office areas for 900 workstations, numerous break rooms, and various conference areas. The building’s recreational spaces include an exercise facility, a game room, and multiple saunas.
GSC Architects
3100 Alvin DeVane Blvd., Building A, Suite 200-B, Austin, TX 78741
Established in 1978, GSC Architects has been providing its services throughout Central Texas and specializes in commercial and municipal projects. The firm has built a solid reputation for its exceptional interior design work, along with its comprehensive range of architectural services. Over the years, GSC Architects has had the privilege of working on various projects for state departments, public work divisions, and schools across Texas, as well as partnering with numerous well-known brands, earning them extensive industry experience and recognition.
Highlighted here is one of GSC Architects’ remarkable projects. Encompassing an impressive area of 15,702 square feet, this project was meticulously designed and executed for JD Abrams’ Austin headquarters. The firm’s expert team utilized cast-in-place concrete arches and columns, insulated tilt-up exterior walls, and various concrete-formed components to bring the vision to life. Noteworthy features include the inviting open office space, spacious conference areas, and well-designed collaborative workrooms, all contributing to a functional and inspiring work environment.
Cornerstone Architects
7000 Bee Cave Rd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78746
Founded in 1989, Cornerstone Architects is an award-winning architectural design firm that is best known for having worked in some of Austin’s best and most sought-after communities. It can take on projects regardless of size or scale, and boasts a portfolio filled with a diverse range of residential designs. In addition to homes, its portfolio also showcases several outstanding retail, restaurant, recreational, resort, multi-family, office, medical, and religious projects. The firm provides prospective clients with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive work in order to help them bring their vision to life.
Featured here is one of the firm’s notable projects. Tasked with the extensive reorganization and updating of this Mediterranean-inspired home, the firm’s team successfully transformed it from a dilapidated state into a stunning living space. A standout feature is the seamless flow of the great room, which elegantly connects to the library, breakfast and sitting nooks, creating a harmonious and functional layout. This remarkable project gained recognition and was featured in the esteemed pages of LUXE Interiors + Design Magazine, further showcasing the firm’s exceptional work.
Matt Fajkus Architecture
900 East 6th St., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78702
Matt Fajkus Architecture (MFA) is an award-winning and licensed architecture and interior design practice that welcomes residential and commercial projects, both small and large. MFA was founded by Co-Principal Matt Fajkus, AIA, who holds a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and is a Tenured Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Austin. Sarah Johnson, AIA, is also a Principal Architect and has co-led MFA for more than 12 years to the successful achievements of more than 100 constructed buildings, 25 design awards, and more than 500 publications.
The design work of Matt Fajkus Architecture is based on the belief that each project is unique and it should be driven by the client, the site, and the functional requirements, rather than a singular, preconceived aesthetic. The firm aims for clear and simple solutions to complex problems by blending expertise and experimentation. MFA has been recognized locally and nationally by different publications and organizations such as The Wall Street Journal, Dwell Magazine, National Public Radio, GQ Magazine, and Architect Magazine. The practice was awarded a 2019 American Institute of Architects National Design Award for the Westlake Dermatology Marble Falls medical office building.
Webber + Studio, Architects
1220 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701
Boasting over two decades of industry experience, Webber + Studio is a distinguished firm specializing in residential, multifamily, retail, civic, and commercial properties. While primarily focused on Texas, the firm has also embarked on international projects in locations such as San Jose, Costa Rica, and Medellin, Colombia. Webber + Studio is also renowned for its exceptional work in designing world-class hospitality and leisure resorts.
Featured here is one of our favorite projects from the firm’s impressive portfolio, showcasing its commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship. Completed in 2019, this project spans over 2,100 square feet. In addition to being lauded by the American Institute of Architects, the home was also included in the prestigious 2019 AIA Austin Homes Tour and was featured in Dwell Magazine. Some of this home’s best elements include its excellent symmetry and historic facade.
Vanguard Studio, Inc.
6601 Vaught Ranch Rd., Suite G-10, Austin, TX 78730
Extending its services throughout some of the best areas of Austin, Vanguard Studio is composed of an award-winning team of professionals led by Owner John Hathaway. With a degree in architecture from Texas Tech University, he has guided the firm in completing a countless array of stellar projects. One of these stunning designs is the one featured here.
Labeled in its portfolio as the Iron Bluff, this project features a modern design with a touch of an industrial feel. Our editorial team particularly loved its unique wall elements and inviting front entry. The project was completed in collaboration with the professionals at Patterson Custom Homes. This home exemplifies the firm’s dedication to superb craftsmanship and creative design.
