Austin, Texas, is an exceptional destination for commercial and residential properties. Its vibrant economy, diverse job market, and business-friendly environment mean it remains a prime choice for commercial investments. The city’s charming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor activities render it an attractive option for residential buyers. All of that is framed by a thriving music and arts scene, a friendly community, and a warm climate—Austin offers a unique and inviting atmosphere for residents and businesses alike. If you want to build your dream space in the area, here are Austin’s eight best interior architects.
Cushing Terrell
316 W 12th Street, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78701
Cushing Terrell, founded in 1938 by architects Ralph Cushing and Everett Terrell, is a leading design practice known for integrating architecture, engineering, and design. The vision for the firm was to create strong relationships and enhance creativity from the beginning. Driven by empathy, its diverse teams collaborate to create spaces and systems that empower people to live their best lives in healthy, sustainable environments. The firm’s impressive portfolio includes over 1,200 projects worth $800 million in construction costs, spanning the school, hospital, residence, and commercial development sectors. Affiliated with AIA, LEED, and WELL, Cushing Terrell’s commitment to innovative solutions and continual improvement keeps them at the forefront of the industry.
The firm’s principal, Greg Matthews, is the company’s acting president/CEO and brings extensive experience from Montana State University at Bozeman.
Chico Design
1306 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
Chioco Design, an esteemed architecture firm established in 2006 by Principal Jamie Chioco, has an impressive portfolio that includes everything from private residences to large-scale industrial adaptive reuse projects and various public spaces. The firm’s broad client base and diverse projects contribute to the community, emphasizing its commitment to excellence in both process and results. Its design philosophy revolves around contextual integration, ensuring a seamless fit with the surrounding built, natural, and cultural environment. Chioco Design’s dedication to innovation and collaboration fosters functional, engaging, and honest architectural solutions.
Chico Design’s accolades include the “Best Interior Designers in Austin” award from Austin Home Magazine in 2022. The firm’s work has been featured in numerous publications like Austin Home Magazine and Austin Home & Design.
Abel Design Group
826 Houston Street, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78756
Founded in 2001, Abel Design Group is a prominent mid-size architecture and design firm with licenses in thirteen states and a global project portfolio. It offers exemplary architecture and design services catering to corporate, hospitality, restaurant, and retail clients. As a certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in Texas, it showcases its commitment to excellence and diversity. Abel Design Group’s managing principal, Jeffrey Abel, holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Texas and is associated with AIA, Rice Design Alliance, AIA Gulf Coast, AIA Houston, LEED, Green Symposium, and USGBC.
Abel Design Group’s work has garnered numerous recognitions over the past decades and has been featured in esteemed publications like The Houston Chronicle and Paper City Magazine
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
826 Houston Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78756
Established in 2005, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is a highly regarded, fully integrated architecture and interior design firm with a strong national reputation. Specializing in hospitality, its diverse portfolio showcases expertise that covers large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single-family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and bespoke furniture design. Headquartered in Texas, the firm’s influence extends across the globe from studios in Austin and Houston and team members in Dallas, Denver, Nashville, and Louisville.
In 2022, the firm was named one of the AN Interior Top 50 Architecture and Design Firms. Featured in esteemed publications like Dezeen, Houston Chronicle, and The Architects Newspaper, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture continues to showcase its unwavering dedication to creating innovative spaces where its clients can thrive.
Barley Pfeiffer Architecture
1800 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703
Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture is well known for its exceptional work in designing beautiful, enduring, and high-performance homes and buildings. Its projects stand out for their integrity, cost-effectiveness, and comfort. The firm offers tailored services to fit clients’ budgets and needs, showcasing its flexibility and dedication to customer satisfaction. Its projects stand out for being climate-responsive design while being elegant and comfortable. Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture pays keen attention to blending projects seamlessly with the site’s micro-climate and clients’ preferences and goals. Its projects stand out for being climate-responsive design while being elegant and comfortable.
With a strong presence in the industry, the firm has received numerous awards including the 2012 Texas Association of Builders Star Award for Best Remodeler/Best Whole House Renovation. It is also affiliated with the AIA Austin and NAHB and has been featured in publications like PaperCity Magazine and Austin Monitor. Principals Alan K. Barley and Peter L. Pfeiffer lead the team.
Kipp Flores Architects
11776 Jollyville Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759
Kipp Flores Architects boasts a rich background, with its founders beginning their careers at a prominent national builder. Drawing from this experience, Kipp Flores Architects values efficiency, communication, and lasting relationships. Its well-considered architectural services cater to residential home builders, delivering designs that are innovative and cost-effective every time. The company’s accolades include the prestigious 2020 Summit Award for Best Product Design in the Garden Home category over $250,000.
Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects – Austin Chapter and the National Association of Home Builders, Kipp Flores Architects stays connected to industry standards and best practices. Its work has been featured in publications like Austin Business Journal and Builder, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted professional.
Matt Fajkus Architecture
900 East 6th Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78702
Matt Fajkus Architecture (MFA) is an award-winning licensed architecture and interior design practice well-known for its residential and commercial projects, both small and large. Matt Fajkus, AIA, co-founder of the firm, earned 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 over 12 years to more than 100 completed buildings, 25 design distinctions, and 500 publications.
Embracing a client-centric approach, it believes each project should be shaped by the client, site, and functionality rather than a predetermined aesthetic. The firm aims for clear and simple solutions to complex problems by blending expertise and experimentation. MFA has received local and national recognition from publications and organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Dwell Magazine, National Public Radio, GQ Magazine, and Architect Magazine.
