Completed 2017
Builder - Arrowhead Construction
Interiors - Katie Marye, Studio Tupelo
Photography - Casey Dunn

Completed 2016
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Greer Interior Design
Landscape/ Pool - Modern Design Build
Photography - Casey Dunn

Completed 2016
Builder - Waller Building Company
Interiors - Robert Bentley Design
Landscape - Open Envelope
Photography - Casey Dunn

Completed 2014
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley
Landscape - Open Envelope Studio
Photography - Casey Dunn

The homeowners wanted a house that would take advantage of their South Austin land and its Hill Country views. A simple design with a modern farmhouse look was important. They needed porches to maximize Texas breezes and a pool. Avid gardeners, the homeowners wanted to enjoy charming outdoor views through big windows. But most of all they sought an efficient space unneeded nooks and crannies to fill with stuff to function modernly and feel peaceful. And they were on a tight budget. Stuart focused their vision by adjusting dimensions until the floor plan felt livable for their needs and narrowing down a material and color palette that would make the biggest impact with their limited budget. He infused the space with simple lines but rich details: the kitchen's metalwork, the wood-wrapped walls of the main stairwell and entry, the deep metal roof overhangs that shade the house and the distinctive spider-legged shape porch supports. Stuart also advocated for the homeowners during the building process, stepping in before problems arose for a smooth experience from start to finish. The result is a new 2600 square foot home that fits the homeowners and the land perfectly.

Completed 2013

Builder - Nalle Custom Homes

Photography - Adrienne Breaux

Completed 2017
Builder - Waller Building Company
Interiors - Shannon Eddings Interiors
Photography - Casey Dunn

FEATURED ON THE 2014 AIA HOMES TOUR

The Dexter Residence bridges past and present with simple volumes and a restrained palette of concrete, glass, and stucco.  At the street the house, with its flat roof, clerestory windows, and one-story façade, takes cues from the mid century modern houses in its neighborhood. Inside, form and function collide, as uncomplicated living, dining, and kitchen areas are bathed in reflected natural light from clerestory windows.

5-STAR rating by Austin Energy Green Building

Completed 2013
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley / BLINK
Photography - Casey Dunn

The spirit of traditional Texas dogtrot-style architecture is modernly refined in this modest weekend lake house. Two volumes flank a central porch that's naturally cooled by lake breezes, capped on each end by tall, swinging gates for privacy and security, and anchored by a substantial outdoor dining table. On one side, a sleek, modern kitchen is minimal in material but heavy on style and storage. A sunken living room— highlighted by rich warm wood underfoot — exudes comfort and is the ideal spot to escape the Texas summer heat. On the other side of the porch, cozy bedrooms balance the house, featuring big windows offering views of the Texas landscape.

The home's materials were sourced regionally and chosen to last; exterior walls made of gray Texas Lueders Limestone mix with Southern yellow pine to create a natural palette that requires no maintenance. It's a weekend getaway the homeowner can enjoy for decades to come.

Completed 2013
Builder - Acero Construction
Interior Furnishing & Styling - BLINK
Photography - Casey Dunn

Completed 2016
Builder - Waller Building Co
Photography - Molly Culver

This 1950s house, situated on a sprawling, shaded lot in beautiful Tarrytown, seemed to have everything this young family was looking for: lots of character and plenty of room. Unfortunately, it also came with clashing and outdated design details — like red brick floors. Stuart worked with the homeowners to best spend their budget on the most impactful changes. A new paint color palette was applied to create calm and cohesion in the space. Stuart designed custom walnut living room cabinets that tied a modern sensibility with the house's existing original brick and copper fireplace. A new compact office — with a built-in walnut bookcase — is defined by glass walls that maintain the home's airy and open feeling. Most of all, Stuart's choices fit with the existing architecture to update the look, not overwhelm the original design.

Completed 2014
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley / Blink Interiors
Photography - Adrienne Breaux
 

With an unattractive exterior and a closed-off interior with terrible flow from room to room, this house was in dire need of a remodel. But the biggest design challenge was operating within a very tight budget. So, Stuart worked with the homeowners to make design decisions that would have the biggest impact on the look and feel of the house. 

The front and back exterior facade was updated with lighter materials, roof overhangs and a back porch to reflect a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. The interior's traffic flow was improved by opening up rooms, converting the garage to usable space and creating a better visual connection to the backyard. The clients valued thoughtful design, clear ideas and clean details, which Stuart delivered within their modest budget.

Completed 2014
Builder - Jake Badger /JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley / Blink Interiors
Photography - Adrienne Breaux
 

The homebuyer wanted a house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a traditional-looking exterior and modern interior. Unable to find what he was looking for, he bought a tiny 1930s house in South Austin with plans to remodel. Unfortunately, the house hadn't been preserved well. Working with Stuart, the right financial and design decision was to build new instead.

The result is exactly what the homeowner wanted, both in design and function. Stuart preserved the spirit of the original house's charm; the new house looks like it has always stood in this neighborhood. The clean interior offers efficiency with a warm, modern look. A boldly decorated dining room, two guest bedrooms and a bright bathroom make up the house's front half. A compact custom storage wall leads into the cozy kitchen that's the heart of the home, featuring an island stove, sleek wood range hood and big window. The living room's ceiling height cleverly suggests the back window wall extends higher. A long wood deck hovers over the backyard and a generous roof overhang shades the home. The original house's shiplap was repurposed and now covers the staircase to the new studio apartment above the garage, both housed in a simple metal structure in the backyard.

5-STAR rating by Austin Energy Green Building

Completed 2013
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley
Photography - Adrienne Breaux

FEATURED ON THE TRIBEZA INTERIORS TOUR 2013

Completed 2012
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interior Design - Verokolt 
Landscape Design - Mark Word Design
Photography - Patrick Wong & Julie Cope

FEATURED ON THE 2011 AIA HOMES TOUR

This house in Austin’s Bouldin neighborhood is an exercise in efficiency and invention. The site’s three heritage trees drove the design, whose interplay of Hardiplank, wood, metal, and glass is enhanced by thoughtful details and clever spatial solutions. A cypress wood front porch reflects up the easy-going architecture of the neighborhood and another porch overlooks the courtyard, which offers a private outdoor room. Inside, cork floors, a walnut divider, and built-in entertainment center in the main living areas enrich the otherwise simple and sunny modern space. Frosted glass throughout the house provides natural light and privacy during the day and, filters the glow from the adjacent Moontower at night.

Completed March 2011
Builder - JGB Custom Homes
Interiors - Rebekah Gainsley/ BLINK
Photography - Patrick Wong