How do you move through the spaces that frame your days?
This is one of the first questions we explore in pursuit of an architectural aesthetic that supports our clients’ lifestyle and rhythm.
Buildings need to work amazingly well. Ours do. They reflect a deep sense of place and life pattern. This is achieved by working hand-in-hand with our clients to design the space for the rituals and the physicality of each new structure’s use. The talented men and women in our firm have a passion for merging the realities of everyday life with the architectural principles of light, art, and sustainability. We love the challenge of blending indoor and outdoor spaces with seamless transitions that acknowledge surrounding landscape elements. For us, nature’s organized spontaneity is a valuable inspiration. We are proud that our work continues to be recognized for an ability to merge the comforting sensibilities of the past with contemporary simplicity. We enjoy making the most of the warmth and texture of natural, elemental materials that have been intuitively designed with clean lines, thoughtful details, and elements of surprise.
As stewards of your time and money, we pay careful attention to your questions, values, needs, and vision for your space. We believe that a successful collaboration involves mutual respect, trust, and creativity. We share these values with the artisans and craftspeople with whom we work, who broaden the palette of aesthetic possibilities. To fully realize your vision we provide a full range of services from architecture to the interiors, which can include custom furniture and fixtures as well as the design of outdoor spaces.
Our award-winning firm sprang to life in July of 1991, specializing in residential and small commercial designs across the country. From new homes and residential additions, to restaurants, retail, office, and public environments, our modest sized firm has received over 20 national, state, and local design awards. In addition, our work has been published extensively in over 50 books and magazines, including: Metropolitan Home, Western Interiors, Architectural Record, Renovate, Texas Architect, & Tribeza, among others. Accordingly, in 2001 we received the distinction of ‘Firm of the Year’ from the Austin AIA for producing consistently excellent and unique work. It was for this reason that the American Institute of Architects honored Mell Lawrence with one of its highest honors, induction to the AIA College of Fellows, in 2006. A retrospective of our work appeared at the University of Texas at Austin’s Mebane Gallery, entitled “Seeking the Extraordinary Within the Ordinary.”
Austin, Texas
https://www.melllawrencearchitects.com/
The Jewell Box House, designed by Mell Lawrence Architects, is more than just a building; it’s an escape, a fulfillment of the client’s dream to own a “cabin in the woods” – a secluded place to unwind, surrounded by nature. From the street, the house appears as a compact, solid form, hidden from prying eyes.
Situated on a sloping site, Hollowcat Wild is a composition of three stone boxes. A guesthouse and garage stretch alongside a 6-ft-deep, 150-ft-long arching cut into the limestone strata.
Balcones House appears as a wide-brimmed glass pavilion rising from a solid concrete base. It’s lantern-like public face is complimented by the solid form of the guest house, a separate structure that sits with it’s back turned to the street.
