Talk Design

This project is a renovation and new construction to create a home that is practical, enduring, and rooted in its wooded, sloping site. We worked closely with the clients to adapt an existing house to their sensibilities and an added guest house that balances utility and simplicity with generosity and ease.The house renovation focused on openness and clarity. A reworked entry layout of concrete, wood, and galvanized steel supports daily life. A new dining room—glass-walled and extending into the woods—opens to terraces and gardens. Upstairs, lowered partitions in the new primary suite emphasize an unimpeded ceiling.The simple concrete guest house opens to the pool and garden. Strategic openings animate the interior with shifting light, and a wooden box encloses utilities.These buildings create a calm and adaptable living environment—a careful balance of elemental materials well suited to the daily patterns and future needs of its occupants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Govalle Homestead is a design-build by Drophouse and Russ Design Studio that embraces the adaptive reuse of a 1938 East Austin home, transforming it into a contemporary estate with two structures to accommodate three generations of family. A variance was received for the project, requiring the design to retain the primary structure's original facade, which helped preserve the property's historical character within the community. The interior was reconfigured with an open floor plan and modern amenities tailored to the retired couple's lifestyle.Conversely, the rear dwelling, designed for the younger family unit, presents a distinct architectural contrast to the primary structure, enriching the site's overall complexity. Strategic placement of the residence between two heritage trees maximized spatial efficiency and allowed for adaptable living areas to accommodate future family needs. Both structures exhibit a deliberate connection to the landscape. The primary dwelling features a screened porch, deck, and plunge pool, while the secondary dwelling incorporates a generous covered patio. The interior yard, equipped with an outdoor kitchen and fi replace, connects the two residences, fostering a communal living space suitable for all occasions across generations. The home, which serves as the residence of a Drophouse co-owner, exemplifies the firm's ethos of design experimentation and exploration. It underscores dedication to honoring a property's architectural lineage while enhancing its ongoing evolution. The team included Matt Satter of Drophouse and Mari Russ-Wolf, formerly of Drophouse but now with Russ Design Studio. The team collaborated and built the home while Mari was still with Drophouse. While Drophouse continues to work on custom residential projects, it focuses on its expertise in custom metal fabrication. Mari has since opened her own firm, continuing design work and practicing architecture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Valburn project is a direct response to an open-minded client and a challenging sloped site. With a degree in interior design and having lived in New York City for many years, the client requested a house that would combine many of the urban typologies he experienced during his time there. Everything from high-rise penthouse condos to lofts and even urban alleys provided design inspiration.In contrast to other more traditional homes in the neighborhood, the house presents simple massing and a quiet face to the street. Animated by a south facing brick pattern that provides a continuously changing series of shadows, the exterior is private but gives back to the street.The interior spaces are a contrast of large open spaces focused outwardly to the beautiful views, and more intimate, inwardly focused rooms. Additionally, the use of natural light was a major consideration of the interior spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nestled on a spacious corner lot in Rollingwood, just minutes from downtown Austin, this home is a timeless sanctuary for a growing family. Balancing openness and intimacy, its design centers around a sunlit courtyard—a safe-haven for children, always within view of loved ones. A generous covered lanai connects the main house to an office and guest retreat, fostering flexibility in daily living. Operable louvered panels respond to the rhythms of life, opening to welcome the neighborhood or closing for privacy. The materials root the home in its Texas landscape: locally quarried limestone walls provide a grounding base, offering both shelter and a neutral backdrop to lush greenery, while warm, responsibly-sourced cedar siding above will weather gracefully over time. These natural elements imbue the home with warmth and character. More than just a house, this is a retreat—offering solace, connection, and a sense of permanence amid the dynamic city beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vista Lane is a marriage of modern detailing and traditional forms. Its steep roof pushed low over the second floor mitigates the overall building height, while a select, few dormer windows expand the interior volume on the second floor and further contribute to the home’s traditional character. In general, the architecture is sharply detailed and stripped of ornament. Interior moldings were replaced with gentle curves and rolled edges which are a tip of the cap to traditional detailing, while providing a decidedly modern aesthetic.Situated on a lot accessible by two opposite streets, the diagram is organized to restrict vehicular and ADU tenant access to the rear of the lot, while pedestrians enter from the front. A Z-shaped diagram delineates two distinct yards. One yard space at the rear for entertaining, with a pool and a deep covered porch which provides respite from the afternoon sun. The other, a public-facing space, is ideal for yard games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 1981 Acorn Deck House got its start as the model home for Central Texas in an effort to expand the Massachusetts-based company’s modular home business. Although the home featured an abundance of rich textures, expansive windows/doors, and a spacious layout, it felt dated and never fully embraced its tree-lined site and downtown views.Four homeowners later, the home now goes by the name of The Sterling Cooper Residence as an homage to AMC’s show ‘Mad Men’ and its quintessential mid-century-cool vibe, and as a way to guide the aesthetic aspirations of the two-part remodel/addition.Phase 1, completed in 2017, focused on remodeling the interior by opening spaces, expanding the kitchen, reimagining a secondary family room, and modernizing and brightening the material palette.Phase 2, completed in 2024, concentrated on enriching the connections of the home to its site by adding a series of exterior spaces, a floating architectural stair, and an infinity pool that juts out into the valley.The final product is a careful balance of deck house influence and modern expression in a home that invites visitors to stay for a cocktail or two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, architects Annie and Arthur of Side Angle Side discuss their project, the Harvey House, a featured home on the 2025 AIA Austin Homes Tour. The firm, which they started in 2016, focuses on creating thoughtful, custom homes that respond to the environment. Their philosophy is to listen intently to their clients' needs, ensuring each project feels like the client's home, not a signature stamp of the firm.The Harvey House project is a renovation and addition to a 1935 bungalow. The journey began six years ago with a young couple who fell in love with the historic home. Initially, the couple decided to pause the main renovation and first build and live in the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the back. Over the years, as their family grew, they became a hub of their community, hosting friends, neighbors, and musicians. This deep connection to their neighborhood heavily influenced the final design when they revisited the main house renovation. The project became a "labor of love," focused on preserving the spirit of the original home despite significant structural issues like rot. This included salvaging and reinstalling original materials like the longleaf pine flooring and trim.The exterior features a distinct contrast between the original home's white siding and the addition's dark, burnished stucco. This was an intentional choice to differentiate the addition from the original structure. The house is U-shaped, wrapping around a central courtyard and pool, allowing the homeowners to keep an eye on their children from the kitchen. A truly unique feature is the children's attic playroom, which includes a large hammock-like net floor overlooking the den below, accessible by a red ladder. The spacious kitchen features a large blue island designed to feel like a piece of furniture. The client, Holly Beth, is an interior designer who made all the selections and has since joined the Side Angle Side team. To maintain privacy from a close neighbor, the primary bathroom features a massive skylight over the tub that floods the plaster-walled space with soft, natural light.The project's photographer, Robb Gomez, noted that the home was a joy to shoot due to its incredible natural light. He also witnessed the family's strong community connection firsthand when the neighbors and their children came over to play and share a meal.Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of the Harvey House and other stunning works of architecture. Join the AIA Austin Homes Tour on October 25th and 26th, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamish M. Muir is a third generation Otago Architect, who is proud to be leading New Zealand’s first architectural practice.With over 20 years professional experience, he has been responsible for a wide range of project types and sizes, for discerning clients of all types throughout New Zealand, and overseas.He enjoys being personally involved with projects from concept to completion, and encourages a collaborative and integrated approach to all stages of the architectural process, with clients, contractors and consultants alike.Hamish has been recognised by various awards and publications for his built work including world leading sustainable design and high quality houses, and in 2024 was recognised as a Fellow Member in 2024 by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, for his high standing in the profession, degree of eminence, and service to the Institute.Hamish is dedicated to the practice of architecture, with a vision to enrich people’s lives and make a positive contribution to both built and natural environments.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Collette, BBEC, BBNC, LEED AP, CAHP, BSS is a Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant, Building Biology New Build Consultant, and retired owner of Your Healthy House, living in of Lakefield, ON, Canada. Stephen is a retired straw bale builder, having worked on two dozen straw bale structures across Ontario and Quebec. Stephen has an engineering background and became passionate about healthy housing when his family became ill due to exposure to mould. Stephen carried out a few thousand indoor environmental inspections on houses and other buildings to determine health impactors based on building science and environmental health concerns. Stephen Collette is also the Building Audit Manager for Faith & the Common Good. Stephen created the Green Audit after seeing an opportunity to improve the connections between faith, buildings, and the existing passion of people to want to do the right thing within their faith community. The Green Audit has been delivered to hundreds of faith communities across Canada to rave reviews. Recently, Stephen has expanded the audits available to faith communities and heritage properties to include climate disaster preparedness audit.Stephen is a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) from Canada Green Building Council. Stephen has a Building Science Certificate from the University of Toronto and is a certified Building Science Specialist. He is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals. As a consultant Stephen helps people make more environmentally sustainable building choices. Stephen is a published author who writes and lectures across North America on sustainable buildings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John is an Indoor Environmental Quality Specialist with a Degree in Environmental Health Science and over 35 years of experience.  Twenty-five years ago he coauthored a pioneering book with architect Paula Baker-Laporte and medical doctor Erica Elliott titled Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders, and Homeowners (use code BANTA at checkout for 10% discount) also in e-book format. ​For the last 27 years John has specialized in mold and water damage problems in buildings. He conducted investigations, and supervised crews in water damage, flood and mold remediation throughout the United States. He trained workers in restoring water damaged buildings, contaminated water clean-ups, mold remediation and worker health and safety programs throughout the United States and Canada as well as England, Australia and New Zealand.He currently specializes in medically important investigations with 85% of his clients either being referred to him by their physician or currently undergoing medical treatment. He is the developer of the Pathways Testing system offered through RestCon Environmental. John's upcoming book Mold Controlled is about recovering buildings from mold and other water damage organisms, finding, avoiding and fixing problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron Levick has been helping organisations map out a clearer path to growth for almost three decades. His track record of success begins with some of Australia’s best known organisations in the food and beverage and telecommunication sectors - and continues with Plungie.He helps SMEs, private equity firms, and other investors build growth paths that are simpler, more effective, and less demanding on business owners’.Cam combines considerable expertise in strategic sales and marketing, organisational transformation, brand development, and performance enhancement, with a commitment to premium quality service, breakthrough thinking, inspiring vision, and market-leading results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben is driven by a singular, powerful mission: to serve as a catalyst for human potential. He operates on the core belief that an extraordinary life is not a matter of chance, but of intentional design, built upon a fusion of the right mindset, effective strategies, and a deep commitment to holistic well-being. He empowers individuals to move beyond their perceived limitations, providing them with the intellectual and emotional tools needed to architect a life of both profound purpose and exceptional achievement.Through his globally recognized podcast, Ben puts this philosophy into practice. The show serves as a transformative platform, inspiring millions of listeners worldwide to actively pursue greatness in every aspect of their lives. Each episode delivers actionable insights, compelling expert interviews, and practical frameworks designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Ultimately, he guides his audience not only to reach ambitious goals but to simultaneously cultivate a rich inner world, fostering a sustainable sense of fulfillment and enhancing their overall well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrea Keller is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in multifamily, residential and boutique hotel design. Her work seeks to bring people into greater alignment with their core values, their communities and the earth.A key component of Andrea’s work lies in the life-long study of sacred geometry, symbols and pattern language. Andrea uses unique geometry and proportion systems for each project, bringing power and resonance to the design. As we know from epigenetics, our environment can literally change our genes – her mission is to use architecture for healing, activation, and amplification of personal power. She is currently designing healing centers worldwide.She was a professor of Architecture at both USC School of Architecture and Otis College of Art + Design. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., Design of the Environment) and UCLA (M.Arch), and studied Sustainability through Gaia Education. She lectures regularly for the Institute of Classical Art + Architecture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gil Stunner is an internationally recognized fine art photographer and storyteller, known for his cinematic style laced with gritty realism. A former hands-on mechanic turned visual craftsman—his motto, "From wrenches to lenses," is no gimmick. It's how he lives.Gil’s work spans humanitarian missions in West Africa, vintage racing on East Coast beaches, and raw, emotional portraits from around the globe. His fine art prints have been featured in various magazines, Photographize’s 100 Inspiring Artists of the Year (2024) Book , Masters of Monochrome Vol. 1 (coming Soon), and showcased by Gallery Canyons, LDN Collective, and Helm + Oar.You’ll find him wherever there's character to be captured—on the track, in the jungle, at a gallery, or somewhere in between.1. Sierra Leone – JOKANDACaptured during a humanitarian mission with Doctors Without Borders and the Saving Lives Initiative, this project documents strength and vulnerability in the face of adversity. JOKANDA is a raw portrait series showcasing the grace and pain of communities often overlooked.2. The Black Cat – Rob Ida x Jaguar XK120An homage to elegance in motion, this project documents Rob Ida’s iconic Jaguar—blending sleek automotive design with the grit of New York’s streets. A love letter to curves, shadows, and engineering perfection.3. TROG – The Race of GentlemenShot on the sand in Wildwood, NJ, this adrenaline-drenched series captures the spirit of American nostalgia—vintage metal, roaring engines, and the wild hearts who bring the past to life.4. Guadalajara, Mexico – Celebration in Motion Part of an ongoing study in color, movement, and joy, this project celebrates traditional Mexican dance and the beauty of culture in motion—captured mid-spin with a painterly lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Petrie is the world’s leading marketing coach for architects and designers, blending sharp strategy with cutting-edge AI to help creative professionals win better projects, charge higher fees, and work with clients they love. A former professional cricketer turned marketing strategist, Richard now coaches small design firms globally through his proven SIX-ai system—designed to give designers a powerful edge in an AI-driven world.He’s known for transforming how designers approach sales and marketing, turning “referral-dependent” firms into thought leaders with predictable pipelines. When he’s not helping designers stand out, he’s probably swinging a squash racket or dodging chocolate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 24 years of extensive experience in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Peta has developed a versatile expertise across the residential, commercial, retail, and healthcare sectors. For nine of these years, she honed her leadership and entrepreneurial skills as the Managing Director of her own architectural company. Now serving as the Vice President at Away Digital in the USA, Peta is instrumental in driving the company's growth strategy and expansion into the American market.Peta is deeply passionate about urban innovation and creating systems and spaces that serve people's needs. Her core interests include high-quality design, sustainability, and fostering community wellbeing and health, which extends to a commitment to helping the homeless. She thrives on creating beautiful places for people to enjoy and is recognized for her exceptional business administration, communication, public speaking, and business development skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over 13 years of distinguished experience, Cory Walker stands as a highly regarded licensed commercial and residential architect based in Los Angeles, renowned for his specialized expertise in commercial adaptive reuse projects. His architectural philosophy deeply prioritizes wellness and fostering a profound connection to nature within built environments; he actively integrates natural elements into all his designs by introducing abundant plants and maximizing daylight penetration. Furthermore, Walker meticulously specifies warm and natural materials, carefully chosen to evoke a recuperating sense of the outdoors, even while indoors, ensuring spaces promote tranquility and well-being.His extensive career is marked by involvement in numerous award-winning designs, spanning both transformative tenant improvements and impressive ground-up, stand-alone commercial office projects. This rich portfolio solidifies his reputation as an innovator in creating healthy, nature-infused commercial spaces that not only meet functional demands but also profoundly enhance the human experience within the built environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicholas Tsontakis is a second-generation architect dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary design while honoring the legacy and values instilled in him through years of architectural tradition. At the heart of his work is Dwell Boldly, a firm founded on the mission to craft spaces that enrich the everyday. This powerful statement captures the essence of his approach—where architecture is not only a visual and structural art form but also a deeply human endeavor. It reflects a commitment to balancing bold creativity with functionality, where beauty meets utility and design serves a greater purpose. Tsontakis believes that the spaces we inhabit should do more than simply shelter us—they should inspire us, support our lifestyles, and enhance our well-being. Through thoughtful, resilient, and forward-thinking design, he aims to create environments that have a lasting and positive impact on the people who experience them daily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the very core of Zeke's professional identity is a deep-seated passion for three things: people, design, and the tangible process of building. It was this driving force that inspired him to found Root Architecture and Development back in 2012. He envisioned a company that was more than just a business; it was a vehicle to connect with more people, to push the boundaries of creative design, and to translate ambitious visions into physical realities.Zeke brings a formidable and well-rounded skill set to every project. Holding licenses as both an Architect and a Contractor, he bridges the often-separate worlds of design and execution. This dual expertise ensures a seamless and efficient workflow, where creative intent is honored and practical construction is flawlessly managed. Further distinguishing his practice, Zeke is a Leed Accredited Professional, a testament to his dedication to creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and environmentally conscious.When the workday is done and the tools are put away, Zeke's passions shift to the great outdoors. A true adventurer at heart, he finds his balance and inspiration in nature. He is a father who finds immense joy in the simple pleasure of fishing with his boys, making memories by the water's edge. At other times, he seeks the thrill and solitude of the mountains, running along a scenic Colorado trail, finding a parallel between navigating the challenging terrain and guiding a complex project to its successful completion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul founded the Philadelphia Table Company (PTC) in 2014 as a creative side hustle while still actively touring with his rock band. What began as a passion project soon evolved into a full-time career as he discovered a deep love for craftsmanship and design. With an eye for aesthetics and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Paul transitioned from the stage to the workshop, dedicating himself entirely to the art of woodworking.Today, Paul leads PTC as the head of sales and design, overseeing each project’s vision and ensuring every piece reflects the company’s commitment to quality and authenticity. While he occasionally gets his hands dusty, he now entrusts most of the physical building to his talented and trusted team of artisans.Outside the workshop, Paul is a passionate outdoorsman. Whether he’s catching waves on his surfboard, exploring new hiking trails, or biking through the countryside, he finds inspiration in nature’s textures and forms. He lives a balanced life with his wife, Shea, and their two energetic border collies, who are often by his side during outdoor adventures. Paul’s journey is a testament to following your passion, embracing change, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.