INTENTIONAL DESIGN — MEANINGFUL LIVING
ARCHITECTURE THAT FEELS AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS
MHV Architects is a full-service architecture studio based in Austin, Texas, founded by Melissa Hargis-Villanueva. We work with individuals, couples, and families who care deeply about quality, craftsmanship, and the experience of living well. Our focus is custom residential and boutique commercial architecture — including new builds, renovations, and additions.
We believe good architecture should reflect the lives of the people it’s made for, respond to its surroundings, and be built to last. Whether you're building from scratch or reshaping what you already have, we’re here to guide you with clarity, calm, and creative leadership.
Meet THE FOUNDER:
Melissa Hargis-Villanueva
Melissa Hargis-Villanueva is the founder and principal of MHV Architects. With a background that spans countries, cultures, and contexts, she brings both technical expertise and emotional intelligence to every project. She’s fluent in Spanish, comfortable onsite, and known for her ability to bridge gaps — between people, between disciplines, and between concept and construction.
Melissa leads each project personally, guiding clients with clarity and calm through the design and building process. Her work is defined by a sensitivity to place, a deep respect for the people she designs for, and an ability to deliver architecture that is as intuitive as it is enduring.
AS FEATURED IN
Our DESIGN APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
Our mission is to design homes that feel just right — not just in form, but in feeling. We create spaces that reflect the people who live in them, respond to their environment, and offer a sense of calm sanctuary. That means more than just good floor plans — it means spaces that feel intuitive, grounded, and connected to your daily life.
Every project begins with listening — to you, your routines, your site, and your vision. From there, we move through each phase with clarity and care — feasibility, permitting, design, and construction. We don’t believe in overcomplication or ego-driven design. Our work is rooted in context and nature, shaped by your lifestyle.
DISCOVER OUR SERVICES
We recently worked with MHV Architects on a comprehensive renovation of our home. In this time, Melissa has shown impeccable professionalism and a genuine flair for creating beautiful spaces that function exactly as we have needed them to by maximising space and light in the properties. We have been very impressed with her level of control of the intricate details of the projects. What has set Melissa apart from other architects we have met is the excellent channels of communication between her, the builder and myself and her wonderful combination of superb taste whilst also being practical and respectful of my budget and the timeframe that we needed to work to. We could not rate her more highly.
private client
Create a home that feels just right
With the right partner, the process can be clear, collaborative, and even enjoyable.
If you're ready to talk about your project — or want help figuring out where to start — we’re here to help.
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