Full-Service Architecture, Designed Around You
Everything You Need to Bring Your Home to Life
We offer full-service architectural design, guiding every stage of your project — from early feasibility studies and planning through to permitting, design development, builder coordination, and construction support. Whether you're building from the ground up or reworking an existing space, we make the process feel clear, straightforward, and manageable.
Our work is grounded in your needs, your site, and your long-term goals. We take on a range of residential projects across Austin and surrounding areas, including new custom homes, remodels, and additions — all approached with the same level of care, attention, and thoughtful design.
CUSTOM & NEW BUILD HOMES
Building a new home is a chance to design something that’s entirely yours — a space that reflects your lifestyle, your site, and your long-term goals. We design custom homes across Austin and beyond, guiding each project from early feasibility to final construction.
We support you through every step of the process:
• Site evaluation and zoning research
• Concept design and floorplan development
• Permit-ready documentation and technical drawings
• Construction-phase guidance and builder collaboration
Whether you're building a primary residence, second home, or a modern retreat, we bring clarity, care, and calm to the journey — helping you create a home that feels just right for the way you want to live.
RENOVATIONS & REMODELING
Transforming an existing home is about more than updated finishes — it’s about improving how your space functions, feels, and flows. We work with homeowners to reimagine layouts, bring in natural light, and enhance everyday living.
Whether it’s a full renovation or a focused remodel, we guide the process from concept to construction.
• Spatial reconfiguration and layout redesign
• Additions and interior updates
• Material and system upgrades
• Builder collaboration and ongoing support
We bring clarity, thoughtful problem-solving, and design expertise to help you create a home that feels renewed, intentional, and deeply personal.
ADDITIONS & CONVERSIONS
Your home should be able to grow with you. Whether you're expanding outward, building upward, or reworking underused areas, we help you create smart, seamless additions that solve space challenges without the need to move.
We guide the entire process, including:
• Site planning and approvals
• Layout development and extension design
• Garage, attic, and basement conversions
• Vertical additions and rear expansions
• Construction coordination and oversight
Every extension is designed to feel cohesive and intentional — enhancing the way you live and adding long-term value to your home.
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Understanding what’s possible is the first step toward a successful project. We offer early feasibility studies to help clients explore the potential of a site — whether you’re planning a new build, renovation, teardown, or extension.
We provide:
• Zoning and code research
• Site analysis and constraint identification
• Buildable potential assessments
• Permitting and approval guidance
• Pre-purchase support and recommendations
With clear, honest insight, we help you make informed decisions — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
For select clients, we design boutique commercial spaces where architecture becomes part of the brand experience. These projects benefit from the same attention to detail and design integrity as our residential work — scaled for a public-facing environment.
Project types include:
• Boutique retail and lifestyle stores
• Creative offices and studio spaces
• Galleries and curated showrooms
• Wellness and hospitality spaces
• Tenant improvements and adaptive reuse
We collaborate with owners, brand teams, and consultants to ensure the design supports not only function — but the feeling people take away when they walk through the door.
More Than Drawings —
A Guided Design Experience
- Masterplanning
- Site Planning & Space Configuration
- Concept Design & Floorplans
- Custom Millwork & Cabinetry Design
- Lighting Layouts & Electrical Coordination
- Plumbing & Mechanical Planning
- Permitting & Code Compliance
- Interior Detailing & Material Specification
- Furniture Layouts & Procurement Guidance
- Project Management
With deep experience in residential architecture and trusted relationships across trades, consultants, and builders, we support every stage of your project with thoughtful direction and technical expertise.
From early floor plan development to finish and fixture selection, we ensure every element is cohesive, intentional, and aligned with your lifestyle. Whether it’s managing documentation, coordinating consultants, or recommending trusted partners, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence — all while protecting your design vision from start to finish.
pre-design phase
An on-site working session with Melissa to see what we’re working with. We learn about your needs, budget, timeline, and confirm the scope of work. We will prepare a tailored proposal outlining scope, services, and next steps.
01. Discovery + Consultation
pre-design phase
Before we begin designing, we help you understand what’s possible. We gather information to identify opportunities and limitations so that you can make informed decisions from the start.
02. Site Analysis + Feasibility Studies
design phase
This is where your vision begins to take shape. From the information we’ve gathered, we start exploring and translating your ideas into initial sketches and diagrams until we have an agreed-upon concept to move forward with.
03. Schematic Design
design phase
With a clear direction, this is where we refine it into a more detailed and coordinated design. We’ll work closely with a structural engineer to ensure the design is sound and efficient. You’ll receive a preliminary Pricing Set of drawings to get estimated construction budgets from general contractors.
04. Design Development
design phase
We finalize all the technical details while collaborating with consultants as needed and create a comprehensive set of drawings and specifications that your contractor will use in building your project. During this phase, a Permit Set can be issued and you will be provided with documents needed to permit your project.
05. Construction Documents
BUILD phase
We oversee the construction process on your behalf. This includes site visits, reviewing progress, addressing questions, and ensuring the project adheres to the design and quality standards defined. Our involvement ensures your investment is built as intended.
06. Construction Administration
BUILD phase
We review the completed project and help rectify any deficiencies. We make sure your home feels exactly as it should. The client is presented with the project binder.
07. Project Closure
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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