Residential & Commercial Architecture · Austin, TX

Thoughtful Design, Built to Last.

Merideth Cole Architecture has designed homes and commercial spaces across Austin for over 15 years - licensed, AIA member, and grounded in sustainable design.

Tell us the site, the scope and your budget range - a member of the studio replies within one business day.

AIA MemberLicensed in TexasLEED-Informed Design15+ Years in Practice
180+Projects Designed
15+ YrsIn Practice
AIAMember Firm
5Phase Design Process
AIA MemberLicensed in TexasLEED-Informed Design15+ Years in Practice

Our Services

Full-Service Architecture, Start to Finish.

New construction, additions, interior architecture, or a full commercial build-out. Pick the closest match below and tell us about your site - we reply within one business day with the phases and timeline your project actually needs.

A modern minimalist living room interior with a stone-clad fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass doors

Home Additions & Renovations

Custom Quote

Additions, whole-home renovations, and adaptive reuse projects designed to feel like they were always part of the original house - not bolted on.

Talk Through This Project →
A striking modern concrete commercial building facade with people walking in the plaza below

Commercial & Light-Industrial Design

Custom Quote

Office build-outs, retail spaces, and light-industrial facilities designed for how a business actually operates, with permitting handled start to finish.

Talk Through This Project →
A modern minimalist living room interior with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to a deck

Sustainable & Passive Design

Custom Quote

Passive solar orientation, high-performance envelopes, and material sourcing that cut long-term energy costs without compromising the design.

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Architectural blueprints and floor plans spread across a desk

Permit & Construction Documents

Custom Quote

Complete, code-compliant construction document sets and permit coordination with the City of Austin and surrounding jurisdictions, managed in-house.

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Client Stories

Real Austin Homeowners & Businesses

Merideth designed a home addition for us that genuinely looks like it was part of the original 1960s house. The design process was collaborative and she was upfront about budget the entire way through.

Devon T.Home addition, Zilker

We hired the firm for a full custom build and the attention to detail on the construction documents saved us from a dozen headaches during permitting. Everything was clearly thought through before ground broke.

Alicia M.New residential construction, Westlake

Our office build-out came in on budget and the space actually reflects how our team works. Merideth's team handled the commercial permitting process without us having to think about it once.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a residential architecture project actually take?

A home addition or renovation typically runs 3-5 months for design and documents, plus construction time. A full custom home usually runs 6-9 months for design, permitting, and construction documents before construction even starts. We'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your project scope at the first consultation.

Do you handle the permitting process?

Yes. Every project includes complete, code-compliant construction documents and direct coordination with the City of Austin (or the relevant surrounding jurisdiction) through permit approval - you don't have to navigate that process yourself.

What's the difference between hiring an architect and a designer?

A licensed architect like Merideth is trained and tested in structural safety, code compliance, and construction administration - and can stamp construction documents for permitting. A designer may create beautiful concepts but typically can't take a project through permitting and construction the same way.

Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?

Yes - new residential construction, additions and renovations, interior architecture, and commercial or light-industrial projects. Whatever the project type, the same design and documentation process applies, scaled to the scope.

What does sustainable or passive design actually add to a project?

Passive solar orientation, high-performance building envelopes, and thoughtful material sourcing meaningfully lower long-term energy costs and improve comfort - without requiring an unusual or compromised aesthetic. We build these principles into every project by default, not as an upcharge.

Blog

From the Blog

Straight answers on process, timelines, and design decisions - from the Merideth Cole Architecture team.

How We Work

A design process built in five clear phases.

From the first consultation and programming session through schematic design, design development, permit-ready construction documents, and construction administration - you always know which phase you are in, what you will receive, and what it costs. No black boxes.

Walk Through All Five Phases →

Tell us about the project you have in mind.

Send us the site, the scope, and your budget range. A member of the studio follows up within one business day to book the consultation and walk you through Phase 1.

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