San Antonio is a thriving community focusing on promoting a healthy, clean, and safe environment. The local government’s efforts on sustainability not only enhance the community’s quality of life but also protect the environment and natural resources. With its continuous plight towards building a green city, a lot of people are looking to move to San Antonio to enjoy the benefits of sustainable living.
San Antonio is home to a number of local architects specializing in green building methods. With the demand for more energy-efficient homes and buildings, a lot of architectural firms have stepped up their game to provide services that cater to this growing market. The firms on this list offer the most comprehensive services with diverse portfolios. Some of these firms have already worked on projects abroad and are recognized for their excellence in green building techniques.
Winn Wittman Architecture
1108 Lavaca Suite 110-488, Austin, TX 78701
its green building solutions tailored for the hot and humid weather in Texas. The Austin-based firm offers design services for local and international clients, with a focus on modern and contemporary styles while incorporating sustainable practices and architecture. Founder Winn Wittman is a renowned architect and is highly decorated with numerous awards. He is a recipient of the Green Building and Design Award for Best Green Innovation. His works have been printed across various publications including Luxe, Hinge, Architectural Digest, and Architectural Record. Winn’s works were also featured on HGTV and The Discovery Network. Along with his accomplishments, Winn is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Texas Society of Architects.
Winn Architecture uses rainwater collection systems and innovative window solutions to create a cool environment for some of its projects while providing protection from the sun. Winn and his team continue to come up with creative yet cost-effective solutions to address the warm Texas climate. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Parallelogram House in Austin. To maximize the stunning view of the lake, the firm created a parallelogram design using energy-efficient glass.
Overland Partners
203 E. Jones Ave. Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78215
Established in 1987, Overland Partners is an architectural firm specializing in contemporary and modern urban designs across all types of buildings and environments. Aside from providing design services, the firm also offers master planning for residential and commercial projects. The firm’s extensive portfolio includes clients from local, national, and international levels.
Overland Partners is operated by the firm’s principal, Richard M. Archer. Richard is a member of the Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and is certified with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Under his wing is a group of talented and creative problem solvers who are trained to provide the most efficient solutions to all kinds of complex issues. Together, the team approaches each project with passion, care, and respect.
By collaborating with clients and paying close attention to details, the firm can create designs that reflect the client’s lifestyle while using green building methods to create unique spaces that are environmentally safe. Through the years, Overland Partners has received multiple awards and recognitions. In 2020, the firm was named as one of the Texan by Nature 20 for its innovation and commitment to the conservation of the environment. The firm is also recognized for its outstanding projects including the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Poteet Architects
1114 S. St. Marys St. Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78210
In 1998, Poteet Architects opened its doors to San Antonio. The renowned architectural firm was founded by Jim Poteet and was established to provide sustainable design solutions to Texas residents. Since its inception, the firm has worked on numerous successful projects earning national recognition. Poteet Architects is known for its unique approach to adaptive reuse as well as its innovative modern interior designs.
Jim was designated as a member of the FAIA due to the firm’s contributions to the advancement of design. He is also LEED-certified and a member of the AIA. In 2016, Poteet Architects earned the AIA San Antonio Special Recognition Award along with the Builder’s Choice/Custom Home Citation Award. The firm’s designs have been featured in Home Design & Décor, Warehouse Home, and Southwest: The Magazine among many others.
In 2012, Poteet Architects worked on a master plan for Hemisfair Park in San Antonio along with two other firms. The new design of the park combines a public open area integrated with residential, commercial, and institutional spaces revitalizing the San Antonia community. With the firm’s fresh approach to modern and energy-efficient designs, Poteet Architects continues to maintain high standards of excellence in architecture and design.
John Grable Architects
222 Austin Highway #1, San Antonio, TX 78209
Since 2004, John Grable Architects has been providing quality designs and green building practices in San Antonio. Founder John Grable has over three decades of in-depth knowledge and experience as a designer, builder, and developer and is passionate about creating designs that showcase the balance between architecture and nature. John’s design principle is anchored in his love and respect for the environment. With a strong commitment to sustainability, John continues to craft designs that reflect the history of the space while enhancing the quality of life. He is a member of the FAIA, a former chair of the Texas Society of Architects, and a former co-chair of the AIA San Antonio Design Awards. John Grable Architects is known for recycling products by transforming old materials into new applications. Thus, allowing the firm to maximize the materials available and use them in the most cost-effective ways.
Over the years, John Grable Architects has received multiple awards for its remarkable designs. In 2018, the firm was named the Green Lantern National and Regional Winner for major renovation at the Luxe Red Design Awards. In 2017, the design of John Grable Architects was featured on the cover of Modern Luxury Interior Texas. Its other projects can also be seen in Wood Architecture Today, CASA San Antonio, and Home Design and Décor.
Lake|Flato
311 Third St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Lake|Flato is a full-service architectural firm providing high-quality design services for San Antonio residents. The premier design studio also caters to international clients and has produced numerous award-winning projects throughout its tenure. In 1984, David Lake and Ted Flato founded the company based on the principles of environmental awareness and responsibility. As an Austin native, David has deep roots in the community. He played a huge role in the expansion of the trails at Austin’s Shoal Creek. Ted’s expertise, on the other hand, includes residential, educational, and eco-conservation projects. Under David and Ted’s leadership is a group of professional architects, sustainability managers, and LEED-accredited designers. The firm cultivates new ideas and practices through an internal process of sustainability reviews to ensure that all outputs meet and exceed industry standards.
Lake|Flato is known for its sustainable practices and modern designs using the finest local materials. The firm is recognized for customizing unique and innovative designs based on the project’s location, climate, and natural environment. With its extensive experience in green building techniques, the firm can handle all types of projects using the best practices in the industry. The AIA and LEED-certified firm continues to deliver safe and healthy environments that clients can enjoy for generations.
