Business Details
27 Years
experience
Residential Design Services in Austin
Founded in 1999, Chas Architects is a residential design firm dedicated to creating homes that shelter, restore, and bring joy through collaborative design. Our team of experienced architects, including AIA-certified professionals, specializes in luxury residences, renovations, and new construction across diverse styles from modern farmhouses to minimalist abstractions. With decades of combined experience in the Austin architectural community, we prioritize client collaboration, assembling top-tier consultants and contractors to deliver designs that harmonize with site, context, and lifestyle.Our open studio approach ensures every project receives personalized attention, while our commitment to natural materials and innovative spatial planning has earned recognition in Austin Home and Luxe Magazines. We serve clients in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, focusing on creating legacy homes that connect families across generations.
Services
Residential Design
Luxury Residences
Renovations
Additions
New Construction
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of residential design experience in Austin
- Our AIA-certified architects prioritize client collaboration
- We assemble top-tier local contractors for every project
- Specialized in luxury homes with natural material integration
- Recognized in Austin Home and Luxe Magazines for design excellence
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Collaborative process
Design excellence
Multi-generational homes
Natural connections
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential designs that harmonize with their environment and occupants' lifestyles. Our collaborative process involves clients in every decision, ensuring spaces that shelter, restore, and bring joy. With expertise in luxury homes and generational properties, we deliver designs that maximize natural light and outdoor connections.
Luxury Residences
Specializing in upscale residential projects, we craft sophisticated living spaces that balance elegance with functionality. Our designs incorporate natural materials, steel windows, and thoughtful layouts that frame scenic views. From contemporary farmhouses to Texas Hill Country compounds, each home reflects its unique setting and owners' vision.
Renovations
We transform existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving architectural integrity. Our team handles complete renovations of historic properties and updates to enhance livability. Recent projects include revitalizing lakeside estates and adapting traditional forms into contemporary designs while maintaining site-specific connections.
Additions
We design seamless additions that enhance existing homes' functionality and aesthetics. Our approach maintains architectural continuity while introducing modern elements. Projects include expanding family compounds with guest houses, party barns, and outdoor living spaces that accommodate multi-generational needs and recreational activities.
New Construction
From concept to completion, we deliver bespoke new homes tailored to clients' lifestyles. Our process begins with understanding site characteristics and client aspirations, resulting in structures that feel organically connected to their environment. Recent projects feature clustered layouts that maximize views and promote outdoor living.
People
Charles Travis
Founder & Principal Architect
With 35+ years in residential architecture, Charles founded Chas Architects in 1999 after graduating from the University of Texas. A respected AIA member, he leads design teams that create homes responding to site, context, and lifestyle while maintaining fresh architectural insights.
Alice Travis
Managing Partner
Alice transitioned from education to architecture in 1999, bringing organizational expertise to Chas Architects. Beyond managing operations, she volunteers with Warm Heart International improving water access in Malawi. Her interests include photography and outdoor activities that inform her design perspective.
Darin Biediger
Associate Architect
A licensed architect with 20+ years in high-end residential design, Darin joined Chas Architects in 2019. He focuses on translating client visions into exceeding expectations through thoughtful spatial planning. His background includes exploring Austin's natural landscapes to inform design approaches.
Questions
What architectural styles does Chas Architects specialize in?
We work across styles from modern farmhouses and minimalist designs to historical references, adapting each project to its specific site and client needs in Texas.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both new residential construction and renovations, with extensive experience revitalizing existing properties while maintaining architectural integrity.
How does your design process involve clients?
Our collaborative process includes clients in every decision, from initial concept through execution, ensuring their vision shapes the final design outcome.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Austin and the Texas Hill Country, with project experience across Texas including lakeside estates and rural compounds.
How do you approach outdoor living spaces?
We prioritize outdoor connections through porches, terraces, and landscape integration, designing spaces that promote family activities and appreciation of natural surroundings.
