Design-build in Central Austin
Bungalows, cottages and mid-century ranches on established streets: houses worth keeping, usually in need of a better plan.
The houses here
Central Austin has some of the city’s oldest housing: 1920s–1940s bungalows and cottages near the university and south of the river, and post-war ranches further north. Many have pier-and-beam floors, original wood windows and small, closed kitchens.
Most of our work here is whole-home renovation, kitchens and primary baths, and additions that respect a neighbourhood’s scale.
Areas we cover: Hyde Park, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Rosedale, Allandale, Crestview and nearby neighbourhoods.
Most requested here
- Whole-home renovationReworking how an older house lives, room by room
- Kitchen remodelingKitchens planned around how you cook and gather
- Primary suites and bathsBathrooms and bedroom suites that age well
- Additions and casitasMore room, on the lot or on the house
What to plan for in Central Austin
General guidance only. Codes, review processes and boundaries change, so we confirm the current requirements for each property before design.
Historic review
Hyde Park and some other central neighbourhoods are local historic districts, and individual landmarks exist throughout the area. Exterior changes there go through historic review before a permit is issued.
Protected trees
The City of Austin protects larger trees, generally 19 inches in diameter and up, with stricter rules for heritage trees. Their root zones can decide where an addition goes.
Small lots, more options
Austin’s 2023–2024 residential code changes allow more than one home on most single-family lots. Setbacks, height and impervious cover still apply.
Foundations
East of MoPac, expansive clay soils move with the seasons. Older pier-and-beam houses often need re-levelling as part of a renovation.
Illustrative projects in Central Austin
Other areas: West Lake Hills and Rollingwood and Dripping Springs and Driftwood.
Planning a project in Central Austin?
Tell us about the house and what is not working. The planner takes about four minutes, and the first site visit is free.