West Texas Retreat
Set against the rugged backdrop of West Texas, this renovation transforms a simple home into a serene retreat immersed in mountain and sky. Expansive glazing captures shifting light and distant peaks, while covered outdoor spaces invite connection to the land’s quiet rhythms. Warm wood ceilings and natural stone finishes echo the desert palette, creating a refuge for reflection and renewal. Designed as an escape from the city, the home celebrates its setting while offering a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and watch the horizon fade into starlit night.
Location
Alpine, Texas
Design Team
Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden
Renderings
WAL Studio
Typology
Residential
Date
2017
Process
Explore
Timbergrove Renovation
Houston, Texas
Residential
In Houston’s Timbergrove neighborhood, this renovation transforms a traditional layout into an open, light-filled home designed for entertaining. Walls between kitchen, living, and dining areas were removed to create seamless flow, with custom millwork adding warmth, storage, and subtle definition to each space.
Kari Breitigam
Multidisciplinary Artist, Dyer, & Jeweler
Art and Design
In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Kari Breitigam, a multidisciplinary artist, teacher, and jeweler from Houston, Texas. Joe and Kevin sat down with Kari to discuss her work as an art instructor, her growth from working with painting to many mediums, and the ideas surrounding her current work.
The Elegance of Elevation
Joe Rivers
Writing
While the economic appeal of slab-on-grade construction may be tempting for developers and builders, the long-term benefits of elevated foundations far outweigh the initial cost considerations for homeowners. In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of raised foundations in the context of Houston and the Gulf Coast, unraveling the advantages and acknowledging the challenges that come with this architectural choice.