Timbergrove Renovation
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. Large windows frame garden views and invite daylight deep into the home, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The result is a welcoming setting where gatherings feel both lively and connected, and the home adapts effortlessly from quiet mornings to vibrant evenings.
Location
Houston, Texas
Design Team
Kevin Barden, Joe Rivers, and Esmer Leija
Renderings
Rivers Barden Architects
Typology
Residential
Date
2021-Present
Structural Engineer
Santee Engineering
General Contractor
Frich Investments
Process
Explore
Champions Golf Pavilion
Houston, Texas
Commercial
The new Founder’s Patio at Champions Golf Club offers an exciting opportunity for dining, relaxing and enjoying the golf club. Located along the golf side of the existing clubhouse, the design respects and resonates with the existing architectural language on the property, while amplifying and adding to the experience of club.
Advice Compilation
All
Culture and Community
Over the course of four seasons and twenty-eight episodes, Joe and Kevin have sat down with a diverse group of people from nearly every artistic arena; performers, artists, designers, builders, and beyond. A goal of the podcast from the outset has been to illuminate connections between architecture and other creative pursuits; to form bonds with others over process, philosophy, approach; to learn about ourselves by getting to know each other. So we hope that if you are creative, you find some inspiration in the advice that follows.
Evolution of Japanese Craftsmanship
Esmer Leija
Writing
In the summer of 2023, Esmer had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan. During her time abroad, she found herself captivated by the evolution of Japenese craftsmanship in architecture. Within this essay, she explores the significance of Japanese craftsmanship and its role as a poignant reminder that the essence of true artistry endues despite the ever-changing tides of time.