A retired couple chose a derelict 1930’s cottage on a rhombus-shaped property in the heart of Austin, to create a modern, landscape-driven house. The quirky storybook structure hovered 4ft above grade and was crowded by two live oaks in the middle of a tight lot.

A house and habitat fuse to Austin’s urban forest with a steel and wood carport and rear arbour, cypress screen porch, a cantilevered concrete tree bench and sinker-cypress windowsills. Narrow and primary gardens bookend a permeable, cantilevered living space protecting trees and watershed. Room-size terraces settle the house into the land. ̹Vertical rough cypress clad addition with a curved metal roof is parallel to the side yard edges and skewed to the original house. Stepping inside, the entry expresses the asymmetric gabled roof, celebrating offbeat qualities. Cypress-clad walls transition gardens to white gallery walls and along with designed light make the art ordinary and the ordinary art.

Nick Deaver's journey into architecture began in West Texas, inspired by his father's work as an electrical contractor and his mother’s love for sewing. These early influences shaped Nick's vision, blending construction with creativity. His formal education at Texas Tech provided a strong technical foundation, but it was in practice that Nick developed his deep appreciation for human-centred design.

When Jes Deaver joined their firm, she broadened their scope, shifting the focus from individual homes to larger community impact. Together, they emphasize thoughtful design that resonates emotionally with people and respects the environment. Their philosophy centres around inclusivity, collaboration, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and connection to the land.

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