Business Details
Award-Winning Architecture Firm in Austin, TX
Specht Novak is a distinguished architecture firm with a legacy of innovative design and meticulous attention to detail. Since our founding, we have been committed to creating spaces that harmonize with their environments while pushing the boundaries of modern architecture. Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects, each reflecting our dedication to craftsmanship and client collaboration. Recognized by Architizer as one of the 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the U.S., we blend experimental concepts with practical solutions to address urban challenges and sustainability.Our team of award-winning architects brings decades of collective experience, having earned accolades such as the AIA Design Awards and Forbes Americas Top 200 Residential Architect recognition. We prioritize a deeply collaborative approach, ensuring every projectfrom compact accessory dwellings to luxury vacation rentalsmeets the unique needs of our clients while setting new standards in architectural excellence. Our work has been featured in prestigious publications like Architectural Digest and The Wall Street Journal, underscoring our position as thought leaders in the industry.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Sustainable Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Urban Planning
Highlights and features
- We have earned over 20 national design awards, including multiple AIA honors.
- Our team includes AIA-recognized architects with expertise in sustainable urban solutions.
- We specialize in creating fire-resilient and net-neutral designs for diverse environments.
- Our collaborative process ensures client visions are realized with precision and creativity.
- We pioneered the Architizer A+Award-winning Stealth House ADU concept for urban densification.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Architizer A+ Awards
- Forbes Americas Top 200 Residential Architects
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable solutions
Client-focused approach
Urban innovation
Fire-resilient architecture
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that merge modern aesthetics with functional living. Our designs prioritize natural light integration, sustainable materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that reflect their lifestyles while maintaining architectural integrity.
Commercial Design
Our commercial projects combine innovative design with practical functionality for hospitality, office, and retail environments. We focus on creating spaces that enhance brand identity while optimizing user experience. Recent work includes adaptive reuse developments that preserve historical elements while meeting modern standards.
Sustainable Architecture
We specialize in energy-efficient designs featuring passive cooling systems, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced materials. Our net-neutral projects like Casa Xixim demonstrate expertise in balancing environmental responsibility with contemporary aesthetics. This approach reduces long-term operational costs while minimizing ecological impact.
Adaptive Reuse
Our team transforms existing structures into modern functional spaces while preserving architectural heritage. Projects like the Carpenter Hotel demonstrate expertise in integrating contemporary elements with historical frameworks. This approach extends building lifespans while maintaining cultural significance through thoughtful design interventions.
Urban Planning
We develop comprehensive urban strategies addressing densification challenges and public space optimization. Our work includes accessory dwelling unit programs and mixed-use developments that enhance community connectivity. These solutions prioritize walkability, transit access, and sustainable infrastructure for growing metropolitan areas.
People
Scott Specht
Founding Partner
AIA-recognized architect with 20+ years of experience, Scott leads design innovation at Specht Novak. His work focuses on modernist principles and sustainable materials, earning multiple national awards. He contributes to architectural discourse through teaching and podcast appearances.
Jakeb Novak
Partner
AIA-certified architect specializing in urban densification solutions, Jakeb has led award-winning projects like the Stealth House ADU. His expertise in compact living spaces addresses contemporary housing challenges while maintaining design excellence.
Travis Power
Partner
With a focus on commercial architecture, Travis oversees large-scale developments including the Carpenter Hotel. His work emphasizes adaptive reuse and historical preservation, balancing modern functionality with cultural heritage in urban environments.
Britny Nicole Hernandez
Architectural Designer
Specializing in sustainable residential design, Britny contributes to projects that integrate passive solar strategies and eco-friendly materials. Her work demonstrates a commitment to creating healthy living environments that respond to site-specific conditions.
Matt Lindsay
Project Architect
Leading project execution from concept to completion, Matt ensures technical precision across all firm projects. His expertise in construction documentation and client coordination contributes to the successful realization of complex architectural visions.
Questions
What architectural styles does Specht Novak specialize in?
We focus on modernist principles with an emphasis on clean lines, natural material integration, and functional spatial planning. Our work adapts these principles to regional contexts, creating site-specific designs that maintain contemporary relevance.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes both residential (single-family homes, ADUs) and commercial (hotels, office spaces) projects. This diversity allows us to apply innovative solutions across different building types and scales.
What sustainable design features do you incorporate?
We implement passive cooling systems, rainwater harvesting, solar panel integration, and locally sourced materials. Our Casa Xixim project demonstrates net-neutral energy performance through these combined strategies.
Can you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, our adaptive reuse expertise includes preserving historical structures while updating them for modern use. The Carpenter Hotel project exemplifies our approach to maintaining architectural heritage through thoughtful interventions.
How do you approach urban densification challenges?
We develop compact living solutions like the Stealth House ADU that maximize space efficiency without compromising design quality. Our strategies address privacy, natural light access, and community connectivity in dense urban environments.
What awards has the firm received?
We've earned multiple AIA Design Awards, Architizer A+ Awards, and recognition from Forbes Americas Top 200 Residential Architects. Our projects have been featured in Architectural Digest and The Wall Street Journal.
