Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in San Antonio
John Grable Architects is a collaborative architectural studio founded in 2004, dedicated to creating spaces that harmonize human experience with the natural environment. Our practice, rooted in San Antonio, TX, emphasizes material integrity, historical continuity, and innovative design across residential, commercial, industrial, and heritage renovation projects. With over four decades of collective experience, including leadership roles at Lake|Flato Architects, our team prioritizes empathetic design processes that reflect clients' philosophies and site-specific narratives. Recognized through multiple AIA Residential Design Awards and features in publications like The Wall Street Journal, we specialize in blurring boundaries between interior and exterior spaces while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.Our work with reclaimed materials and adaptive reuse demonstrates environmental stewardship, and our team's diverse expertise in high-performance design ensures solutions that balance functionality with aesthetic purity. From small-scale structures to large commercial developments, we approach each project as an opportunity to advance architectural traditions through contemporary methods. Our studio culture fosters critical thinking and collaboration, with team members contributing diverse perspectives shaped by international study programs and specialized training in sustainable design. Through publications, exhibitions, and community-focused projects, we continue to explore architecture's role in enhancing social and environmental resilience.
Services
Residential Architecture
Heritage Renovations
Commercial Design
Industrial Structures
Sustainable Architecture
Small Structure Design
Ranch Development
Mixed-Use Projects
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in site-responsive architectural design since 2004
- Our team includes FAIA-certified architects with expertise in historic preservation
- We implement sustainable practices through material reclamation and energy-efficient design
- Award-winning portfolio recognized by AIA San Antonio and Luxe RED Design Awards
- Collaborative process integrates client philosophy with site-specific storytelling
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainable expertise
Historic preservation
Client-centric process
Material innovation
Services
Residential Architecture
Creating personalized living spaces that integrate natural elements with modern functionality. Our residential projects prioritize site-specific design, using local materials and passive solar strategies to enhance energy efficiency. Each home reflects the client's lifestyle while maintaining architectural purity through minimalist forms and open spatial planning.
Heritage Renovations
Specialized restoration of historically significant structures while incorporating contemporary needs. We maintain original architectural integrity through careful material selection and traditional construction techniques. Our approach balances preservation requirements with modernization for functional, sustainable reuse of heritage buildings.
Sustainable Architecture
Implementing environmentally responsible solutions across all project types. This includes passive cooling strategies, rainwater harvesting systems, and reclaimed material integration. Our sustainable approach extends beyond certifications to create buildings that naturally respond to their ecological context while reducing long-term operational impacts.
Small Structure Design
Designing efficient, purpose-driven spaces that maximize functionality within minimal footprints. These projects emphasize material honesty and spatial optimization, often serving as ancillary structures that complement primary buildings while maintaining architectural significance through refined detailing and contextual responsiveness.
Commercial Design
Creating branded environments that reflect client identity while optimizing functionality. Our commercial projects integrate ergonomic principles with aesthetic innovation, producing spaces that enhance business operations and customer experiences through thoughtful material selection and spatial planning strategies.
People
John Grable
Founder, FAIA
With over 40 years of experience, John Grable founded the firm in 2004 after 18 years at Lake|Flato Architects. His work focuses on merging architectural traditions with contemporary sustainability practices, emphasizing material integrity and site-specific design solutions.
Matthew Martinez
Project Manager
Joined in 2007 after completing his Master of Architecture at UTSA. Specializes in project coordination and construction administration, bringing expertise in tensile structure design and Italian architectural studies to his role managing complex development projects.
Krystal Sepulveda
Architect
Graduated from University of Houston with honors, specializing in adaptive reuse and cultural architecture. Participated in international design programs in Argentina, contributing expertise in housing typologies and community-focused spatial planning to the firm's projects.
Elizabeth Salazar
Designer
Joined in 2022 with a Master of Architecture from UTSA, focusing on environmentally-centered design. Her award-winning thesis explored vernacular architecture's ecological advantages, informing her approach to sustainable material selection and people-centered spatial solutions.
Questions
What architectural styles does John Grable Architects specialize in?
We focus on modern, sustainable designs that respond to site-specific contexts while respecting historical traditions through heritage renovations.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments with equal expertise and attention to detail.
How does the firm incorporate sustainability into designs?
Through passive solar strategies, material reclamation, rainwater systems, and energy-efficient construction methods tailored to each project's needs.
Can you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in heritage renovations that maintain architectural integrity while integrating modern functionality and sustainability features.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily San Antonio and Texas Hill Country, with select national projects through our established network of collaborators.
