Business Details
Award-Winning Architectural Design & Research Firm
We are a design research practice committed to creating meaningful, resilient spaces that bridge cultural, environmental, and social contexts. Founded on the belief that design can transform the world into a more beautiful and functional place, we specialize in resolving opposing forces through inclusive, innovative solutions. Our work spans full-scale installations, commissioned buildings, and speculative visions, integrating scholarship and material research to address global challenges. With decades of combined experience, our team of architects and educators prioritizes client collaboration, historical sensitivity, and ecological stewardship.We have earned international recognition for award-winning projects like the BSL2 and GATOR houses, and our research on coastal preservation has been exhibited at institutions like the Venice Biennale. As Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and recipients of the Rome Prize, we combine academic rigor with practical expertise to deliver designs that are both poetic and pragmatic.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Urbanism
Design Research
Residential Projects
Commercial Projects
Highlights and features
- We integrate design with cultural, environmental, and social contexts through rigorous research.
- Our work has won peer-reviewed awards including AIA and Architectural Record recognitions.
- We combine academic expertise with practical innovation for resilient, future-ready solutions.
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects and Rome Prize-winning researchers.
- We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring personalized designs that exceed expectations.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- AIA Fellow
- American Academy in Rome
What people say
Attention to detail
Personalized design
Award-worthy
Successful integration
Highly recommended
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions that harmonize modern aesthetics with historical context. Our approach prioritizes client needs, environmental sustainability, and cultural relevance, delivering spaces that are both functional and visually striking. With international awards for residential and commercial projects, we specialize in transforming complex challenges into elegant, future-ready designs.
Sustainable Urbanism
Our sustainable urbanism practice focuses on climate-resilient city planning and adaptive preservation. Through material research and ecological analysis, we develop urban frameworks that balance growth with environmental stewardship. Recognized in publications like Places Magazine, our work addresses coastal erosion, resource management, and community-centric infrastructure for long-term urban health.
Design Research
We advance architectural knowledge through scholarly research on topics like coastal preservation and material culture. Our studies inform both academic discourse and practical applications, with findings presented at conferences and exhibited globally. This research-driven approach ensures our designs incorporate cutting-edge methodologies and theoretical insights for impactful outcomes.
Residential Projects
We design bespoke residential spaces that merge modern innovation with site-specific context. From mid-century renovations to new constructions like the award-winning GATOR House, our homes prioritize natural light, climate-appropriate materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Each project reflects the unique lifestyle and values of its inhabitants while achieving architectural excellence.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial work includes mixed-use developments and institutional buildings that enhance community engagement and environmental sustainability. By integrating functional design with artistic vision, we create spaces that support economic vitality while respecting cultural heritage. Projects like the Buchanan Mixed Use Chapel demonstrate our ability to balance practical needs with aesthetic innovation.
People
Michael A. McClure
Founding Partner, Dean at Kansas State University
A licensed architect and educator, Michael co-founded Emery McClure Architecture and served as Dean at Kansas State University. With experience at Columbia University and Tulane, he focuses on coastal resilience and design pedagogy. He holds a MARCH from Columbia and BA from Washington University.
Ursula Emery McClure
Founding Partner, Professor
Ursula co-founded the firm and teaches transdisciplinary design at Kansas State University. A LEED-certified Fellow of the AIA, she specializes in climate resiliency and has been recognized by ArchDaily as an innovative practitioner. She holds a MArch from Columbia University.
Sarah Young
Partner, Educator
Sarah joined the firm in 2014 and serves as Associate Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She coordinates interdisciplinary design studios and has received AIA National Associates Awards. She earned her M.Arch from UL Lafayette and focuses on pedagogical research.
Questions
What architectural styles does emerymcclure specialize in?
We blend modern design with contextual sensitivity, creating spaces that respect historical elements while incorporating contemporary innovation. Our work adapts to each project's unique cultural and environmental context.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we specialize in both custom residential homes and commercial/mixed-use developments, applying our design philosophy consistently across scales and typologies.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
We prioritize climate-resilient materials, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive reuse strategies. Our research on coastal preservation directly informs sustainable practices in vulnerable ecosystems.
Can you work with historic buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience integrating modern design with historic structures, as demonstrated in projects like the 135-year-old Baronne home renovation.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Louisiana and Kansas, we work nationally and internationally, with projects ranging from coastal Louisiana to academic collaborations in Europe.
