“Our work is a response to the site and clients,” says Austin architect Ryan Burke of A Parallel Architecture. “When our clients are already inspired by their surroundings, we’re further along in the process by day one.” Recalling a recent project constructed by Ames Design Build, Burke says the wife grew up in Vancouver appreciating architects like Pacific Northwest modern master Arthur Erickson and how he responded to the landscape.
“It was a motivating factor to explore siting possibilities before jumping to conclusions,” Burke says. With co-principal Eric Barth and designer Michael Battjes, he conceived the home as a thoughtful answer to the gently sloping land these clients cherish, with a glass wing reaching out toward the distant view and providing stunning 180-degree vistas. Burke says his firm is fortunate to have projects in locations like the Puget Sound, Washington, and beyond that prompt one-of-a-kind design opportunities.
He says the key is to ask: “What is magical about this place that we can find inspiration in and ultimately enhance through responsive design? Whether it’s capturing a lake view or designing around a heritage tree, if you look hard enough, you will find it.”
