--- title: "McKinney York Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mckinney-york-architects-pfvwus-pf~1040262464 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1040262464.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "McKinney York Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e7036b480e2f2d80_9440-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "1301 East 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78702, United States" latitude: 30.2638 longitude: -97.7166 phone: "(512) 476-0201" website: http://mckinneyyork.com rating: 5 review_count: 44 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 947 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # McKinney York Architects Original Houzz profile: [McKinney York Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mckinney-york-architects-pfvwus-pf~1040262464) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Austin, TX - **Serves:** San Antonio, Austin, Pflugerville, Manor, Hornsby Bend, Shady Hollow, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Garfield, Onion Creek, Manchaca, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, San Leanna, Hays, Del Valle, Mc Neil - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (44 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Winners of over 30 design awards for our residential work, we have also been singled out on home tours and in over 300 magazine and newspaper articles for our sensitive, understated houses. To each project we bring our enthusiasm and our collaborative design process that draws inspiration equally from the clients’ aspirations and the unique qualities of the site. The results are timeless designs that are remarkably free from a signature style and responsive to their context. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - 3D Home Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Antonio - Austin - Pflugerville - Manor - Hornsby Bend - Shady Hollow - Lost Creek - West Lake Hills - Barton Creek - Garfield - Onion Creek - Manchaca - Rollingwood - Sunset Valley - San Leanna - Hays - Del Valle - Mc Neil ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | McKinney York Architects | | Address | 1301 East 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78702, United States | | Phone | (512) 476-0201 | | Website | http://mckinneyyork.com | | Followers on Houzz | 947 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/mckinneyyorkarchitects - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/mckinneyyork - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinney-york-architects ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [McKinney York Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mckinney-york-architects-pfvwus-pf~1040262464) - **Website:** http://mckinneyyork.com - **Phone:** (512) 476-0201 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA Austin \[American Institute of Architects\]](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-austin-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~630184005) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 44 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lawrence Huisman, May 2018** > McKinney/York Architects delivers a product that meets the needs of the client while at the same time being considerate to budgets and deadlines. > As a Contractor I have enjoyed their detailed drawings and quick decision making so projects stay on schedule. > Having worked with this talented team for over 30 years I highly recommend McKinney/York Architects for remodeling and new construction. **★★★★★ — Peter Keim M.D., Nov. 2017** > We hired McKinney York Architects (Heather McKinney) in 2007 to "bring alive" our space in Austin. The results were nothing short of spectacular. **★★★★★ — Amanda Birrell Gruen, Nov. 2017** > I have hired Heather McKinney on three projects over the last twenty years. Her aesthetic is amazing- modern and creative,innovative but always graceful. She has always been wonderful to work with: insightful, patient, considerate of budget, of aesthetics other than her own, of environmental concerns and of timing. I know that she has the respect of her peers, and that her work is widely admired. She is a leader in her industry, and an inspiration to others, I cannot recommend her more highly. **★★★★★ — Ilene Barr, Nov. 2017** > McKinney/York helped us update our 25 year old kitchen. > We loved the fresh ideas and improved functionality. > I love everything about this redesigned kitchen **★★★★★ — Mei Mei Newsome, Nov. 2017** > McKinney York took our dreams and vision and turned them into reality. Working with true professionals who had the expertise to create elements of form and function was a delight. Their attention to detail in both design and budget more than satisfied everything we needed. **★★★★★ — William Ball, Nov. 2017** > McKinney York Architects is one of the top firms in the state of Texas. They are professional, high design, pragmatic, cost effective and deliver projects on time - everything you could want in a full service design firm. I feel truly blessed to be their client and look forward to doing another residential project with them. **★★★★★ — Studio K, Nov. 2017** > McKinney York could not have been outdone on this project. They were professional, timely, creative, efficient and cost conscious. Aside from their professionalism, they were a delight to work with. The entire project had a positive energy while going on and it showed in the finished product. I would highly recommend this team. **★★★★★ — Robert Suchecki, Oct. 2017** > We began architectural design with McKinney York thinking we wanted a simple design that mostly mimicked the original ranch-style house planned for demolition. Heather McKinney and Will Wood, principal architects, generated multiple design concepts that challenged our early view to build a conventional style house surrounded by construction-limiting large live oak trees. Instead, we chose their overall contemporary modern design with shed roofs, lofted ceilings and expansive glass blended with many traditional interior design elements to create an exceptionally livable house. Essential features in architectural design included preservation of the close-by and overhanging oak trees, rear-yard views of the Texas Hill Country, open living areas that maintained bedroom-to-bedroom privacy and provided wall space for artwork, use of limestone for exterior walls and metal for roofs in keeping with building materials characteristic of the Austin, Texas region. The architectural design of our residence by Heather and Will is underpinned by sensitivity to client personality and keen awareness of how choice of building materials and design can produce an outcome far richer than we could have imagined. **★★★★★ — Vic Winter, Oct. 2017** > I've had the opportunity to work with a number of McKinney York architects over the years. I am always impressed with their professionalism, attention to detail and dedication to the best interest of their clients. **★★★★★ — Sarah Goodfriend, Oct. 2017** > We have turned to McKinney York for 3 major remodels of our mid-Century Modern residence. In all projects, including a complete kitchen remodel, MY has updated our home while flawlessly integrating their work to maintain the home's original architectural signatures. Heather and associates have been a delight to work with over the past 25 years. **★★★★★ — Anne Gary, Oct. 2017** > We worked with Heather McKinney for over a year in designing our new home. She was so attentive to our desire to have a smaller designed and well arranged home for the two of us. We have been so pleased with all of the selections that were presented to us. Her whole team was very helpful to our contractor when needed. > We could not be happier with the final results. **★★★★★ — Jane Hickie, Nov. 2016** > My partner and I have worked with Heather McKinney for over 30 years on a range of residential projects. She has designed both new houses and modifications to existing ones and, together with our favorite interior designer, Robin Black, has made memorable homes for us every time. In particular, some of our homes have been in rural ranch or remote island settings where clear communication with the contractor (both verbal and drawn) has been essential to the successful outcome of the project. ## Selected projects - [Whistle Pig Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whistle-pig-lodge-pj-vj~7687028) - Location: Vail, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: The remodel of this family retreat located in the prestigious Four Seasons resort in Vail, Colorado marries modern aesthetics with a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for après ski relaxation and socializing. The design draws inspiration from the breathtaking Colorado mountains, featuring a sophisticated palette of warm greys and whites, cool blues, and natural wood finishes. Key materials include white oak cabinetry and flooring and beetle kill pine paneling that provide a harmonious blend of mo… - [Merry Hill Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/merry-hill-cottage-pj-vj~7575115) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Three generations have shared summers together at this very special place called Merry Hill. Recognizing their shifting needs and looking forward to future generations, the clients wanted to both drastically change their beloved family lake house and yet not change it at all. This new iteration of the cottage is nearly double the size of the original, transforming their summer home into a four-season getaway while evoking the character of the original house in a new and fresh way. The main cotta… - [Sea Breeze Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-breeze-residence-pj-vj~7351269) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This vacation home was created for an avid saltwater fisherman and his family. As a coastal property, care was taken to capture breezes and views, encouraging inhabitants to slow down and soak in the ambiance. At the same time, the building is designed to withstand storms and the corrosive effects of salt air. Awareness of natural elements, including being kind to other inhabitants of the property, is evident in selections like turtle friendly exterior specialty LED lighting. Careful composition… - [Lake Austin Overlook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-austin-overlook-pj-vj~7331171) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 21 - Description: This extensive remodel overlooking Lake Austin is a paean to the powerful art it enfolds. Rigorous editing of every distracting, inconsequential element of the original house was critical. So too was the insertion of new complementary components that provide artful ways to move through both interior and exterior rooms. The collection of modern art is arresting. Ranging from a Turrell hologram to a pair of Agnes Martins, the art is framed by the architecture and lighting so that it is experienced… - [Writer's Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/writer-s-retreat-pj-vj~7321116) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 17 - Description: Nestled at the top of a steeply sloped wooded site, this backyard retreat offers a quiet sanctuary tucked away in a busy west Austin neighborhood. This efficiently planned accessory dwelling unit comprises a bedroom, bath, kitchen and living area. The approach to the retreat is via a winding path up the woodland hill that arrives at a generous wrap-around porch. The path and porch are connected by a small bridge that negotiates the difference in terrain and provides an experiential cue of transi… - [Hyde Park Art Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hyde-park-art-studio-pj-vj~1808467) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 9 - [Windsor Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windsor-park-residence-pj-vj~6900295) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - [Winter Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winter-park-residence-pj-vj~6731471) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 17 - Description: Clarity. This whole-house re-design was driven by a desire to resolve inexplicable ceiling planes, dead-end rooms, dark and ill-proportioned spaces, a frustrating kitchen and a general lack of cohesiveness. The resulting spaces flow fluidly and intuitively due to the significant reorganization of ceilings, the creation of a library entry hall with a softly curving staircase, the new and improved linkages to outdoor terraces, decks, balconies and gardens, the addition of windows that spill light… - [Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valley-residence-pj-vj~6247694) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Embracing the natural features of the dynamic landscape on this wooded West Lake Hills lot, this house for a family of four engages the senses with simple forms, use of local limestone, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The steeply sloping site informed the design strategy by locating living spaces and the master suite on the entry level with the children’s bedrooms and play areas tucked on the floor below. Beginning at the entryway, the L-shaped roof canopy shelters the front porch and f… - [West Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-lake-residence-pj-vj~6247668) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - Description: Located at the end of a leafy street on a canyon slope, this house belongs to a newly retired couple. After living all over the world, they wanted a relaxed home to accommodate their art, gardening, and wine-collection interests and to host friends and grown children. The woodsy site was instrumental to the design and orientation of the house and pool, which offers both seclusion and a framed city view. The entry drive approaches from below the property, so extra care was taken to anchor the hou… - [Saddle Creek House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saddle-creek-house-pj-vj~4286255) - Location: Denison, TX - Photos: 24 - Description: Inspired by Frank Welch, FAIA, who grew up near the site of this home in North Texas, the design concept for this new residence revolves around the quintessential house shape drawn by children. The one-story home is composed of three stone pavilions in that iconic shape, connected by plaster-clad links. It is designed for a retired couple who yearned for a composed, smaller home to display their favorite things and make life just a little bit easier. The siting of the house maximizes the privacy… - [Ridge Oak Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ridge-oak-residence-pj-vj~2148711) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - Description: This property came with a house which proved ill-matched to our clients’ needs but which nestled neatly amid beautiful live oaks. In choosing to commission a new home, they asked that it also tuck under the limbs of the oaks and maintain a subdued presence to the street. Extraordinary efforts such as cantilevered floors and even bridging over critical root zones allow the design to be truly fitted to the site and to co-exist with the trees, the grandest of which is the focal point of the entry c… - [Avenue G Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avenue-g-residence-pj-vj~1822316) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 16 - [Canyon Lake Pool Cabana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canyon-lake-pool-cabana-pj-vj~6247613) - Location: Canyon Lake, TX - Photos: 7 - Description: Downhill from the main house and overlooking the lake, this small pavilion and pool serve as a respite for Nebraska snowbirds. A simple rectangle with massive retractable openings, the pavilion is oriented to capture prevailing breezes and funnel views through to the pool and lake. It is nestled into the hill to form a recreation space that is truly connected to the landscape. To minimize the impact of the pavilion on views from the main house and to provide a wildflower spring for the Texas -bo… - [Shavano Park House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shavano-park-house-pj-vj~16616) - Location: Shavano Park, TX - Photos: 15 - Description: The client for this home wanted a modern structure that was suitable for displaying her art-glass collection. Located in a recently developed community, almost every component of the exterior was subject to an array of neighborhood and city ordinances. These were all accommodated while maintaining modern sensibilities and detailing on the exterior, then transitioning to a more minimalist aesthetic on the interior. The one-story building comfortably spreads out on its large lot, embracing a front… - [Robbs Run Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/robbs-run-residence-pj-vj~16612) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 23 - Description: A need to save 15 specimen oaks determined the iconic form of this house. Its potentially bulky form is transformed into two tall slim Monopoly houses with a glass slot that joins and splits the house top to bottom, flooding light throughout. McKinney York chose straightforward materials such as metal roofs for rainwater collection, cementitious siding and recycled stone for the retaining walls and porch fireplace. It is the detailing that brings elegance to those materials - for example the tau… - [Zilker House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zilker-house-pj-vj~422043) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - [City Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-loft-pj-vj~16609) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 12 - Description: Transitioning to this simple space was seen as an opportunity for the owners to winnow possessions and highlight their art and book collections. A 21' tall egg-crate wall of books with a catwalk at mid-height defines and dramatizes the space. True to loft living, pipes and ducts are exposed and rooms open to each other to capture light and views. The occasional need for privacy is met by large sliding panels of pale green glass and a pair of floating colored walls. The new kitchen and bath take… - [Westview Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westview-residence-pj-vj~1410958) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 11 - [Mt. Barker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-barker-residence-pj-vj~16614) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: Built on the foundation of a former house, this home takes advantage of its hilltop location to capture cool prevailing breezes from Lake Austin and views of the city skyline. Single-loaded rooms and screened porches allow for cross-ventilation, natural light and hence a less energy-dependent lifestyle. Its spacious ground floor is pierced by the dramatic light-filled shafts of the stairway and second floor balcony, creating a hub for the flowing living spaces of the house. The design balances t… [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mckinney-york-architects-pfvwus-pf~1040262464) ## Ideabooks - [McDaniel Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145725664/list/mcdaniel-residence) — 75 ideas - [Dinsdale](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107114980/list/dinsdale) — 19 ideas - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30644521/list/bedrooms) — 9 ideas - [\#PlayHouzz](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64933159/list/playhouzz) — 11 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30643830/list/bathrooms) — 16 ideas - [Kitchen Organization](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6406505/list/kitchen-organization) — 8 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mckinneyyork) ## Community Q&A **Q: Just about how long does it take to build a house like this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just about how long does it take to build a house like this? What material is used to divide/partition it inside? Cost??? A: Typically new custom residential construction can take anywhere from 9 months to 16 months depending on the scale of your project. The interior partitions are a combination of painted sheet rock walls and painted wood millwork. **Q: This is gorgeous! Where did you get the wooden bench from?** *(in Photo Questions)* My husband and I are building a new home. We love this shower. Please let us know where the wooden bench came from. A: This bench was custom designed and fabricated for the client. **Q: Will you please tell me what wood was used for the floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The wood floor is Cumaru. **Q: What a magnificent room !** *(in Photo Questions)* Outdoor/indoor integration with a fireplace. Great proportions and height that shows the beautiful tree canopy. This is really well done. A: Thank you! **Q: The bookshelf, where can I get it? :)** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This was purchased by the client from Design Within Reach. **Q: Stone** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the make and color of the stone? A: The stone came from a local stone distributor in north Texas and is a blend of different limestones including a gray Lueders and a creamy white. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*