---
title: "Original Bruce Designs — Design-Build Firms | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/original-bruce-designs-pfvwus-pf~1577087828
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577087828.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Original Bruce Designs"
category: ["Design-Build Firms"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e41349a50548e7db_9398-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Austin, Texas 78756, United States"
latitude: 30.3223
longitude: -97.739
phone: "(512) 577-5016"
website: http://originalbrucedesigns.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 8
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 32
last_updated: 2026-09-23
---

# Original Bruce Designs

Original Houzz profile: [Original Bruce Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/original-bruce-designs-pfvwus-pf~1577087828)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Serves:** Austin
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves

The name "Original Bruce" came to me when I was a teenager. I had just finished some invention when my Uncle Jim – my mentor and best source of second-hand tools – said, "That's really neat. What is it?" I was indignant. "What is it?! WHAT IS IT?! Why, it's an Original Bruce, that's what it is!" It was probably my way of avoiding the question, because I didn't really know what to call it either.
 
I've been designing and building things all my life, and my process has evolved over the years to be very organic. I no longer feel like I impose a design on something – instead, the design reveals itself through a collaborative process. I start by talking with clients about what they want, then visit the property to see what it wants, then consult with my coworkers (my wife and son), and finally sit with all that until inspiration arrives. Even after we've come up with a plan, the building process can lead to changes that make the project better than anyone ever expected at the start. I love what I do, and I love the collaborative process of creating something special that gives everyone ownership in the project.

### Areas Served

- Austin

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Original Bruce Designs |
| Address | Austin, Texas 78756, United States |
| Phone | (512) 577-5016 |
| Website | http://originalbrucedesigns.com/ |
| Followers on Houzz | 32 |

## Offers

Complimentary Design Consult _Valued at $200.00_

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Original Bruce Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/original-bruce-designs-pfvwus-pf~1577087828)
- **Website:** http://originalbrucedesigns.com/
- **Phone:** (512) 577-5016

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews**

### All 8 reviews

**★★★★★ — maryvjohnson, June 2015**

> Bruce and his son Byron did a wonderful job in building a patio covering that is attached to the roof.  Bruce designed it such that it blends with the roof and partially covers not only the rock foundation in the backyard, but the deck that extends up from the yard.  He used a transparent plexiglass as part of the covering so that the sunshine can come through.  It is an elegant design that achieves what I wanted.  Bruce and Byron were always friendly, quiet spoken, always ready to answer my questions.  They left the work area in good shape during and after the construction was done. I am hoping to put some photos up as to adequately  describe Bruce's design in words only does not do his work justice. I will try to post photos soon. Please check back.  Mary Johnson

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks Mary we will post your pictures soon.  Great project!

**★★★★★ — athrel, June 2015**

> I can not say enough wonderful things about Bruce. He is an outstanding craftsman, professional, courteous, and a great communicator. He helped us remodel our home last year and was on time and on budget. Bruce is very honest, trustworthy, and fair... as well as easy to work with.
>
> Bruce did everything from plumbing and electrical to finish carpentry and drywall, all of which we have been very satisfied with.

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks for the great review guys! And for the pictures, really looking great! It was great working with you too! Appreciate all the referral's.

**★★★★★ — ccogburn, June 2015**

> Bruce designed and renovated my kitchen recently, and I recommend him highly. It was like working with the Buddha! There were many design changes along the way, mine and his, with no conflict. He and his son showed up when they said they would, and were very respectful of my space and needs. He custom built my cabinets with a ton of special touches that have made my kitchen truly unique and practical. He and his son were a joy to work with. He kept the cost to a minimum, and was more than willing to do the little "extra" thiings that kept me from having to hire subcontractors. I would trust him with any project in my house. Excellent design and workmanship!

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Catherine we had so much fun collaborating with you to make the kitchen with everything, and opening up your floor plan!

**★★★★★ — genavano58, June 2015**

> Bruce is the ultimate craftsman.  He designed and built wall-to-wall bookshelves for us, redesigned and rebuilt part of our deck, and came up with a creative solutions for some of our storage issues.  His creativity, resourcefulness and attention to detail is outstanding, and we are extremely pleased with his work.  His bids are competitively priced and he saves money wherever he can while maintaining high quality. We would highly recommend him for any project, especially those requiring creative, quality work.

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks Gena, you and Tom are fun to work with!

**★★★★★ — Michelle Thomas Design, June 2015**

> I have worked with Original Bruce Designs for 3+ years and have been pleased every time.  Bruce is a joy to work with.  He is calm and makes every jobsite function smoothly.  I am a designer who has worked with Bruce on making my designs come to life.  He has built custom wood walls, outdoor kitchen and wood deck, custom cabinetry, and even gives idea to make each job better.  All our jobs are uniquely beautiful!  I will continue working with Bruce for years to come!

**★★★★★ — lawolke, June 2015**

> Bruce has done some beautiful work for our house: rebuilding an outside wood staircase and redesigning and building a new bridge (wood with stone landing) to our front door. He is a true professional and had great insight into options for materials and construction. He also stands by his work and redid a small job (without charge) that didn't meet his standards.

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks Leslie, Was great working with you! Hope to post some pictures soon.

**★★★★★ — Daniel Nicholson, June 2015**

> Bruce was a highly skilled and highly professional contractor to work with on our downtown condo urban patio project. Everything that was done on the patio was custom made. We now have a one of a kind outdoor entertainment space, and we could not be happier. I would highly recommend his work to anybody looking to take on a home improvement project. Thank you so much Bruce for your great work and for being so great to work with.

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks so much Daniel, you and Kristen were so easy to work with! We really loved this project and can't wait to post pictures of it.

**★★★★★ — psferretti, June 2015**

> Hired Bruce on a recommendation by a friend of a friend to remodel an apartment we purchased for our daughter while she is a student at UT. I was concerned about going through this from 1200 miles away but Bruce was wonderful to work with.  He was very reliable, accommodating and patient.  He took extra effort to make our ideas work and meet our budget.  He completed the project in a timely manner and has stood behind his work (we had a small electrical issue and he was very quick to respond).  I would definitely use Bruce in the future and would recommend him to anyone who asked.

**Comment from Original Bruce Designs:**

> Thanks for your kind words Penny! It was great working with you and Ashley,.  I hope you make so much money that you pay for her college when she graduates (and you sell the Condo)!

## Selected projects

- [Landscapes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscapes-pj-vj~1083561)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
- [Arbors & Gazebos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arbors-and-gazebos-pj-vj~1656569)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~1114622)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Living Rooms & Family Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-rooms-and-family-rooms-pj-vj~1114626)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Fences & Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fences-and-exteriors-pj-vj~1163373)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Louvered, art fence, custom gate, Steel wood gate, fence that lets the breeze through, privacy while still getting air movement

[See all 5 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/original-bruce-designs-pfvwus-pf~1577087828)

## Ideabooks

- [aurora](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107408789/list/aurora) — 207 ideas
- [Frank &  Cindy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184821059/list/frank-cindy) — 20 ideas
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- [Craftsman Stair Rail](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141418271/list/craftsman-stair-rail) — 12 ideas
- [Bill & Debbie](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143707343/list/bill-debbie) — 15 ideas
- [Kathryn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130242189/list/kathryn) — 2 ideas
- [Aubrey](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125656180/list/aubrey) — 12 ideas
- [houston ave](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107660358/list/houston-ave) — 11 ideas
- [dr Ron](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91492123/list/dr-ron) — 1 idea

[See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/obruce)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*