---
title: "Black + Vernooy Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/black-vernooy-architects-pfvwus-pf~2013391747
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013391747.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Black + Vernooy Architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/78d351da0ee63257_8808-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "208 W. Fourth Suite 3A, Austin, Texas 78701, United States"
latitude: 30.2713
longitude: -97.7426
phone: "(512) 474-1632"
website: http://www.blackmotal.com
rating: 5
review_count: 4
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 176
last_updated: 2026-08-24
---

# Black + Vernooy Architects

Original Houzz profile: [Black + Vernooy Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/black-vernooy-architects-pfvwus-pf~2013391747)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Serves:** Austin, Pflugerville, Hornsby Bend, Bee Cave, Shady Hollow, Lost Creek, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Onion Creek, Manchaca, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, San Leanna, Del Valle, Highland Lakes, Mc Neil
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves
- High-end
- Offers Custom Work

Black + Motal (formerly Black + Vernooy) has built an award-winning architecture practice around the idea that celebrating the unique qualities of each site and client results in functional, thoughtful, and responsive homes. We provide accommodating, comfortable environments for observing nature, entertaining, relaxing, working, and living, imbuing the architecture of Black + Motal with a "sense of place." This unique sense of place seeks harmony with the natural landscape and climate, native materials, and strives to produce a lasting, well-designed architecture exceeding client expectations and producing continual and unexpected delights.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Multigenerational Homes
- Project Management
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Attic Conversion
- Deck Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Prefab Houses

### Areas Served

- Austin
- Pflugerville
- Hornsby Bend
- Bee Cave
- Shady Hollow
- Lost Creek
- West Lake Hills
- Barton Creek
- Onion Creek
- Manchaca
- Rollingwood
- Sunset Valley
- San Leanna
- Del Valle
- Highland Lakes
- Mc Neil

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Black + Vernooy Architects |
| Address | 208 W. Fourth Suite 3A, Austin, Texas 78701, United States |
| Phone | (512) 474-1632 |
| Website | http://www.blackmotal.com |
| License Number | 23820 |
| Followers on Houzz | 176 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Vernooy-Architecture-Urban-Design/286879678737

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Black + Vernooy Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/black-vernooy-architects-pfvwus-pf~2013391747)
- **Website:** http://www.blackmotal.com
- **Phone:** (512) 474-1632

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- – Texas Society of Architects — Lifetime Achievement Award 2014; Honor Award 1982, 1978, 1972
- – American Institute of Architects — Firm Achievement 2003; Merit Award 1995, 1987, 1986, 1978, 1977; Honor Award 1993, 1985, 1982, 1972
- – Southern Living Magazine — Design Award 2000

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews**

### All 4 reviews

**★★★★★ — mcbenedict, Nov. 2014**

> After we decided to transform our Lake LBJ vacation lake house property into our permanent residence, we faced the daunting task of searching for an architect and designer.  We knew that we would need to tear down the 1960s era cottage and start from scratch, but other than that we weren’t sure where to turn. Fortunately, we attended a local parade of homes and toured a home designed by Black and Vernooy. We instantly recognized the skill and artistic touch of their design so we contacted them for an interview on our property. We developed an immediate rapport with Stephi, the project manager, and our hire decision was therefore very easy. We provided Stephi with just a few design parameters, but essentially we provided her a blank canvas. We were awestruck with their team’s design. They masterfully conquered the design challenges of our property (narrow and 4 feet lower than the new 100 year flood plain) with a plan that combines functionality with art, and created a beautiful structure that our family will treasure for generations.

**★★★★★ — fairoakscamp, March 2014**

> My husband and I wanted to have a functional yet pretty second home on our family's ranch. We did not want a traditional house and what Black + Vernooy did for us was perfect. They designed 3 modular units ( Great Room, Master and a 3 guest bedroom modular) that were connected by an open air, vaulted Pavilion. The lines are clean and we love the airy feel to the place! This is a perfect retreat for our family when we come to the ranch!

**★★★★★ — sewhughes, Feb. 2014**

> We hired Black + Vernooy approximately in April of 2003.  They worked closely with us and the builder we jointly selected to carefully design our house, taking into account the special features of our site and our design preferences.  The process took about a year and the creative process was an enjoyable experience.  They carefully supervised the build, which was completed in August of 2005, at which time we moved in.  Our house is beautiful and unique, and meets all our aesthetic and functional wishes.  We proudly show it to our guests and we have enjoyed many family gatherings with our children, their spouses and our grandchildren, all of whom it was designed to comfortably accommodate.  If we were to consider building another home anytime soon, we would definitely choose to work with Black + Vernooy once again.  They are excellent in all respects.  It was a pleasure to work with them all.

**★★★★★ — patbretz, Feb. 2014**

> Black and Vernooy designed our wonderful lake house.  They really listened when we described what we wanted i.e., low maintenance, save trees, indoor/outdoor ambiance.  Their plan was innovative and beautiful, mirroring our desires and budget.  The firm worked diligently with the builder and when the house was completed, Sinclair Black, the entire group and especially Stephi Motal exceeded our expectations.

**Comment from Black + Vernooy Architects:**

> Thank you for your thoughtful review. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve your family and see your lake house come to fruition.

## Selected projects

- [Treadwell Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/treadwell-residence-pj-vj~7377025)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 4
- [Hillside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-residence-pj-vj~24853)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Designed to maximize Hill Country views, the Hillside Residence steps down a limestone escarpment, extending the interior entertaining spaces onto a generous shaded porch.
- [Garner Compound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garner-compound-pj-vj~7377157)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 7
- [Lake LBJ Vacation Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-lbj-vacation-home-pj-vj~24649)
  - Location: Granite Shoals, TX
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This Lake LBJ vacation home was designed by Black + Vernooy Architects for an active family with three teenage children as a place to get away and enjoy the outdoors together. Focusing on a casual lakeside lifestyle the connection between interior and exterior became a driving element of the design.
- [South Texas Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-texas-ranch-pj-vj~473875)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This South Texas ranch home utilizes the flexibility of separate building volumes and a vast, open site to create the ideal country retreat. The arrangement of the three simple volumes recalls and reinterprets the historic building forms of the Texas plains, while meeting the clients’ programmatic requests for highly efficient spaces, both public and private. The dogrun pavilion, which connects the Great Room and Master Suite beneath a delicate steel-truss roof, provides the perfect place to gat…
- [Mirador Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mirador-residence-pj-vj~24675)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 49
  - Description: Designed to accommodate the clients' desire for a house that "sits beautifully and confidently" on its dramatic ridge-top site, the Mirador Residence takes full advantage of the site's natural terracing and sweeping Hill Country views by providing seamless transitions to its generous outdoor living spaces. The plan expresses the owner’s casual lifestyle and need for a variety of spaces strongly connected to the outdoors. Central Texas materials, such as native limestone and aromatic cedar, are c…
- [May Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/may-residence-pj-vj~468455)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This home was designed for a professional couple with several children, the promise of many grandchildren, and the prospect of an active retirement in the not too distant future. With a painting studio for her and a study/office for him were special requirements on top of the usual gracious living space, and formal as well as informal dining spaces. The outdoor living areas, terraces, decks, pool, and a boathouse significantly expand the space of the house and opportunities for outdoor leisure a…
- [Cliff House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cliff-house-pj-vj~24850)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This weekend retreat, sited on a 30' cliff overlooking Lake Travis, creates a place for a couple and their two young adult daughters to entertain friends and family. The owners wanted to take advantage of the lake views while incorporating a variety of outdoor living spaces that allow for quiet adult spaces separated from more active entertainment areas. The indoor-outdoor flow of the approximately 4,000 square foot compound is captured in six building volumes that surround a large courtyard con…
- [Smith Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/smith-residence-pj-vj~469787)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Inspired by the owners' travels in the Mediterranean region yet rooted firmly in Texas soil, this single family residence is designed to provide a secluded, comfortable environment for observing nature, relaxing, entertaining, living, and working. The oddly shaped site determined a house that is removed from the street, resulting in a long drive through a wooded area that leads to the gently sloping house site. The house is designed around a large, central public living area. The basic "H" shape…
- [Kinney Mues](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kinney-mues-pj-vj~26768)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: The Kinney Mues Development is a neighborhood infill project that turned one oversized lot into a community of 8 paired condominiums, for a total of 16 living units all nestled around and between large, existing oaks in South Austin. This project achieves many aspects of sustainable land use - from creating a shared greenway and protecting existing trees to developing a significant urban density within a neighborhood. The character of the community is accentuated by the reuse of antique doors an…
- [Kingsland Lake Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kingsland-lake-home-pj-vj~769861)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 7
- [Saunders Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saunders-residence-pj-vj~7377187)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This award-winning vacation home located on Lake Travis communicates in a Mediterranean accent with its red clay tile, stucco, courtyards, punctured walls and shade. The owners wanted to create a remote image from the street approach, compatible with the landscape, with an emphasis on outdoor living. The house is a series of terraces that step downward to the edge of a cliff. Lateral walls that divide the site into layers of space define the terraces. The primary wall of the residence is conceiv…
- [Watersmark](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/watersmark-pj-vj~7377186)
  - Location: Wylie, TX
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: “Three of Austin’s finest architects \[including Sinclair Black\] were each asked to design four custom homes in the exclusive Watersmark private community. Bringing their distinctive award-winning talent to this coveted West Austin location, they have created an opportunity to own a custom home of the highest standards - the same standards upon which they have built their exceptional reputations. Each home in the Architect’s Portfolio at Watersmark was carefully planned so that the natural beauty…
- [Brady Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brady-residence-pj-vj~7377202)
  - Location: Brady, TX
  - Photos: 6

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/black-vernooy-architects-pfvwus-pf~2013391747)

## Ideabooks

- [Gail's Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178778263/list/gail-s-bathroom) — 6 ideas
- [M&M Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54023430/list/m-m-furniture) — 2 ideas
- [kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24101096/list/kitchens) — 11 ideas
- [Stone](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23835093/list/stone) — 6 ideas

[See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/blackmotal)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Metal Beam** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is that a steel/metal beam across the opening?

A: Yes; this is a pair of galvanized steel channels back to back with a reveal between them. Glad you like it!

**Q: What is the color of the exterior stucco?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I'm searching for an exterior color that works with the Austin mixed limestone, cedar beams and metal roof that is not the ubiquitous creamy yellow.  This looks great,

A: Thank you for your question. The stucco is a STO color called Moondust.

**Q: Wood on Trellis and Patio** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the wood on the trellis and patio? How has it been stained and treated ?  Thank you.

A: Hi Henryk, thank you for your question!  All the exterior beams and rafters here are S4S (smooth on four sides) Douglas Fir.  Cypress and cedar can also be great exterior woods.  We often use Messmer's U.V. Plus Natural Wood Finish.  They have some beautiful colors, we like "Driftwood Gray" but in this case we used "Natural". Let us know if you have further questions, we've been designing porches in Texas for nearly 50 years.  Good luck with your project!

**Q: What is the square footage of this house?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Actually, I'd like to know what the square footage of just the upper floor is.

A: Hi Marilyn, thank you for your question!  The upper floor of this home is approximately 1320sf.  That area includes: kitchen, living/dining grand room, guest bedroom with full bath, and master bed and bath suite.  There is another approximately 610sf of exterior porches on the upper level that expands the living/dining space.  Let us know if you have further questions, good luck with your project!

**Q: Pls tell me the column and roof height.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The bottom of the roof raters start at 9' and slope up to 14'.

**Q: Like the sleek windows** *(in Photo Questions)*

Are the windows and French door commercial grade? Can you share the manufacturer please?

A: You're quite welcome.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*