---
title: "ísARK Studio — Design-Build Firms | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/isark-studio-pfvwus-pf~721424686
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721424686.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "ísARK Studio"
category: ["Design-Build Firms"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/847361740f75ab93_1699-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78722, United States"
latitude: 30.2893
longitude: -97.715
phone: "(512) 522-3396"
website: http://www.isarkstudio.com
rating: 4.8
review_count: 4
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 259
last_updated: 2026-09-11
---

# ísARK Studio

Original Houzz profile: [ísARK Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/isark-studio-pfvwus-pf~721424686)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (4 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2014), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves

Design personalized. Space beautiful. Life lovable.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design (New Construction
- Remodeling & Additions)
- Spec and Custom Design
- Design-Build-Furnish

### Typical Job Cost

$150,000 - 2,500,000

Kitchen Overhaul to Community Complex (up to three stories high)

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | ísARK Studio |
| Address | Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78722, United States |
| Phone | (512) 522-3396 |
| Website | http://www.isarkstudio.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 259 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/isarkstudio
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sigfinnur-sigur%c3%b0sson/7/839/30b

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [ísARK Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/isark-studio-pfvwus-pf~721424686)
- **Website:** http://www.isarkstudio.com
- **Phone:** (512) 522-3396

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Featured in Austin HOME magazine Summer 2013, Featured Houzz Tour article
- NCBDC \#44-515 (National Council of Building Design Certification, USA), Arkitektafélag Íslands (Icelandic Architecture Registration with EU permits)

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2013–2014), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 4 reviews**

### All 4 reviews

**★★★★★ — Brian Spears, July 2014**

> I was preparing my house to sell and it needed some love to make it pop. In stepped Taryn and Finn from ísARK. They walked through my house with me, talking about what I envisioned. I deferred most of my opinions to them and they took over, preparing a list of items to implement complete with pictures, web links, and full explanations. Then they assisted through the entire implementation process, which I insisted on managing, being extremely responsive and answering my incessant questions.
>
> Everyone who viewed the house commented -- overwhelmingly positively -- on their designs, which included interior/exterior paint, fixtures, lighting, landscaping and plenty more. My house sold fast and above market!
>
> I would unhesitatingly hire ísARK again and recommend them without reservation.

**★★★★★ — Chris Florio, Sept. 2013**

> isArk Studio provided excellent architecture and interior and outdoor design for my house.  They listened to what I wanted and help design my house around what was important to me.  They were provides great trim out selections as well as furniture suggestion after I moved in.  They were a pleasure to work with and would recommend them for any all of the service they provided for me!

**Comment from ísARK Studio:**

> Thanks for your thoughtful review Chris. If there was a client rating system you would get 5 stars from us as well! It was a pleasure to create a unique home for you. Thanks for making it so fun to work with you. Looking forward to coming and taking some pics once you're settled in. We wish you many happy years in your new home!

**★★★★ — anghorne, Sept. 2012**

> Finn and Taryn worked tirelessly on our project which presented several challenges along the way. The design from an architectural side was great as well as the eye for detail in the finish out. Finn did a great job working with the lot available and designing around the trees to give a great feel. Taryn secured GREAT deals from the suppliers and subs in an effort to reduce the overall cost of the project. Because of Taryn's efforts we were able to upgrade our options in several areas such as fully custom cabinets and a standing seam roof.

**★★★★★ — Hallway 2 Marketing, June 2012**

> isARK Studio has amazing imagery and finds ways to enhance space you didn't know you had. Truly artistic in everything they do. They listen to your wants and needs and makes suggestions within your budget. Very hands on throughout the building process. If you want something different making your home unique and different ... look no further. I would recommend them for anyone I know. I look forward to working with them again soon.

**Comment from ísARK Studio:**

> Thanks Nancy! We've got several new projects that we would love to have you photograph for us at the end of the summer. We'll keep you posted as we go through the construction phase. You're work is always stunning.

## Selected projects

- [Lake Travis Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-travis-retreat-pj-vj~320535)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: We took a dilapidated 1970's home and gave it a complete makeover. We added 1200 sq ft and a second story, complete with a solarium, an additional bedroom, bathroom, expanded master, new master closet, new terrace and a roof top deck to capture the views of the lake. The client had been through countless contractors and several other architects before we were brought on board. They wanted us to push the envelope and we really feel that we succeeded in creating something unique to the neighborhoo…
- [East Side Green Treehouse - Multi Unit Complex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-side-green-treehouse-multi-unit-complex-pj-vj~84896)
  - Location: Ausitn, TX
  - Photos: 10
- [Tarrytown: M2M Development](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarrytown-m2m-development-pj-vj~1281763)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
- [HGTV Industrial Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hgtv-industrial-farmhouse-pj-vj~677960)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 26
  - Description: Try to imagine a 108 year old farmhouse that stayed in the family and evolved over time. Borrowing from the best elements over the years. A farmer being resourceful with what he had on hand (raw steel, wood and his own hands) and his lovely wife refining, personalizing and adding warmth. That was far from the case on this complete renovation but it was our source of inspiration. Every house has a story but paying homage to an idea can be just as fun. We relocated the Kitchen from across the hous…
- [Cool Homes Tour ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cool-homes-tour-adu-pj-vj~5827931)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Piet M: Airport Office](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piet-m-airport-office-pj-vj~497097)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Ave G  Complex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ave-g-complex-pj-vj~5827883)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 7
- [Juniper](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/juniper-pj-vj~468099)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: For the Juniper Project, creating private spaces was key while also trying to maximize every view possible of the downtown Austin skyline. We allowed the courtyards and open spaces to dictate the flow of the plan. However, the first question someone might ask about this property is, “Why is the floor plan shaped like that?” Initially the angles of the front property line inspired the direction of the design. The angular walls are a strong design feature but they also allowed us to maximize squar…
- [Westlake Surrey Spruce](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westlake-surrey-spruce-pj-vj~1561091)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Wild West HQ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wild-west-hq-pj-vj~574437)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: At isARK Studio it's important to us that we have fun with our projects. This project in particular called for a really unique vision. A California company was relocating to Texas and they wanted to bring in a touch of the Wild West. Playfulness was key but our Scandinavian modern influences also managed to meld there way into the cohesive package.
- [Tahoma](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tahoma-pj-vj~1180778)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Working with an existing floor plan can be a challenge on any project, especially one that has unusual features. One could choose to embrace it or to struggle with it. We were able to layer in additional architectural details to the complex angles of this existing layout and create a hierarchy of functions.
- [HGTV Featured: Hatmaker's Kids Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hgtv-featured-hatmaker-s-kids-rooms-pj-vj~671417)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: These rooms were Designed-Built and furnished by Finn Sigurdsson and Taryn Hall of isARK Studio for the a TV episode on HGTV (My Great Family Renovation) for the Hatmaker Family's 4 kids rooms. All of the kids rooms were reclaimed from the unused attic. We added dormers to bring in light and make fun window seats. Each room had to suite the unique charms of each of the children and also keep the parents involved with little projects for the show.
- [McCarthy Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mccarthy-transformation-pj-vj~42420)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: Open space, modern finishes and comfort were all first and foremost in this radical transformation. This 60's home had great bones but an awkward flow and closed off floor plan. We tried to preserve the lifestyle that we envisioned a home like this in the 60's would have embodied but provided an updated contemporary elegance. Cove lighting and simple trim work can go a long way in providing personality to a home.
- [Details- Lakeview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/details-lakeview-pj-vj~320560)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Curtis Units](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curtis-units-pj-vj~75862)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: With innovative design and a thoughtful approach to preserving the trees on site we were able to capture a treehouse feel from every room.
- [Downtown Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-duplex-pj-vj~57781)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Construction has started! Front Unit Still available. Construction to be completed by Feb 2013
- [ESG](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/esg-pj-vj~51433)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 9
- [Sumarbústaður](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sumarbustaður-pj-vj~87276)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: This sweet summer house in Iceland has a focus on traditional charm while providing lots of great private outdoor space. It's surrounded by streams and mountains and we wanted to make sure that is really all you could be thinking about when you're tucked away in this cozy retreat.
- [Bathroom Remodels and Additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-remodels-and-additions-pj-vj~55890)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 7
- [Bungalow Developments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bungalow-developments-pj-vj~574429)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1

[See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/isark-studio-pfvwus-pf~721424686)

## Ideabooks

- [Grande](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57012583/list/grande) — 1 idea
- [M2M](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49768378/list/m2m) — 7 ideas
- [Pershing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32013533/list/pershing) — 7 ideas
- [Contrasting Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31675426/list/contrasting-exteriors) — 7 ideas
- [2209](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29914045/list/2209) — 2 ideas
- [Ave G](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28800630/list/ave-g) — 10 ideas
- [Masculine Rustic Modern](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26283588/list/masculine-rustic-modern) — 5 ideas
- [Epoxy Flooring](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24233489/list/epoxy-flooring) — 3 ideas
- [Barndoor hardware](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23067801/list/barndoor-hardware) — 2 ideas
- [Back Painted Glass Backsplash](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22602987/list/back-painted-glass-backsplash) — 4 ideas
- [FHR Kids Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19631523/list/fhr-kids-rooms) — 11 ideas
- [Bracket Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19095169/list/bracket-details) — 3 ideas
- [Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17828063/list/farmhouse) — 46 ideas
- [Lake Travis Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17667663/list/lake-travis-retreat) — 31 ideas
- [Landscaping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7490949/list/landscaping) — 1 idea
- [wallpaper](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7113575/list/wallpaper) — 9 ideas
- [EastsideGreen TreeHouse Duplex: Houzz Tour](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7102555/list/eastsidegreen-treehouse-duplex-houzz-tour) — 25 ideas
- [MCM](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3765443/list/mcm) — 53 ideas
- [Brute Opulence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3638427/list/brute-opulence) — 11 ideas
- [LEP Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3896657/list/lep-residence) — 5 ideas

[See all 23 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/isarkstudio)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What type of wood is used surrounding the door and for the soffit? thx** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Mahogany

**Q: What are the colors used on the exterior?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Sherwin Williams - Extra White

**Q: What color orange was paired with the peppercorn?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What color orange was paired with the peppercorn? Thx

A: We color matched the bedding.

**Q: Pendant lights over island** *(in Design Dilemma)*

How many pendant lights should go over an 80" island?  Each pendant is 5" wide... Contractor and electrician say two kitchen designer says 2 or 3 depending on the look we are going for.  Opinions?

A: What a great big island! I agree with Sativa Jeager that odd numbers are typically best. Since you have a very long island I believe that 5 pendants could work with your small pendant, depending on the light. Make it a feature to compliment the fantastic length of the space you have.
In contrast to doing pendants you could do recessed cans. This will make it less of a feature but the shadow play on the island will often highlight your countertop and still be visually interesting. If you have a grand dining or living light in a open floor plan this is ideal to create a sense of hierarchy in the lighting plan.
Pictures of your space, the lights you like and the style would be helpful in making further recommendations.
Happy Lighting!
isARK Studio

**Q: Need help with pendant light spacing...** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I'm going to the experts… We are remodeling a home and will have a large kitchen island (10'9" x 4').  I'm trying to figure out how many pendant lights we need, and then also how far apart they should be spaced.  Are there any unwritten rules?  The pendants we like are clear glass and approx 12" in diameter.  Thanks so much!

A: What a great big island!  I agree with Sativa Jeager that odd numbers are typically best. Since you have a very long island I believe that 5 pendants would be ideal- anything short of that will make the lighting feel comically small in comparison. Make it a feature to compliment the fantastic length of the space you have.
In contrast to doing pendants you could do recessed cans. This will make it less of a feature but the shadow play on the island will often highlight your countertop and still be visually interesting. If you have a grand dining or living light in a open floor plan this is ideal to create a sense of hierarchy in the lighting plan.
Pictures of your space, the lights you like and the style would be helpful in making further recommendations.
Happy Lighting!
isARK Studio

**Q: Need help with window treatments** *(in Design Dilemma)*

We are re-modeling our new house and need to have window treatments for 12 windows.  Our style is mid-century modern.  What is a nice sleek look for window treatments?  thank you!

A: We've done several MCMs and we keep coming back to these lines. 
http://www.blindsgalore.com/simply-chic

The last home we did had motorized shades in the Lime Zest pinwheel. They are a sturdy and slick product but fit in with the layers of whimsy we developed. 
http://www.blindsgalore.com/WindowProduct.asp?id=404022

Contractor prices are typically really good but you should inquire into their discounts (they have sales often). 

Happy Window Treatmenting!
isARK Studio

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*