--- title: "Root Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/root-architecture-pfvwus-pf~973644498 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~973644498.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Root Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f6334ead0261a5ba_6975-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3607 S. Lamar Blvd. #102, Austin, Texas 78704, United States" latitude: 30.2428 longitude: -97.7658 phone: "(512) 632-4449" website: http://www.root-architecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 63 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Root Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Root Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/root-architecture-pfvwus-pf~973644498) ## 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, Hays, Del Valle, Mc Neil - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2019–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Boutique Architectural design firm specializing in contemporary design. We have considerable experience with many different project types, including single-family homes, apartments, condos, retail, restaurant, offices, as well as civic buildings such as libraries and museums. John Puhr founded Root Architecture in Austin, Texas in 2011 after more than ten years of developing many different facets of the practice of architecture. The foundational principles of materiality, context, and craft John learned early on are still at the root of his practice today. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Modular Home Additions ### 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 - Hays - Del Valle - Mc Neil ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 5 million Typical cost of construction for contemporary new homes can range from $250 per square foot up to $500 per square foot. Cost of construction for remodels will vary according to the scope of work. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Root Architecture | | Address | 3607 S. Lamar Blvd. \#102, Austin, Texas 78704, United States | | Phone | (512) 632-4449 | | Website | http://www.root-architecture.com | | License Number | TX Architect \#21296 | | Followers on Houzz | 63 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — www.root-architecture.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Root Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/root-architecture-pfvwus-pf~973644498) - **Website:** http://www.root-architecture.com - **Phone:** (512) 632-4449 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2019–2023), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 7 reviews** ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — Amy Gray, April 2019** > We used Root Architecture for a whole house remodel down to the studs + a large addition to an older ranch-style home. Working with with John and his team was great from start to finish. Friendly & professional, they absorbed our preferences, solved the space issues we couldn't figure out, and then came up with design ideas that more than exceeded our expectations. > Our remodel made much better use of the space and the addition was designed to not only flow seamlessly into our older home, but to make it updated and stylish. The flow from room to room, the arrangement of closets and bathrooms etc is much better now, and there is no wasted space. > Root architecture helped us source fixtures as needed, narrow down our contractor decision, deal with the permitting issues, and were there every step of the way throughout the long process. John was there, too, when the inevitable delays and problems to solve came up to ensure that our contractors arrived at the best solution- like adjusting the ceiling height at a juncture of rooflines and rooms or changing the door style of the AC handler to accommodate the city code but also maintain the design. > John is super creative, smart, and easy to work with. He really listens. His design sensibility is fantastic. On the big scale- roof lines, room arrangement, construction materials- and on the small scale- door trim, light fixtures, etc.-- he knows his stuff and makes it all tie together. He also worked hand-in-hand as needed with our contractor to ensure that the entire build/remodel went according to plan. > We absolutely recommend Root Architecture to others. We get compliments on our home every time new people come over. They are surprised to learn that a third of the house is an addition that we tied in. This was our third major remodel project. We know first hand that not every architect "adds" to the project. But working with Root Architecture was a great decision! John helped make the hard parts easier and the end result 100% worth the time, money, and hassles of remodeling. We LOVE our "new" home. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Hey Amy - thank you so much for the kind words. We are very proud of your project as well, and we are so glad to know that you and your family are enjoying living in it as much as we enjoyed designing it. **★★★★★ — chad harkin, April 2019** > Very professional, responds quickly with solutions, and is very concerned with customer satisfaction. Root actually listens to what the clients wants and designs to a budget and does not budget to a design. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Thanks for the review! Client satisfaction is the most fundamental part of the service, so it's nice to hear that we're succeeding. **★★★★★ — Meredith Owen Interiors, Oct. 2018** > I have worked with John on many projects throughout the years. John is really great at listening to our client's and creating a design that reflects their individual design aesthetic. Working with Root Architecture is always an easy process and John is immensely talented with great attention to detail. Our client's always end up with an amazing design when we collaborate with Root Architecture! **Comment from Root Architecture:** > We appreciate the positive feedback - and are always happy to work with you as well! **★★★★★ — Alyson D, Sept. 2018** > We have had the pleasure of working with John and Root Architecture to design our dream home. When we came to him with our ideas and he transformed them to life on paper. John was able to combine our images with his experience and create exactly what we wanted. He was available, accessible and fun during our design process. We would and will highly recommend John/Root Architecture to anyone searching for a reliable and talented architect. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Thanks, Alyson! I am so glad that I could be part of creating your family’s new home! **★★★★★ — Bravo Living, Sept. 2018** > I have worked with John of Root Architecture on many successful projects. New construction as well as remodels. John is always open minded and has create vision on projects but at the same time doesn't mind being a team member. He listens and he delivers. John is my go to architect and has been for many years. I highly recommend Root Architecture for any project. We completed a high rise penthouse project last year that couldn't have happened without him. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Thanks, David! It's always a pleasure to be part of a team with you! **★★★★★ — Whit Smith - Smith Structural Engineers, Sept. 2018** > We have worked with John and his team for over 7 years. Their projects are incredibly successful from preliminary design all the way through completion of construction. The Root team has a very unique talent of solving complex challenges with elegant, practical solutions. > > Communication is critical within any team, and Root communicates exceptionally well. This is just one of the many reasons they have seen so much success. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to be included on one of their projects. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Thanks, Whit - we appreciate the support! Looking forward to our next project together. **★★★★★ — Orlando Solis, Aug. 2018** > It has always been a pleasure to work with John Puhr and Root architecture. They are always involved in every step of the process, he really takes the time to understand our design, space and architecture concepts. I have no doubt in calling John for our next project. **Comment from Root Architecture:** > Thanks, Orlando! We really appreciate our repeat clients - there's no better reference than someone who will come back to work with us again! ## Selected projects - [Cedarview Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedarview-residence-pj-vj~4726863) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - [Wychwood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wychwood-residence-pj-vj~4726998) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 13 - [Seaholm Penthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaholm-penthouse-pj-vj~3879114) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 4 - Description: The Seaholm Residences is a 30-story residential tower by STG Design anchoring the new arts district in downtown Austin. This penthouse unit began by consolidating 6 of the base building apartments, literally raised the roof of the entire building by 3 feet, and started with a 4,600 square foot blank slate to redefine luxury living in this ever-evolving city. The design team for the finish-out was enlisted before the building was even out of the ground, allowing for complete integration of the c… - [Farnswood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farnswood-residence-pj-vj~3879134) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 32 - Description: In order to transform this 1960s ranch house into a contemporary family home, we had to gut it down to the studs and completely remove the old kitchen. This allowed us to reorganize the main level around the skylit, vaulted living space. The double-height entry space connects you to the master suite upstairs. The new volume is spanned by a low-pitched gable that maintains the ranch-style character of the existing house and neighborhood, while the lower gable flips up in back to protect a new sha… - [Jewell Street Main House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jewell-street-main-house-pj-vj~4519930) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 33 - Description: This compact contemporary house was designed in tandem with the Jewell Street Guest House to provide all the spatial amenities and functionality of a much larger house in a more efficient shell. In this South Austin neighborhood, space is at a premium and zoning regulations are strict, so it takes a creative approach to get all the puzzle pieces to fit. By providing high ceilings, taking advantage of lots of natural light, and consolidating open spaces, this home manages to feel much larger than… - [Annie Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annie-residence-pj-vj~4726730) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 10 - [Jewell Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jewell-contemporary-pj-vj~5375561) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 17 - Description: This compact 2600 SF home was designed for a young family to take advantage of a fantastic location in the Bouldin neighborhood of south Austin. The open plan maximizes flexibility to accommodate a large program in a relatively small amount of space. The home is focused on the active living space which flows directly through to a generous covered outdoor patio and cooking area. On top of it all is an expansive roof deck that gathers views from all directions, including a clear view of the rapidl… - [Austonian Unit 43ST](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/austonian-unit-43st-pj-vj~3879148) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 2 - Description: Perched high above downtown Austin in one of the city's best known luxury condominium buildings, this 1,830 square foot home was envisioned as a versatile retreat for a single professional. It functions as a private refuge with clean, contemporary lines, uncluttered, a respite from the hectic life of the city. When entertaining, the kitchen opens up to reveal a complete array of gourmet cooking appliances, and the doors to the lounge pocket away to expand the living area. Here a hidden murphy be… - [Jewell Street Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jewell-street-guest-house-pj-vj~4519961) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 37 - Description: This compact contemporary house was designed in tandem with the Jewell Street Guest House to provide all the spatial amenities and functionality of a much larger house in a more efficient shell. In this South Austin neighborhood, space is at a premium and zoning regulations are strict, so it takes a creative approach to get all the puzzle pieces to fit. By providing high ceilings, taking advantage of lots of natural light, and consolidating open spaces, this home manages to feel much larger than… - [Austonian Unit 43MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/austonian-unit-43mt-pj-vj~3879171) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 3 - Description: This spacious 3,550 square foot apartment focuses on the owners' love of entertaining. Designed to function as a second home for the couple and their two children, it also features some extraordinary tile mosaics which are a particular point of interest for the owners. Generous living and dining spaces give way to elegant and layered private spaces that soften the modern high-rise unit into a quiet sanctuary. Designed in conjunction with Bravo Interior Design, who is responsible for all finish a… - [Fletcher Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fletcher-residence-pj-vj~874544) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 16 - Description: This contemporary residence in the heart of the Bouldin neighborhood of South Austin creates a bold form at the street and a spacious oasis inside. A double-height light well draws the visitor from the entry into a generous great room with full-height glass facing onto the outdoor living and pool area. An umbilical gallery connects the private master suite to the public area of the house. Upstairs, a second living area serves two more bedrooms and a guest suite featuring a covered balcony that o… - [Stein Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stein-residence-pj-vj~3879184) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 6 - Description: The concept behind the remodel of this well-crafted home in central Austin was to open up the modest and broken-up public spaces from the original floor plan and to provide a more generous public space that completely opens up to the new ipe deck. The shaded outdoor kitchen provides an open-air living area for entertaining, dining, and socializing. Built-in shelving and entertainment center complement the indoor living room, and a beautiful honed marble kitchen anchors and supports the entire sp… - [Spring Creek Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spring-creek-residence-pj-vj~3892449) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 8 - Description: The challenge of this project was to integrate the addition in a way that was respectful of the structure, materiality, and massing of the existing house. The steeply sloping lot is scattered with massive live oak trees, which provide a serene, dappled light to the back side of the house but also left only one option for where to locate the additional space - above the existing garage. In the end, this position gave the new master suite the sensation of floating in the canopies of the trees, bas… - [Lakeside Crossing Clubhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-crossing-clubhouse-pj-vj~3892503) - Location: Kyle, TX - Photos: 14 - Description: This project was conceived as a hub for residents of a small community to provide a variety of services and amenities. In addition to community management offices, the building offers a community lounge and living room for shared events, a kitchen for catering events, an exercise room, and a neighborhood swimming pool with picnic and outdoor cooking facilities. A descending natural wood canopy draws visitors into the front entry and then opens back up to a large, flexible open lounge space soake… - [Loma Vista Clubhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loma-vista-clubhouse-pj-vj~2347291) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 22 - Description: This project was a transformation of an old dated 1980’s clubhouse into a contemporary community center that will serve as a hub of social life for the residents of this East Austin neighborhood. The renovation began by stripping the 9,000 square foot shell down to its frame in problem areas and amending the structure to open up the dark interior. New storefront glazing on the front and back now brings natural light pouring in to the refreshed, open-ceiling interior. A sculptural custom steel an… - [Fontana Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fontana-residence-pj-vj~353496) - Location: Austin, TX - Photos: 18 - Description: Extensive remodel and addition to existing 1950s house in South Austin. Several walls were removed in the interior to open up a large great room in the heart of the house, and a generous master suite with vaulted ceiling was added to the back, maintaining the original profile of the simple gable. Everything in the house, from the wiring to the plumbing as well as every finish in the house, interior and exterior, were updated and improved with a simple contemporary aesthetic. - [Adkins Residence Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adkins-residence-remodel-pj-vj~874651) - Location: Phoenix, AZ - Photos: 6 - Description: This kitchen and bath remodel for a private residence in centered around the Owners’ desire to unify the public areas of the house and enhance the connectivity between kitchen, dining, and living areas. Parents of two young childern, they also wanted to open up the view into the yard to keep a close eye on playtime activities. Selective structural intervention allowed the removal of the entire wall between kitchen and dining as well as the addition of a continuous band of windows to the back pat… [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/root-architecture-pfvwus-pf~973644498) ## Ideabooks - [Ladera Norte](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128995922/list/ladera-norte) — 15 ideas - [Stratford Hills](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127585498/list/stratford-hills) — 13 ideas - [Willow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81685657/list/willow) — 5 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/johnpuhr) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where did the flooring come from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for this flooring. A: The flooring, along with all the other finishes, was specified by David Bravo of Bravo Interior Design. **Q: Beautiful Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell the process of the concrete floors you used? Beautiful! A: This is just smooth troweled natural gray concrete with a semi-gloss clear sealant. The sealant slightly darkens and enhances the natural mottling of the concrete. **Q: WHere did you get the glass doors?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: All the cabinetry and other millwork in the project was custom made by the contractor, in this case The Escobedo Group. it was designed in collaboration with the interior designer, Bravo Interior Design. I hope that helps! **Q: white kitchen cabinet** *(in Photo Questions)* hi I’m wondering if the white kitchen cabinet is high gloss or not, thanks ! A: It is not high gloss, it is more of an eggshell level sheen. very satiny. **Q: What is the make and color of this flooring please?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am currently trying to put in engineered wood and it will transition from travertine entrance . Need best color to coordinate Thanks A: Sorry i don't have the spec for that floor - i will ask the contractor to see if they still have the info. **Q: What countertop is used here?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love it! A: This in an engineered quartz - either Caesarstone or Silestone. I can't recall the exact spec. Both companies make a pretty wide array of these simulated stone patterns which are great when you either need better performance than natural marble or a lower price point. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*