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Austin Foundation for Architecture at Austin City Lofts

By Michael Barnes | Friday, May 22, 2009, 05:28 PM

When Larry Speck arrived in Austin during the 1970s, colleagues warned him that little or no top-notch architectural design was practiced in the city.

Paul Woodruff, Larry Speck

He discovered they were right. But Austin has changed tremendously since then. And the city is flocked with high-level designers.

Louise Harpman, Lucia Woodruff

Now architects and their allies are promoting good design through the Austin Foundation for Architecture, which complements the influences of AIA-Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance, University of Texas School of Architecture and others.

Melba Whatley, Ted Whatley

Thursday, Speck was one of the hosts for a Discover Design progressive dinner at the Austin City Lofts, which he designed and where he now lives. Our first stop was the corner, two-bedroom unit of elegantly put-together Louise Harpman, who had encouraged me to attend on a night when I was tidying up newsroom assignments before a long weekend.

Chad Marsh, Jennifer Marsh

Her concrete, metal and glass unit is decorated with old, functional objects, like wooden, industrial tools and theatrical wig stands. On the top floor, we explored the split-level penthouse of Heather McKinneyand John Pomeroy. Dominated by a 20-foot-high wall of books on one side and dramatic views on two others, this is urban living at its most alluring.

Laura Bohls, Rex Bohls

I couldn’t stay to eat, or to examine Speck’s own digs, but I hope to do that someday. From top to bottom, the Austin City Lofts tower is expertly finished. Credit Speck, who designed the Barbara Jordan Terminal at ABIA, the Austin Convention Center, the buildings that flank Austin City Hall and other familiar monuments.

John Pomeroy, Heather McKinney

I talked at length with Melba Whatley, who helps oversee the architectural development of the St. Edward’s University campus, where I teach. Already, international design magazines are swooping down to profile the school’s thoughtful building additions.