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Peep Some of Houston’s Finest Residential Architecture on This Weekend’s AIA Home Tour

Architecture & Design
Abby Ledoux
Author: Abby Ledoux
7 min.read
1E. 9th Street: Collaborative Design Group Architecture & Interiors
This Heights family home appears to be one story from the street, but an impressive second story emerges when viewed from behind. A children's play area is tucked behind the black artisan privacy fence.
This Heights family home appears to be one story from the street, but an impressive second story emerges when viewed from behind. A children’s play area is tucked behind the black artisan privacy fence.
2E. 9th Street: Collaborative Design Group Architecture & Interiors
This Heights family home appears to be one story from the street, but an impressive second story emerges when viewed from behind. A children's play area is tucked behind the black artisan privacy fence.
This Heights family home appears to be one story from the street, but an impressive second story emerges when viewed from behind. A children’s play area is tucked behind the black artisan privacy fence.
3E. 9th Street: Collaborative Design Group Architecture & Interiors
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the open floor plan offer all main rooms a view of the center courtyard with its swimming pool, summer kitchen, and outdoor living space complete with fireplace and fire pit.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the open floor plan offer all main rooms a view of the center courtyard with its swimming pool, summer kitchen, and outdoor living space complete with fireplace and fire pit.
4E. 9th Street: Collaborative Design Group Architecture & Interiors
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the open floor plan offer all main rooms a view of the center courtyard with its swimming pool, summer kitchen, and outdoor living space complete with fireplace and fire pit.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the open floor plan offer all main rooms a view of the center courtyard with its swimming pool, summer kitchen, and outdoor living space complete with fireplace and fire pit.
5Indiana Street: Collaborative Designworks
Also called "House 1519," this Hyde Park home blends stucco with accents of brick and white ash treated wood in its exterior. Looking to downsize, the owners commissioned a compact, efficient home at half the size of their previous dwelling.
Also called “House 1519,” this Hyde Park home blends stucco with accents of brick and white ash treated wood in its exterior. Looking to downsize, the owners commissioned a compact, efficient home at half the size of their previous dwelling.
6Indiana Street: Collaborative Designworks
Also called "House 1519," this Hyde Park home blends stucco with accents of brick and white ash treated wood in its exterior. Looking to downsize, the owners commissioned a compact, efficient home at half the size of their previous dwelling.
Also called “House 1519,” this Hyde Park home blends stucco with accents of brick and white ash treated wood in its exterior. Looking to downsize, the owners commissioned a compact, efficient home at half the size of their previous dwelling.
7Indiana Street: Collaborative Designworks
The interiors are modern, airy, and full of light. Polished terrazo-finished concrete flooring extends throughout the open living spaces with a three-story lightwell at the center.
The interiors are modern, airy, and full of light. Polished terrazo-finished concrete flooring extends throughout the open living spaces with a three-story lightwell at the center.
8Indiana Street: Collaborative Designworks
The interiors are modern, airy, and full of light. Polished terrazo-finished concrete flooring extends throughout the open living spaces with a three-story lightwell at the center.
The interiors are modern, airy, and full of light. Polished terrazo-finished concrete flooring extends throughout the open living spaces with a three-story lightwell at the center.
9Missouri Street: studioMET Architects
"I want to come home and feel like I just checked into a boutique hotel—everyday." That's how the homeowners, recent empty-nesters, describe their vision; the result is a Montrose-area urban retreat designed around six mature oak trees that line the perimeter of the corner property.
“I want to come home and feel like I just checked into a boutique hotel—everyday.” That’s how the homeowners, recent empty-nesters, describe their vision; the result is a Montrose-area urban retreat designed around six mature oak trees that line the perimeter of the corner property.
10Missouri Street: studioMET Architects
"I want to come home and feel like I just checked into a boutique hotel—everyday." That's how the homeowners, recent empty-nesters, describe their vision; the result is a Montrose-area urban retreat designed around six mature oak trees that line the perimeter of the corner property.
“I want to come home and feel like I just checked into a boutique hotel—everyday.” That’s how the homeowners, recent empty-nesters, describe their vision; the result is a Montrose-area urban retreat designed around six mature oak trees that line the perimeter of the corner property.
11Missouri Street: studioMET Architects
The structure also needed to fit in the neighborhood, which consists mostly of one-story '50s bungalows. Design prioritized quality over quantity of space, and low-maintenance materials support the homeowners' lifestyle.
The structure also needed to fit in the neighborhood, which consists mostly of one-story ’50s bungalows. Design prioritized quality over quantity of space, and low-maintenance materials support the homeowners’ lifestyle.
12Missouri Street: studioMET Architects
The structure also needed to fit in the neighborhood, which consists mostly of one-story '50s bungalows. Design prioritized quality over quantity of space, and low-maintenance materials support the homeowners' lifestyle.
The structure also needed to fit in the neighborhood, which consists mostly of one-story ’50s bungalows. Design prioritized quality over quantity of space, and low-maintenance materials support the homeowners’ lifestyle.
13Courtland Place: Mirador Group
Owners of this 1909 Colonial Revival—a designated landmark on the National Registry of Historic Places—dreamed of restoring it to its original grandeur for years before they finally acquired it.
Owners of this 1909 Colonial Revival—a designated landmark on the National Registry of Historic Places—dreamed of restoring it to its original grandeur for years before they finally acquired it.
14Courtland Place: Mirador Group
Owners of this 1909 Colonial Revival—a designated landmark on the National Registry of Historic Places—dreamed of restoring it to its original grandeur for years before they finally acquired it.
Owners of this 1909 Colonial Revival—a designated landmark on the National Registry of Historic Places—dreamed of restoring it to its original grandeur for years before they finally acquired it.
15Courtland Place: Mirador Group
Materials like mahogany, old-growth cypress and cedar-shake shingles match the original details preserved in the historic, European-style home. Meanwhile, contemporary furnishings and finishes in the fresh, updated interiors belie its 110-year-old age.
Materials like mahogany, old-growth cypress and cedar-shake shingles match the original details preserved in the historic, European-style home. Meanwhile, contemporary furnishings and finishes in the fresh, updated interiors belie its 110-year-old age.
16Courtland Place: Mirador Group
Materials like mahogany, old-growth cypress and cedar-shake shingles match the original details preserved in the historic, European-style home. Meanwhile, contemporary furnishings and finishes in the fresh, updated interiors belie its 110-year-old age.
Materials like mahogany, old-growth cypress and cedar-shake shingles match the original details preserved in the historic, European-style home. Meanwhile, contemporary furnishings and finishes in the fresh, updated interiors belie its 110-year-old age.
17North Boulevard: Reagan | Andre Architecture
Guests to this home in the Boulevard Oaks Historic District pass through a wooden gate into a gravel, zen-like courtyard with a water feature spilling over both sides of a brick wall. The homeowners requested a thoughtful space for their family with room to entertain and a connection to the outdoors.
Guests to this home in the Boulevard Oaks Historic District pass through a wooden gate into a gravel, zen-like courtyard with a water feature spilling over both sides of a brick wall. The homeowners requested a thoughtful space for their family with room to entertain and a connection to the outdoors.
18North Boulevard: Reagan | Andre Architecture
Guests to this home in the Boulevard Oaks Historic District pass through a wooden gate into a gravel, zen-like courtyard with a water feature spilling over both sides of a brick wall. The homeowners requested a thoughtful space for their family with room to entertain and a connection to the outdoors.
Guests to this home in the Boulevard Oaks Historic District pass through a wooden gate into a gravel, zen-like courtyard with a water feature spilling over both sides of a brick wall. The homeowners requested a thoughtful space for their family with room to entertain and a connection to the outdoors.
19North Boulevard: Reagan | Andre Architecture
The design balances cottage-style warmth with the homeowners' contemporary sensibilities, and a two-story bridge connects the main house to a detached garage and guest suite with a rooftop music room. A wood-paneled "nest" anchors the first floor as a gentle separation between the spaces.
The design balances cottage-style warmth with the homeowners’ contemporary sensibilities, and a two-story bridge connects the main house to a detached garage and guest suite with a rooftop music room. A wood-paneled “nest” anchors the first floor as a gentle separation between the spaces.
20North Boulevard: Reagan | Andre Architecture
The design balances cottage-style warmth with the homeowners' contemporary sensibilities, and a two-story bridge connects the main house to a detached garage and guest suite with a rooftop music room. A wood-paneled "nest" anchors the first floor as a gentle separation between the spaces.
The design balances cottage-style warmth with the homeowners’ contemporary sensibilities, and a two-story bridge connects the main house to a detached garage and guest suite with a rooftop music room. A wood-paneled “nest” anchors the first floor as a gentle separation between the spaces.
21Albans Road: Content Architecture
This modern, open home employs a blended brick exterior as shelter from the busy street, and tilted metal roofs alter the perception of the home's size depending on the viewer's vantage point.
This modern, open home employs a blended brick exterior as shelter from the busy street, and tilted metal roofs alter the perception of the home’s size depending on the viewer’s vantage point.
22Albans Road: Content Architecture
This modern, open home employs a blended brick exterior as shelter from the busy street, and tilted metal roofs alter the perception of the home's size depending on the viewer's vantage point.
This modern, open home employs a blended brick exterior as shelter from the busy street, and tilted metal roofs alter the perception of the home’s size depending on the viewer’s vantage point.
23Albans Road: Content Architecture
Brick and wood elements continue throughout the home to ground an otherwise light and airy space built to accommodate every member—even those with four legs—of an active family. Nearly every room addresses the courtyard and pool.
Brick and wood elements continue throughout the home to ground an otherwise light and airy space built to accommodate every member—even those with four legs—of an active family. Nearly every room addresses the courtyard and pool.
24Albans Road: Content Architecture
Brick and wood elements continue throughout the home to ground an otherwise light and airy space built to accommodate every member—even those with four legs—of an active family. Nearly every room addresses the courtyard and pool.
Brick and wood elements continue throughout the home to ground an otherwise light and airy space built to accommodate every member—even those with four legs—of an active family. Nearly every room addresses the courtyard and pool.
25Longmont Drive: Paul N. Brow Architect, LLC
This Tanglewood treasure, which originally belonged to the current owner's grandparents years before, eschews trends in favor of timelessness. The homeowners considered remodeling the original ranch house but instead opted for new construction that didn't feel new nestled in the canopy of the live oaks.
This Tanglewood treasure, which originally belonged to the current owner’s grandparents years before, eschews trends in favor of timelessness. The homeowners considered remodeling the original ranch house but instead opted for new construction that didn’t feel new nestled in the canopy of the live oaks.
26Longmont Drive: Paul N. Brow Architect, LLC
This Tanglewood treasure, which originally belonged to the current owner's grandparents years before, eschews trends in favor of timelessness. The homeowners considered remodeling the original ranch house but instead opted for new construction that didn't feel new nestled in the canopy of the live oaks.
This Tanglewood treasure, which originally belonged to the current owner’s grandparents years before, eschews trends in favor of timelessness. The homeowners considered remodeling the original ranch house but instead opted for new construction that didn’t feel new nestled in the canopy of the live oaks.
27Longmont Drive: Paul N. Brow Architect, LLC
The H-plan of the home allows for most rooms to have at least two walls with views of the surrounding garden. Quarter sawn white oak floors, extensive painted wood paneling, and large windows are standout features in the warm space.
The H-plan of the home allows for most rooms to have at least two walls with views of the surrounding garden. Quarter sawn white oak floors, extensive painted wood paneling, and large windows are standout features in the warm space.
28Longmont Drive: Paul N. Brow Architect, LLC
The H-plan of the home allows for most rooms to have at least two walls with views of the surrounding garden. Quarter sawn white oak floors, extensive painted wood paneling, and large windows are standout features in the warm space.
The H-plan of the home allows for most rooms to have at least two walls with views of the surrounding garden. Quarter sawn white oak floors, extensive painted wood paneling, and large windows are standout features in the warm space.
29Westview Drive: studioMET Architects
The homeowners of this modern structure—the corner lot on a busy street—were enchanted by two live oaks on the property, which inspired the home's siting and design. So, too, did their desire for functional, multi-generational living.
The homeowners of this modern structure—the corner lot on a busy street—were enchanted by two live oaks on the property, which inspired the home’s siting and design. So, too, did their desire for functional, multi-generational living.
30Westview Drive: studioMET Architects
The homeowners of this modern structure—the corner lot on a busy street—were enchanted by two live oaks on the property, which inspired the home's siting and design. So, too, did their desire for functional, multi-generational living.
The homeowners of this modern structure—the corner lot on a busy street—were enchanted by two live oaks on the property, which inspired the home’s siting and design. So, too, did their desire for functional, multi-generational living.
31Westview Drive: studioMET Architects
An open-concept first floor holds the main living spaces plus a mother-in-law suite; upstairs, all bedrooms face the lush backyard with a large pool, covered patio, and the second stately oak tree. A patio off the second-floor family room acts as the home's elevated front porch.
An open-concept first floor holds the main living spaces plus a mother-in-law suite; upstairs, all bedrooms face the lush backyard with a large pool, covered patio, and the second stately oak tree. A patio off the second-floor family room acts as the home’s elevated front porch.
32Westview Drive: studioMET Architects
An open-concept first floor holds the main living spaces plus a mother-in-law suite; upstairs, all bedrooms face the lush backyard with a large pool, covered patio, and the second stately oak tree. A patio off the second-floor family room acts as the home's elevated front porch.
An open-concept first floor holds the main living spaces plus a mother-in-law suite; upstairs, all bedrooms face the lush backyard with a large pool, covered patio, and the second stately oak tree. A patio off the second-floor family room acts as the home’s elevated front porch.

Another weekend brings another home tour, and this time it’s a showcase of the best of the best in residential architecture. That’s per the American Institute of Architects Houston, which puts on this annual display of privately owned homes designed by accomplished Houston architects. This year’s tour, which runs Friday, October 19 to Saturday, October 20, includes eight homes selected by a jury of industry experts.

From an ultra-contemporary urban retreat for Montrose empty-nesters to a restored Colonial Revival circa 1909, the homes on the 2019 tour run the gamut in style. The AIA Tour gives the general public a rare opportunity to go inside each lust-worthy abode, and about 3,000 people take them up on the offer each year.

“It’s one thing to pass by and admire these stunning homes from the outside, but an entirely heightened experience to step inside and be captivated by the remarkable thought and talent that went into each design,” says AIA Houston Executive Director Rusty Bienvenue.

Tickets are $25/person online until 4 p.m. Thursday, October 17; then $35 the weekend of the tour (or $20/advance, $30/weekend for cyclists and $15/advance, $20/weekend for children 12 and under). Individual home tickets are $10, available day-of only at any of the participating homes during tour hours (noon–6 p.m.).

Click through for a preview of this year’s participating homes.




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Abby Ledoux
Abby Ledoux
Abby Ledoux traded Canada’s border for Mexico’s when she moved to Texas from northwestern Vermont in November 2017 to join the staff at Houstonia. An alumna of Emerson College’s journalism program in Boston, Abby was previously associate editor of three weekly newspapers in her home state of Vermont. There, she covered everything from Bernie Sanders to the heroin epidemic and won numerous state and regional awards for her work, including the Vermont Press Association’s 2014 Rookie of the Year. She was also an investigative reporting fellow at the New England First Amendment Coalition. Today, Abby is excited to explore Houston’s vibrant, diverse culture (and shopping scene). Aside from fashion and design, she’s passionate about politics, hip hop and Mexican food. She believes leopard is a neutral and red lipstick can fix almost anything.