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THOUGHTBARN is an architectural practice in Austin, TX, that champions design as a tool for imagining new possibilities

We work on diverse projects that help foster vibrant, livable places - from housing and workplaces, to retail and hospitality spaces, to public installations and land-use policies.  Across all projects we seek to create spaces full of character, which combine an inventive use of materials, an attitude of resourcefulness and a keen social and environmental ethic.  

In 2024 we were honored to receive the AIA Austin Firm Achievement Award as well as a national Architects Newspaper Best of Practice Award.

Our Approach


THOUGHTBARN is a tight-knit, collaborative team of designers led by Robert Gay and Lucy Begg.  We do our best work in partnership with vision-driven clients and communities that care about good design at multiple scales - from neighborhood context and site planning, to material choices and how the details come together.

Our clients range from developers and entrepreneurs, to private homeowners and businesses, to municipal and non-profit organizations. People often come to us in search of innovative or unconventional solutions to their design challenges. To that end, our projects include many firsts, for example:

  • the first commercial building in Austin to use mass timber as part of its structural system
  • a series of 3d-printed housing prototypes for formerly homeless residents
  • the first artist-led community garden in the city
  • a rare pair of fourplexes that combine historic preservation with 'missing middle' density

Our culture of experimentation extends to how we practice.  Over the years we have tested alternative business models such as design/build, public art, joint ventures and digital fabrication consulting, with the goal of expanding the impact and agency of architects.  We give back to our community through pro-bono design work, participation in AIA chapters and volunteer service with local non-profits.

Our Services


For Homeowners: 

New-Build Houses, Whole-House Renovations & Additions, Accessory Units, Feasibility Studies

For Businesses:

Workspace, Hospitality & Retail Tenant Fit-Outs, Adaptive Re-Use Renovations, Purpose-Designed New-Builds

For Developers (Market-Rate & Non-Profit):

Mixed-Use and Commercial Buildings, Adaptive Re-use Renovations, ‘Missing Middle’ Housing, Multifamily Renovations, Affordable Housing

For Municipalities:

Public Installations, Civic Spaces, Land-Use Policies

    Team

    ROBERT GAY

    ROBERT GAY / CO-DIRECTOR, FOUNDER

    LUCY BEGG, AIA

    LUCY BEGG, AIA / CO-DIRECTOR, ARCHITECT

    ANDREI KLYPIN

    ANDREI KLYPIN / SENIOR DESIGNER

    ANNA MCCONNALL, AIA

    ANNA MCCONNALL, AIA / ARCHITECT

    ADRIAN REYNA

    ADRIAN REYNA / DESIGNER

    TRICIA TORLEY

    TRICIA TORLEY / STUDIO ASSISTANT

    Contact


    Address: 2901 East 2nd Street, Austin, TX, 78702

    Office Phone: 512.386.1579

  • For Project Inquiries:           email hidden; JavaScript is required
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  • Visits to the studio are by appointment only; please contact us prior to visiting. Thank you, Thoughtbarn.

    AROUND TOWN

    2024 / 2023


    2022 / 2021

    2020

    • AIA Austin 2020 Homes Tour / Ridgeview House featured on annual Homes Tour
    • Architects Newspaper / Thoughtbarn named one of 2020's Top 50 Interiors Firm
    • Austin Monthly Home / Article on Ridgeview House
    • AIA Austin Conference / Panel participant - "Still Missing: Studies in Incremental Density"
    • AIA Austin Design Awards / Avenue C Fourplexes receives Design Award of Merit
    • AN Interiors / The Citizenry featured in article - "Crafty, y'all"
    • AIA Austin Honor Awards / Lucy receives Emerging Professional Achievement Award
    • US Wood Design Awards / 901 East Sixth wins Regional Excellence Award
    • Texas Architect / Author of article - "Austin Code Kerfuffle Continues Contentiously"


      2019 / 2018

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