Austin's creativity is on full display in its architecture, and a prestigious organization has created a list of 2025's most outstanding projects by Austin architects. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Austin) unveiled 16 winners at the AIA Austin Design Awards at Austin PBS on May 14.

Three jurors — from New York City, Los Angeles, and splitting time between Phoenix, Arizona, and Calgary, Alberta — had to narrow the list down from 114 submissions from Austin architects and AIA Austin members. They were then divided into three categories for excellence, merit, and some special commendations.

“Architects are uniquely equipped to find order and create beauty from any number of conditions,” said AIA Austin executive director Ingrid Spencer in a press release. “Our jurors were delighted by projects that used materials and sites in unexpected ways, from a repurposed post office complex to a remarkably sun-filled courtyard home off an alley. These design teams think on a higher level.”

The Falcon Ledge Residence by Alterstudio Architecture conquered a steep site with smart, compact design.Photo by Alterstudio Architecture

Although they are interior industry awards, the AIA Austin Design Awards are easy for locals of all kinds to appreciate, because they come with 30-second videos explaining what is exceptional about each design. Narrations by the judges align with appealing photos for a mini-documentary feel. And even though people watching at home might not have an entire design team at their disposal, small touches like a green tile wall outside or wallpaper behind kitchen shelving might provide some at-home inspiration.

Eight projects won Design Awards of Excellence:

• Adagio by Jobe Corral Architects
• ECC Creative by A Parallel Architecture
• Falcon Ledge Residence by Alterstudio Architecture
• Ghostline Kitchens by A Parallel Architecture
• Isidore + Nicosi by Baldridge Architects
• Medical Parkway by Mark Odom Studio
• Stealth House by Specht Novak
• The Pavilion at St. John Encampment Commons by Agenda Architecture

Among the excellence awards were some residential projects, some commercial projects, and two restaurant projects: Ghostline Kitchens in Austin, and Isidoe and Nicosi in San Antonio.

Ghostline Kitchens is a cluster of aptly named ghost kitchens, places where customers can pick up to-go food and save money because there is less overhead cost for maintaining a dining room. The judges called Ghostline "a new topology," referring to the physical needs of the burgeoning business model, and "expansive" for its many ways to visit the space. Customers can drive up to each vendor's window, visit inside from a communal food court, or enjoy an outdoor patio.

Judges liked the roof line of Ghostline Ktichens. From the outside, it gives the building a memorable look, and from the inside it makes a small space feel more open.Photo by Chase Daniel

Isidore and Nicosi, although they are physically in San Antonio, are very buzzy projects for the Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. The judges took this project as a "diptych," emphasizing the contrast from the natural-toned, Texas-ingredient-focused restaurant to the sleek, avant garde dessert bar. They even compared the dramatic open workspace at Nicosi, the dessert bar, to a stage.

The chefs are like performers at Nicosi.Photo by Casey Dunn

Meanwhile, Isidore is bright and natural.Photo by Casey Dunn

Four projects won Design Awards of Merit:

• E2211 by Ravel Architecture
• Packsaddle Residence by Baldridge Architects
• Pecan Grove Residence by Alterstudio Architecture
• The Museum of the Big Bend by Page

These designs were mostly residences, with one dedicated art space, but all took big swings and were highly informed by their surroundings: two existing buildings, mature trees, and a railway line.

The Museum of the Big Bend expanded upon an existing building with a unique and bold addition that mimics desert colors and lets in lots of natural light. The silhouette of the building is entirely unique.

The Museum of the Big Bend mimics its surroundings without disappearing into them.Photo by Casey Dunn

The Pecan Grove Residence was also all about its natural surroundings. The judges appreciated how unobtrusive it was, and how it worked in deference to the classic Austin landscape. They also appreciated the use of three materials with different opacities: concrete, glass, and a "screen" of bricks in between.

Pecan trees remain unbothered in this peaceful design.Photo by Casey Dunn

Three projects won Special Commendations:

• Commendation: Material Expression for Angelina Residence & Casita by Elizabeth Baird Architecture & Design
• Commendation: Innovation of Typology for 1515 E Cesar Chavez by Chioco Design and Urban Foundry Architecture
• Commendation: Enhanced Learning Spaces for General Marshall Middle School by LPA

These technologically advanced projects included a design for the General Marshall Middle School in Austin's Mueller community, where lucky students get to learn in a multitude of environments separate from the traditional classroom setup. Parents, community members, and educators contributed their hopes for the design to ensure it would serve real needs.

Allowing access to the outdoors was a main design consideration at General Marshall Middle School.Photo by Matthew Niemann

Finally, one project won a Community Impact Award. 4300 Speedway & Friends by Thoughtbarn is certainly within the public consciousness in Austin. High-profile openings brought a steady stream of customers to a beautifully reworked post office: Bureau de Poste at Tiny Grocer, First Light Book Shop, Moogie Pilates, and Allday Pizza. Judges appreciated how the renovation allowed flexibility for tenants, resulting in a unique spread of deeply considered community spaces.

Adding two cafes, a book store, a pizza shop, and a Pilates studio to a sad, old government building was lifestyle-altering for some neighbors in this residential area.Photo by Andrea Calo

Readers can explore the 16 winning projects at aiaaustin.org.