Accommodating and comfortable environments for observing nature, entertaining, relaxing, working, and living imbue the architecture of Black + Motal with a sense of place. This unique sense of place seeks harmony with the natural landscape, climate and native materials and strives to produce lasting, well-designed architecture exceeding client expectations and producing continual and unexpected delights.
Establishing the relationship between architecture and its site is fundamental to our work. Whether celebrating a breathtaking view or opening intimate spaces into a quiet, secluded courtyard, we work diligently to link the architecture to the unique and special qualities of the land. This anchoring promotes the visual, physical and even spiritual connections between the qualities of interior and exterior, man and nature.
Providing relief from the Texas summer sun, inviting cool, prevailing breezes, integrating porches, terraces and other indoor/outdoor living spaces for enjoying our broad temperate seasons: these all help build climate responsiveness into each Black + Motal project. A sheltering overhang, a high window and a warm hearth all help celebrate Central Texas’ architecture and demonstrate the timeless design of a Black + Motal project.
Through thoughtful choice of materials and attention to detail, each Black + Motal project becomes “rooted” to the history, character and traditions of its location in appropriate but fresh and inventive ways. Robust walls of native stone, sheltering roofs of warm clay tile or standing-seam metal, locally milled hardwood floors, aromatic ceilings and shaded, well-crafted porches, bathed in natural light, dignify and give texture to the firm's designs, hearkening to the traditions of a sustainable regional design.
No building may be transformed into satisfying architecture without a close understanding of the client’s hopes, needs and wishes. Black + Motal takes pride in listening with particular care and responding with uncommon skill. The result is comfortable spaces, a unique design character and projects that perfectly reflect each client’s needs.
