Attorney Martin J. Phipps approached us to design an office on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio Riverwalk that would break the mahogany-walled lawyer's office stereotype.

Our design team was energized by Mr. Phipps' maverick attitude and hard-driving nature. His determination to inhabit this up-and-coming part of the city led us to recommend he build on a small half-acre site, with great views of the river, downtown and next door to the future sculpture garden for the San Antonio Museum of Art.

In recognition of our client’s love for the Texas Hill Country, told with an industrial palette, the exterior is a combination of earth, light and industry. It is clad in locally sourced limestone, weathering steel panels, and glazing protected by perforated metal screens.

Inside, we envisioned a flexible and sunlit space for his employees. The work place is oriented to maximize views and daylight. The interior consists of polished concrete floors, walls of exterior materials brought inside, unconcealed steel structure, and exposed ductwork. This industrial aesthetic helps to reflect the youth and energy of the firm.