O. Carl Happel

There are many architects names that are universally recognized, Frank Lloyd Wright for example. Then there are those names that are well known to local architecture fans like our own A. D Stenger. But for every well know architect there are countless others that go unnoticed, and not because they weren't talented or deserving of recognition. If you are a true architect nerd like me those names like Herbert Crume, John S Chase, Barton Riley, or Roland Roessner may ring a bell. Today I'd like to introduce you to another. O. Carl Happel.

Coming soon : Scout Island by Alterstudio

As good as these photos are, they just don't do justice to how good our newest listing at Skout really is. Alterstudio is one of my favorite architects in Austin and the level of detail on this project is next level. First off I'm a complete sucker for any house with a courtyard and the U shape of this layout does a perfect job of splitting the private and public spaces up and connecting the whole house to the outdoors.

HomesCreede FitchApril 21, 2017Coming Soon, Modern, Alterstudio, For Sale, ArchitectureComment

2017 Austin Modern Home Tour

It's time for the 9th annual Austin Modern Home tour. It happens next weekend and it's one of my favorites (second to the AIA Home tour) because it focuses solely on modern homes. This year Bercy Chen Studio has not one, but two homes on the tour, their Tetra house pictured above and the home located on San Juan dr. There are some other great houses on the tour as well that are definitely worth checking out, but I'm especially excited about the Tetra house. You can get a sneak peek of it below...

EventsCreede FitchFebruary 17, 2017Architecture, Home Tour, Bercy Chen Studio Comments

2016 AIA Austin Homes Tour

Every year some of the best of the best new homes are opened up for the public to appreciate, and every year I try and pick a few favorites to add to my "must see" list. It's a bit of an overwhelming challenge when there are so many good homes to pick from. I haven't been through any of these homes yet, but based on the fantastic photos by Leonard Furmansky below are my top picks for the 2016 AIA Austin Homes Tour in no particular order.

EventsCreede FitchSeptember 16, 2016Architecture, Home TourComment

Modern Home Tour : 2016 Picks

It can be a bit exhausting keeping up with all the home tours in Austin, but the Modern Home Tour this weekend is one that you don't want to miss. Unfortunately I won't be there this year because of a wedding in Mexico, but luckily I've already been through almost half of the homes. I'm actually really excited about this year's tour because a lot of my architect friends have homes featured. It's always great when you see good people, doing great projects get the attention they deserve.

EventsCreede FitchMarch 3, 2016Home Tour, ArchitectureComment

1313 Comal : Sneak Peek

This week the lovely Andrea Calo shot professional photos of my latest listing. This house is pretty special, and it takes someone of her caliber to really do it justice. With that caveat I did want to share a couple shots I took while she was working her magic. The house has so much personality, both in the architectural elements and in the interior design I could go around shooting vignettes in there all day long.

HomesCreede FitchJanuary 29, 2016Alan Gonzalez, Coming Soon, Interior Design, Architecture, East AustinComment

Roots of Modernism : Meet Mies

This weekend I'm spending a 4 day weekend in Chicago, and the windy city has got me thinking about the roots of modernism in America. I've been a fan of modern architecture ever since the day I discovered it. Over the years I have found that architecture, like any of the arts, is more meaningful and powerful when you know some of the context surrounding it. While you can trace modernism back to Bauhaus in Europe, where it really gets interesting to me is when the war forced all of that talent to flee Europe, much of it landing in the United States.

DesignCreede FitchNovember 13, 2015Mies, Travel, Chicago, ArchitectureComment

2015 AIA Homes Tour

I love homes tours as much as the next guy, maybe even more. As a realtor I literally walk through hundreds of modern and MCM homes in Austin every year, and every time I do I'm looking and learning. The 10 homes picked for this years AIA Austin Home tour are the cream of the crop and I'm excited to dig into them and see what there is to be found. Here are the top 3 picks (in no particular order) that I'll be visiting this year, and why they caught my eye.

HomesCreede FitchOctober 23, 2015Home Tour, ArchitectureComment

RAD Film Series : The Competition

If you have never been to a Rooftop Architecture and Design (RAD) film at the Contemporary Austin, you are missing out. Lucky for you there is still time to catch a few more this year. Next Wednesday & Thursday they will be airing The Competition which is an intriguing look into the offices of 5 "Starchitects" who are all competing for a commission. A usual, it is a great BYOB picnic opportunity. Bring some treats, enjoy the cooler evening air and stimulate your brain a bit. Trailer below. See you out there!

EventsCreede FitchSeptember 4, 2015Architecture, Film, DowntownComment