About
Over the past 30 years, Specht Novak, led by founding partner Scott Specht and partner Jakeb Novak, has built a reputation as a forward thinking, award-winning, modern architecture firm with a strong philosophy regarding the importance of craftsmanship, detailing, and client service.
The firm’s work has been featured in over 250 publications worldwide including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Forbes. Recognized by Architizer as one of the “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States,” the firm has also received numerous honors including awards from the American Institute of Architects, Texas Society of Architects, and Luxe. Architectural Record has also recognized their Preston Hollow Residence as a “Record House.” Additionally, the partners are frequently featured on podcasts, television shows, lectures (including TEDx), and other media outlets as thought leaders on the future of residential design.
Scott Specht, AIA
Founding Partner
Jakeb Novak, AIA, NCARB
Partner
Travis Power, AIA
Partner
Britny Nicole Hernandez
Architectural Designer
Matt Lindsay, AIA
Project Architect
John Vesel
Architectural Designer
Michaela Novak
Office Manager
Specht Novak Contributes to Case Study 2.0: Rebuilding Los Angeles
We’re honored to be among the 50 visionary firms selected for Case Study 2.0, a bold revival of the historic Case Study House Program focused on rebuilding communities across Los Angeles—particularly those impacted by recent wildfires. This forward-thinking initiative brings together local and global architects to create a catalog of fire-resilient, preapproved standard plans that … Continued
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Specht Novak Again Ranked Among the 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the U.S.
We’re proud to share that Specht Novak has once again been named one of the “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States” by Architizer. This continued recognition underscores our commitment to innovative design, rigorous attention to detail, and a deeply collaborative approach to architecture. To view the full list, you can visit … Continued
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Specht Novak named to Forbes’ “America’s Top 200 Residential Architects”
Forbes has recognized Specht Novak as one of the top 200 residential architects in the country. Editor Richard Olsen notes, “The firm’s long, lean, cubist compositions are woven into the landscape, with walls that extend from interior to exterior, integrating terraces and even pools in their embrace. Specht Novak eschews flashing finishes for a minimal … Continued
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Stealth House featured in Dwell
The Stealth House is a compact, innovative accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that reimagines urban living. Situated on a formerly underutilized backyard lot in a dense neighborhood, the project addresses urban challenges like densification, privacy, and sustainability while serving as a test bed for experimental architectural ideas. Combining deeply personal design decisions with practical, cost-effective strategies, … Continued
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Casa Annunziata receives international design award
We are pleased to announce that Casa Annunziata has received a 2024 BLT Built Design Award in the “Small Houses” category. The minimalist 2,000 square foot single-story pavilion features a thin floating roof that cantilevers 15 feet from the perimeter walls – an extreme departure from the owners’ previous 18th century farm house. Read more … Continued
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Specht Novak named on list of Austin’s Best Architects
Specht Novak has been acknowledged as one of “Austin’s Best Architects” by Austin Home Magazine. It is an honor to be recognized by the homeowners and industry professionals who voted on the list. Check out the entire list here.
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Specht Novak named one of the “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States”
Architizer recently announced its list of the “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States,” and we are honored to be included. Our design philosophy regarding the importance of craftsmanship, detailing, and client service was noted in the article, as well as our position as leaders in design thought and promotion. Projects mentioned … Continued
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Casa Annunziata | Wall Street Journal
We are pleased to announce our latest project, Casa Annunziata. The 2,000-square-foot glass rectangle is set alone in a large field surrounded by trees. Read more about the project and our clients in the Wall Street Journal.
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Preston Hollow featured on the cover of New Texas Modern
We are honored to see our Preston Hollow project on the cover of the new book by our friend Helen Thompson, New Texas Modern. The Lone Star State continues its love affair with innovative and contemporary architecture and design. Showcasing a stunning range of modern homes, this book will inspire best-design practice and spur … Continued
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Pelham Manor | New York Times
Check out the feature of our Pelham Manor project in the New York Times. They Thought Remodeling Could Wait. Then a Tree Fell on the House. As one Westchester family discovered, there’s no better time to renovate than when you’ve already got a hole in the roof. By Tim McKeough When Dana … Continued
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Reintroducing the Weston Residence
Completed in 2010, we were able to revisit this sublime, river-side home to get new shots, including drone photos of the property amidst a dense forest. Check out the new photos or watch a video fly-through of the home.
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The Carpenter Hotel Featured in Big Little Hotel Book
We are pleased to announce that our project, the Carpenter Hotel, was included in an amazing book, Big Little Hotel: Small Hotels Designed by Architects. Check out the amazing designs from studios around the world.
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Hear from Scott Specht on two podcasts
Our founding partner, Scott Specht, has been invited to speak on two distinguished design podcasts: ARCAT Detailed Podcast Constructed Futures While the main focus is on the Next American House, both conversations expand to cover Architectural styles throughout history. Take a listen and stay tuned for more speaking engagements coming soon.
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New American House: AN Best of Design
Thank you to the Editors of The Architect’s Newspaper for selecting our New American House for the Best of Design Unbuilt–Residential, Single-Unit Award! We can’t wait to bring this project to reality! See all of the incredible winners, here.
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Dallas Architecture Forum | Scott Specht
Scott Specht, our founding principal, was recently featured in Dallas Architecture Forum. The video of the lecture is now live. Check it out to learn more about our history and unpack the methodology in our designs of both built projects and experimental ideas.
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Take a tour of Casa Annunziata
Watch as founding principal, Scott Specht, walks us through our latest residential project, Casa Annunziata. From the 15′ cantilever, through the glass walls, to the 2,000 square foot interior, Scott discusses many of the details that went into this incredible home in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Watch the video here.
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Stealth House recognized in Architizer A+Awards
Our Stealth House got a special mention in the 2022 Architizer A+Awards! We’re thrilled to see this private home recognized amongst such incredible talent. Check it out! This is the 10th anniversary of the Architizer A+Awards, which is the largest awards program focused on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architecture. Its mission … Continued
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Amazing Architecture: Casa Xixim
Check out the environmental design elements built into Casa Xixim—an eco-luxe, net-neutral vacation rental house on Soliman Bay in Tulum, Mexico. Casa Xixim was built with the natural surroundings in mind utilizing traditional building practices, modern architecture and permaculutre principles. Read more on amazingarchitecture.com
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Sundial House Featured in Santa Fe Modern
Our Sundial House is featured in the latest book by Helen Thompson, Santa Fe Modern, with photos by Casey Dunn. Order a copy to see the inspiring projects scattered amongst the diverse landscape of New Mexico. Published by Monacelli Press and distributed by Penguin Random House. Order here.
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History of the WindCatcher
“Before fossil-fuel powered air-conditioning became widely available, people living in harsh climates had nothing but natural means to ventilate their spaces and control the interior temperature. To do so, they took into account several external factors such as their location, orientation with respect to the sun and wind, their area’s climate conditions, and local materials.” … Continued
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Casa Xixim on Netflix
Check out our project Casa Xixim featured on the eco friendly episode of Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals. The show’s host walk through the amazing environmental features of the beachfront, luxury, vacation rental. Watch now.
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New American House—designed to stand out or blend in
Many parcels of land in growing metropolitan areas don’t naturally lend themselves to residential uses. In urban and denser suburban areas there are disused industrial sites, low-density warehouse zones, abandoned retail sites, parcels next to highways, alley lots, and other seemingly unappealing places to live. Exurban areas also have plenty of fringe properties that lack desirable … Continued
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Indeed Lobby Wins Austin Home Commercial Design Award
Austin Home magazine recognizes exceptional work in the Austin area across a variety of categories. We are honored that among the amazing talent, our Indeed Austin design won the Commercial Design – Lobby category. Additionally our Carpenter Hotel project was a finalist for the Commercial Design – Building Architecture category. Watch the virtual awards ceremony … Continued
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Preston Hollow Residence Wins Record Houses 2020
Our newly-completed Preston Hollow Residence was selected as one of 2020’s “Record Houses” by Architectural Record Magazine. This is quite an honor, as only seven houses are selected each year in all of North America. Architectural Record has been published since 1891, and is the primary documentary record of the architectural profession. You can … Continued
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New zeroHouse Model 3
We’ve updated and improved the original zeroHouse! It’s now larger and more appropriate for full-time occupancy, yet still retains its iconic design and wide variety of sustainability options. This all-new zeroHouse Model 3 defines the future of comfortable compact living. We are currently developing several zeroHouse Model 3 versions for sites in Austin, Texas, … Continued
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SEU Athletic Center Wins NIRSA Outstanding Facility Award
Our latest project with St. Edwards University won an Outstanding Facilities Award from NIRSA. Our work involved a renovation and addition to their existing athletic center to create an improved facility for athletics and recreation. The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association recognizes spaces that demonstrate excellence in a number of critical areas, including architectural design, functionality, … Continued
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Carpenter Hotel Wins Preservation Award for Rehabilitation and Addition
Adapting existing structures is an important part of architecture and the longevity of our planet. We are honored that our Carpenter Hotel project was selected for a Preservation Merit Award by Preservation Austin. These awards recognize ambitious and innovative approaches in preserving the city’s unique architectural, cultural and environmental heritage. Check out the other … Continued
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Sangre de Cristo House Wins 2020 TxA Award
We’re pleased to announce that our Sangre de Cristo House has won a 2020 design award from the Texas Society of Architects. This award honors architectural work of all scales, and we’re thrilled that our project was one of the few private residences to have been selected. If you’d like to take a look … Continued
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2019 AIA Design Award Winners
We’re thrilled to announce that three of our projects just received Design Awards from the American Institute of Architects. The Sangre de Cristo House, Carpenter Hotel, and Casa Xixim were featured at the awards ceremony in Austin, with Casa Xixim receiving additional recognition for excellence in sustainability. We want to thank our great clients and … Continued
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Travel and Leisure “Best New Hotels of 2019”
The Carpenter Hotel in Austin was just named one of the “best new hotels in the world” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. It’s a very “Austin” place – an assemblage of new and old buildings that is centered around a renovated 1949 Carpenter’s Union hall and surrounded by heritage pecan trees. Take a look here: … Continued
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Sundial House Receives Award
We’re proud to announce that our Sundial House in Santa Fe has won this year’s Jeff Harnar Award for Contemporary Architecture, sponsored by the Thornburg Foundation, and the University of New Mexico. The prize is given to a single work of architecture in New Mexico that represents the best in modern design, and expresses a … Continued
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2018 A-List Award Winner
We’re proud to be a recent recipient of an A-list award from @home magazine. This award is given to outstanding achievements in architecture and design in Connecticut and beyond. Our New Canaan House was selected as the winner in the “Renovation / Modern” category, and our Weston Residence was a finalist in the “Modern Architecture” … Continued
View Article2025
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AIA Austin
AIA Homes Tour - Featured Home
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Forbes
America's Best-In-State Residential Architects
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Architizer
100 Best Architecture Firms in the US
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AIA National
Small Project Award
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Texas Society of Architects
Design Award
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AIA Austin
Design Award of Excellence
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Architizer
A+Award
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Residential Design
Architecture Awards - Honor Award
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Built Design Awards
Architectural Design Award
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Austin Home
2025 Best Architects
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Architect Magazine
Residential Architect Design Award
2024
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Forbes
America's Top 200 Residential Architects
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Architizer
100 Best Architecture Firms in the US
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Built Design Awards
Winner in Architectural Design
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Austin Home
2024 Best Architects
2023
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Luxe
Residential Excellence in Design Award
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Dallas Architecture Forum
Design Recognition Finalist
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Austin Home
2023 Best Architects
2022
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Architizer
A+ Awards Special Mention
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The Architect’s Newspaper
AN's 2022 Best of Design Award
2021
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Luxe
RED Award
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NIRSA
Outstanding Sports Facilities Award
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Austin Home
Design Award - Commercial Design
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Austin Home
Design Award - Commercial Design
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Austin Home
2021 Best Architects
2020
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Architectural Record
Record House
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Texas Society of Architects
Design Award
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AIA Austin
Design Award of Merit
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Preservation Austin
Preservation Merit Award
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Trends International Design Awards
TIDA International Home of the Year
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A’Design Award & Competition
Bronze A' Design Award
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Travel & Leisure
Best New Hotels in the World
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Austin Business Journal
Cultivating Growth: Top Five Finalist
2019
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AIA Austin
Design Award of Merit
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AIA Austin
Design Award of Merit
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AIA Austin
Design Award of Merit
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The Architect’s Newspaper
AN Best of Design - Honorable Mention
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Professional Builder
Gold Award
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UTSoA Student Architecture Award
Design Award
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Surface
Surface Travel Award
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Texas Masonry Council
Golden Trowel Award
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University of Florida
Design Excellence Award
2017
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Jeff Harnar Award
Design Award
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Ocean Home
Top 50 Coastal Architects Award
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Professional Builder
Gold Award
2016
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Ocean Home
Top 50 Coastal Architects Award
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Interior Design
NYCxDesign
2015
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Ocean Home
Top 50 Coastal Architects Award
2014
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Houzz
Best of Houzz
2013
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AIA Austin
Design Award
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AIA Austin
Design Award
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Architect Magazine
Residential Architect Design Award
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Professional Builder
Gold Award
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Architizer
A+ Award
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Gardenista
Design Award
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Builder
Design Award
2010
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AIA Austin
Honor Award
2007
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Texas Society of Architects
Design Award
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AIA Austin
Design Award
2025
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Architizer
100 Visionary Creators Changing How We See Architecture
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Wall Street Journal – Mansion Global
Make A Splash
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Plain
Interior Courtyards Provide The Light
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Dwell
This $645K Austin Home Has No Use for Exterior Windows
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Dezeen
Austin ADU Devoid Of Windows
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Architectural Digest
What Is A Loft?
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Wall Street Journal – Mansion Global
Japandi: Comfortably Modern
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Residential Design
Parti Shot: Ammamma Legacy Residence
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The Local Project
Project Feature
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Dezeen
Dezeen's Top Five Houses Of October 2025
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Architect
Living With Light
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Architectural Digest
42 Austin Interior Designers and Architects to Know
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Contemporist
Inside A Beach House Built To Withstand Hurricanes
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Dezeen
Specht Novak Reimagines Usonian Design
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Home World Design
Rethinking Privacy And Light In Austin
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Custom Builder
Compact Austin Home Prioritizes Functionality
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Architizer
Best New Architecture in 2025
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Pendulum
The Courtyard Reborn
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Amazing Architecture
Austin Home Designed Without Windows
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Yanko Design
Modern Lake House Inspired By Usonian Vision
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Residential Design
RD Architecture Awards
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Contemporist
This Home's A Sanctuary
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Archinect
'Windowless' Stealth House in Austin
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Home Adore
Oasis Of Calm
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Texas Architect
How To Deal With Strangers
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Yucatan Magazine
Sustainable Luxury In Tulum's Secluded Soliman Bay
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Architecture Lab
Project Feature
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Amazing Architecture
House Draws Inspiration From Usonian Principles
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Architecture Lab
Interview With Scott Specht
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Home Adore
Project Feature
2024
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Forbes
America's Top 200 Residential Architects
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Wall Street Journal – Mansion Global
The Inner Courtyard, A Design Classic, Is Getting Reimagined
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Forbes
Specht Novak Firm Profile
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Architecture Hunter
Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Simplicity
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One Kindesign
This Eco Luxury Villa Offers A Fabulous Getaway Home
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The Land Report
Room With A View
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Plain Magazine
Nautical Inspiration Reigns in this New Jersey Shore Home
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One Kindesign
Magnificent Glass House In The Berkshires
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Architecture Lab
Preston Hollow Residence By Specht Novak
2023
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Wall Street Journal
Couple Traded Their Farmhouse for Something More Modern
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Wall Street Journal – Mansion Global
A Fireplace for All Seasons
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Architectural Digest
The 23 Most Beautifully Designed Modern Coffee Shops
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Wall Street Journal – Mansion Global
Back To Futurism
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Big Little Hotel
Book
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Dezeen
Austere Glass House In The Berkshires
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Design Nuance
Residence Nestled In A Valley By The Saugatuck River
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One Kindesign
A Minimal Glass House Is In Perfect Harmony With Nature
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Inhabitat
Connecticut Home With A Green Roof
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Home Adore
Minimalist Marvel Meets Nature's Embrace
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Digs
The Modernist Marvel
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Home Adore
A Modern Coastal Renewal
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Contemporist
This House Has A Thin Floating Roof That Extends 15 Feet
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Mix Interiors
Biophilic Interiors Bringing The Outside In
2022
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New York Times
They Thought Remodeling Could Wait
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New Texas Modern
Book
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Design Hunter
Reinterpretation Of The Classic
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Design Nuance
Specht Architects Renovates A Mid-Century Home In New York
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Atomic Ranch
A Standout MCM Home In New York
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Futurist Architecture
A Windowless Home with A Serene Enclosed Environment
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Inhabitat
Space Age home built in 1961 is now revived
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Home Designing
Concrete Home Design That's Skillfully Secluded
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Amazing Architecture
Casa Xixim in Tulum, Mexico
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Futurist Architecture
A Huge Retrofit and Renovation of A Mid-Century Home
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Home Stratosphere
The Stealth House in Austin
2021
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Santa Fe Modern
Book
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ArchDaily
Project Feature
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Nuvo Magazine
Sand and shade in Santa Fe
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Connecticut Magazine
Modernist Home Fully Embraces Its Wooded Surroundings
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Patron Magazine
The New Brutalism
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Decoist
Chic Renovated Lower Manhattan Loft
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Dezeen
Bathrooms Take Advantage Of The View
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One Kindesign
Texas House Evokes Feeling Of Living Above The Treetops
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Trends
Open Hearted
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Inhabitat
Austin Home Enjoys Green Views Without Windows
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Living Magazine
Preston Hollow Privacy Influenced By The Past
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Design Milk
Top 15 Posts Of All Time
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Futurist Architecture
An Open And Light-Filled House With Concrete Walls
2020
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Architectural Record
Record Houses
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Wall Street Journal
A Traditional Builder Tries Modern On For Size In Dallas
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Architectural Digest
Clever Conversions
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Wall Street Journal
A Modern Home That Works With Nature
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Amazing Architecture
The New Brutalism
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Texas Architect
Project Feature
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Elle Decor
A Self-Sufficient Refuge In A Charming Bay In Tulum
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Dezeen
Three Cast-Concrete Volumes
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Architizer
Project Feature
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Curbed Austin
Austin's Best Hotels For Design Lovers
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Futurist Architecture
A Beach House with Two Types of Cedar
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Archello
Indeed's Stunning New Austin Office
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One Kindesign
Glass and Concrete Home In Texas
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Austin American Statesman
Austin Projects Preserving The City's History
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Archinect
Semi-Brutalist Home In Dallas
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LoopNet
Indeed's New Austin Office Exudes Excitement
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Contemporist
Corrugated Concrete Walls
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Curbed Austin
Modern Update for St. Edward's University
2019
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Forbes
Inside The Modern Design Of Six New Austin Hotels
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Architect Magazine
Project Feature
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Travel + Leisure
Best New Hotels In The World
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Fast Company
Disaster-Proof Design
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AN Interior
Cross(crete)
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Dezeen
Former Union Hall Transformed Into Carpenter Hotel
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Design Milk
Carpenter Hotel Brings Charm To The Southwest
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Dezeen
Escaping To The Jungle And Beach
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Contemporist
Project Feature
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Yanko Design
Office Spaces Designed To De-Stress And Bring Joy
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Hospitality Design
Project Feature
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Office Snapshot
25 Most Popular Offices
2018
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Architectural Record
Project Feature
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Dwell
Glass Addition Unveils Treetop Views
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ArchDaily
Project Feature
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Tribeza
Former Trade Union Becomes Carpenter Hotel
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Inhabitat
Sculptural Extension Of The Desert Landscape
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One Kindesign
Coolest Tiny Brownstone Apartment
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Inhabitat
Hurricane-Resistant Home
2017
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Architectural Digest
Midcentury Home Is Reimagined As A Modern Marvel
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Dezeen
Architect Orients House Towards Desert Vistas
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Architectural Digest
Glass Houes With A Clear Sense Of Style
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Ocean Home
Striking And Storm-Resistant Weekend Retreat
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Builder
Rinse & Repeat
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Austin Monthly
Spectacular Cliffside Tarrytown Home
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TimeOut New York
Awesomely Stylish Micro Apartments In NYC
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Popular Mechanics
The Shortcut Shack
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Haus Inside
Tulum Festung Der Morgenrote
2016
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Architectural Record
Featured Project
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Wall Street Journal
After A Disaster, Families Rebuild An Even Better House
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One Kindesign
Modern Dwelling Overlooking Lake Austin
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Office Lovin’
Inside Indeed's New Sleek Austin Headquarters
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Contemporist
Neatly Tucked Away Into The Side Of A Cliff
2015
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Architecture Lab
Project Feature
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Home Adore
Project Feature
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Decoist
Contemporary Escape Draped In Greenery
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CAAN Design
Project Feature
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Austin Chronicle
Illuminating Waller Creek
2014
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Architectural Record
Featured Project
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Design Milk
House That Nestles Into Its Natural Environment
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Architectural Record
The Big Squeeze
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Contemporist
Project Feature
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ArchiSCENE
Project Feature
2013
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Texas Architect
windCatcher and prairieHouse
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Design Milk
Project Feature
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Inhabitat
Clever Micro-Loft Stacks Upwards For More Space
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Home Adore
Project Feature
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Fast Company
A Micro Loft Designed For Maximum Impact
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Design Milk
Project Feature
2025
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Architectural Record | DESIGN:ED Podcast
Scott Specht - Guest Speaker
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Homeworthy
House Tour | Inside the Award-Winning Stealth House
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Good Day Austin
2025 AIA Austin Homes Tour
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CBS Austin
Step Inside The Stealth House
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Talk Design Podcast
Scott Specht - Guest Speaker
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Second Studio Podcast
Scott Specht - Guest Speaker
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Designing Austin Podcast
Jakeb Novak - Guest Speaker
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The Architectural League NY
ALNY x HOU: An Intergenerational Conversation
2024
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Convo By Design Podcast
From Modern to Experimental
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West Edge Design Fair
Scott Specht - Panel Discussion
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AsBuilt Podcast
Jakeb Novak - Guest Speaker
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EntreArchitect Podcast
The Windowless Home
2023
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Constructed Futures Podcast
Designing the New American House
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AIA Austin
AIA Austin (CRAN) Tour - Stealth House
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Detailed Podcast
New American House
2022
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Dallas Architecture Forum
Scott Specht - Lecture
2021
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Netflix: Amazing Vacation Rentals
Eco-Friendly S2 E6 - Casa Xixim
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New Canaan Historical Society
Modern House Day Tour - New Canaan Residence
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Viceland
Off the Grid - Most Expensivest with 2 Chainz S4 E22
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Houston Build Expo
Scott Specht - Keynote Speaker
2020
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Modern Architecture Society
Modern Home Tour - Preston Hollow Residence
2019
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AccuWeather
Hurricane Resistant Homes - Beach Haven Residence
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University of Florida
Scott Specht - Lecture
2017
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Design Week Austin
House of the Future Lecture at Umlauf Sculpture Garden
2015
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TEDxAmherst
Scott Specht & Louise Harpman: Size Matters - Lecture
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ABC Television
American Crime - Season 2
2014
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AIA Austin
AIA Austin Homes Tour - Cliffside Residence
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Tiny House Hunting
A Tiny Bite of the Big Apple S1 E2 - Manhattan MicroLoft
2010
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AIA Austin
Austin Buildings Tour - Doyle Hall
2007
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UT School of Architecture
Everything Must Go - Exhibition
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Pecha Kucha
Austin Inaugural Event