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About

Portrait of Scott Specht and Jakeb Novak of Specht Novak Architects, black and white, concrete backdrop.
Specht Novak was founded on the vision of creating elegant, comfortable, and timeless buildings that are rooted in the unique environments in which they exist and shaped by the character of the people who will inhabit them.

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, and other media outlets as thought leaders on the future of residential design.

Specht Novak is licensed in TX, CA, NY, NJ, FL, and IL. NCARB certification allows expedited licensure in all other states to serve clients nationwide.

Leadership

Scott Specht, AIA

Founding Partner

Jakeb Novak, AIA, NCARB

Partner

Travis Power, AIA

Partner

News

Twilight exterior of a modern residence with dark cantilevered volumes, floor-to-ceiling glass revealing an illuminated interior and bathroom, surrounded by dense landscaping, with an "Architizer Top 100 USA" badge.

Architizer Names Specht Novak Among Top 100 U.S. Firms, Third Year Running

Specht Novak has been named one of Architizer’s “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States” for the third consecutive year. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to thoughtful design, technical rigor, and close collaboration with our clients. To view the full list, click here. ­­ Photo: Dror Baldinger

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Dezeen 'Top 10 US architecture projects of 2025' graphic with corten steel house exterior and cactus garden.

Stealth House Named Top 10 by Dezeen

Specht Novak’s innovative Stealth House has been named one of the year’s most significant American architectural achievements in Dezeen’s 2025 review. Located in Austin, Texas, this accessory dwelling unit (ADU) challenges traditional residential design with its windowless, Corten-steel-clad exterior that prioritizes total privacy and passive energy efficiency. By centering the home’s light and ventilation around … Continued

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Meridian House Wins National 2026 RDAA Honor Award

We are excited to share that Meridian House has received a national Honor Award for Custom Urban House in the 2026 Residential Design Architecture Awards, selected as one of only seven out of more than 500 entries. A special thank you to our partners at Lucas Interior and Merritt Chase for their beautiful work bringing … Continued

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Black background with the Galerie Philia logo at left and two black-and-white portrait photographs at right, featuring Scott Specht and Jakeb Novak side by side.

Specht Novak Featured by Galerie Philia

Galerie Philia recently featured Scott Specht and Jakeb Novak in a conversation exploring the studio’s design philosophy, material sensibility, and site-responsive approach to architecture. Reflecting on projects such as the Stealth House in Austin, Specht and Novak discuss the balance between rigorous constraints and creative expression, and a broader ambition to create spaces that foster … Continued

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Exterior view of the Meridian House in Indianapolis, featuring a modern, linear facade with light stone framing, brick panels, and floor-to-ceiling glass. The single-story home is set on a lush green lawn framed by mature trees, with a large white Architectural Digest "AD" logo overlaid in the top left corner.

Meridian House | Architectural Digest

We are honored to have the Meridian House featured in Architectural Digest. This Indianapolis residence bridges the gap between a world-class art gallery and a private home. Our collaboration with Lucas Interior demonstrates how minimalist volumes can still feel deeply personal. Click here to see the full article. ­­ Photo: Douglas Friedman

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