Philosophy
McWalters Collaborative is built upon the belief that we as Architects and Designers must fully engage with our Clients in a truly Collaborative process that begins with clearly defined project goals and leads to the most viable and appropriate solution. The McWalters Collaborative is at its core about a design process that carefully considers each facet of a design problem and integrates solutions to create complete environments.
Our philosophy is to explore architecture from the inside-out and the outside-in, understanding the impact and influence one has on the other. To constantly strive for the most appropriate Design solution that uses proportion, light, color, materials, and details to create buildings and spaces that are Timeless, Authentic and Unique expressions of our Client’s vision.
“Always design a thing by considering it in it’s larger context – a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.”
— Eliel Saarinen
Firm History
The McWalters Collaborative Architecture and Design practice was started by Thomas McWalters in 2009 with collaborators in Chicago, San Francisco, and Austin. Our vision for the practice was to put our client’s needs before design firm organization and identity with an organization that minimized internal structure and maximized client involvement. Our clients have included non-for-profits, boutique business and home owners with projects ranging from interior renovations to freestanding residences. Our practice has done a range of projects in California, Illinois, and Texas. The firm’s is headquartered in Austin, Texas.