McWalters Collaborative Architecture and Design is a multi-disciplinary firm based in Austin, Texas. Our practice was founded in 2009 by Tom McWalters and is directed by Tom and Lindsay Maki. The experience and expertise of our studio integrates both architecture and interior design with a diverse portfolio that includes residential, real estate development, commercial and hospitality projects. At its core, McWalters Collaborative believes that we, as architects and designers, must fully engage with our clients in a truly collaborative process. With our clients, we develop tailored designs that strive to exceed their expectations. Architecture should do more than meet our clients’ needs, it should enhance and inspire the way they live and work.
“’Think simple’ as my old master used to say. Meaning reduce the whole of its parts to the simplest terms, getting back to the first principles.”
— frank lloyd wright
Tom McWalters
With a career spanning over 45 years, Tom has extensive experience in architecture, interior design, furniture and product design. Tom’s approach is best characterized by his ability to maintain the larger vision of a client’s project while focusing on the myriad of details essential to a successful design. Tom is an exceptional listener whose extensive understanding of the entire design and construction process informs his holistic approach to both his designs, and his practice. His impeccable workmanship and sophisticated sensibility are respected by his clients and colleagues.
Tom has worked with a wide-range of clients on their private residences, interior renovations, interior architecture for professional service and corporate offices, and institutional, healthcare and high rise office and residential buildings that have spanned the globe.
Tom feels that “architecture brings together interior design, products, buildings and people. Because we are creating real places for real people, we have to be certain that the results always exceed our client’s objectives, that the client is happy, and that the result is consistent with our collective design. If we are successful, the spaces and structures we create reflect the collaboration of everyone involved in the process.”
Tom received his Bachelor’s of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Tom went on to practice at SOM, VOA Architects, and OWP+P. He was Owner and Managing Principal of Gary Lee Partners in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, until he founded his own practice McWalters Collaborative. Tom’s work has received both local and international recognition in awards and publications.
Outside of his practice, Tom is an avid collector of first editions, enjoys returning to visit his former homes in Rome, San Francisco and Chicago, and exploring Texas and the beautiful Southwest.
Lindsay Maki
Lindsay has been practicing architecture and interiors for over twenty-five years and received her Bachelor and Masters of Architecture from Tulane University. Following years of practice in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco she moved to Austin and is a Director at McWalters Collaborative. She leads the design and execution of residential, hospitality and boutique corporate projects.
Lindsay is the consummate client’s advocate in her ability to understand their goals and objectives and implement them down to the smallest detail. Lindsay’s ability to stay focused on her client’s priorities throughout the design and construction process and manage every decision, from architecture through materials, furniture, and fixtures, ensures the quality and uniqueness of each of our projects. Apart from design, Lindsay plays a crucial role in construction administration and project management. Her in depth knowledge, expertise and involvement during the construction administration process are essential for keeping the project on track and ensuring the client’s vision and objectives are executed effectively. She is known for both the quality of her work and the very highest standards of professional integrity and service.
Lindsay’s work is best characterized by the nature of her process rather than a particular architectural style. While her client’s needs and preferences frame the entire process, the design is approached with her philosophy that the best architecture is designed from within. All of her work has an aesthetic that is warm, classically proportioned, well-detailed and with a materiality that is inspired by each client’s concept, site, and taste.
In addition to private practice, Lindsay has completed an extensive amount of pro-bono design work for multiple nonprofits, focused specifically on children’s, domestic violence and family charities and was the Founder of Civic Blueprint, a 501c3 that provides professional services to nonprofits.
