JW Stoddard & Associates is a residential design studio in Austin, TX specializing in creating exceptional custom homes for discerning clients.
John West Stoddard & Associates is a creative studio in Austin, Texas specializing in exceptional custom designed homes for discerning clients.
Our Philosophy
At John West Stoddard & Associates, we are committed to a collaborative design process that places our clients at the center of every project. We believe that truly exceptional homes begin with a deep understanding of the land, a clear vision, and an open dialogue between designer and client. Our work is rooted in three guiding principles: simplicity, practicality, and beauty.
We take a thoughtful and refined approach to each project—favoring clean lines, honest materials, and purposeful layouts that support everyday living. Our designs are functional without feeling rigid, and elegant without excess. We believe beauty is found in restraint, proportion, and the relationship between a home and its surrounding environment.
Above all, our goal is to create timeless spaces that reflect the unique lifestyles of our clients while responding harmoniously to the natural qualities of their site—homes that feel grounded, personal, and lasting.
The Approach
Design is rarely a simple, straight path. That’s why truly understanding your needs, goals, and vision is central to our process. The strong, respectful relationships we build with our clients form the foundation for creating unique designs that fully unlock the potential of your home site.
Below is a detailed overview of each phase of the project:
Schematic Design
Our process begins with a comprehensive questionnaire designed to clarify the size, scope, character, and budget of your project. We then prepare an initial project summary along with a thoughtfully curated collection of images that capture the spirit and vision of your home. This evolving portfolio grows and adapts as the design takes shape.
We meet with you throughout the process to review preliminary drawings and explore design ideas, working together to establish a clear concept. Based on this collaboration, we develop schematic design drawings—including site plans, elevation sketches, and conceptual sketches—that illustrate the scale and spatial relationships of the project components. We encourage selecting a builder during this stage, and John West Stoddard & Associates is happy to assist in facilitating this important step.
Design Development
As the design progresses, our team refines every aspect, producing detailed, coordinated drawings that serve as the foundation for construction documents. At this stage, documentation becomes more precise and comprehensive, including finalized site plans, elevations, and material selections.
John West Stoddard & Associates also assists with engaging a general contractor if needed, and coordinates the preparation of materials required for permits and necessary reviews to keep the project moving smoothly.
Construction Documentation
We prepare a complete set of scaled construction drawings along with a thorough specifications manual outlining all requirements for construction standards, materials, systems, equipment, and workmanship. Attention to detail is paramount as we finalize design decisions around finishes, products, and building systems.
This documentation serves as the blueprint for translating your vision into reality, ensuring every aspect of the design is carefully communicated for successful construction.
John West Stoddard
Principal
Originally from a small coastal town in Connecticut, John relocated to Austin, Texas in 2011. Before founding John West Stoddard & Associates in 2018, he gained valuable experience as a project manager with Shiflet Group Architects and LaRue Architects in Austin. Earlier in his career, he worked with the award-winning firms Centerbrook Architects in Connecticut and Appleton Partners in Santa Monica, California.
John’s passion for design is enriched by a diverse background, including teaching art and design studios in Florence, Italy from 2006 to 2007. A year-long backpacking journey in 2003—across Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand—had a lasting impact on his design philosophy and global outlook.
He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Northeastern University. John is a member of the AIBD and a nationally certified professional building designer (CPBD) through the NCBDC.
In addition to his work in architecture, John finds creative inspiration in painting, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their dog.
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