Honored to Be Part of This: Falcon Ledge Residence Wins 2025 AIA Austin Design Award of Excellence
I’m thrilled to share that the Falcon Ledge Residence - a project I had the pleasure of working on during my time at Alterstudio Architecture - has received the 2025 AIA Austin Design Award of Excellence!
Serving as Project Architect, alongside Matt Slusarek, this home is an example of what thoughtful architecture can achieve when site and design are fully in sync.
Perched on a steep canyon slope in Austin, the residence is carefully organized across three levels to navigate the challenging topography. A dumbwaiter connects the kitchen to the lower levels for added function, while generous balconies extend from major rooms to capture panoramic canyon views. The house feels both grounded and expansive - anchored to its site while embracing the landscape.
During my time on the project, I contributed to the construction documentation and coordination efforts, helping to resolve technical details across all levels of the house. That included wall sections, electrical plans, millwork, and interiors - translating a bold design vision into a cohesive, buildable set.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see Falcon Ledge receive this kind of recognition! I’m deeply grateful to have been part of the team that brought this stunning residence to life. Congratulations to everyone at Alterstudio and all the collaborators who made this possible.
Additional Awards:
2023 Residential Architect Design Awards — Merit Award, Custom Home 3,000 SF+
2023 Texas Society of Architects Design Awards — Winner
2023 American Architecture Awards — Honorable Mention
Publications:
Dezeen (Nov. 2023): “Alterstudio Creates Falcon Ledge Residence on a Challenging Austin Site” by Jenna McKnight
Texas Architect (Vol. 73, Sep/Oct 2023): “Falcon Ledge Residence”
Architectural Record (June 2023): “Falcon Ledge,” Record Editors
Project Credits
Alterstudio Architecture: Kevin Alter; Ernesto Cragnolino, FAIA; Tim Whitehill; Haifa Hammami (Director of Interiors); Matt Slusarek, AIA (Project Architect); Elizabeth Sydnor, AIA (Project Architect)
Interior Designer: Haifa Hammami, Alterstudio Architecture
Mechanical Engineer: Kristof Irwin, Positive Energy
Structural Engineer: Samuel Young PE, MJ Stuctures
General Contractor: Matt Sitra, Matt Sitra Custom Homes
Landscape Architect: Aleman Design Build
Geotechnical: Capital Geotechnical Services
