WHO WE ARE

Architects interested in curating a sustainable lifestyle
We believe the architect-as-developer approach allows for a more holistic result, allowing us to integrate our values into every component of the project

Early interest in directing combined with a passion for solving spatial problems and systems thinking
Believe in tangible solutions to intangible problems (trying to avoid woo woo stuff)
Persistent background interest in development, study of Eichler during research for House Zero fanned the flame (subtle House Zero plug)
Founded Design Kit with the intention of investigating alternative business models in architecture, my experience at some of the top firms has illustrated the rapidly eroding viability of the traditional architecture business model

Speak to front-end experience
Front-end opportunities required close work with developers
Working on leading conceptual edges with competitions
Experience working with luxury contemporary residential clients, spec or custom, at a high cost per square foot ($1,000 to $2,000)

We’ve noticed a gap in the spec housing market, specifically in high-end, contemporary architecture. It currently takes 3-5 years and countless hours from the architect and homeowner to complete the type of product we are offering off-the-shelf. Though we will utilize pre-sales, we plan to heavily curate the options available to potential purchasers to minimize the time cost for purchaser, developer, and architect.
Most high-end residential development (spec or not) occurs west of Austin, while the rapidly developing advanced manufacturing corridor along 130 remains unaddressed. We don’t need to convince everyone in Austin to head east; just .00016% of the population.
The rapidly increasing pace of modern living is affecting our healthspans. Lifespans are gradually increasing, but the amount of time we are healthy during our lives is decreasing. Our project aims to offset this—even if it doesn’t, it’s a good narrative.

WHAT WE’RE SOLVING

We aren’t aiming for equity in the project; we only receive the developer and architect fees. After the homes are sold, all profit is returned to investors.
Mirroring our turn-key approach for potential residents, we aim to provide a turnkey approach for investors. With the capital, we will take the lead on site selection, land acquisition, project feasibility studies, schematic design through construction documentation, construction administration, and marketing.
Initial Capital Need Approximately $10,1 MIL
- Covers Year 1 Costs (land acquisition, permitting, site development, 1/3 of soft costs, 1/3 of contingency, 1/3 of building costs)
- Initial revenue from the downpayment of homes (assuming 50% are sold by VR-assisted pre-sales in the first year) will offset the initial capital burden to investors
Total Capital Need is $23,303,100