Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architect in Austin, TX
Since 1987, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects has been a trusted name in Austin's design community, dedicated to creating buildings that are both beautiful and built to last. Our approach combines thoughtful planning with an understanding of how spaces serve people, emphasizing sustainability, longevity, and community impact. With over 35 years of experience, we specialize in residential, commercial, and civic architecture, historic preservation, and energy-efficient building strategies. Our team of licensed architects and designers employs a collaborative process, integrating real-time design and high-performance building science to deliver tailored solutions. Recognized for our award-winning work, we prioritize client needs while maintaining a deep connection to Austin's unique environment.Our comprehensive design approach spans project programming, site planning, interior design, and construction administration, ensuring every detail aligns with our clients' goals. We are committed to advancing healthier living through innovative design, pollution avoidance strategies, and sustainable materials. As a firm with a portfolio of over 1,200 completed projects, we remain focused on creating timeless architecture that stands up to the elements while remaining cost-effective to maintain. Our dedication to environmental stewardship and intelligent design has made us a leader in green building certifications and consulting services for clients seeking healthier, more comfortable living and working spaces.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Master Planning
Energy-Efficient Strategies
Green Building Certifications
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of architectural expertise in Austin and beyond.
- Our projects prioritize sustainability, longevity, and community impact.
- We employ real-time design for collaborative client engagement.
- Our team includes licensed architects with specialized building science knowledge.
- We maintain a deep understanding of Austin's environmental and community needs.
Associations and certifications
- FAIA
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Our designs incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and site-specific considerations to enhance livability. Each project emphasizes long-term durability and low maintenance while maintaining architectural beauty.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects integrate innovative design with practical business needs. We focus on creating functional, code-compliant spaces that reflect brand identity while optimizing energy performance and occupant comfort through advanced building science principles.
Sustainable Design
We implement climate-responsive strategies including daylighting, rainwater collection, and high-performance HVAC systems. Our approach reduces environmental impact while improving indoor air quality and long-term operational efficiency for residential and commercial clients.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage through adaptive reuse strategies. Our work maintains historical integrity while incorporating modern systems for improved functionality, energy efficiency, and structural longevity in older buildings.
Energy-Efficient Strategies
We provide comprehensive analysis of building performance including thermal envelope optimization, mechanical system design, and renewable energy integration. Our solutions reduce operating costs while maintaining comfort and environmental responsibility.
People
Peter L. Pfeiffer
Principal, FAIA
Licensed architect and building science consultant with expertise in sustainable design. Leads innovative projects combining aesthetics with high-performance systems while maintaining Texas architectural heritage.
Alan K. Barley
Principal, AIA
Co-owner and lead designer with Texas architecture and interior design licenses. Focuses on creating award-winning spaces that balance artistic vision with practical functionality and environmental responsibility.
Oren Mitzner
Principal, AIA
Architect with hands-on experience in sustainable building techniques. Specializes in integrating technical precision with creative design solutions for residential and commercial projects across Central Texas.
Derek Smith
Project Manager, AIA, CPHC
Certified Passive House Consultant managing complex projects from concept to completion. Expertise in high-performance building systems and energy-efficient design implementation for diverse client needs.
Vanessa Rodriguez
Business Manager
Oversees firm operations and client relations with focus on efficient project delivery. Coordinates administrative functions while maintaining the firm's commitment to personalized service and architectural excellence.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and civic architecture, historic preservation, master planning, and energy-efficient design solutions tailored to client needs.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Our approach integrates climate-responsive design, high-performance building systems, and sustainable materials to create energy-efficient spaces that reduce environmental impact.
Can you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects that maintain architectural heritage while incorporating modern functionality and efficiency.
Do you offer consulting services?
We provide hourly consulting on building science, site analysis, green building strategies, and mechanical systems design for residential and commercial clients.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Austin, we work throughout Texas Hill Country and Central Texas regions on diverse architectural projects.
