Hobbs' Ink Custom Home Design

03/24/2026

These folks interviewed me:

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Hobbs. Hi Janet, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.I have roots in the design and construction world. My grandfather built houses in an area called “Usonia” north of NYC, some of them directly for Frank L...

02/16/2026

Wow! I guess I really have my wish of being an "individual contributor" now. Today for the first time in literally decades, there was no payroll to process. Weird!

01/03/2026

27 acres for sale near our new studio, 15 minutes to downtown. Owner is seeking a single buyer who will hopefully preserve the 100 year old farmhouse and love the many heritage live oaks. Listing here:

This 4194 square feet Single Family home has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It is located at 8409 Appaloosa Run, Austin, TX.

01/03/2026

New Snail Mail address for Hobbs' Ink:
PO Box 232
Driftwood, TX 78619

12/10/2025

My friend, Steve Mickley, wrote this article about...

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD...

12/01/2025

The passing of Robert A.M. Stern is a loss to all of us. His work, while class in proportion and visual appeal was yet fresh and beautiful in a way that was appropriate to its time: timeless without ever being a copy of something from the past. I believe he quietly improved the built environment with grace and aplomb rather than feeling, as so many architects do, that he had to "make his mark" by standing out. HIs buildings don't scream for attention. They stand bold and proud without the need for grandstanding. I believe the staff at RAMSA "get it" and will continue to create great architecture based on his mentorship, but he will be missed!

10/27/2025

I always press my husband, who does our photography to keep shooting until well after dark to get the most dramatic shots, but with this modern black farmhouse that moon and the dark siding made this image just look SPOOKY! So, happy Halloween!

10/18/2025

Did a tour today of Berdoll Sawmill in Bastrop. Owner, Brandon Berdoll, did the tour. He's very hands-on and conversant with his craft. Everyone with whom we interacted was great and the facility was fascinating, you know, if you are a wood nerd like me. Bonus is that they sell to the public at rates far below the boutique shops most of us know. Check it out.

Berdoll Sawmill is a specialty sawmill located in Central Texas near Austin. We produce high quality kiln-dried, live edge slabs, & lumber.

10/14/2025

I’ve always admired the writing of this woman, Claire Conroy of Residential Design magazine, but she really nailed it in this editor’s note. I am so grateful for my clients who have “embarked on this protracted journey“ and trusted me to help them. It is a Lipa Faith and I appreciate each of you more than you can possibly know.

10/01/2025

Enjoying the view with our gracious hosts!

09/11/2025

Did you know that, as a homeowner, you can do work on your own home in City of Austin with a lot less regulatory oversight than if a contractor does it?



New DSD Info Series Class; Learn about the Homeowner’s Permit
You're invited to join our next DSD Info Series session on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. on Zoom.
This session is designed for homeowners interested in learning about the Homeowner’s Permit (also called the Homestead Permit). The Homeowner's Permit lets you do eligible construction or trade work on your own residence without hiring a contractor.

This session will explain which projects are exempt from permitting and which require a permit. Participants will also learn the step-by-step process and eligibility requirements for homestead trade permits, as well as the services offered by DSD’s Building and Trade Contractor Services team to help guide them through the process.
Event Details:
• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 11 a.m.
• Register at PublicInput.com/dsdinfoseries
Registration is free and open to everyone. Secure your spot today!

City of Austin Development Services Department

Nueva clase de la serie informativa de DSD; Aprenda Sobre el Permiso Para Propietarios de Vivienda
Está invitado(a) a unirse a nuestra próxima sesión de la serie informativa de DSD el martes 23 de septiembre a las 11 a.m. por Zoom.
Esta sesión está diseñada para propietarios de vivienda interesados en aprender sobre los permisos para propietarios de vivienda (también llamado Permiso de Homestead). Este permiso le permite realizar trabajos de construcción o de oficios autorizados en su propia residencia sin necesidad de contratar a un contratista.

En la sesión se explicará cuáles proyectos están exentos de permisos y cuáles requieren un permiso. Los participantes también conocerán el proceso paso a paso y los requisitos de elegibilidad para los permisos de oficios de homestead, así como los servicios que ofrece el equipo de Servicios de Contratistas de Construcción y Oficios de DSD para guiarle durante el proceso.
Detalles del evento:
• Martes, 23 de septiembre de 2025 a las 11 a.m.
• Regístrese en PublicInput.com/dsdinfoseries_es
La inscripción es gratuita y abierta a todo público. ¡Asegure su lugar hoy mismo!

Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo de la Ciudad de Austin

¡Entonces nuestra nueva serie informativa sobre el DSD es para usted! Esta serie de clases presenciales y virtuales está destinada a todos los residentes de Austin que deseen obtener más información sobre los servicios, programas y recursos que ofrece el Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo. ...