Awad Architects

10/14/2026

Scotland Travelogue | The Royal Yacht Britannia ⚓

One of the highlights of our visit to Edinburgh was touring the Royal Yacht Britannia.

As an architect, I was fascinated by the precision, craftsmanship, and level of finish throughout the ship. Naval architecture takes detailing to another level, where every inch matters and everything needs to be functional, durable, and beautifully executed.

I especially loved the mahogany sliding pocket doors, with their beautifully crafted brass hinges, tracks, and keepers. The hardware alone was worth a closer look!

And I have to admit, I geeked out over the incredibly neat and organized runs of electrical wiring and piping. Even the parts nobody sees were thoughtfully arranged.

A great reminder that good design is as much about the details you don’t see as the ones you do.

10/13/2026

Travelogue | Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh

We visited this remarkable Baroque Revival interior at the historic Bank of Scotland.

The central dome features an intricate pattern of star-shaped skylights surrounding a circular oculus. The geometry, ornament, and natural light make for a spectacular space.

And if you look down, the rug directly beneath the dome repeats the same star pattern. A thoughtful detail that reinforces the architecture of the room.

10/11/2026

✈️ Travel inspires the soul and feeds the creative process.

On our way to Scotland, we passed through Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, and I was reminded of one of the things I love about airport architecture.

Designed originally by French architect Paul Andreu, CDG is a wonderful example of how architecture can make travel feel like a glimpse into the future.

Soaring spaces, dramatic structures, natural light, and the excitement of going somewhere new. At their best, airport spaces are truly aspirational.

I caught this photo of Debbie walking through Terminal 2E at sunrise. The sweeping wood ceiling, rhythm of the structure, and long shadows made for a spectacular architectural moment.

Sometimes the journey is as inspiring as the destination.

Stay tuned for more architecture and travel photos from Scotland!

10/07/2026

This is where a new home begins. ✏️

We’re starting to design a new home for a family who wants a Cottage in the Woods.

Before we worry too much about what it looks like, we talk about how they want to live—spatial relationships, flow, views, light, and, most importantly, how they want their home to feel.

Then the sketching begins.

We start with an idea or a feeling and quickly turn it into diagrams. We bounce back and forth between 3D sketches and 2D floor plans, and between pencil on paper and computer modeling. Each informs the other as the house begins to reveal itself.

These are some of the very first sketches. They’re messy, quick, and exploratory—and that’s exactly the point.

Follow along as our Cottage in the Woods begins to take shape.

10/06/2026

AIA CRAN Symposium Highlights from San Antonio! 🏡

Great architecture, great people, and a little inspiration to bring home!

One of my favorite things about the annual AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Symposium is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, share ideas, and learn from talented residential architects from around the country.

And of course, getting inside some really cool houses is always a highlight! San Antonio did not disappoint.

I always come home with fresh ideas, new connections, and renewed enthusiasm for what we do.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this another memorable CRAN Symposium!

09/21/2026

🌳 Up in the trees at our River Road Remodel!

Construction is progressing nicely, and the new roof deck is really starting to take shape. This is going to be a spectacular space—perched among the trees with a whole new perspective on the surroundings.

The amazing team at Terra Firma just completed the Bison Deck tile installation, and the new full-view Marvin door brings maximum daylight inside while creating a great connection to the roof deck.

Next up: siding, paint, and railings. Can’t wait to see this space come together!

Marvin

Studio J

09/18/2026

09/14/2026

The latest from Awad Architects is out!

A little bit of what we’ve been designing, building, visiting and thinking about lately.

One of the things I enjoy about putting together our newsletter is the chance to step back from the day-to-day work and share some of the stories behind the projects.

Take a look — link in bio.

And if you’d like the next one delivered to your inbox, you can subscribe while you’re there.

09/09/2026

A little CRAN history…

Last night I came across the program booklet from my first CRAN Symposium in 2019.

It was a magical experience—surrounded by residential architects from across the country, attending seminars that were actually relevant to the work we do, and touring some seriously cool houses.

I’ve been a true believer ever since.

If you’re an architect or designer of houses, the AIA CRAN Symposium is the event of the year.

This year we’re headed to San Antonio, Texas, with the River Walk as our backdrop. There are still a few spots open, but registration closes Friday!

Hope to see you in San Antonio.

Custom Residential Architects
Awad Architects

08/17/2026

Cabin Complete! 🌲

The cabin is finished and the owners have moved in!

We’ll be heading up to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in a couple of weeks to see the finished project in person. I can’t wait to see how the design came together—and how it feels looking out over the lake.

Summers in the U.P. are short and sweet. Glad they’ll get to enjoy this one in their new cabin!

Awad Architects