François Lévy, Architect

Have you heard of Biophilic Design? Biophilia is the innate human connection we have to nature and it is at the heart of our architectural philosophy. Biophilic design goes beyond aesthetics—it's about integrating natural elements into our built environment to enhance well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. Why is this important? Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. By incorporating elements such as natural light, greenery, and natural materials into our designs, we create spaces that resonate with our innate connection to the natural world, promoting health and happiness. So what is biophilic design, you ask? It's about more than just adding plants to a space (though that can certainly be part of it!). It's about creating environments that evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature, whether through the use of organic shapes, natural textures, or views of the outdoors. It's about fostering a sense of connection to the world around us, even when we're indoors. What do you think about Biophilic Design? #BiophilicDesign #NatureInArchitecture #GreenBuilding

What makes us unique? At François Lévy Architecture + Interiors, our foundation is built on a deep commitment to crafting architecture that speaks to the essence of contemporary life. Every project holds within it the potential for something truly unique. Our role? To actively listen, to engage, and to transform visions into reality. We approach each project with knowledge, care, and sensitivity, recognizing the importance of proportion, space, light, materials, and technology in shaping exceptional architecture and interior design. Our aim is to draw out the very best, blending client needs, locale, form, and budget seamlessly into our creations. Environmental stewardship and community engagement are at the forefront of our practice. From site-specific designs that harmonize with nature to sustainable solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, we're dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the world around us. We create highly customized homes that allow people to live their best life in a home that perfectly matches their lifestyle and desires - all while remaining committed to community-based, humane architectures. #CraftingContemporaryLife #UniqueArchitecture #ListenEngageTransform

How important is interior design? This collaboration between @odonataescape and our own interior design mastermind, Sherri Woolley Ancipink (@swancipink), showcases how much interior design can change and impact a space. Each room of this vacation compound near Fredericksburg, Texas was designed to elicit a different feeling, emotion, and experience. Check out www.odonataescape.com to view each of the rooms and see a breakdown of how each room is designed.

Sustainable architecture isn't just a trend; it's being responsible for our planet and our future. One of the key practices in sustainable design is rainwater collection. Harnessing rainwater reduces strain on local water supplies, promote conservation, and creates more resilient buildings. Integrating rainwater collection systems in architectural design whenever feasible maximizes efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. These systems capture, filter, and store rainwater for human consumption and irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water. Rainwater is naturally pure and free of pollutants. Rainwater systems include rooftop catchment areas that direct rainwater into storage tanks or cisterns. Advanced filtration methods ensure the water meets quality standards for its intended use. Off-grid living is a natural extension of sustainable architecture. By combining rainwater collection with renewable energy sources like solar panels and energy-efficient design principles, off-grid homes can operate independently from traditional utilities. This not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters self-sufficiency and resilience. "Boussoleil" project team: François Lévy, Kimberly Kohlhaas, Christopher Balli, and Sherri Woolley Ancipink. Photo credit: Chris Diaz, Shutterbug Studios. General Contractor: Native (buildnative.com).

What does your dream bathroom look like? Ethereal light? Natural materials? A luxurious tub? Let us know in the comments! "Moonrise Ranch" Designed by Mark Winford and François Lévy. Photography by Paul Bardagjy.

Architects are not just designers of buildings; we are also at times called upon to be custodians of history. Nowhere is this more evident than in historic neighborhoods like Austin's Hyde Park, Old West Austin, or Guadalupe. Here, the past plays a pivotal role in the future. While we produce designs that are honest in their contemporaneity, we must also be mindful of the sensitive balance between the present and preservation.⁠ ⁠ It's important to be familiar with historic design standards before embarking on a design project in a historic neighborhood. In Austin, as in many cities, the local Historical Landmark Commission (HLC) upholds the integrity of these cherished locales by enforcing historic design standards.⁠ Knowledge of the HLC and being able to work with them is vital. Why? ⁠ First and foremost, it ensures that your vision aligns with the unique character and charm of historic neighborhoods. Historic design standards provide invaluable insights into the architectural styles, materials, and elements that define and are appropriate to your neighborhood's historic fabric. By ensuring that a new design or addition is both unique, and congruent with these standards, we honor the past while promoting the harmonious growth of the community.⁠

It's a beautiful spring day and you just stepped outside to spend the afternoon relaxing on a rocking chair on this porch. What book are you bringing with you? Let us know in the comments!

Moonrise Ranch (rural home designed with Mark Winford). In architecture, every detail tells a story. There's magic in the personal touches. Unique elements can elevate a structure from a mere building to a cherished sanctuary and family home. #PersonalArchitecture #CraftedWithCare #AttentionToDetail

Understanding of north and south light is essential for optimizing daylighting strategies, thermal comfort, and visual comfort. By orienting windows, selecting appropriate glazing, and using shading, architects can harness the benefits of both while minimizing potential drawbacks. ⁠ ⁠ North Light:⁠ ⁠ Even, Diffused Light. North-facing windows receive indirect sunlight throughout the day, for soft, diffused light. This minimizes harsh shadows and glare, making it ideal where even lighting is desired, in diverse spaces from art galleries to offices.⁠ ⁠ Stable and Cool. Since north light very rarely receives direct sunlight, it tends to maintain a stable and cooler temperature. This makes north-facing spaces comfortable for prolonged occupancy, particularly in warm climates.⁠ ⁠ Consistent Color Rendering. The neutral quality of north light ensures stable color rendering, making it suitable for environments where color fidelity is important, such as photography or design studios.⁠ ⁠ South Light:⁠ ⁠ Direct and Intense. South-facing windows receive direct sunlight for much of the day, for intense illumination and high solar heat gain. This can create vibrant, sunlit spaces, it can also produce glare and overheating, requiring careful shading.⁠ ⁠ Dynamic Lighting. South light changes throughout the day and year, with shifting patterns of light and shadow. This can create dramatic effects and highlight architectural features, but may require careful shading to control glare and balance illumination.⁠ ⁠ Warmth and Cheer. South-facing spaces are warmer and can feel more inviting, particularly in colder months. This can be desirable for residential areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.⁠ South-facing glass is essential for passively heating spaces in winter. Of course, these directions are for the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere, north light is direct, and south light is indirect. ⁠ Windows and Doors: @sierrapacificwindows⁠ Paint: @benjaminmoore⁠ Hardware: @topknobs⁠ Ceiling Fan: @minka_aire⁠ Furniture: @fiveelementsfurniture⁠ Contractor: @rishermartin⁠ ⁠ #ArchitecturalDaylight #DesignNuances #LightingDynamics #FunctionalSpaces #InvitingInteriors⁠