Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Austin Architects for Sustainable Design
Barley Pfeiffer Architecture has been a trusted name in the Austin design community since 1987. Our firm specializes in creating buildings that are beautiful, functional, and built to last, with a focus on thoughtful planning and understanding how spaces serve their users. With over 35 years of experience, we bring expertise in residential, commercial, and civic architecture, emphasizing sustainability and longevity. Our comprehensive design approach integrates high-performance building science, green building strategies, and award-winning interior design tailored to each client's unique needs.Recognized for intelligent, energy-efficient designs, we prioritize healthier living environments and durable solutions that stand the test of time. Our collaborative process ensures projects align with client aspirations while maintaining a deep connection to the Austin community and its natural environment.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Building Science Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We bring over 35 years of architectural expertise in Austin and beyond.
- Our designs prioritize sustainability, longevity, and energy efficiency.
- We offer a collaborative, client-focused design process with real-time input.
- Our team includes award-winning architects and building science specialists.
- We specialize in creating spaces that harmonize with their natural environment.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (FAIA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom homes that balance aesthetic appeal with functional longevity. Our designs incorporate climate-responsive features, energy-efficient systems, and spaces tailored to residents' lifestyles. With expertise in modern, net-zero, and historic renovations, we deliver residences that enhance comfort while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects emphasize sustainable materials, efficient layouts, and brand-aligned aesthetics. From office spaces to civic buildings, we design environments that boost productivity and visitor experience. Services include site analysis, ADA compliance, and integration of high-performance building technologies for long-term operational savings.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in energy-efficient strategies like passive solar design, rainwater harvesting, and advanced insulation. Our team guides clients through LEED certification, net-zero energy goals, and eco-friendly material selection. Every project balances environmental stewardship with cost-effective, durable solutions for reduced long-term maintenance.
Building Science Consulting
Our experts provide specialized consulting on structural integrity, HVAC optimization, and moisture management. Services include aging-in-place adaptations, building envelope analysis, and mechanical system design. We help clients solve complex performance issues while ensuring comfort, safety, and compliance with modern building standards.
Historic Preservation
We restore and adapt historic structures while maintaining their architectural integrity. Our approach combines modern functionality with period-appropriate materials and techniques. Services include adaptive reuse, code compliance upgrades, and preservation planning to extend the lifespan of culturally significant buildings.
People
Peter L. Pfeiffer
Principal, FAIA
Licensed architect with expertise in building science and sustainable design across Texas, New York, and Oregon. Leader in high-performance residential and commercial architecture with a focus on climate-responsive solutions.
Alan K. Barley
Principal, AIA
Co-owner and lead designer with Texas licenses in architecture and interior design. Specializes in creating award-winning spaces that blend artistic vision with practical functionality for long-term usability.
Oren Mitzner
Principal, AIA
Architect with a hands-on approach to design, focusing on innovative spatial solutions and material applications. Brings technical precision to projects while maintaining alignment with client lifestyle and business goals.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We don't adhere to a single style, focusing instead on designs that harmonize with their environment and reflect client preferences while prioritizing functionality and sustainability.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we offer comprehensive services for residential homes, commercial buildings, and civic spaces with equal emphasis on quality and innovation.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use energy modeling, passive solar strategies, rainwater systems, and eco-friendly materials to create buildings that minimize environmental impact and reduce long-term costs.
Can you help with historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern systems for improved performance and compliance with current standards.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Austin and Central Texas, though we've completed projects throughout Texas Hill Country and accept select out-of-state commissions.
Do you offer hourly consulting services?
Yes, we provide specialized building science consulting on topics like site analysis, mechanical systems, and aging-in-place design for clients with budget constraints.
Reviews (3)
Debbie Wolfe
Nov 05, 2020
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Engaging Barley|Pfeiffer to design our retirement home was one of the smartest things we've ever done. The build of our house is far superior to typical construction in our area. More important, though, this house fits us like a glove. Their comprehensive design process incorporated not just our taste, but how we live, from the room flow to the allocation of HVAC components, etc. Living and building four hours from their Austin office was a bit of a challenge, but we coordinated well and they were on site at all critical junctures. The level of detail in the plans and specifications far exceeded
Vishal Dave
Jun 02, 2018
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Architecture design is most important factor in cost cutting in making the product efficient way and by energy saving . We heard lots about this company and we are now going to meet this architecture soon for our upcoming condo project next year got my partner and us.
Bob Overfield
Feb 02, 2016
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We chose Barley & Pfeiffer to design a low maintenance, energy efficient retirement home for us in the Texas Hill Country. They seemed to have the best combination of art and science among the architects we interviewed, and although their fee seemed a little high at the time, the finished project is worth every penny. The layout is perfect for us... Alan and Peter took us through a typical day and laid out the home so that it flows with our lifestyle. The design process was very interactive and collaborative and we were able to incorporate many of the best features of the various homes we have
