Business Details
42 Years
experience
Architectural Design & Project Management in Galveston
Founded in 1984, Michael Gaertner Architects has established itself as a leader in architectural design, historic preservation, and comprehensive project management. Our firm specializes in tackling complex projects, including historic rehabilitation and fast-track construction, with a proven track record of delivering over $200 million in historic development projects. We prioritize client collaboration, offering tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects while maintaining deep expertise in master planning and preservation consulting.Our team combines architectural innovation with rigorous project management methodologies to ensure efficient execution from concept to completion. With licenses in Texas and Colorado, we serve diverse markets across the Gulf Coast and beyond, blending technical precision with creative design to meet evolving client needs.
Services
Architectural Design
Project Management
Historic Restoration
Interior Design
Commercial Projects
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in historic rehabilitation and complex projects
- Our team holds licenses in both Texas and Colorado for expanded service capabilities
- We specialize in master planning with proven success in large-scale developments
- We provide comprehensive project management from site acquisition to occupancy
- Our firm maintains a 95% client retention rate through personalized service
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services combine creative vision with technical precision for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. We create functional spaces that meet client needs while adhering to historic preservation standards. Our process includes site analysis, conceptual design, and construction documentation for new builds and renovations.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from initial planning through final occupancy. Our services include budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and contractor coordination. We specialize in managing complex developments and historic rehabilitation projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery while maintaining design integrity.
Historic Restoration
Our historic restoration expertise includes certified rehabilitation projects utilizing tax credits. We specialize in preserving architectural character while meeting modern functionality requirements. Services cover facade renovations, structural repairs, and compliance with preservation standards for buildings like the Hotel Galvez and St. Mary's Basilica.
Interior Design
We create integrated interior solutions that complement architectural elements. Our approach considers spatial flow, material selection, and ergonomic principles to optimize functionality. Services include finish specifications, furniture selection, and lighting design for residential and commercial environments.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial project services cover hotels, offices, and retail spaces. We deliver tailored solutions from feasibility studies to construction completion. Recent projects include the LaSalle Hotel and Baywalk Apartments, demonstrating our ability to balance aesthetic appeal with practical business requirements.
People
Michael D. Gaertner
Founder & Lead Architect
Registered architect with Texas (#9342) and Colorado (#401773) licenses. Graduated in 1977 with 40+ years of experience in architectural design and project management. Specializes in historic preservation and complex developments.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in architectural design, historic restoration, project management, and interior design for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
Do you handle historic building rehabilitation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic rehabilitation, including certified projects utilizing tax credits for structures like the Hotel Galvez and St. Mary's Basilica.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Galveston, Houston, Austin, and surrounding Texas regions, with completed projects across the Gulf Coast and Colorado.
Can you manage complete construction projects?
Yes, we provide comprehensive project management services covering budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and contractor coordination from concept to occupancy.
What residential projects do you handle?
We design custom homes ranging from small cabins to luxury estates, with recent projects including 1,000-5,000 sq ft residences across Texas.
How do you approach commercial developments?
We offer full-service commercial solutions including feasibility studies, design, and construction management, with experience in hotels, offices, and mixed-use developments.
Reviews (4)
Marcelo Miranda
Jun 06, 2021
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When I hire Mr. Michael Gaertner he seem very professional, knowledgeable courteous and nice. My project was, and is suppose to be small ( Simple and pretty quick) On October 9th, 2020 I hire Mr. Gaertner. Project was suppose to take approx. 2 months. Which I was seeing progress at that time. Now As of today May 10th, 2021 It has not been completed yet. after long periods of non communication We finally met on March, 2021. At that time on March my project was at its final stage. It just needed a few more hours of work. He said he would have it ready in 2 or 3 days. 2 to 3 Weeks went by Mr.
Marcelo M.
May 10, 2021
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When I hire Mr. Michael Gaertner he seem very professional, knowledgeable courteous and nice. My project was, and is suppose to be small ( Simple and pretty quick)On October 9th, 2020 I hire Mr. Gaertner. Project was supposeto take approx.2 months. Which I was seeing progress at that time. Now As of today May 10th, 2021 It has not been completed yet. after long periods of non communication We finally met on March, 2021. At that time on March my project was at its final stage. It just needed a few more hours of work. He said he would have it ready in 2 or 3 days. 2 to 3
Dustin Thomas
Dec 21, 2018
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Mr. Gaertner wrote a set of design guidelines for our HOA then immediately disregarded the very design guidelines he wrote in the first home he submitted. Very sloppy work - look elsewhere. For further examples of Mr. Gaertner's work, please see reviews of David Mullican for a specific address. Mr. Mullican designed to Mr. Gartners guidelines. There are fake painted windows on the side of the house and it sagged 18 inches in less than a year. It should concern you that two local architects have to endorse each other's bad work (in my personal opinion). But feel free to see for yourself at the
Jamie Randall
Jul 11, 2017
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We hired Michael Gaertner Architects to do drawing for our beach house. The drawing were exactly what we wanted and we're very happy with the layout of the house. Mr. Gaertner was very accommodating and easy to work with. Furthermore, he has helped us so much with the City and the building process. We highly recommend!
