Business Details
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture & Design
Emery McClure Architecture is a design research practice committed to creating meaningful, resilient spaces that harmonize cultural, environmental, and social contexts. Founded on the belief that design should serve society, we specialize in resolving opposing forces through innovative architectural solutions. Our work spans residential, civic, and commercial projects, integrating sustainability with artistic vision. With decades of combined experience, our team has earned international recognition for award-winning designs that balance practicality with poetic expression.We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects unique needs while advancing architectural discourse. Our expertise extends to historic preservation, material research, and speculative design, positioning us at the forefront of adaptive, forward-thinking architecture.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Urbanism
Historic Preservation
Interior Design
Construction Management
Material Research
Speculative Design
Climate Resilience Planning
Design-Build Projects
Architectural Research
Highlights and features
- We integrate historic preservation with modern design for unique, context-driven solutions.
- Our team holds prestigious accolades including AIA Fellowships and Rome Prize recognition.
- We prioritize climate-resilient materials and adaptive preservation methodologies.
- Collaborative approach ensures client needs shape every design decision.
- Award-winning expertise in both constructed projects and speculative design research.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED AP BD+C
- National Council for Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
What people say
Exceptional design expertise
Seamless integration
Award-winning
Personalized spaces
Dedicated collaboration
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential spaces that merge mid-century modern elements with contemporary innovation. Our approach prioritizes natural light integration, climate-appropriate materials, and functional layouts tailored to client lifestyles. Projects like the Jeeves House demonstrate expertise in balancing aesthetic boldness with practical living solutions while maintaining environmental responsiveness through strategic material selection and energy-efficient design.
Historic Preservation
Our practice specializes in adaptive preservation methodologies for culturally significant sites. Using digital documentation and material analysis, we develop time-based conservation strategies that maintain structural integrity while addressing environmental threats. This includes creating 3D models for sites at risk from coastal erosion, ensuring historical narratives persist through both physical and digital preservation techniques.
Sustainable Urbanism
We develop climate-resilient urban frameworks that integrate ecological systems with built environments. Our research-driven approach combines GIS mapping with material innovation to create adaptable infrastructure solutions. Projects focus on coastal communities, implementing design strategies that mitigate environmental degradation while maintaining cultural relevance through participatory design processes.
Speculative Design
Our speculative work explores future architectural possibilities through material experimentation and theoretical research. This includes creating full-scale installations that test unconventional construction methods and publishing findings in academic journals. These explorations inform practical applications, pushing disciplinary boundaries while maintaining functional relevance for real-world implementation.
Construction Management
We provide comprehensive construction administration services ensuring design intent translates to built reality. Our team coordinates with contractors to resolve field challenges, maintain quality control, and verify compliance with design specifications. This includes developing detailed documentation packages and conducting site visits to ensure technical precision throughout the building process.
People
Michael A. McClure
Founding Partner
Dean of Kansas State University's College of Architecture, Michael brings 25+ years of academic and professional experience. He holds a Master's from Columbia University and has taught at Tulane and LSU, focusing on coastal resilience and architectural pedagogy.
Ursula Emery McClure
Founding Partner
AIA Fellow and LEED AP accredited architect, Ursula specializes in climate-resilient design. She teaches transdisciplinary design at Kansas State University and has received ArchDaily's Most Innovative Practitioner recognition for her adaptive preservation research.
Sarah Young
Partner
Licensed architect and educator, Sarah focuses on design pedagogy and interdisciplinary collaboration. She coordinates UL Lafayette's first-year design studios and received the AIA National Associates Award for her contributions to architectural education.
Questions
What architectural styles does EmeryMcClure specialize in?
We specialize in modernist design with expertise in mid-century modern adaptations and contemporary interpretations. Our work often blends historic elements with innovative spatial solutions while prioritizing environmental responsiveness.
Can you handle both design and construction management?
Yes, we provide full-service architectural solutions including design development, construction documentation, and on-site project management to ensure design integrity throughout the building process.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We use climate-appropriate materials, passive design strategies, and digital modeling to optimize energy efficiency. Our approach includes life-cycle analysis and prioritizes adaptive reuse to minimize environmental impact.
Do you work on historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive preservation using digital documentation techniques. Our methodology addresses both physical conservation and cultural relevance for sites facing environmental threats.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Louisiana and Kansas, we work on national and international projects. Our expertise in coastal environments makes us particularly suited for Gulf Coast and similar climate regions.
How are design fees structured?
Fees are project-specific and typically structured as a percentage of construction cost or fixed scope-based pricing. We provide detailed proposals outlining deliverables and payment schedules during initial consultations.
