The perfect trifecta of design excellence
John Grable Architects has been honored with THREE AIA Residential Design Awards, powered by Cran – a testament to our commitment to creating exceptional homes that blend innovation, functionality, and beauty.
The Recognition
The AIA San Antonio Residential Design Awards, powered by Cran, celebrate the finest residential architecture within the twenty-three counties represented by the chapter, recognizing projects that demonstrate outstanding residential work in this area.
The Award-Winning Projects
Three projects. Three distinct design challenges.
Each of these homes began with a different goal, a unique site, and a family with their own way of living. Yet all three earned recognition for design excellence from the AIA San Antonio Chapter—validation that thoughtful architecture can take many forms while maintaining consistent quality.
This recognition comes at a time when residential architecture continues to evolve. How we design homes reflects how we understand modern living, site relationships, and the role of architecture in daily life. These three projects each offer a different answer to those questions.
Light & Shadow Box
Award: Modern Home Under 3,000 SF
Photographer: Dror Baldinger FAIA + John Grable Architects
Working within a constrained 50-foot-wide lot in a historic cottage district, this compact home turns limitations into opportunities. The one-room-wide structure eliminates the typical driveway in favor of public green space and includes a traditional front porch for community engagement. A central courtyard ensures every space receives natural light and fresh air, creating a model for thoughtful density that respects neighborhood character.
’57 Ford
Award: Modern Selective Remodeled Home
Photographer: Timothy Hursley
This restoration of a 1957 O’Neil Ford home honored both the architect’s original vision and the site’s two 350-year-old heritage live oaks. We stripped away decades of alterations to reveal Ford’s original design intent: three double-wythe brick walls that organize spaces and direct views toward the wooded landscape. Steel-frame windows extend to the roofline, while Grand Canyon flagstone flows from interior to exterior, reinforcing Ford’s philosophy of letting “the hills design the building.”
Phoenix Rising
Award: Modern Comprehensive Remodeled Home
Photographer: Timothy Hursley
After a catastrophic fire destroyed this 1967 mid-century modern home by O’Neil Ford protégés, we saw not a total loss but a legacy worth preserving. The meticulous restoration required tracking down original material suppliers and craftsmen, including recreating Lynn Ford’s carved entry doors. While preserving essential character, we made subtle improvements: adding a light-bringing cupola, repositioning wings for privacy, and updating the kitchen for contemporary living.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the AIA San Antonio and Cran for this recognition, to the distinguished jury who selected our work, and most importantly, to our clients who trusted us with their residence and gave us the creative freedom to realize them.
Whether you’re considering a new build, renovation, or simply dreaming about your perfect home, we’d love to discuss how our award-winning approach can bring your vision to life.