Our studio is led by John Grable, FAIA, who is supported by a staff of passionate and talented architects and project managers. John Grable Architects is a collaborative workspace located in San Antonio, TX and serves an expanding roster of regional and national clients. Our studio, founded in 2004, provides a full range of services, including concept design development, historic preservation research, material selection, and construction administration. We are dedicated to artfully integrating mankind with the built environment.
“The most powerful impression is to make people feel good.”
– John Grable, FAIA
History
A passion for the stories of people’s lives and the role of buildings in them drives John’s design. By building on existing traditions and historic vernacular, his work not only contributes to the continuum of the human experience, but also keeps the history of a place alive and evolving.
Community
John’s keen understanding of community as a living and changing organism has led him to focus on projects that enhance the communal experience and expand the role of architecture in public life.
Restraint
His designs resonate a quiet strength that results from a controlled hand and disciplined eye. A taut yet gentle interaction between expression and subtraction is a recurring theme in his work.
Materials
He engages his acute understanding of materials and their potential. He strives to use each material – whether natural or man-made – in the best way possible, both in craft and detail.
Reclamation & Continuity
Coming full circle and connecting physically to what came before, John feels an obligation to re-use and recycle materials. His work is enlivened by a creative blend of old materials often playfully adapted to new applications. By embracing time-tested building techniques that complement nature and taking care to rehabilitate materials whenever possible, his work is a joyous convergence of past and present.
People
John Grable Architects is a team of collaborative, innovative thinkers who enjoy contributing to our dynamic, rewarding studio culture.
Team
We’ve come together from many different backgrounds, united by our passion for working critically—and with curiosity, integrity and camaraderie.
John Grable, FAIA
Founder
John Grable’s award-winning work is inspired by his intimate relationship with the environment, which stems from his love and respect for the land and a keen understanding of how buildings can gently co-exist with nature. After 18 years as a project manager and partner at Lake|Flato Architects, John returned to his roots in 2004 and founded John Grable Architects, where his more than 40 years of experience as a designer, builder, developer and teacher converge.
Matthew Martinez
Project Manager
Matthew joined John Grable Architects in 2007 upon completing his Master of Architecture degree at UTSA. Matthew worked as a Graduate Assistant and was a member of UtenSAils, an undergraduate topic studio that concentrated on the design and logistics of construction of two permanent fabric tensile structures at UTSA’s downtown campus, which have received several local and national awards. He also participated in a semester long study abroad program in Tuscany, where he visited many Italian cities and worked with graduate students from a university in Florence on competition entry concepts.
Krystal Sepulveda
Architect
Krystal joined John Grable Architects after graduating from the University of Houston. She is a Cum Laude graduate with a Bachelors of Architecture and Environmental Design and a minor in Spanish. While at the University of Houston, she was handpicked to participate in the inaugural Pan American Studio to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This gave her the opportunity to be exposed to the various housing typologies as well as having the opportunity to meet with and gain input from many of the local architects. Krystal has a passion for culture, community and the built environment. Additional interests include adaptive reuse, graphic design, cooking and recreational activities.
Elizabeth Salazar
Designer
Elizabeth joined John Grable Architects in 2022 after completing her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a Cum Laude undergraduate and award-winning graduate, Elizabeth’s education and thesis work focused on environmentally-centered buildings, earning her a certificate in High Performance Design and Sustainability. Her thesis work titled “Reimagining the American Dream” explored the social and ecological advantages of American Southern vernacular architecture, expanding her appreciation for local, historic design. Her participation in a study abroad program in Urbino, Italy along with various travels expanded her perspective on people and culture. Elizabeth’s architectural interests are people-centered and environmentally-friendly. Her additional interests include drawings depicting people and buildings using a wide variety of mediums, such as graphite, watercolor, and digital technology.
Awards
Luxe RED Design Awards
Regional Winner, Restoration Or Renovation
2021
Luxe RED Design Awards
Green Lantern – National Winner, Major Renovation
Green Lantern – Regional Winner, Major Renovation
2018
Custom Home Design Awards
Green Lantern – Green Merit Award
2014
Texas Society of Architects
Green Lantern
2014
Residential Architect Design Awards
Garden Gateway – Outbuilding Merit Award
2013
San Antonio Business Journal
Green Lantern – Going Green Award
2012
AIA San Antonio
Green Lantern – Honorable Mention
2017
Equipment Sombrilla – Special Recognition Award
2016
South Texas Guesthouse – Honor Award
2007
222 Austin Highway – Honor Award
2006
Lake LBJ Residence
1987
Texas Downtown Association
Portal San Fernando – Best Public Improvement Project
2002
San Antonio Downtown Alliance
Portal San Fernando – Best Public Space
2002
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