A Parallel Architecture is an award-winning design studio located in downtown Austin. Focused on a collaborative process, they work with client, contractor, consultant and craftsman to create meaningful and exquisite architecture. Collaborating since 1997, partners Eric Barth and Ryan Burke established A Parallel Architecture in 2008. Together with their team of dedicated and talented architects and designers they provide their clients with the highest level of project management, service and design, regardless of project type, use or scale.
We embrace every project as an opportunity to collaborate and create, working in concert with client, consultant and contractor to form an inspired team with parallel objectives and a common goal.
We understand that buildings are beholden to their site, whether physically, climatically or contextually. Each site offers unique opportunities and constraints, and designing within these parameters encourages meaningful innovation and instills a building with appropriateness.
We know that clear and consistent communication with our clients leads to clarity in our design solutions. By continually engaging and challenging preconceived notions, we expose fundamental truths and provide more valuable solutions.
We believe that good design is green design. Always present, a profound respect for our environment shapes our attitude toward how we work and what we create. By eliminating wasteful building practices, sustainability can be achieved through common sense design solutions and cognizant clients.
We feel that successfully designing within a budget is more rewarding than pursuing architectural fancy with disregard for economic feasibility. Budget constraints dictate simplified solutions which promote design integrity.
We approach architecture, interiors, and landscape design in parallel. We believe this trinity is inextricably linked and relies upon a cohesive viewpoint conceived between ourselves and our clients.
Eric graduated with Highest Honors and was awarded the AIA Henry Adams School Medal and Certificate of Merit from the University of Texas School of Architecture in 2002. After making significant contributions to the Austin architectural scene, Eric moved to San Francisco in 2004, serving as project designer on several sustainable, high-end residential projects. Personal motivations eventually led him back to Austin in 2008, where he cofounded A Parallel Architecture with Ryan. Eric lives with his wife Shalou and sons Arlo and Remy in a handsomely restored modernist house in central Austin. He is a licensed architect in Texas (TBAE# 21679) and Florida (#AR97346).
Eric Barth, AIA | Principal Architect and Co-founder
Aaron is a native of the Austin area with a passion for the city and the way our buildings engage with our unique environment and lifestyle. He is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Architecture and Columbia University, and was a member of award-winning design teams for a range of large-scale projects while working in New York and Chicago before returning to Austin and becoming immersed in residential & installation work. Aaron lives in an ever-evolving home in east Austin with his wife Sarah, son Winters and daughter Sidney, where he enjoys teaching his kids about power tools. Aaron is a licensed architect in Texas (TBAE #24838) and LEED AP.
Aaron Manns, AIA | Associate Architect
Ryan graduated with Highest Honors from the University of Texas School of Architecture in 2002. Before joining forces with Eric in 2008, he lived in Southern California where he independently studied modernism and the burgeoning green building movement. While in Los Angeles, he served as project architect on a variety of residential and commercial projects including the AK Live/Work mixed use project, which received an AIA LA Citation Award. Today he occasionally serves on AIA design panels and as a guest critic at the University of Texas. Ryan lives with his wife Allison, daughter Eliza, and son Sullivan in a mid-century home near downtown Austin. He is a licensed architect in Texas (TBAE# 20888) and California (CAB# C30574).
Ryan Burke, AIA | Principal Architect and Co-founder
Zachary, a Knoxville native, received his Bachelor of Architecture degree with an additional focus in Interior Design from Mississippi State University, where he graduated with Highest Honors and was awarded the AIA Henry Adams Medal. Prior to moving to Austin and joining A Parallel, Zachary gained professional experience while working on a wide range of institutional, commercial, and residential projects with nationally recognized design excellence firms. He is an active and engaged volunteer with the American Institute of Architects where he has served as Mississippi’s Associate Director, and currently serves on the National Associates Committee as an At-Large Director. Zachary lives in East Austin with his husband, Parker, and dog, Blue Jean. He is a licensed architect in Mississippi (#5753).
Zachary Henry-Lichtliter, AIA , NOMA | Associate Architect
Diane received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University and her Master of Advanced Architectural Design degree from Columbia University. Prior to moving to Austin and joining A Parallel, Diane gained professional experience working on a wide range of institutional, residential and commercial projects with leading design firms in New York and Los Angeles, including John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects and BKSK Architects. She has also engaged in various individual architectural and installation projects throughout her career. Diane lives in a 1940’s bungalow in Austin with her husband Jon and son Linus. She is a licensed architect in Texas (TBAE #23810) and New York (033290).
Diane C. Hong | Associate Architect
As a youth, Jacob spent summers with his grandfathers, wide-eyed and with tools in hand, learning life lessons about “paying attention to the details”. Those early inspirations lead Jacob to Texas Tech University, where he completed a Bachelor of Architecture degree, followed by a role at a dynamic firm where he worked on a range of diverse project types. Jacob later pursued post graduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating with a Master of Architecture degree, earning highest honors and the Master’s Thesis Design Award of Merit. Upon completion of graduate school, Jacob headed back to his hometown of Austin, TX to pursue his professional career. Over the past 10 years he has honed his craft for creating detailed residential architecture, serving as Project Designer on numerous award-winning projects. When the design hat comes off, Jacob enjoys the great outdoors, his Great Dane “Hills”, and a little car tinkering here and there on the weekends.
Jacob Brown | Senior Project Designer
Michael is from a small coastal town in Michigan, where he was immersed in the arts and outdoors at a young age. He then went on to study at Savannah College of Art and Design, where he received a Master of Architecture with honors. Michael’s professional career began in Miami, Florida where he contributed to several high-end boutique hospitality projects. Since his focus has shifted to residential architecture, he has gained extensive experience with notable design-focused offices where he contributed to award-winning homes throughout unique regions of the country. Michael lives in South Austin with his wife, Estefania, where they can be found deep in the Greenbelt on weekends. Michael is licensed in Florida (AR103822).
Michael Battjes, NCARB | Project Architect
Amy, a Chicago native, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri and her Master of Architecture with a specialty in Urban Architecture and Design from the University of Oregon in Portland. While at Oregon, she was a recipient of the AIA COTE Top Ten for Students award for her project on hydrological architecture. Pursuing her love for travel, Amy completed residencies abroad in both Florence and Vicenza, Italy. Amy gained professional experience in Portland working on a wide range of sustainability-focused sports, educational, research and institutional projects. She and her husband, Joel, enjoy being on the water, trying new restaurants and are currently renovating their new home in East Austin.
Amy Bohlmeyer | Project Designer
Jack received his Bachelor of Architecture degree with a Minor in Sustainability from Auburn University, where he studied at Rural Studio. This experience allowed Jack to develop his capacity for fine craftsmanship and thoughtful, sustainable architectural design. Prior to moving to Austin and joining A Parallel, Jack gained professional experience working on a variety of project types in Dallas including Class A Commercial Office, Performing Arts Venues, and Higher Education. Jack lives with his wife, Sarah, in South Austin where he enjoys hiking and the occasional patio Old Fashioned. He is a licensed architect in Colorado (ARC.00405832)