Share
Talk Design
Christopher Travis
•
Christopher K. Travis is the founder and lead designer for Truehome Design.Build. He designed and built a broad variety of residential and historic projects in Texas from 1995 to 2014, including high-end new homes, ranches and estates, major remodeling, historic restoration and adaptive re-use of historic structures, historic and light commercial projects.
From 1995 until 2013, Travis was the founder, lead designer and Managing Partner of Sentient Architecture, LLC, (Formerly Round Top Architecture). He partnered with commercial architect, Robert Brett Pitt, in that enterprise serving the rural areas of South Central Texas and the Austin, Texas environs. In 2013, the partners formed individual enterprises and Travis moved his design practice into Truehome Design.Build.
Travis is an expert on the adaptive re-use of period materials and artifacts, as well as human factors based architectural programming for residential projects. He is the author of the Truehome Workshop and the originator of that systematic process which he has used with clients for over eighteen years.
One of his projects was awarded a T. C. Jester award for excellence in historic design in the historic Houston Heights. Mr. Travis’ company was named Remodeler of the Year by the Greater Houston Builder’s Association. He is also an expert on designing and building projects on remote sites and in rural areas.
His projects have appeared in the New York Times, Builder magazine, Country Living, Cowboys and Indians, Home Companion, Sun Coast Magazine, Go Magazine (Airtran Airways flight magazine), Hommes Magazine in Greece; the San Antonio Express News, the Marin County Independent Journal, The Providence Sunday Journal, in Texas Highways and before employee groups at Microsoft and Google. Major stories on his approach have appeared twice in German publications and in the Netherlands and Australia.
Mr. Travis is also a writer and theorist who has a multi-disciplinary interest in how psychological techniques, and human factors findings, can be applied to architecture and residential design to more effectively create homes and living environments that “fit the psychological nature of people” .He studies and applies the possibility of therapeutic architecture in his design practice. It is this long term study that inspired both the last twenty years of his design practice and the Truehome Workshop. He believes the psychological and emotional needs of the inhabitants of a home should guide the work of designers, and has used his systematic method for that purpose with his clients since 1998, and exclusively since 2002.
More episodes
View all episodes
Lighting Mastery: Transforming Spaces with Garrett Neal
46:19|In this podcast episode, Generational Lighting Expertise, Garrett Neal, principal designer at Neal Lighting, discusses his journey in lighting design, deeply influenced by his father and background in stage production.Transitioning from music management to join his family’s business, Garrett has grown from project manager to a leader in innovative lighting solutions.He describes lighting as a blend of art and science, explaining how it shapes mood, productivity, and even health by affecting circadian rhythms. Garrett highlights the transformation of the industry with LED technology, enabling flexible, customizable lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.He shares insights on residential lighting technologies, including static white lighting, warm dimming, and dynamic color-changing lights, each tailored to enhance daily routines. Emphasizing layered and intentional lighting, Garrett explains the importance of ambient and accent lights to avoid harsh overhead lighting, creating warmth and visual interest. For Garrett, lighting design is a collaborative process that requires alignment with architects and designers to ensure cohesive aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on interoperability and innovation, he describes how advanced systems and smart controls are transforming spaces, making lighting a powerful, adaptable element of interior design.
Hijacked!
01:17:33|In this special TalkDesign episode, Peter Twohy flips the script, interviewing Adrian Ramsay to dive into his holistic, land-centered approach to architecture. Adrian shares his “land whispering” and “emotional floor plans,” methodologies that prioritize connecting deeply with both clients and the environment.Adrian describes how his design process begins by aligning with the natural elements of a site—wind, sunlight, and terrain—creating homes that flow harmoniously with their surroundings. Through alpha brainwave activation, he enters a state of intuitive clarity, allowing him to understand the land's nuances, enhancing design responsiveness. His philosophy is rooted in observing the site’s daily rhythms, crafting spaces that evolve with the land itself.Adrian also talks about “design magic” as a collaborative journey, emphasizing the synergy of client input, creative professionals, and the land. This process culminates in emotional floor plans, inspired by Sam Gosling and Christopher Travis, which bring clients’ unique emotional needs to life through customized spaces.Balancing the podcast, Dream Homes Revealed TV show, and architectural tours requires careful scheduling, with early-morning podcast recordings and quarterly design tours. These tours, now offered in partnership with Feast Experiences, provide immersive architectural journeys for small groups, fostering deep connections with the world of design and with each other.
The Sweet Assassin: Adriano Zumbo
48:45|Celebrated pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, known as the "Sweet Assassin," shares insights into his journey from a rural New South Wales supermarket to international stardom. Famous for his inventive desserts and creative food pairings, Adriano reflects on his early passion for sweets, his hands-on apprenticeship, and his time working with top chefs in Paris.Adriano also discusses the unexpected rise to fame through MasterChef, where a croquembouche challenge catapulted his career, leading to more television opportunities. Despite his TV success, Adriano’s true passion lies in cooking and creating unique flavour combinations, blending sweet and savoury elements in unconventional ways.Tune in to hear Adriano's exciting plans, including his upcoming food tour in Catalonia, Spain, and the artistry behind his iconic desserts!
Anthony Laye: The Mentalist
01:24:53|Anthony Laye's story is as unique as his skills. He's a gifted speaker, host, trainer, and performer who knows how to connect with people. With over 25 years of experience, Anthony has delivered more than 1000 presentations, appeared on TV and radio, and wowed audiences with his understanding of human behaviour.Anthony started his journey as a socially awkward entrepreneur but learnt very quickly that the way he presented himself and the way he communicated had a huge impact on his success. Anthony’s curiosity around communication led him into the world of mentalism, where he became a standout performer in one of the biggest magic shows in the world, 'The Illusionists'. His time on stage, and a semi-final place on Australia's Got Talent in 2012, taught him a lot about connecting with audiences.From this experience, he developed 'The Confident Communicator Formula', a new way to improve communication and create meaningful relationships. Anthony's time as a mentalist showed him that his skills aren't just for the stage - they can help everyone communicate better every day.Anthony is also an author. His book 'Get Ready For Impact - Communication Tools To Stand Out, Win Trust And Influence' offers practical tips to help people communicate better in all parts of their lives.People love working with Anthony because he's enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and focused on helping others. His lessons can help anyone - whether you're a leader, salesperson or team member - improve their communication skills.Imagine knowing how others see you, understanding what your customers really need, or leading a motivated, high-performing team. Anthony can show you how to do all this and more.He doesn't just teach you how to read and influence others. He also helps you understand your own thoughts so you can become more confident and self-aware. This means you can build stronger relationships, work better together, and become a leader who truly connects with others.Anthony Laye knows what you're thinking. And he's ready to share his skills and experience to help you and your organisation succeed. Are you ready to know what others are thinking?
Pam Chandler & Patrick Ouey
51:29|This ground-up home built just south of downtown Austin was designed for empty nesters looking to accommodate both gatherings for friends and family as well as moments of serene respite. By designing the house in a compact form and setting it against the rear set-back, we were able to congregate all the available site into a central courtyard. A second open-air structure consisting of a 2-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch sits on the front set-back line and forms the entry of the courtyard. To address the southern exposure of the house, the 2-story dining porch is defined by a steel louvered screen, which also gives a level of privacy to the second-floor bedrooms. The material palette of this home is simple and honest. Board formed concrete pairs with steel and stucco on the exterior. On the interior, walnut, steel and plaster mix with earthen hues within a light filled white box. All coming together in loft-like interior spaces along with interactive exterior spaces to create places for entertaining as well as contemplating. Patrick's philosophy is to act as an extension of his clients, providing balanced solutions that align with their needs and desires. His passion for combining science and creativity started early and led him to architecture at 12. After earning his degree at the University of Texas, he worked at several prominent firms before founding FAB in 1996. As Principal Architect, Patrick oversees design, collaborating with his team to create award-winning projects that truly fulfil his clients' visions.Pam thrives on the details and material palette that define the soul of a project. After earning a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Texas, she worked in Los Angeles, where her first project was featured on the cover of Architectural Record. Since 1998, she has been Principal Architect at FAB, shaping award-winning projects across Texas. Pam loves traveling with family, blending nature and urban culture for inspiration when she's away from work.
Joshua Hogan
42:20|Sundown, a 6,000 sq ft private residence nestled in West Austin, epitomizes revitalization. Originally crafted in the 1980s by renowned architect Robert Renfro, it breaks away from conventional design rules. Like the post-modernists, the owners embraced individualism and nature in its recreation. Perched on a secluded, sloping lot, Sundown gracefully integrates with its surroundings. It steps down the hillside, spanning a tranquil stream and embracing the ravine. Meticulous attention to detail honours the original design ethos while incorporating modern innovation. Preserving its post-modern charm, Sundown seamlessly blends past and present. We've integrated top amenities while harmoniously integrating nature. Blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries, it celebrates the timeless beauty of its surroundings. Sundown stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its architectural heritage, incorporating the essence of modern living while celebrating the timeless beauty of its natural surroundings. Joshua, founder of Hogan Architects and Development, combines a rich architectural background with a unique perspective shaped by his French heritage and Texas roots. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, Joshua’s philosophy was refined through his experiences living in France. There, he developed a deep appreciation for timeless elegance and attention to detail. His career spans continents, working with renowned architects like Philippe Bodin and Dick Clark, where he honed his skills in heritage preservation and innovative design. Joshua's portfolio blends tradition and modernity, from historic renovations to cutting-edge developments.
Nick & Jes Deavers
53:28|A retired couple chose a derelict 1930’s cottage on a rhombus-shaped property in the heart of Austin, to create a modern, landscape-driven house. The quirky storybook structure hovered 4ft above grade and was crowded by two live oaks in the middle of a tight lot.A house and habitat fuse to Austin’s urban forest with a steel and wood carport and rear arbour, cypress screen porch, a cantilevered concrete tree bench and sinker-cypress windowsills. Narrow and primary gardens bookend a permeable, cantilevered living space protecting trees and watershed. Room-size terraces settle the house into the land. ̹Vertical rough cypress clad addition with a curved metal roof is parallel to the side yard edges and skewed to the original house. Stepping inside, the entry expresses the asymmetric gabled roof, celebrating offbeat qualities. Cypress-clad walls transition gardens to white gallery walls and along with designed light make the art ordinary and the ordinary art.Nick Deaver's journey into architecture began in West Texas, inspired by his father's work as an electrical contractor and his mother’s love for sewing. These early influences shaped Nick's vision, blending construction with creativity. His formal education at Texas Tech provided a strong technical foundation, but it was in practice that Nick developed his deep appreciation for human-centred design.When Jes Deaver joined their firm, she broadened their scope, shifting the focus from individual homes to larger community impact. Together, they emphasize thoughtful design that resonates emotionally with people and respects the environment. Their philosophy centres around inclusivity, collaboration, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and connection to the land.
Carina Coel
46:28|The Hartford Residence, a 1932 home in Old West Austin, required architectural help to address flow and add living space while maintaining the home's original charm and honouring its historic neighbourhood. The team chose to maintain a single story for the 483 SF addition of a new primary bedroom suite and laundry/mudroom. Brick from the original rear façade was carefully preserved to clad the new Mudroom entrance and outdoor fireplace so they blend seamlessly with the original structure. The original layout of the living room, dining and kitchen created challenges placing furniture, had unused space and convoluted access between rooms. The revised layout creates spaces for gathering, optimizes usable floorspace and establishes visible and accessible connections from the front to the back of the house. The addition of a large island with bar seating activates unused space in the kitchen, while new windows offer connection to the backyard and cozy new screened porch.Carina has worked in the architectural field in Austin since 2003 and is recognized within the community for her ability to create well-designed, sustainable dwellings in a way that clients feel they have been heard and valued in the process. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on two AIA Austin Homes Tours, and a number of local media outlets and publications. Carina received a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a B.A. in Architecture and Art History from Rice University in Houston. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).
Elizabeth Alford
43:08|Tucked behind a 1940's house, this new home peeks out from an alley in historic East Austin. The primary design intent was to make a compact space feel generous with tall ceilings, views to the outdoors, and changeable components. Clerestory windows look into neighbouring pecan trees and provide serene daylighting. The primary axis through the house ends in a window seat overlooking the protected backyard, nestled between neighbouring houses. Counterbalanced shed roofs nod to the gables of nearby houses in contemporary language. Our clients are a new type of Austinite; they work from home and enjoy walking everywhere. As such, they prioritized a screen porch to enjoy the street life of the neighbourhood, but no garage. Spaces transform from live to work with foldaway cabinetry and pieces that do double duty like an island / table. The living room expands into the screen porch with glass doors that fold away.Elizabeth Alford founded Pollen Architecture in Austin, Texas in 2008 with Michael Young, and Dason Whitsett. Elizabeth’s work centers on creating engaging spaces that are carefully integrated into their surroundings, both natural settings and urban contexts. Elizabeth uses section, natural light and materiality to enrich the experience of a space. Prior to forming Pollen, Elizabeth ran her own firm, Elizabeth Alford Projects in Austin and New York, doing projects including studio renovations and farm buildings.