Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Davenport.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My architectural journey began as a young boy in Iowa City, Iowa. My family’s shared interest in art and design resulted in many meandering drives through known or unknown neighborhoods in search of interesting and well executed home design. It was a favorite hobby then and continues to be one I enjoy today, albeit with a bit more critical eye. Realizing an aptitude in both math and art, I pursued architecture immediately. I took drafting in high school, was awarded design on a student-built home project, and eventually graduated from a well respected architecture program at Iowa State University in 1995. In addition to my bachelors of Architecture, I minored in Sociology, affirming my long standing interest in the inner workings of people and group dynamics and how buildings and places might affect them.
After college I continued to pursue my passion for housing, selecting a primarily residential design practice (Cornerstone Architects) as my first, and what would turn out to be my last, architectural firm experience. As a young professional I was also justifiably excited about a job in the young up and coming metropolis of Austin Texas! Little did I know that it would become the mecca for residential architecture that it is today.
A bit contrary to today’s “job-hopping” standard, I found my Midwest upbringing drove me to work hard and achieve everything I could at my new firm rather than looking elsewhere. Joining as an intern, I ended my time as a Partner and am very grateful for the opportunities and lessons learned.
2014 brought a desire to do things a bit differently and I left the firm atmosphere for a more personal journey of sole proprietorship. In this new venue I was able to play to my strengths, choosing a business model involving less projects but more time devoted to each one. I believe a comprehensive, collaborative, analysis of client needs, values, story, and site context and history are key to creating a home with purpose and significance. This requisite data takes time to gather and requires an authentic desire to learn, patience to let the story be told, and an ear to listen. This is something I was gifted by my parents.
Call it fate, belief, prayer, or God at work, but I have been blessed to “attract” just the right people for this approach. Since J Christopher architecture was founded in 2014, ranch owners and others from near and far have come seeking help with their architectural dreams. Their amazing stories and properties have inspired me and with each project I learn more about a particular place, its unique spot in history, and how climate and environment can inform appropriate design choices and timeless architecture.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Architecture is an incredibly satisfying profession but it is surprisingly not very well compensated when starting out. The movie stereotype of the well to do professional with plans in hand and headed to the jobsite is a far cry from being a young architect working long hours just to make ends meet. While I was happy to be scraping by in my converted Motel 6 apartment, I would not have been so if I didn’t love what I do. That seems to be a fairly universal truth in the profession. You do it for the love of the work, not the money. There is certainly ample opportunity to earn a decent wage over time but for most of us it is a long haul not a short game.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
J Christopher Architecture (JCA) is a full-service luxury residential architecture firm that prides itself on client care and award-winning home designs that are unique, warm, and family-friendly.
Our mission is to enrich people’s lives through thoughtful and inspired design, creating a home that is an artistic expression of the people who dwell within. This results in spaces of significance that become a part of cherished family memories and stand the test of time.
JCA has become particularly well known for “luxurious modern ranch” houses which pointedly reflect owner personalities and create a distinct sense of place by referencing the surrounding environment and context. Designs range in style, size, and location but each is born from an effort to serve people and create architecture that is beautiful in function and form.
Located in Austin, Texas, we emphasize a highly collaborative approach with the client and with top-tier builders, engineers, building science experts, and interior designers whom I invite to the table early in the process. To maintain a high level of customer care and attention to detail, we carefully select only a handful of projects each year.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
In addition to continuous inspiration from the many architectural interest sites such as Architect, Dwell, Arch Daily, Dezeen, etc. I wanted to give a special shout out to Bob Borson AIA and his “Life of an Architect” blog. His willingness to honestly share about the inherent struggles and challenges of architectural practice alongside meaningful solutions and suggestions has been very helpful to me at numerous times in my journey. To boot the guy is just funny!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jchristopherarchitecture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchristopherarchitecture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jchristopherarchitecture?fref=ts#
Image Credits
Chase Daniel Photography
Adam Barbe (LAB) Photography
Rachel Kay Photography
Andrew Pogue Photography
