Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Porter.
Hi Caroline, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve lived in Austin for 20 years. This was never my intention. I only moved here because I had family connections and thought of spending 6 months in Austin. At the same time, I awaited my visa to move to Sweden (where I also have family), which would be a lot more exciting than spending those 6 months in Maryland, where I’m from. It didn’t take long before I became enamored with Austin and decided to forego the move abroad. Realizing I would stay in Austin longer than intended, I decided to get a “real” job at an architecture firm. This was initially challenging because Austin architecture firms were still struggling after the dot-com bubble. I worked part-time as a draftsman for a structural engineer in town who did many custom residential work. In hindsight, this benefited my training as I learned a lot about how buildings went together.
After a couple of years, I landed a job at an architecture firm specializing in historic preservation. I have always been fascinated with adaptive reuse projects, particularly those like the Tate Modern in London (designed by Herzog & De Meuron) and thought that this experience would be a good foundation for that type of work. While I am very proud of the beautiful Texas Courthouses and other historical projects that I played a part in restoring, most of the projects we worked on were very far from the modern adaptive reuse-type projects I had always admired. After 8 years, I decided that it was time for a change. After a friend hired me to design a second-story addition/renovation, I went out on my own and started Porter Architecture + Design {P(a+d)} in 2012.
I thought that P(a+d) would be short-lived, and eventually, I would have to or want to, get a job at another firm. However, I have been very fortunate to have built a modest yet dedicated client base that has sustained my business over the last decade. I never anticipated such enduring support, and I remain grateful for the word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients who have contributed to the success of my one-woman firm. It’s a humbling experience to see the impact of genuine connections and quality service on the longevity of my practice.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
One of my biggest struggles when I started was getting used to making all the decisions in the firm. I had been so used to a collaborative studio environment, both at school and work, that not having someone else to bounce ideas off of felt very intimidating. It is still one of the things that I miss most as a sole practitioner, and I am always happy when I can collaborate with an interior designer or builder on a project. Balancing the roles of architect and business owner has posed a significant challenge for me. In Austin, staying abreast of numerous regulations is crucial for architects, and I constantly strive to stay ahead of any changes. As a business owner, I face various responsibilities. To manage these effectively, I’ve opted to outsource tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, as-built drafting, and project photography.
We’ve been impressed with Porter Architecture + Design, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
As a sole-practitioner architect, I focus on transforming existing spaces, specializing in renovations of residential buildings. I place a high value on common-sense designs that not only respect our limited resources but also cater to the unique needs of my clients. Over the years, my practice has transitioned from small commercial projects, such as the Handbuilt Motorcycle showroom on South Congress, to a primary emphasis on custom residential work within the context of existing homes. While I may not be working on large, adaptive-reuse projects in the public space as my younger self envisioned, I am deeply passionate about working on existing buildings. My role as an architect is akin to that of a curator, carefully accentuating the existing qualities of a house and aligning them with the needs and desires of my clients. My goal is not to imprint a recognizable style but to create transformations that leave a lasting impression – a sentiment I hope resonates with both passersby and, most importantly, my clients. I want the houses I work on to evoke memories of their previous state, prompting observers to marvel at the positive evolution of the building. One distinguishing factor in my design approach stems from my Swedish family’s background in sailing. Spending weeks on a sailboat in Sweden has instilled an appreciation for small space and multi-functionality. This perspective influences my design process, encouraging efficiency in layouts and materials, even when working on larger residential projects. Ultimately, I aim to craft surroundings that enhance the well-being of my clients, fostering a sense of contentment regardless of their activities within the space.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I was lucky to have a great mentor when I worked at the historic preservation firm; she pushed me to elevate my critical thinking and be aware of the drawings’ impact on a job site, particularly when they fall short. Workplaces generally offer good mentorship opportunities, as I discovered in other jobs. However, finding the same collaborative environment can be challenging as a sole practitioner. Sometimes, I miss having the opportunity to grow within a workplace culture, even just being able to observe how other people work. After starting P(a+d), I no longer had day-to-day connections with colleagues, so instead, I joined groups like the Austin Infill Coalition or attended AIA events to stay connected with what was happening in my field and in Austin.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://porterarchitecture.com/
- Instagram: carolineporter.architect
Image Credits
Miguel Cantu Chase Babcock Tobin Davies
