Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hargis-Villanueva.
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I always wanted to become an architect—I just didn’t know it at the time (I really wanted to be an actress for a hot minute!) But looking back, the signs were there. I loved art, enjoyed drawing and painting, and having moved a lot overseas, between Spain, Saudi Arabia and China, I experienced firsthand how different cultures, climates, and history shape the built environment. I believe that really laid the groundwork for wanting to pursue architecture later in life. I had also had early glimpses into that world through a family friend in Saudi who was an architect designing a palace for the royal family. I distinctly remember seeing one of his building models and it absolutely blew my mind! It was the kind of thing you can only dream of.
When it came time to return to the U.S. for some final high school courses, I kind of stumbled upon an architecture course at the local community college and that’s where everything just seemed to click. It was the perfect middle ground between art and science/math that my parents – both being physicians – found acceptable.
I went on to study Architecture at UT Austin and graduated right in the middle of the 2009 recession. I don’t think anyone in my graduating class had a job lined up. Not sure what others did, but I returned to Spain to earn my Master’s. Of course, the recession followed me there. That’s when I reached out to a former professor in Austin, offering to intern at their office just to gain the experience required for my U.S. licensure. The timing could not have been more perfect; they had just been awarded the Circuit of the Americas project and were hiring. That project is what brought me back to Austin.
I continued with that firm until I started my family and like so many other professional women I hit a road block – where I wanted to be fully present for my family but also continue architecting! The only way I figured I could try and make this work was by starting my own practice. I’ve been a sole practitioner ever since, and it has allowed me to be the architect my clients need and the mother I want to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! No, I’ve had to teach myself how to be a salesperson, an accountant, marketing… essentially everything there is to running a business! You’re not taught how to run a business in architecture school. I recently read this quote somewhere and it really resonated with me:
“You become a business owner not because you are great at business, but because you love the thing that you do.”
There’s also this internal struggle I feel… I truly believe that everyone deserves good design, it shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. It honestly pains me to see people settle for bad, cookie-cutter houses because they don’t know any better or have the funds! But as a one-woman show, I have to be careful about what I take on. Every project I say “yes” to, because I care, is time away from projects that actually pay the bills.
And honestly? Being your own boss is hard. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it really forces you to be your own drill sergeant. It requires a level of self-mastery that I am refining every single day.
As you know, we’re big fans of MHV Architects. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m Melissa, founder and principal of MHV Architects – a full service architecture firm based here in Austin. We primarily serve individuals and families seeking to build a home that feels personal and grounded in its surroundings.
Because I run a small studio our work is highly personalized and intentionally low-volume, ensuring each project receives the attention it deserves. I lead each project personally, guiding clients with clarity and calm through the design and building process. Our work is defined by sensitivity to place, deep respect for the people we design for, and an ability to deliver architecture that is as intuitive as it is enduring.
I am proud to say that MHV Architects is 100% women-owned-and operated. We bring a unique perspective to the residential space, balancing technical expertise with a sensitivity to the flow of daily life. Ensuring our designs are as functional as they are beautiful.
We offer a full range of architectural services across Texas and beyond — from early feasibility studies and permitting to design, builder coordination, and construction.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
There’s no one specific memory that stands out right now – but in general, summers in Spain with family and friends. Playing from sun up to sun down in ‘el patio rojo’. I also love seeing my own children play there with their friends when we go back to visit.
Pricing:
- Pricing is project specific.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mhvarchitects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhvarchitects/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hargis-villanueva-87047a11/
Image Credits
Kieran Reeves Photography
Carter Johnson, with Armadillo Photography
