The poetic rigor of Jason Smith and Signe Smith’s architectural work reminds me that all great architects seem to come from a strong architectural family tree. This husband and wife architectural team, with degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, have worked with exemplary firms, providing them a launching pad for their thriving firm, doing precise and exciting modern work for extraordinary clients with a refined aesthetic.

Signe and Jason experienced the craft and the problem solving of Lawrence Speck when Jason worked as the project architect on the renovation of the Bud Oglesby house on Turtle Creek. The reductionist influence of Lionel Morrison can be seen as Jason Smith worked in his early years at morrisonseifertmurphy. Jason Smith continually repeats and refines his best design solutions. Signe and Jason approach the penthouse of the Omni in Fort Worth with their experience as project architects when they worked for Emily Summers on the penthouse of the W hotel in Dallas.

Jason Smith and Signe Smith draw from global influences that they tailor to the region in which they work. While their designs vary, their theme of light, integrating exterior and interior spaces, how one approaches the home, and construction quality remains consistent.

This house renovation includes a requirement for a new elevator which opened the opportunity to showcase the Owner’s art collection and add drama and natural lighting to the existing diminutive and dark entry foyer. The new design creates a transparent double height hall that incorporates an elevator, stair, and gallery space for art. Glass is used liberally for both the façade and the 2nd level bridge to create multidimensional views throughout the space.

This private penthouse occupies an entire floor atop the W hotel & residences tower overlooking downtown Dallas. Designed as both an urban residence for a large family and as a space to host large events, the design incorporates luxurious materials in an evolving sequence of spaces. The layout is carefully arranged to separate staff and security from family and guests while maintaining wide open spaces that maximize natural light and sweeping views of downtown.

This house renovation reverses decades of ad-hoc additions to a midcentury modernist house while capitalizing on the uncommonly lush and secluded urban site. Working in the modernist language of the original house, long horizontal forms, dramatic cantilevers and large expanses of glass characterize the new 2-story structure. A romantically sculpted sequence of outdoor rooms strengthens the connection of the newly united structures while simultaneously bringing the outdoors in.

This house renovation augments an existing mid-century modernist design for a growing family. The entire ground floor of the structure was revitalized including reconfigurations to include a library, powder room, and an updated dining room and kitchen. A new glass and steel pavilion addition includes a sitting room and children’s study. New courtyard and pool designs reinforce the connection of indoor and outdoor spaces.