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About Us

Architectural Design Services

Adaptability, Building Conservation, Commercial, Custom Home, Educational (Private), Energy-Efficient, Historical, Home Additions, Home Remodel, Hospitality, Industrial, Land Planning, Multifamily, Office, Religious, Remodels and Restorations, Retail, Restaurant, Single-Family, Space Planning, Sustainability, Tenant Finish-out. (All with full construction drawings)

Nix Group Architects is an award-winning firm, formed in 1993, that provides a full range of architectural services on specific architectural pursuits. Though the firm has completed a wide range of projects, the firm continues to specialize in single and multi-family residential, historic, religious, commercial, restaurants, and land planning projects; varying from new projects to remodels and additions, to renovations and preservations projects. The firm actively seeks unique design projects, typically within these types, that require challenging problem-solving solutions. Our firm's strength and longevity has been fostered by our philosophy to begin each project as attentive listeners. We have continued throughout the years to develop our creative skills and to nurture our roles as architects, in order to enable our clients to visualize their goals and budget, and to translate their aspirations and dreams into a realization within the real-world environment.

Many of the firm's previous historic and preservation projects have dealt with extending the usable life of existing buildings through adaptive reuse and preservation. This required understanding the complexities of designing in context with the structure's existing conditions and remaining flexible and responsive to newly discovered issues for the duration of those types of projects. The firm also works towards achieving energy efficient and sustainable solutions as a core fundamental goal. For those clients wishing to include additional green and sustainable features into their project’s budget and aspirations, several objective guidelines can be integrated into the project, to include those of the Austin Energy Green Building or similar programs, with the aim towards achieving those higher standards and goals.

Jim R. Nix  |  Principal, AIA

Jim R. Nix earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Jim is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a registered Architect in the State of Texas.

Awards & Recognition

Preservation Texas: “Preservation Honor Award, Historic Rehabilitation (2004)”


Downtown Austin Alliance: “Restoration Project Impact Award (2001)”

National Association of Home Builders, Professional Builder Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine: Joint “Best in American Living Award, Grand Award-Best Overall Rental Project”

 

National Association of Home Builders, Professional Builder Magazine, and Better Homes and Gardens Magazine: Joint “Best in American Living Award, Best in Region Award- West South-Central Region”

Builder Magazine: “Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards, Grand Award-Overall Development”

 

Builder Magazine: “Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards, Grand Award-Rental Apartments”

 

Sun/Coast Architect/Builder Magazine and Pacific Coast Builder's Conference: Joint “Gold Nugget Awards: Grand Award- The Best in the West, Best Apartment Project– 3 Stories or more”

 

Sun/Coast Architect/Builder Magazine and Pacific Coast Builder's Conference: Joint “Gold Nugget Awards, Award of Merit- The Best in the West, Best Apartment Project– 3 Stories or more”

American Institute of Architects: “Honor Award Program, Merit Award (1989)”

Arthur B. DeWitty Vocational Training Center

City of Austin Design Competition: “First Place (1984)”

City of Austin Municipal Office Complex

Heritage Society of Austin: “Historic Preservation Award (1982)"

Austin Chapter American Institute of Architects: “Honor Award (1982)"

Progressive Architecture: “25th Annual Design Awards (1978)”

 

Texas Society of Landscape Architects: “Merit Award (1978)”

Austin Lower Waller Creek Development Plan

Putnam Residence

Austin Chapter American Institute of Architects: “Honor Awards Program, Merit Award (1980)”

Multi-Family Project

Historic Project

Governmental Project

Historic Project

Governmental Project

Land Planning Project

Residential Project

We'd known Jim for a long time and turned to him professionally when we wanted to make some changes to our living area and kitchen. Jim met with us and brought creativity and problem-solving skills that yielded great design options that had previously eluded us and the other professionals we'd contacted. Jim and his team worked up plans that were exciting to us, while at the same time listening to our concerns and ideas for modifications. After a bit of tweaking and revision we settled on a final plan and chose our builder. Jim continued to oversee the project and guide us through the many decisions to be made.

 

He not only has a great sense of space, color, and line, but also great ideas for the smaller details. We ended up with a totally new kitchen which adjoins an enlarged living room with great light and volume. We also remodeled and existing bathroom, where Jim designed the cabinetry and the tile layout.

 

We had a positive experience working with Jim and love the results of his designs and attention. He listened to us and showed caring about the space, details, and people who live in it. Great experience. "

Residential Project

When my husband and I took on a major remodel of our mid-century home we interviewed several architects. It was clear from the beginning Jim was the right choice. He asked detailed questions about our lifestyle and our aesthetic preferences, listened carefully and took every detail into account when designing our dream home.

 

The result was an artistic, well-functioning design that appeared twice as large without changing the original footprint of the house. Jim was very cost conscious and researched every aspect to help keep us within budget. He worked with the contractor throughout the project making sure the plans were precisely implemented and came up with creative solutions for any unexpected challenges.

 

I could go on with more praises for Jim but probably the best recommendation would be to say without any question we would use him again.  "

Residential Project

We could not have found a better architect for our project. Jim Nix took our requirements and ideas, and delivered imaginative and creative designs that were better than we could ever have thought of. He draws on his wide experience, but also is eager to research and innovate new ideas. He has incredible attention to detail, and is very thorough in managing every aspect of the project to completion. Highest recommendation.  "

Residential Project

We'd known Jim for a long time and turned to him professionally when we wanted to make some changes to our living area and kitchen. Jim met with us and brought creativity and problem-solving skills that yielded great design options that had previously eluded us and the other professionals we'd contacted. Jim and his team worked up plans that were exciting to us, while at the same time listening to our concerns and ideas for modifications. After a bit of tweaking and revision we settled on a final plan and chose our builder. Jim continued to oversee the project and guide us through the many decisions to be made.

 

He not only has a great sense of space, color, and line, but also great ideas for the smaller details. We ended up with a totally new kitchen which adjoins an enlarged living room with great light and volume. We also remodeled and existing bathroom, where Jim designed the cabinetry and the tile layout.

 

We had a positive experience working with Jim and love the results of his designs and attention. He listened to us and showed caring about the space, details, and people who live in it. Great experience. "

Religious Project

I hired Jim Nix to help me with the remodel of my home in Pemberton Heights in 2002. I was doubling the size of my house by adding a second story while retaining some elements of the original home. It was a complicated project with a mercurial contractor. Jim did an incredible job, stepping in at a crucial moment to implement another architect's plans. He was a steady, calming, confident partner to work with and smoothed out many rough patches that could have been major hiccups. He has a keen eye for detail and a fine aesthetic sense that greatly improved the final product. I can't recommend Jim enough. He is a delight to work with.  "

Residential Project

When my family wanted a new porch addition on our house for family functions and entertaining friends, we turned to Jim Nix, a local architect we had known for years. As an artist, I wanted the addition to be functional, economical, and sensitive to the style of our house, but simultaneously be creative and imaginative. Jim’s solution met all of those needs and expectations. We would definitely consider hiring Jim Nix for any future projects.  "

Residential Project

Next Testimonial

Testimonials

We could not have found a better architect for our project. Jim Nix took our requirements and ideas, and delivered imaginative and creative designs that were better than we could ever have thought of. He draws on his wide experience, but also is eager to research and innovate new ideas. He has incredible attention to detail, and is very thorough in managing every aspect of the project to completion. Highest recommendation.  "

When my husband and I took on a major remodel of our mid-century home we interviewed several architects. It was clear from the beginning Jim was the right choice. He asked detailed questions about our lifestyle and our aesthetic preferences, listened carefully and took every detail into account when designing our dream home.

 

The result was an artistic, well-functioning design that appeared twice as large without changing the original footprint of the house. Jim was very cost conscious and researched every aspect to help keep us within budget. He worked with the contractor throughout the project making sure the plans were precisely implemented and came up with creative solutions for any unexpected challenges.

 

I could go on with more praises for Jim but probably the best recommendation would be to say without any question we would use him again.  "

"  I first met Jim Nix when he came back to Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church to help us with the expansion of our sanctuary, which was completed in 2010. We reconnected with Nix Group Architects when they agreed to design our newest building expansion, the Gathering Place, which was completed in the spring of 2019.

 

Jim has worked on three of our building projects. He has an eye for detail and a knack for working closely with individuals as well as groups. Church building projects require a great deal of patience and flexibility when considering the fact that building committees are comprised of volunteers and staff members who may, or may not, have commercial construction experience.

 

It took over two years to complete our new building. Jim was with us every step of the way from the visioning phase to our final inspections. Through no fault of Nix Group Architects, there were numerous setbacks that resulted in the need to change builders during the middle of construction. We would not have completed the project without the help of Jim Nix and Dan Vaughn who faced a difficult situation with grace. Their architectural skills are complemented by a high degree of integrity and character, which is often in short supply these days.

 

Feel free to contact our church office anytime if you would like to hear more about Nix Group Architects. We love to sing the praises of good people. Or better yet, drop by and see their handiwork for yourself. It would be our pleasure to give you a tour.  "

Residential Project

Residential Project

Religious Project

"  We'd known Jim for a long time and turned to him professionally when we wanted to make some changes to our living area and kitchen. Jim met with us and brought creativity and problem- solving skills that yielded great design options that had previously eluded us and the other professionals we'd contacted. Jim and his team worked up plans that were exciting to us, while at the same time listening to our concerns and ideas for modifications. After a bit of tweaking and revision we settled on a final plan and chose our builder. Jim continued to oversee the project and guide us through the many decisions to be made. He not only has a great sense of space, color, and line, but also great ideas for the smaller details.

 

We ended up with a totally new kitchen which adjoins an enlarged living room with great light and volume. We also remodeled and existing bathroom, where Jim designed the cabinetry and the tile layout.

 

We had a positive experience working with Jim and love the results of his designs and attention. He listened to us and showed caring about the space, details, and people who live in it. Great experience.  "

Residential Project

"  I hired Jim Nix to help me with the remodel of my home in Pemberton Heights in 2002. I was doubling the size of my house by adding a second story while retaining some elements of the original home. It was a complicated project with a mercurial contractor. Jim did an incredible job, stepping in at a crucial moment to implement another architect's plans. He was a steady, calming, confident partner to work with and smoothed out many rough patches that could have been major hiccups. He has a keen eye for detail and a fine aesthetic sense that greatly improved the final product. I can't recommend Jim enough. He is a delight to work with.  "

Residential Project

"  When my family wanted a new porch addition on our house for family functions and entertaining friends, we turned to Jim Nix, a local architect we had known for years. As an artist, I wanted the addition to be functional, economical, and sensitive to the style of our house, but simultaneously be creative and imaginative. Jim’s solution met all of those needs and expectations. We would definitely consider hiring Jim Nix for any future projects.  "

Residential Project

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