
Sustainable architecture blending art and science for custom, energy-efficient homes.
Barley | Pfeiffer Architecture is a premier architectural firm in Austin, Texas, specializing in custom residential design with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The team, led by Alan Barley and Peter Pfeiffer, transforms existing structures and creates new homes through a collaborative, detailed process that prioritizes client lifestyles and environmental responsibility. Known for superior build quality and innovative green building science, they deliver comfortable, low-maintenance homes that exceed expectations and reduce utility costs.
No photos available
Tailored architectural plans for new builds, focusing on energy efficiency, layout flow, and client lifestyle integration.
Creative transformations of existing structures, such as ranch homes, to increase space and sustainability without landfill waste.
Expert guidance on green building science, HVAC optimization, solar readiness, and rainwater collection systems for reduced utility costs.
Detailed architectural specifications and plans that ensure high-quality construction and adherence to budget and schedule.
Support in choosing reputable builders to execute designs, ensuring the final home matches the envisioned vision.
Educational sessions and talks on green building practices, inspiring professionals and homeowners toward eco-friendly solutions.
5+ stars for Barley/Pfeiffer! They turned my 50’s 1,350 sf ranch home into a 1,850 sf custom home that exceeds my expectations more than I could have thought possible. The process started with Alan sketching out ideas on a floor plan of the existing structure and working very creatively with what I wanted versus what was possible and affordable. Within a couple of months we had come up with a working version of the final plan and I had a series of meetings with Alan, Peter, Dillan and the rest of the team discussing all aspects of the renovation in great detail. The end result is an extremely comfortable, gorgeous house built on the more seasoned framing of the house's 50’s lumber and foundation and without sending the demolished house to the landfill. I love living in this house and that’s all thanks to Barley/Pfeiffer. Highly recommended.
Collaborating with Alan & Peter from Barley Pfeiffer Architecture was a wonderful experience, where our visions aligned well to create a dream space for our clients!
Peter Pfeiffer recently spoke to a group of young professionals on Green Building Science. Not only has he been a pioneer in energy efficient building; he continues to inspire a new generation to be better. He is a trusted advisor to many and we are fortunate to have him in Austin.
Having lived in our Barley & Pfeiffer home for 7 years, I can now say that the architect's fee was the best investment we ever made. Our home is holding up beautifully and is so easy to live in. We added solar generation (it was solar ready) and a heater in the garage to protect the water treating system from unanticipated hard Texas freezes. An emergency generator is in the works. The house hasn't needed any other significant improvements and is easy to maintain. Thanks to Peter and Alan for a truly sustainable home. We chose Barley & Pfeiffer to design a low maintenance, energy efficient retirement home for us in the Texas Hill Country. They seemed to have the best combination of art and science among the architects we interviewed, and although their fee seemed a little high at the time, the finished project is worth every penny. The layout is perfect for us... Alan and Peter took us through a typical day and laid out the home so that it flows with our lifestyle. The design process was very interactive and collaborative and we were able to incorporate many of the best features of the various homes we have lived in over the years. This took place over the course of several visits and correspondence while we were living overseas. Peter also helped us with selecting the builder, and B&P's comprehensive specifications helped ensure that we got what we contracted for. Oliver Custom Homes created a beautiful home just as we envisioned it in the design process. The stone work is outstanding and they stuck to the cost and schedule estimates. There is a lot of experience with energy efficiency built into the house, and that's reflected in low utility bills. The rainwater collection system has turned out to be great at a time when our area is experiencing significant ground water issues. As a project management professional I was a very discerning customer, and rate Barley & Pfeiffer 5 out of 5 for value delivered.
Engaging Barley|Pfeiffer to design our retirement home was one of the smartest things we've ever done. The build of our house is far superior to typical construction in our area. More important, though, this house fits us like a glove. Their comprehensive design process incorporated not just our taste, but how we live, from the room flow to the allocation of HVAC components, etc. Living and building four hours from their Austin office was a bit of a challenge, but we coordinated well and they were on site at all critical junctures. The level of detail in the plans and specifications far exceeded what one typically gets, even in a full custom build. This was critical to ensuring the energy efficiency of our home. We've been in the home for two years and continue to be impressed with how little we spend to heat and cool it. We highly recommend the team at Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture.
Claim Barley | Pfeiffer Architecture to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.