Business Details
42 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Design Solutions
Lake Flato is a distinguished architectural firm dedicated to creating environments that enrich communities and nurture life. With over four decades of experience, we specialize in designing spaces that harmonize with their natural and cultural contexts. Our approach integrates sustainable practices, innovative technology, and a deep respect for local traditions to deliver regenerative, high-performance buildings. We prioritize collaboration, engaging clients, communities, and experts to craft solutions that address environmental challenges while enhancing human well-being.Recognized as a B Corporation, we balance financial success with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring our work contributes to a healthier planet and equitable societies. Our portfolio spans educational, residential, hospitality, and civic projects, each reflecting our commitment to place-based design and ecological stewardship. With offices in San Antonio, Austin, and Portland, we serve clients nationwide, driven by a mission to connect people to nature through architecture that endures.
Services
Sustainable Design
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Urban Planning
Interior Design
Eco-Lodging
Campus Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Mass Timber Construction
Net Zero Design
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- Certified B Corporation with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility
- 16 AIA COTE Top Ten Awards for sustainable design excellence
- Integrated design approach prioritizing climate resilience and regenerative practices
- 40+ years of experience creating context-driven, community-focused architecture
- Dedicated in-house sustainability and design technology leadership teams
Associations and certifications
- B Corporation
- WELL Platinum Certification
What people say
Award-winning sustainability
Community-driven design
Climate-resilient architecture
Regenerative solutions
Place-based excellence
Services
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice integrates regenerative strategies to create buildings that enhance environmental health. We employ energy modeling, carbon analysis, and material innovation to achieve net-zero goals by 2030. Projects prioritize daylighting, natural ventilation, and water conservation while maintaining aesthetic excellence.
Residential Architecture
We design residences that harmonize with their natural surroundings using regional materials and climate-responsive techniques. Our homes feature seamless indoor-outdoor connections and energy-efficient systems while respecting local building traditions and client lifestyles.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning focuses on walkable, human-scaled communities that preserve natural resources. We create mixed-use districts with adaptive reuse strategies, emphasizing connectivity to nature and sustainable infrastructure for vibrant, resilient cities.
Interior Design
Interior solutions extend our place-based philosophy through biophilic design and locally sourced materials. We create functional, health-promoting spaces with natural light integration and artisan collaborations that reflect each project's unique context.
Campus Planning
We develop cohesive academic environments that support learning and community engagement. Our campuses feature pedestrian-friendly layouts, sustainable building systems, and spaces that foster collaboration while respecting institutional heritage and ecological contexts.
People
David Lake
Partner, Founder
Co-founder with over 40 years of experience in sustainable architecture. Pioneered Lake Flato's place-based design philosophy, emphasizing climate responsiveness and material honesty in award-winning projects nationwide.
Ted Flato
Partner, Founder
Co-founder recognized for advancing regenerative design practices. Led development of the firm's sustainability framework and integrated design approach, earning numerous industry accolades including the AIA Gold Medal.
Heather Holdridge
Partner, Director of Design Performance
Sustainability leader with expertise in high-performance building systems. Oversees the firm's Design Performance Action Plan, driving net-zero and regenerative design initiatives across all project types.
Steve Raike
Partner
Residential design specialist with a focus on modern vernacular architecture. Develops innovative housing solutions that balance affordability, sustainability, and regional character through the Porch House program.
Andrew Herdeg
Partner
Urban designer shaping walkable, mixed-use communities. Specializes in creating human-scaled environments that integrate natural systems with urban infrastructure for resilient, vibrant districts.
Questions
What architectural services does Lake Flato offer?
We provide sustainable design, residential and commercial architecture, urban planning, interior design, and eco-lodging solutions tailored to local contexts.
How does Lake Flato incorporate sustainability into projects?
We use regenerative design principles, energy-efficient systems, regional materials, and climate-responsive strategies to minimize environmental impact while maximizing performance.
What regions does Lake Flato serve?
Based in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, we work on projects nationwide with a focus on place-specific solutions.
Is Lake Flato certified for sustainable practices?
We are a certified B Corporation and hold WELL Platinum Certification for our San Antonio office, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
What awards has Lake Flato received?
Our firm has earned over 400 design awards, including 16 AIA COTE Top Ten Awards and the AIA Architecture Firm Award.
How does Lake Flato approach community projects?
We engage stakeholders through collaborative workshops, prioritize public benefit in civic projects, and donate 1% of billable time to nonprofit initiatives.
