Growing up in the rural landscapes of Jacksboro, Texas, David Manning, founder of David Manning Architecture, learned early on the importance of eco-friendly practices. “Water conservation was crucial,” David recalls. “I remember when they had to truck water into their stock tanks during drought conditions, and the ground would crack as it dried up.” These formative experiences instilled in him a deep respect for sustainable design, which now shapes his architectural approach.
David’s design philosophy balances practicality with environmental stewardship. “We know that buildings constitute the major draw on the electrical grid,” he explains. To reduce this demand, he integrates features like dormers and clerestories that allow natural light to flood a home’s interior, minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Awnings over larger glass areas help to reduce energy consumption. “The natural light is often reduced when a great room has a covered terrace adjacent to it, and dormers are the perfect answer,” he adds.
At the heart of David’s work is “wellness” design—creating spaces that foster a deeper connection to nature. “Much research has been done on the health benefits of the connection with nature,” he says. By using natural elements in his designs, David helps homeowners feel more grounded, as these homes are designed to enhance well-being through light and natural surroundings.
Incorporating outdoor living blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless flow between them. For David, courtyards and covered terraces are ideal features that connect the home to its natural environment. These elements go beyond being mere trends—they are an important part of how a home engages with the outside world.
David’s approach is not only about the creative vision but also ensuring the practicality of each project, especially when balancing client dreams with budget realities. “I often ask this: ‘On a scale of one to ten, how bad do you want it?’” This question helps him uncover budget-friendly solutions that remain true to a client’s vision while staying within their financial means.
A recent waterfront home project presented unique considerations due to the local terrain. “One current challenge is a Lake Austin waterfront house that must be constructed twelve feet in the air to meet current floodplain guidelines,” David shares. His team tackled this by designing a garage at the existing grade and creating a pathway with a retaining wall and berm alongside it.
For homeowners considering an eco-friendly remodel or new construction, David encourages mindful design choices that prioritize both the environment and the homeowner’s lifestyle. “Sometimes laying out the furniture and pathways allows the owner to tighten up the overall square footage,” David suggests. He also advocates for designing around protected trees, turning them into sculptural features that add both beauty and value to the home. “It’s an asset,” he adds, showing how thoughtful design can turn natural elements into integral parts of a home’s overall appeal.
For more information on sustainable architectural design, visit David Manning Architecture at DavidManningArchitecture.com or call (512) 785-3629.