The Art of Architectural Storytelling

PROFILE

The Art of Architectural Storytelling

Christopher “Chris” Davenport’s architectural design process begins not with a pencil, paper and blueprints but with a friendly conversation.

STORY BY MIRIAM RIECK, JULIA M. CHAMBERS AND CHRIS DAVENPORT

PHOTOS BY CHASE DANIEL

“Architecture is like storytelling, specifically—the story of YOU,” said Davenport, whose award-winning firm, J Christopher Architecture, is based in Austin, Texas. With an attentive ear and genuine curiosity, Davenport unravels the rich tapestries of family stories and explores the latent aspirations contained within every human. He aims to fully comprehend the homeowner’s values, experiences and lifestyle in order to understand their unique narrative.

“These conversations are more than the exchange of words; they are voyages into the realms of personalities and dreams,” Davenport said. “They provide the key metrics and raw material from which I design a home that represents the homeowners’ specific needs and desires.”

According to Davenport, an architect is like a storyteller, but instead of using words to encapsulate his clients’ lives, experiences and dreams, he uses building materials, space and light. His homes reflect his clients’ life journeys as surely as an autobiography would.

“As I tell my clients, you are the primary authority on ‘you,’” Davenport said. “My role through architectural design is to enlighten and enhance, not dictate.”

As he delves into daily routines, personal preferences and budget constraints, Davenport prefers an informal process. Rejecting the austere “shirt and tie, God architect” image often portrayed in movies, he arrives in jeans. He brings a “can do” attitude and a heartfelt commitment to serving his clients to the first meeting—and to every step of the project.

The rugged landscapes, unknown to most who live outside the state, and enduring spirit of Iowa shaped Davenport's early years. In a state whose history is shaped by its rich agricultural heritage and bitter winters, he discovered the value of simplicity, kindness and a formidable work ethic, which were woven into fabric of the community. He channels this very ethos—a profound dedication for serving people—into his architectural endeavors.

“A well-designed home elevates the quality of life for its occupants and serves as a mirror, reflecting the unique narrative of those who call it home,” Davenport said.

The Process

At J Christopher Architecture (JCA), the process begins with exploring the home’s context. Who are the central characters, and what defines them? What drew them to this place, and how do they envision their legacy within it? JCA believes in “taking deep dives into the character and history of the people who inspire the design of the home and the locale they've chosen to call their own.”

The consideration of place is as important as the home’s context. The setting or environment for a home must be considered and woven into the final product just as it is in a story.

It starts with the neighborhood’s character, local vernacular and the impact of a specific site. From there it expands to include questions such as, “What drew the homeowner to this place? In what ways do they envision this home setting itself apart, not just in its creative expression but in its purpose and legacy?”

“Viewing the site with the homeowner is critical,” Davenport said. “Understanding a client’s affinity for the land or location often informs the key concepts that drive the design.”

Recognizing the specific challenges, constraints and opportunities of a site allows for a tailored integration into the home’s overall design. Anticipating future needs and potential uses is also critical to maximizing a property's long-term value and safeguarding the homeowners' investment.

To tell the story well, JCA places great value on fact-building. Davenport is deeply engaged in every phase, collaborating closely with the diverse array of consultants involved in luxury home construction. Each entity, be it in engineering, design or construction, brings specialized expertise and unique perspectives, enriching the possibilities of what can be accomplished.

Early and open communication streamlines the process, often sparking innovative solutions to complex challenges. This approach sidesteps impractical or undesirable options and unifies the entire team, so they can collectively realize the owner's vision. Detailed floor plan layouts, concept renderings and an ever-evolving 3D computer model empower both owner and design team to make informed decisions. Collaborative decision after collaborative decision, the homeowners’ vision is transformed into vivid reality.

When it comes to architectural design, Davenport embraces the wisdom of the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Many clients come in with photos sourced from popular online platforms like Pinterest or Houzz.

Davenport appreciates this exercise because photographs often capture a feeling or concept more completely than words can. Moreover, the interpretation of terms like “modern” or “rustic” varies greatly from person to person, so it falls on the architect to harmonize these diverse images and concepts into a unified architectural vernacular and style.

“A client once presented images of the Taj Mahal alongside snapshots of simple homes,” said Davenport, smiling at the memory. “It’s just one example of the wonderfully diverse inspirations that shape my work.”

JCA is more than a firm, it is an embodiment of excellence. With an unwavering focus on precision, the team meticulously craft specifications and drawings that not only reduce communication gaps but also circumvent costly construction alterations.

A home can and should be a sanctuary of significance and memory.—J. CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” DAVENPORT

Davenport’s involvement extends beyond blueprints. He stands as a vigilant guardian of the client's vision. To assure that the collective design vision is carried out, JCA is happy to assist with bidding and construction observation.

Davenport's unwavering attention on behalf of his clients can help assure that the construction’s rigors and challenges do not compromise the design’s integrity. No one sets out to make mistakes, but building luxury homes is a complex and lengthy process that requires the continued support and communication of everyone involved. Davenport’s vested interest in the work infuses an invaluable layer of oversight and precision, ensuring that the project is executed to the highest standard.

As a full-service luxury residential architecture firm, JCA takes pride in centralized management. Just like its founder, the entire firm offers superior client service and is committed to conceiving and implementing award-winning designs that exude warmth and cater to family needs.

Davenport, the firm’s founder and principal architect, has earned a stellar reputation for crafting “luxurious modern ranch homes that echo the owners’ character while paying homage to the surrounding environment.” As such, the firm does not limit itself to one architectural style but embraces and often fuses a multitude of styles into a singular, cohesive, visionary design. Unified by timeless details rooted in simple elegance, JCA designs strive for truthful expression of materials and a clear connection to the land on which they reside.

“The simplest solution is often the best,” said Davenport, citing the example of the simplicity and functionality of a steel “saddle” beam connection to reclaimed or native, natural materials as an example of this philosophy in practice.

To deliver the highest level of customer service, JCA focuses on just a handful of homes each year. By limiting its projects and adopting a hands-on approach, JCA can deep dive into each client’s needs, interests, and values—resulting in a finely crafted home that truly reflects the homeowner’s innermost desires.

“Our dedication to the big picture and the smallest details ensures that JCA projects exhibit unsurpassed craftsmanship in every element, providing clients with a one-of-a-kind home that will exceed their expectations,” Davenport said.

Davenport’s passion for his artful craft shines through in every project. His dedication to excellence, evidenced by numerous awards, finds its true fulfillment in his clients’ satisfaction.

“I pride myself on being more than an architect and strive to be a trusted partner who is committed to realizing your dreams,” Davenport said.