Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Church & School Architecture in Austin
Griffin Jacobson Architects brings over three decades of specialized expertise in church and school architecture across the Greater Austin area. Founded in 2005 by Wesley C. Griffin and M. Dan Jacobson, our firm builds on a legacy of collaborative design excellence established during our tenure at Tew Associates since the 1970s. With direct involvement from both principals in every project, we combine deep institutional knowledge of educational and religious facility design with hands-on client engagement. Our proven track record includes delivering complex projects like the 170,000-square-foot Round Rock ISD middle school while maintaining strict adherence to timelines and budgets. Our intimate understanding of local construction markets and regulatory environments ensures accurate cost projections and streamlined project execution.As veteran architects with continuous industry involvement since the 1970s, we maintain active professional licensure and stay current with evolving building technologies. Our commitment to personalized service means clients work directly with experienced principals rather than junior staff, ensuring consistent vision throughout each project lifecycle. This approach has earned us repeat engagements from school districts like Leander ISD and religious institutions across Texas. We maintain rigorous quality control through direct oversight of all design phases, from initial concept development to final construction documentation. Our firm's longevity and client retention rate demonstrate the value of combining technical expertise with responsive, principal-led service delivery.
Services
Church Architecture
School Architecture
Building Renovations
Master Planning
Commercial Design
Educational Facilities
Religious Facilities
Construction Documentation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized experience in church and school architecture
- Our principals provide direct, hands-on involvement in every project
- We maintain established relationships with local Austin-area contractors
- Our proven track record shows consistent on-time, on-budget delivery
- We combine legacy expertise with modern design technologies
Services
Church Architecture
Our church architecture practice combines sacred tradition with modern functionality. We create worship spaces that accommodate congregational needs while maintaining spiritual significance. From new construction to renovations, our designs integrate acoustic optimization, accessibility features, and sustainable materials. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of religious facility requirements developed through decades of specialized practice.
School Architecture
We design learning environments that support educational outcomes and community engagement. Our K-12 projects incorporate flexible classroom layouts, safety features, and technology integration. With experience across multiple school districts, we understand budget constraints and regulatory requirements. Our designs balance durability with aesthetic appeal to create inspiring educational spaces.
Building Renovations
Our renovation expertise preserves architectural integrity while modernizing functionality. We assess structural systems, update mechanical infrastructure, and improve accessibility compliance. Our phased approach minimizes operational disruption during upgrades. Clients receive cost-effective solutions that extend building lifecycles while meeting contemporary standards.
Master Planning
We create comprehensive development plans for long-term growth. Our master plans consider site optimization, circulation patterns, and phased implementation. For religious institutions and schools, we balance current needs with future expansion possibilities. The process includes stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Commercial Design
Our commercial design services focus on functional retail environments. We optimize layouts for customer flow while meeting zoning requirements. Projects include new construction and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Our designs incorporate branding elements while prioritizing accessibility and operational efficiency for business tenants.
People
Wesley C. Griffin
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with 30+ years of experience in educational and religious facility design. UT Austin graduate specializing in project management and construction documentation. Co-founder of Griffin Jacobson Architects since 2005.
M. Dan Jacobson
Principal Architect
Registered architect and co-founder with expertise in church architecture. Graduated from UT Austin in 1974. Previously worked with Tew Associates since 1977. Focuses on client relations and design development for institutional projects.
Questions
What types of projects does Griffin + Jacobson specialize in?
We specialize in church and school architecture, including new construction, renovations, and master planning for educational and religious institutions across Texas.
How long has the firm been in business?
The firm was established in 2005 by Wesley Griffin and Dan Jacobson, though our principals have worked together since the 1970s at Tew Associates.
Do you work with clients outside the Austin area?
While based in Austin, we serve clients throughout Texas including projects in Kerrville, Temple, and Williamson County.
Can you handle large-scale educational projects?
Yes, we've completed major projects like the 170,000-square-foot Round Rock ISD middle school and multiple high school facilities for Leander ISD.
How are project timelines and budgets managed?
We maintain strict control through direct principal involvement, established contractor relationships, and phased project management to ensure timely, budget-compliant delivery.
