It takes one to know one.
And in the case of the AIA’s annual Dallas Tour of Homes, co-chairs Andrew Meckfessell and Andrew Stiglmeier know the work of good architects because “the two Andrews” are architects, too. They helped select the homes being showcased in this year’s tour planned for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 29, and they’re pleased with what the public will be able to view.
“We take pride in our selection and reaching out to these architects,” Meckfessell said. “It’s always nice to see what they’re doing.”
The six tour homes will serve as innovative and diverse examples of what architects’ unique designs can do to create exceptional living spaces. No cookie-cutter applications here.
“We like to have a mix,” said Stiglmeier. “We work hard to get more variety of different types of homes. This year we have a house that’s more about historic preservation, and we still have the high-end homes as well. People are going to be pleasantly surprised with the variety of homes.”
AIA Dallas Tour of Homes’ 17th Year
Now in its 17th year, the 2023 tour will feature two homes in East Dallas, one in Highland Park, two in Preston Hollow, and one in Far North Dallas. Tickets for the self-guided tour will go on sale Aug. 10 at www.hometourdallas.com. Tickets cost $50 prior to Oct. 23 and $60 after that date.
The co-chairs both feel the Dallas tour, the only citywide tour curated by architects, serves a very important purpose.
“Part of our goal with the tour is promoting the use of architects and what we really hope happens is that through the experience people can appreciate the homes,” Stiglmeier said. “We’re showing what architects can do and the value they provide.”
Meckfessel is a fan of home tours because he thinks they’re interesting ways to see the partnerships among cities, neighborhoods, and architects.
“You drive buy these homes on a daily basis and never get to see in them,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to see exactly what’s inside them. As an architect, I enjoy seeing a completed project within a neighborhood.”
Experienced Volunteers
Meckfessel and Stiglmeier bring professional experience to the volunteer positions they’ve assumed for the annual home tour. Both are members of the Dallas chapter of The American Institute of Architects, the tour’s host organization.
Meckfessel, associate principal architect with DSGN Associates, specializes in urban planning, library and fire station design, sustainable design, and historic preservation. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, and his portfolio includes work on several Dallas libraries, Dallas offices, and mixed-use developments in the Philippines.
Stiglmeier, who earned an architecture degree from Texas Tech University, launched his own firm, A. Michael Architecture, in 2020. He specializes in high-end residential design, both single-family and small-scale, multifamily designs. His work is influenced by an appreciation of history and architecture he gained growing up in Europe and Asia.
Promoting Dallas Architects
In leading the Dallas tour, Meckfessell and Stiglmeier are eager to promote the work of other architects. Firms with work included in this year’s tour are AMDG Studio, Janson Luter Architects, Maestri Studio, Malone Maxwell Dennehy Architects, Marc McCollom Architect, and Veux Deux Design.
Getting to see their designs is a great experience, one the co-chairs know will benefit the public and one they hope the public will embrace.
“It’s a strong advocacy for what you get when you hire an architect,” Meckfessel said. “There’s a strong benefit to hiring an architect.”
In some ways, it’s a gift to the community.
“I’ve been more than happy to champion the tour for the AIA and the people who love it as an event,” Stiglmeier said.
