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Our Process

At ĒSO, collaboration is at our core. Our open, transparent process brings architect, builder, and client together from day one to craft homes and workplaces that balance ambition with reality. Because while imagination may have no limits, building does. We act as a trusted advisor, using our deep understanding of construction to help clients make informed, value-based decisions at every step, transforming an admittedly complex process into one that’s clearer, calmer, and more manageable. Working as one team, we seamlessly move from concept to documentation to construction, creating spaces that support the way you work and live…not the other way around.

Design &
Documentation

Every project begins with a candid, open conversation about your priorities, timeline, and budget. We then collaborate to design and document the project, empowering informed decisions at every stage. Together, we consult with contractors from permitting through construction to keep your project aligned and on track.

Construction
Administration

We stay actively involved throughout construction to ensure the work fully delivers on its goals and is completed on time, on budget, and with exceptional care. This includes managing documentation and contracts, conducting site visits and final inspections, coordinating schedules, facilitating communication, and more. Consider it an insurance policy for your investment — one focused on problem-solving and the successful execution of your vision from kickoff to project closeout.

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Services

The right structure can add structure to your home, your life, and your business. At ĒSO, we offer a full range of services that turn dream projects into buildable realities.

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Full Service

We guide every phase of the project, from concept to construction, to ensure a fully realized final product.

Stock Plan Catalog

Our curated, ready-to-build stock catalog offers inspiration, a faster design path, and customization to fit a wide range of needs.

Feasibility Study

We can clarify what’s possible, identify challenges, and help clients make confident, informed decisions based on a specific budget.

Request Info
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The ĒSO Team

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Maggie Wylie, AIA, NCARB

Principal Architect and Owner
Licensed in TX, CO, & MI

Maggie was drawn to the art and science of architecture from an early age. Raised by an engineer and an artist, she grew up inspired by both creativity and precision. This was reinforced by her uncle, who trained under a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s.

After earning her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona, Maggie moved to Austin and spent nearly six years working in design-build and construction project management. That experience led her to found ĒSO with a clear goal: to create a more joyful, streamlined client experience by aligning design and construction from the start. Her approach is rooted in a candid, transparent approach to budgets, processes, and priorities, allowing design solutions to be both thoughtful and achievable.

Today, Maggie leads ĒSO with a holistic, inside-out approach. Alongside a talented team, she collaborates closely with clients to create beautifully balanced residential and commercial spaces that bring joy and elegance to everyday life.

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    Celeste Martin

    Associate Principal

    Celeste grew up near Fort Worth, Texas and earned her Bachelor of Architecture at Texas Tech University. After graduating, she moved to Dallas where she worked in the hospitality, custom residential and commercial sectors. After many years there, she and her family decided it was time for a change and moved to Colorado Springs.

    Celeste's experience in residential design has shaped a process built on open communication and collaboration, creating solutions that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing. She especially enjoys integrating indoor and outdoor spaces by highlighting unique site features and natural amenities.

    Outside the office, Celeste enjoys the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, along with art, music, and time with family and friends on and off the trails.

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    Rachel Smith

    Associate Principal

    Rachel grew up in Cloquet, Minnesota, where she spent long afternoons on construction sites with her grandfather, a residential builder. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for thoughtful design, leading her to earn a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota with a minor in landscape design. Rachel went on to complete her Master of Architecture at the University of Oregon.

    Since moving to Austin in 2018, Rachel has focused on residential design that turns constraints into opportunities. Outside the office, she balances yoga, spicy margaritas, lake days, and a rotating collection of art projects that may or may not ever be finished.

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    Silvana Celli Mendez

    Associate Designer

    Silvana was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where her time was divided between clear-water beaches and adventures with her twin sister. At nine, she moved to Houston, Texas, where her interest in sustainability began to take shape. That passion led her to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in Urban Studies and Sustainability.

    Silvana went on to complete her Master of Architecture with a focus on sustainable design and the relationship between urban environments, architecture, and ecology. Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, long walks, thrift shopping, and spending time with her family, friends, and two cats.

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    Peter Hall

    Associate Designer

    Peter grew up in Kentucky's Ohio Valley, on a small farm. His aunt, an archaeologist, took him along to dig sites on his trips to Arizona, giving him an early appreciation of the built environment and the making of places. A few years in construction turned that into a real interest in how things go together, and a love for creating.

    He earned his M.Arch at the University of Arizona, followed by a fellowship at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. After a stint in Louisville, he moved to Austin, drawn by technology, sustainability, and an appreciation of craft.

    Outside of the office, you can find Peter drinking coffee, baking, or planning his next creative project.

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    Jesus Villasana

    Associate Designer

    Jesus was raised in San Antonio, Texas, in a large family with deep roots in construction. Inspired by his father's work ethic and his mother's creative spirit, he developed an early appreciation for both the technical and artistic sides of design.

    He earned his Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he developed a passion for creating thoughtful, community-centered spaces that connect people, culture, and place. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

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    Carli Mcivor

    Operations Manager

    Carli is based in Austin, Texas, where has honed her skills in a career that spans healthcare, facility operations, and fast-growing tech startups with experience across emergency departments and behavioral health organizations.

    As Operations Manager, Carli leads the firm’s administrative efforts and serves as the primary point of contact for general inquiries. Outside the office, she enjoys hiking, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her family.

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Press

Frequently Asked

  • What is the value of an architect?

    An Architect is educated in code compliance, building materials, assemblies and functionality and holds a professional license which carries the liability of the contents of the documentation of the project. The benefit of having an Architect is to help you design a space that meets your needs, maximizes functionality, and reflects your aesthetic preferences. Depending on the scope of the project, an Architect is required to obtain a construction permit.

  • Can ĒSO Accommodate different styles?

    Yes! At Point B, our primary commitment is to translate our clients' unique design visions into reality. We recognize that architectural styles can vary widely, and our role as a dedicated team is to be versatile and adaptable. We take pride in our ability to cater to a broad spectrum of architectural styles, whether it's contemporary, traditional, minimalist, or any other design preference. Our mission is to bring our clients' dreams to life, ensuring that the end result resonates with their specific aesthetic and functional requirements. Your vision is our priority, and we look forward to collaborating with you.

  • How do I budget for construction?

    Establishing an initial budget is pivotal in ensuring a successful design process. It serves as a reference for us when making decisions throughout the project's development. We will maintain an open dialogue with you to balance program and budget. Our goal is to empower you with the insights necessary to make informed decisions.

  • What does the initial process look like?

    First, we have a casual introductory meeting with either our Principal Architect, or Associate Principal to gauge the scope of work, expectations, answer any questions, and discuss our process. We know you have a lot of options when choosing a firm to work with and we want to establish a positive working relationship from day one. Next, we have a more formal meeting on the site to identify the exact scope of work, program requirements, site variables, and desired budget. These discussions define the scope of work to provide the most accurate proposal specific to your project.

  • Do you offer fixed-bid contracts?

    We work exclusively by the hour. Our proposed estimates (in your contract) are based on experience over a range of project types and design styles, and reflect Point B’s pragmatic yet holistic design ethos. The estimate accounts for the standard dynamic nature of the process while keeping both the Architect and Owner accountable.

  • Why is construction administration so important?

    As the Owner’s agent, the Architect will help ensure that the original design intentions, quality of work, and construction documents are properly executed. Construction administration adds a layer of protection to the Client. The architect will review shop drawings, submittals, invoicing, and change orders. Construction observation also includes ensuring that building, environmental, and safety codes are followed. The architect also acts as a problem solver – helping to resolve unforeseen conditions or issues as they arise and proactively protect the integrity of the project.