MJNEAL / ARCHITECT ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT / PAGE 2 OF 11
MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

INTRODUCTION
M. J. Neal, AIA
Principal
My firm is based on a lifelong involvement and association with design. My great grandfather was a
contractor, my grandfather was an architect and contractor, my uncle was an architect and my father
is a contractor. I initiated the fourth generation of my family's architectural heritage when I obtained
my degree in architecture in 1984 from Texas Tech University. Supplementing my architectural
degree, I continued my education at UCLA, where I studied fine art. I also pursued private study in
Los Angeles with renowned artist Leslie Biller.
Today, I have the joyful privilege of having my own firm and working with a team of gifted, passionate
professionals that enrich me with their diversity and their plentiful talent.
I'm exploring contemporary vernacular architecture, not in an historic sense, but in the sense of its
true definition: of, relating to, or characteristic of a place. Nature forms an infinite range of changes,
moods, and mystery to capture our imagination; my architecture enables and intensifies these
interactions with the environment. This Vernacular approach informs the design solution, taking into
account each client’s specific desires and programmatic needs. The physical result will reflect its
relationship with client, user, and environment.

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

HISTORY 
Born
21 August 1960 Dallas, Texas
Education
Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University l984
University of California at Los Angeles 1987
Professional
Registered Architect, Texas
Architectural Experience
M. J. Neal Architect (private practice) Austin,
Texas 1993 present
Dick Clark Architects, Austin, Texas 1993
Shefelman Nix & Voeizel/ Architects, Austin, Texas 1990-1993
J. Frank Fitzgibbons Architect, Los Angeles,
California 1988-1989
William Dale Brantley Architects, Santa Monica,
California 1987-1988
Caubarreaux and Assoc., Dallas, Texas 1984-1986
Holt + Fatter Architects, Austin, Texas
Demarest & Wells Architects, Dallas, Texas 1983-1984
Morris S. Adams Architect, Huntsville, Alabama 1982
Teaching & Lectures
Visiting professor of Architecture. University of Texas Arlington, Spring 2003
Texas Tech Lecture Spring 2002
Visiting Studio Critic University of Texas Austin
Professional Organizations & Community Activities
American Institute of Architects
Texas Society of Architects
Advisory Committee for the Green Builder Program; Austin, Texas
Sustainable Building Coalition Charter Member

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

PROJECT LIST
Moon Units Live/Work
10 Lofts
TRANQUILITY BASE, LP
Austin, TX
Hoppe Residence
JOSEPH HOPPE
Austin, TX
Private Residence
Plano, TX
Kyle’s Studio
KYLE FARLEY
Cleburne, TX
Bayer Residence
EVA AND CHARLES BAYER
Elgin, Texas
Szeto/Shum Residence
NAM SZETO AND SHIRLY SHUM
Austin, Texas
Briarclif Residence
WHITHELD
Briarcliff, Texas
Anthony Nak
Jewelry Retail
ANTHONY CAMARGO AND DAVID NAKARD AMSTRONG
Austin, Texas
Latino Grill Restaurant
MARCO & JORGE GARCIA (LAS CURRAS INC.)
Austin, Texas
Congress Avenue Boutique Hotel - MU
WITHHELD
Austin, Texas
Twin Peaks
2 urban residences
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT 
Austin, Texas
Ramp House
Residence
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT
Austin, Texas
CC Digital Offices
KEVIN BALES
Austin, Texas
Changos Taqueria
CUISINES OF AMERICA
Austin, Texas

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704
Quinn Residence
DANIEL & RENNIE QUINN
Houston, Texas
Charmicael Residence
RON & GINA CHARMICHAEL
Lago Vista, Texas
Edmonds Residence
DAN & BETTY EDMONDS
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Iguana Grill
CUISINES OF AMERICA
Austin, Texas
Mescher Residence
DAVID & LINDA MESCHER
Austin, Texas
Pichot Residence
M. PICHOT
Toulouse, France
K-House
M.J. Neal & Viviane Vives
Austin, Texas
Chess Square
4 urban loft-like condos
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT
Austin, Texas
Annie
2 urban residences
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT
Austin, Texas
Sunfish
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT
Austin, Texas
Newning
MJ NEAL ARCHITECTS DEVELOPMENT
Austin, Texas
{PARTIAL PROJECT LIST WITH OTHER ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS}
St Andrews Presbyterian Church
Austin, Texas

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704
Westover Hills Church of Christ
Austin, Texas
Faith Presbyterian Church
Austin, Texas
MCA / Universal Studios Main Entry Pavilion
Universal City. California
Six Story Ramada Inn
Maurbourne, California
Sessler Residence
Austin, Texas
Nottingham Residence
Los Angeles, California
Pettibone Residence
Silver Lake California
Fitzgibbons Residence
Los Angeles, California
Tibbs Residence
Los Angeles, California
Underwood Residence
Brownwood, Texas
Vinemont Home for the Elderly
Cullman, Alabama
Pacific Street Apartments
Santa Monica, California
3rd Street Apartments
Santa Monica, California
Chapultepec Homes (low income housing)
San Marcos, Texas
Texas Trust Branch Banking Facility
Marble falls, Texas
Texas Trust Branch Banking Facility
Llano, Texas

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

DESIGN APPROACH
First and foremost each project is its own entity. It brings its own set of specific criteria to be
addressed.
We begin every project without preset ideas. Through the evaluation of the specifics, a direction
will unfold informing everything from programmatic layout, to the materials, to the appropriateness
of specific lighting scenarios (both artificial and natural). In other words, we integrate the client’s
hopes, dreams, and desires with the programmatic requirements that must be met and combine
these with the specific characteristics of the site (i.e. context, existing building, sun movement,
wind, views, etc.) to form a unique and special place. The honest expression of these
considerations will form an appropriate architecture.
Programming, materials, and light striking the surface of materials are what architecture is about.
How one combines these elements determines how a building works and feels--both internally
and externally--enabling the building to become something extraordinary.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
M.J. Neal Architects is committed to offering design solutions that maximize energy efficiencies
and adhere to sustainable design principles. As a rule of practice, we explore sustainable
strategies on all of our projects.
We work within the prescribed budget to offer the most practical solutions to
sustainability.
Practices we regularly apply on our projects include:
• Explore LEED Certification options and strategies with our clients.
• Design flexibility into the building for long-term use
• Assess life-cycle costs and benefits
• Attention to site placement for minimum impact
• Reduce building energies’ demands through building envelope (insulation,
windows, roofing), HVAC, daylighting and smart building systems
• Explore cleaner fuel sources
• Maximize indoor environment – air quality, thermal control, shared natural
light
• Specifying eco-friendly materials (non-gaseous fabrics and carpeting to
recyclable products to non-endangered wood) and use indigenous materials
• Design recycling and conservation into the program – through construction to
building occupancy.

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

AWARDS
32nd INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD IIDA, INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATION
Anthony Nak, 2005
DESIGN HONOR AWARD TEXAS SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS
Anthony Nak, 2005
STORE CONCEPT OF THE YEAR NATIONAL JEWELERAND COUTURE INTERNATIONAL JEWELER
Anthony Nak, 2005 
DESIGN HONOR AWARD TEXAS SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS
Ramp House, 2004
CITATION OF HONOR AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AUSTIN
Anthony Nak, 2004
MERIT AWARD AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AUSTIN
Twin Peaks, 2004
SILVER MEDAL, INTERIOR DESIGN-RESIDENTIAL BIENAL MIAMI+BEACH
Ramp House 2003
DESIGN HONOR AWARD TEXAS SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS
Twin Peaks, 2003
CITATION OF HONOR AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AUSTIN
Ramp House, 2003
HONORABLE MENTION MEMPHIS RIVERFRONT COMPETITION
Memphis Riverfront, 2003
THIRTY-NINE + I ACADEMY AWARD (BEST ARCHITECTS UNDER 39), ACADEMY OF
ARCHITECTURE, ARTS, & SCIENCE
Carmichael Residence, 1997
SECOND PLACE FIRST ANNUAL ARTISTS FOR KIDS TOY & GAME CONTEST
Sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Austin & The Austin Chronicle.

EXHIBITIONS
Landmark East Competition:
The Forum, Norwich, 2004
The Guildhall Cambridge, 2004
Shire Hall, Chelmsford, 2004
Florida International University 2003
GA Gallery, Tokyo 2002
Mexic-Arte Museum, Austin, Texas 1990

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

PUBLICATIONS
Better Homes and Gardens - Beautiful Homes
Design Watch - Progressive Architecture
Fall 2004
ELLE
Global Buzz
September 2004
W Jewelery
Article on Anthony Nak
Fall 2003
GA Houses
#77 - Oct. 2003
ISBN4-87140-380-7 C1352
2003 A.D.A. EDITA Tokyo Co., Ltd.
Yukio Futagawa
Yoshio Futagawa
Texas Architect
Vol 53, Number 5
ISSN: 0040-4179 by the Texas Society of Architects
Oct. 2003 - TSA Design Awards Issue
Award recipient for Twin Peaks
GA Houses
#70 - Project 2002
ISBN4-87140-380-7 C1352
2002 A.D.A. EDITA Tokyo Co., Ltd.
Yukio Futagawa
Yoshio Futagawa
Houses of the World
2001 Konemann
ISBN: 3829048491
The Art of Outdoor Lighting
Randall Whitehead
1999 Rockport Publishers Inc.
ISBN: 1-56496-5740
Dream Houses
1998 Hazar Publishing Ltd.
ISBN:1-874371-41-S
Plans of Architecture – Restaurant Details

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704
Arco Editorial
1998 Francisco Asensio Cerver
ISBN: 84-8185-215-S
Tribeza
Schematic
March 2003
Tribeza (Cover)
Most Influential People in Austin (In the Arts World)
Article by Ethne Clarke, Dec 2002 Austin, TX
Tribeza
Culinary Theater
Article by Katie Garza on kitchen design.
May 2002
Austin American Statesman
Saturday, July 27, 2002
San Antonio Express- News
January 19, 2002
Austin American Statesman Section E
Thursday, August 30, 2001
Austin American Statesman Section F
Sunday, August 16, 1998
Austin American Statesman Section G
Sunday, December 7, 1997
Web
Apple web site. Featured in Creative section.2001
Architosh.com Firm Profile, first featured firm
http://www.architosh.com/features/2001/2001-firmpro-1-1.phtml
Design Austin. Cover Architecture Section
http://designaustin.com/architecture.htm
http://designaustin.com/MJNEAL1.htm
Ron Carmichael
http://www.arcarmichael.com/Architect/architect.html
Barcelona Films Production design, partner.
http://www.barcelonafilms.com/
IIDA award http://www.designmatters.net/design/0605design.htm
AIA awards http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek04/tw0618/0618aia_austin.htm
http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek03/tw0926/0926tw_tsaawards.htm
TSA awards http://texasarchitect.org/awards_design.php?sess_id=1aee1f0a26e8f47feef4d447352bcc97

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MJNEAL@MJNEAL.COM / +1 512 443 1903 / 707 CARDINAL LANE / AUSTIN / TEXAS 78704

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
"Programming, materials, and the play of light striking the surface of materials are what
architecture is about. How one combines these three elements determines how a building works
and feels both internally and externally and enables the building to rise to the extraordinary or
sink to the mundane." -MJ Neal
How has specific program been important to the firm's previous work?
Resolving programmatic issues or needs is always central to the work coming out of our studio.
We determine the central ideas that lead to movement and form by resolving the specific needs
of a project’s program. Programming (discovering need) is the backbone of good architecture. It
is the same with music, and art. Programming is the comprehensive understanding of subject. I
believe the recognition my work has received through the years is directly from my understanding
of and response to need.
How has the articulation of natural and artificial light been engaged in previous work?
Light gives life to materials. The way light strikes a surface can allow us to determine space. Or,
as James Turrell uses light, to create illusions of spatial qualities that can't quite be determined or
that are false. Projects are specific entities that require their specific resolution to lighting. Lighting
may be dramatic or theatrical or it may be subtle.
I like to create occasions where the effect of how light comes into a space cannot be anticipated.
For example, imagine a space where different types of perforated metal screens define elements
such as a guard rail, stair risers, etc. We know that the sun will come into the window a certain
way at a certain time of day at a certain time of the year. But what we can not anticipate is the
way the shadows from all of the screens will combine to make patterns that track throughout the
building, animating the space. Another thing that I enjoy using in a similar way is color and it’s
reflection.
What role does the material fact of the building and its detail play in the firm's work?
Materials, along with light, set the tone of how a building feels: warm, cold, slick, rough, or
combinations of these. We seek to understand the nature of materials and to express this in an
honest and appropriate way specifically geared to the project at hand.
Detail can become as elaborate or simple as appropriate. Regardless of the budget, it is always
important to address how materials are used in conjunction with each other. Their transitions and
their terminations. How does a wall join the floor? How is a column placed? With an exposed
weld plate or with a concealed fastener? How does a handrail terminate? How might a ceiling
turn down and become a bench?