Motif Architects developed two distinct concept packages in tandem—initiating design sketches for the Waterway Project before launching into the Ed Low Project shortly after. Each site offered unique opportunities and constraints, inspiring complementary yet individualized design paths. Though crafted as separate residences, both projects were envisioned to reflect a shared architectural language rooted in bold structural moves and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.

The Waterway Project sits lower on the bluff, embracing immediate lakefront access and a sense of grounded connection to the water’s edge. In contrast, the Ed Low Project is perched at the top of the cliff, commanding expansive 240-degree views that stretch across Lake Buchanan’s dramatic horizon. These elevation differences guided the spatial organization and massing of each home, with the Waterway dwelling favoring intimacy and enclosure, while the Ed Low residence prioritized openness and panoramic reach.

Both designs incorporate a set of precise owner directives, including large cantilever spans for dramatic overhangs, nearly flat rooflines to emphasize horizontality, standardized window systems for consistency and efficiency, and striking V-shaped columns that double as structural elements and visual anchors. These features helped unify the two projects while allowing each to respond uniquely to its site—a study in contrast and cohesion.