Celebrating 25 Years of Architectural Excellence: Heritage Design Studio
Heritage Design Studio is a name that has become synonymous with elegance and architectural artistry, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years in the luxury residential design industry. With studios located in Southlake and Fort Worth, this esteemed firm has crafted a legacy of custom homes that transcend trends and mirror the unique visions of each client, all while enriching the community fabric across Texas.
Founding Vision
Established in 2000 by the husband-and-wife duo of Chris and Angela Hough, Heritage Design Studio was later joined by partner Shawn Webb, enhancing the firm’s creative and operational capabilities. Their mission has always revolved around a commitment to exquisite, timeless design: “Through beautiful and timeless design, we steward our clients’ dreams and embrace the Divine gift of creativity to enhance our community.” By June 2025, they will have completed a remarkable journey, creating homes that not only uplift the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also resonate with the individual narratives of their residents.
The Journey of Trust and Collaboration
Reflecting on their extensive journey, Chris Hough expressed gratitude for the trust and support received from clients and partners. “Our journey over the past 25 years has been a testament to our commitment to true-to-style design and neighborhood beautification,” he stated. His sentiment was echoed by Angela, who emphasized their privilege in collaborating with clients passionate about enduring beauty and artistic investments.
Heritage Design Studio began as a boutique operation in Southlake and has evolved into a dual-office firm with a dedicated team of 12 professionals, including three acclaimed interior designers who play crucial roles in shaping the firm’s interior architecture. Every home designed is a reflection of meticulous curation involving detailed attention to surfaces, textures, and spatial flow.
Overcoming Challenges
Every success story has its trials, and Heritage Design Studio is no exception. In its early years, Chris grappled with the pressure of industry trends. “It was a real turning point when we stopped trying to be everything to everyone,” he remarked. This clarity allowed him to focus on what brought him joy: designing homes that embody living art. With this renewed perspective, competition faded into the background, allowing the firm to carve out its niche in luxury residential design.
The introduction of Shawn Webb in 2014 marked a pivotal chapter. A California-based architect who shares a genuine passion for timeless design, Shawn quickly aligned with the firm’s values. “Our decision to make Shawn a partner was easy,” Angela explained, noting his commitment to high-quality architecture and a client-first mindset.
A Foundation of Trust
At the core of Heritage Design Studio lies a philosophy rooted in stewardship, collaboration, and trust. Angela emphasized that “Relationship is the fruit of trust,” illustrating how mutual respect fosters a culture of empowerment and inspires creative excellence. The leadership team goes to great lengths to ensure every employee taps into their strengths, nurturing a creative environment that translates into exceptional results for clients.
Key Achievements
Among many notable achievements, a standout moment occurred in 2010 when Heritage Design Studio was invited to participate in the Kaleidoscope of Homes show in Southlake. During this event, the firm was granted free creative rein to construct two custom homes at a time when the market was recovering from a national recession. “We received overwhelming responses,” Chris recalled. “People traveled from across the country to see those homes. It became clear that the market was hungry for authentic, graceful architecture.” This opportunity marked a significant turning point, propelling the firm into a new phase of growth.
Forward Momentum
As Heritage Design Studio commemorates 25 years, the team is not slowing down. With a robust slate of projects across Texas and an unstoppable drive to explore innovative design concepts, they are poised to leave an even greater impact in the next quarter-century. Chris stated, “Our homes are crafted so their age is a mystery—because they are designed with lasting proportions, honest materials, and archetypal integrity. That’s how architecture becomes legacy.”
With a steadfast mission, an expanding team, and invaluable lessons learned over decades, Heritage Design Studio stands as a beacon of excellence within Texas’ architectural landscape. Here, every project begins with a dream and concludes with something uniquely timeless.