A Modern Transformation for a Landmark Building in Austin

By / / Home & Garden / 2 minutes of reading


Located in downtown Austin, 816 Congress is a prominent 20-story high rise built in 1983. IA Interior Architects was tapped to complete the latest round of renovations for the landmark. With a hospitality-focused redesign, the architects created a user-friendly environment that celebrates the essence of the locale. “The initial concept was to activate the building for the modern era, while preserving its historical significance because it is on Congress Avenue,” says Kendi Sparks, project director at IA Interior Architects.

Two people sitting on a sofa in a modern lobby with large windows, plants, and curved wooden ceiling features. A city street is visible outside.

The impact begins at the entrance, where a black ribbon of hot-rolled steel wraps the building, and offers a bold contrast against the facade of gray granite. Once hidden by a colonnade, a column was removed, and it is now a more visible, welcoming portal. To continue the unified theme the design also features a series of arches at the exterior and interior.

Modern lobby with green chairs, a beige sofa, wooden ceiling, decorative plants, and a large geometric wall design.

Significant updates were made to key areas over three floors, transforming the previously dark spaces into an airy, refined setting. There is a unique blend of a West Texas aesthetic and Austin’s own eclectic character, highlighted via a curated selection of materials and textures.

Modern lobby with high ceilings, unique lighting, and contemporary furniture. People are seated and walking.

Modern office lobby with wooden ceiling, sleek black walls, and a textured reception desk. A white vase with green plants sits on the desk. The number 816 is displayed on the wall.

A bespoke stone reception desk, for example, anchors the lobby. With a custom rope installation by local fiber artist Ellen Bruxvoort, the piece is a standout. A suspended illumination feature not only echoes the loops of a cowboy’s lasso, but is also a nod to the big skies of the Lone Star State. The neutral color palette, inspired by the desert landscape, complements raked plaster, wood, terrazzo, and black metal elements throughout.

A modern lobby with a wood and metal design. The number "816" and the word "Congress" are displayed on the wall. A large, illuminated archway is present on the right.

A modern open-plan office with wooden floors, a central lounge area with chairs, a long table with bar stools, and several potted plants.

Modern office lounge area with people sitting and working on laptops. Features wooden floors, plants, and a sign pointing to the game room and restrooms.

Modern office kitchen with a large island, bar stools, pendant lights, and a hardwood floor. A few people are walking around.

A woman works on a laptop at a modern office reception area with wooden floors and circular overhead lighting. Another person sits in the background.

Retail and coworking-style spaces are on the lower floors, designed for multi-use and to foster collaboration among the tenants. Seamless connections between indoors and out are also emphasized. The revamped courtyard echoes the curve motif and extends the garden experience indoors. A terrace, ideal for events, boasts views of the Texas State Capitol.

Modern office lounge with contemporary furniture, large plants, wooden flooring, and natural light from sheer curtains.

Modern cafe with green booth seating, a high table with stools, and artwork on the wall. A person walks in the background.

The new amenity center boasts a range of options for work and recreation activities. This hub includes a breakroom, conferencing areas, and lounge sections with comfortable furnishings. In an enclosed space on the 15th floor, the golf simulator is a favorite of users who want to perfect their swing during the day.

Modern lobby area with a curved wall, signage for elevators and restrooms, and minimal seating. A potted plant stands next to a small table with decor.

Small conference room with glass door, round table, and three brown chairs. Room has a textured wall, carpet, and a potted plant. Sign on door reads "Mesquite.

The thoughtful renovation enhances the appeal of 816 Congress, with modern and classic touches – plus the technology necessary in today’s commercial environments. “It’s inviting, and with the combination of details, feels more like a living room versus a space that is more formal and monotone,” Sparks adds.

A person plays golf on a simulator in a modern indoor setup, while two others sit at a table in the background.

Modern building entrance with large glass doors, decorative lighting inside, and potted plants on the patio.

Modern office building with large glass windows, stone facade, and a curved entrance archway surrounded by greenery.

For more information on IA Interior Architects, visit interiorarchitects.com.

Photography by Andrea Calo.





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About The Author

Avatar of Beatriz Mooney
Beatriz Mooney is a writer for Reynolds World News. In addition to covering lifestyle, books, sports, education, and tech, she is a lifelong reader who loves to write about her favorite topics. She's also an avid runner who counts the many miles she logs in her training as one of her hobbies.

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