In
by O'Brien Architects
When we talk about design that endures, the first thought often goes to structural longevity: stone walls and enduring forms that have stood for generations.
Yet, lasting architecture is measured by more than material strength. At O’Brien Architects, we define endurance through relevance.
In this article, we explore what it means to create places that last. Through exclusive insights from Mick Granlund, Principal and Director of Planning and Business Development, and Phil Bolton, Director of Business Relations, we reflect on how O’Brien Architects approaches lasting design through adaptability, collaboration, and human experience.
The Shift Toward Experience
In ancient times, design may have centered on form and structure. Today, we begin with the experience. People are drawn to places that feel alive, where architecture enhances interaction and memory.
As Mick Granlund shared, what makes architecture last is “the space out in front of the buildings, around the buildings.” These are the spaces that make moments memorable and encourage people to come back.
Enduring architecture focuses on:
- Spaces that invite people to gather and connect
- Design that enhances everyday interactions
- A sense of belonging that encourages return visits
Guiding Vision Through Context
Each client comes to us with ideas about what they want to achieve. Those ideas are essential to the creative process. Our role is to refine them within the right context.
“Sometimes we get developers that have a lot of great ideas, but they may not actually be a good fit for that area,” Phil Bolton shared.
We often see trends that capture the imagination of the market. Years ago, Southlake Town Square became the benchmark for mixed-use success, inspiring many to ask for their own version. Yet a design that thrives in one place may not fit another. Demographics, culture, and the rhythm of daily life all influence what works.
Our job is to listen, analyze, and guide. We help clients reach their goals with solutions that meet expectations and perform successfully in the market.
Designing for Place: Examples of Contextual Success
Every site tells its own story. These projects show how thoughtful design responds to context and creates places people remember.
The Harbor
Located in Rockwall, Texas, The Harbor is a mixed-use lakefront development created in response to the community’s desire for public access to Lake Ray Hubbard. Much of the shoreline had been developed by private interests, so the Rockwall City Council envisioned a destination that would reconnect residents to the water while establishing a premier commercial and entertainment district.
Inspired by the client’s request for an Italian aesthetic, we designed a Mediterranean-influenced environment that blends retail, dining, and recreation in a cohesive, walkable setting.
City-led improvements enhanced the public experience by adding an outdoor amphitheater, a signature fountain, and pedestrian-friendly amenities, including boardwalks, plazas, and boat docks. Together, these elements have made The Harbor an enduring waterfront destination and a defining place for the Rockwall community.
The Sound
Overlooking North Lake within the larger Cypress Waters development, The Sound is a mixed-use destination that brings together restaurants, event venues, office space, and luxury residences in a vibrant waterfront setting.
Located on the cusp of North Dallas, the area features more than six miles of trails, a lakeside village with retail and dining, and a one-acre park anchored by an amphitheater and event lawn.
O’Brien Architects partnered with Billingsley Company to shape a place that serves as the “heart and soul” of Cypress Waters, an environment where people can work, live, and gather by the water.
Design Principles That Endure
Timeless architecture design requires understanding, adaptability, and collaboration. The most enduring architecture grows from listening closely and anticipating how spaces will evolve over time.
“You don’t want to over design something so that it can only be used for a few different types of functions,” Mick Granlund shared.
Flexibility allows developments to adapt to new uses and changing needs. Regional awareness is equally important. Each place has its own rhythm, and design should respond to it with relevance and respect.
At O’Brien Architects, we see these principles come to life through partnership. As Phil Bolton explained, “When we meet with new clients, we sit down as a group and break everything down together. These sessions help us tailor each project to the client’s goals and uncover the details that make it unique.”
Our collaborative approach ensures that ideas translate clearly from vision to reality. Through tools like 3D modeling, clients can visualize and refine concepts early in the process. Our enduring design process centers on:
- Flexibility: Creating adaptable spaces that evolve with time and use
- Regional relevance: Responding to the character, climate, and culture of each site
- Collaboration: Working alongside clients to interpret their vision and refine it through dialogue and visualization
Let’s Design What Lasts
Every project begins with a conversation, one that looks beyond buildings to the people, stories, and environments that shape them. At O’Brien Architects, we help clients create places that endure by combining thoughtful design, market insight, and a collaborative process rooted in trust.
If you’re planning your next development or exploring a new site, we’d love to connect and help bring your vision to life.
About O’Brien Architects
For over 50 years, O’Brien Architects has been more than a design firm, we’ve been a trusted partner bringing vision to life.
Founded in 1974, our legacy is built on integrity, creativity, and a relentless commitment to our clients. Led by Sean O’Brien, alongside Josh Pollard, Kathy Filbert, Robert Evans, Mick Granlund, Ashley Acuff, Lorelei Mewhirter, and Amador Saucedo, our team believes great architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the people who experience them.
We don’t impose a signature style, we listen, collaborate, and design with purpose, ensuring every project reflects the unique story behind it. With deep relationships and an unwavering dedication to excellence, we create more than spaces, we create moments that matter.