Every space we create is grounded in purpose. It responds to its surroundings and serves the people who use it. This mindset reflects the philosophy of organic architecture.

Design Principal, Mick Granlund, deepened his understanding of this approach at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home and studio. There, he explored how architecture can support human experience through its relationship with the environment. Mick didn’t attend to mimic Wright’s style. He went to understand his thinking.

“My impetus for going wasn’t to copy what he did. It was to get a firsthand experience of his thought process, and how he convinced people to see his vision.”

That mindset mirrors the way we approach design today. Not by adhering to a rigid style, but by drawing inspiration from the process behind it.

Learning from a Master: Living with Nature

Wright saw buildings as more than shelter. To him, architecture was about experience, movement, and connection to the land. He designed with a rhythm that flowed between inside and outside.

During his time at Taliesin, Mick saw how Wright’s ideas came to life. Cantilevered platforms, large windows, and foldable doors allowed light and landscape to shape each space. Wright’s goal was to dissolve boundaries and let people live with nature.

“He was very adept at bringing the outside in, and the inside out. The experience of living with nature was at the forefront of anything he did.”

This way of thinking shapes many of our projects. We use natural materials, local palettes, and layouts that open to green space. These choices create places that feel calm, grounded, and personal.

Simplicity, Purpose, and Human Experience

Wright believed every element in a home should serve a purpose. That included furniture, fixtures, and even place settings. At O’Brien Architects, we carry forward that mindset. We simplify where possible. We eliminate distractions and focus on design that supports a clear, cohesive experience.

“He discouraged people from cluttering the space. Everything was about simplicity and elegance, and how it all related back to the environment the home was in.”

We don’t aim for minimalism. Instead, we seek clarity. In projects like Presidium Valley View and Presidium Frisco Square, this comes through in how we shape shared spaces, use natural light, and choose materials that reflect the land.

These places feel good because they are built with care and intent. Each decision supports how people live and interact.

Looking Ahead with a Grounded Philosophy

Many of today’s design priorities, sustainability, wellness, and resilience, build on the same values Wright embraced. We believe architecture should improve lives and strengthen communities. At O’Brien Architects, we focus on four core strategies:

• Human-Centered Design
  We design with people in mind. Our spaces promote comfort, well-being, and belonging.
• Optimized Land Use and Mobility
  We align our work with smart land planning and transportation strategies to support accessibility and flow.
• Adaptable and Inclusive Environments
  We create flexible spaces that meet changing community needs and welcome diverse users.
• Sustainable Practices
  We choose materials and systems that reduce impact, support long-term use, and reflect local ecosystems.

We approach every project with these ideas in mind. We listen to the land. We collaborate with clients. We pay attention to the details that make a space intuitive and lasting. Through every project in our portfolio, from wellness focused workplaces to mixed-use communities, Mick and the O’Brien team continue the work of creating spaces that inspire, connect, and endure, just as Wright did generations before.

“Inherently, I think nature speaks to all of us,” Mick says. “Wright understood that if you could create space for people to have an intimate connection with the environment, everything else would follow.”

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 craft spaces that inspire, connect, and endure. 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.