About

Front Porch

Eric S. Brown, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, is a native Texan. He studied Environmental Design at Texas A&M University and continued his education on construction sites and in architecture studios from Harvard Square to South Austin. His work is heavily influenced by the humble, vernacular structures he experienced while traveling Texas, the U.S. and Europe. Clarity of plan, simplicity of structure and explicit response to climate are characteristics of his designs.

Thoughtcrib, Inc. is a design firm based in Austin, TX with an emphasis on sustainable solutions for the built environment. Our design solutions focus on each Client’s specific needs, desires, site and budget. We bring to each project a keen understanding of construction methodology, construction costs and sustainable practices. We do not design in a particular style; instead we develop solutions that are appropriate to and imbued with the personality of the client and the site. We provide services to meet a variety of client and project types.

Crib Coach

Crib Coach services were developed for home owner or home buyers, since most have never renovated and many have never purchased a home. The Initial Consult provides direction for homeowners that are “stuck” and ”overwhelmed” or ”unaware ” of the possibilities of their current home. The Buyer Consult provides useful insights into the design possibilities and drawbacks of a potential home or site purchase. The DIY Coach provides validation (and correction, if necessary) of a design direction, useful sources for trades and materials for DIYers. Room Coach provides for those with a limited project scope and design budget.

 Initial Consult / Buyer Consult – $100

  • Research for property: zoning, overlays (historic, flood plain), permit history
  • Meeting at site: approximately 2 hours to give general direction
  • Includes proposal for design services, if applicable

 DIY Coach – $300

  • Research for property: zoning, overlays (historic, flood plain), permit history
  • Includes one meeting at site (2 hours) to give validation to owner-generated design
  • Material & Trade sources

  Room Coach  – $600

  • Research for property: zoning, overlays (historic, flood plain), permit history
  • Develop one design solution for a single room.
  • Meetings at site: 2 meetings approximately 1-1/2 hours each to give general direction, measure space, and present solution to Owner
  • Includes proposal for design services, if more design options are needed.

 Full Design Services

We provide full design services for your home, office or retail space, whether they are new construction or renovation of existing space. Many times these services are requested as the result of a successful Crib Coach service. Services include but are not limited to the following:

  • Feasibility Studies
  • Cosmetic Updates
  • Weatherization Updates & Planning
  • Renovations & Additions
  • Phase Planning
  • Master Planning
  • Bid Administration
  • Permit Acquisition
  • Construction Administration or Management

Plan Sales

Over the years we have developed some very exciting floor plans with the intention of making them available to the mass market. These homes include the MILHouse, MILHouse 2.0 and MILHouse III. Pricing starts at $3/square foot – contact us for more details.

Prefabricated Homes

We have developed a relationship with an Austin-based builder to develop and deliver prefabricated houses. We are happy to use floor plans from our plans sales or develop a custom design for your specific site. Pricing varies per design and location – contact us for more details.