Precision
Designers, Inc. is a corporation based in
Austin, Texas, founded in 1999, and dedicated to the preservation, restoration
or renovation of period structures, both residential and commercial.
I am both founder and president.
HISTORY: Prior
to forming Precision Designers, Inc., I directed my energy for more than a
quarter-century toward the design and construction of new buildings, as well as
the preservation of older ones here in Austin.
In the mid 1970s, with partners, I owned and restored
commercial buildings in the historic 400 block of East Sixth Street, downtown
Austin. The building at 412 East Sixth Street has been designated a City of
Austin Historic Landmark since its renovation. During that time I designed and built custom and speculative
houses in Westlake Hills, and west of Austin.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s my focus shifted away from
new construction and I was re-directed towards renovation.
I have worked on many fine homes in Austin’s older residential
neighborhoods-- Hyde Park, Old West Austin, Tarrytown and Travis
Heights.
Beginning in the mid 1990s, and continuing to the present,
I have worked with the City of Austin Landmark Commission doing
restorative work on various Austin’s Historic Landmark Buildings
including Ballet Austin, Caswell House, German Texan
Heritage Society and Texas Federation of Woman’s Clubs.
Working with the National Registry of Historic Places and
the City of Austin, I was able to relocate and restore the Pearce-Anderson
house, saving it from demolition. The
Pearce-Anderson house became a City of Austin Landmark Building in
1995.
DIRECTIVE: Certain guidelines direct my approach to the design and
execution of a project.
1. Maintain,
as faithfully as possible, the significant architectural features and
character
of a structure undergoing modification.
2. Restore
with care, using the same materials, processes and attention to detail
as in the original.
3. Design additional
space, and re-design original space to preserve
the integrity of the original.
4. Blend modern
improvements and conveniences with original features
to improve the comfort and usefulness of a structure, within the
spirit of the original.
These principles have
guided me well throughout my career. Following them has resulted in projects of
quality and integrity.
David Stark