Since our founding in 1985, our purpose remains to create exceptional work for clients and to make a positive impact within the communities we serve.

As a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certified by the State of Texas, our expertise includes civic and cultural buildings, academic and student life facilities, commercial and workplace environments and urban and campus planning. Since the beginning, the values that guide us have been: Client First • Integrity Always • Meaningful Work • Enjoy the Process

1982

FOUNDATIONS

Working in his father's architectural practice, Jay Barnes is sent to Northern Arizona to manage a large project for the Hopi Indians. Living on a bus that also serves as his mobil office, the experience is a fundamental moment that shapes and inspires Jay to venture out to build his own firm.

1985

Venturing Out

Jay Barnes forms Barnes Architects. Like most startups, the early years were challenging. The economy was struggling to recover and even large firms faced difficulties finding work.

1988

AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

The firm wins the single-most important project in its young career, transforming the historic Texas School for the Deaf campus. The work is completed in 5 phases over the next seventeen years.

1995

A NEW PARTNERSHIP

Jay Barnes, along with Carl Gromatzky and Tommy Kosarek, come together to form a new firm: Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects. This complimentary alliance was built on mutual respect, shared values, and the idea to share and share alike.

1999

FIRM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The firm is honored with the AIA Austin Firm Achievement Award, the highest recognition for outstanding contributions to the community, the profession, and for producing distinguished architecture. This accolade celebrates the firm's almost 2-decades of work for the Texas School for the Deaf.

2000

PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS

Through their earliest collaborations with Centerbrook Architects, the firms is introduced to a series of Centerbrook's participatory workshop techniques designed to fully engage project and community stakeholders early in the design process. Unlocking another cornerstone of the BGK ethos: the power of authentic client engagement.

2001

A PAVILION IN THE PARK

The firm is selected to design the Lester E. Palmer Events Center. Sitting on sacred community land and shaped by an extensive community planning process, the project is conceived as a Pavilion in a Park, like a grand tent along the southern shoreline of Austin's Lady Bird Lake.

2002

FUNDAMENTALS OF CAMPUS PLANNING

In preparation for expanding the firm's campus planning efforts, they are introduced to Michael Dennis, one of America's leading authorities on campus planning. Michael takes them under his wing, mentoring and guiding them in the lessons and principles of campus planning. Over the next decade, they collaborate with Michael Dennis on some of the state's most significant campus plans.

2003

THE UNIVERSITY GATEWAY

The firm secures its first major project on the campus of The University Texas at Austin, a new residence hall, Almetris Duren Hall. Prominently located at the northwest corner of campus, the design establishes a new gateway to the University. This project becomes a launchpad into the field residence hall and student life design.

2007

HEALTH & SCIENCE

The firm begins a decades-long relationship with Texas State University and its College of Health Professions. The partnership begins with a campus masterplan for the Round Rock campus, providing a framework for future growth and development and leading the way for 3 consecutive Health Professions Academic Facilities.

2012

ADAPTIVE REUSE AND REIMAGINATION

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2021

COMMERCIAL INTERIORS

As we continue to grow, BGK Architects takes on a new interiors studio to provide a wholistic approach to design.

2023

EXPANDED LEADERSHIP

In commitment to broaden and diversify its leadership, the firm announces the elevation of 5 tenured leaders to the position of Partner: Grace Kinsey, Todd Kaiser, Valerie Kelly, Jason Peters, and Alison Binford. Rebranding as BGK Architects, the new partnership strengthens the firm's future and reinforces its long-standing dedication to the institutions and communities it serves.

2024

INCREASED FOCUS ON WORKFORCE TRAINING

The new year marks the beginnings of the design for two new workforce campuses serving central Texas: Austin Community College's Southeast Travis Campus and Texas State Technical College's new campus in Guadalupe County.

2025

AIA AUSTIN FIRM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Coinciding with the firm's 40th Anniversary, the Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recognizes the firm for outstanding contributions to the community, the profession, and for the creation of distinguished architecture.

Today

New Opportunities and a Continued Focus

BGK Architects continues to collaborate and innovate on behalf of our client's, driven by our fundamental focus to be in service to others. Building on our work in supports of education, health services, workplace, housing, and civic and community organizations, our approach, rooted in active listening and meaningful engagement, ensuring each project reflects the aspirations of those we serve.

History