about

Through the three essential principles of classical design: scale, proportion, and detail, the team at Larry E. Boerder Architects seeks to design buildings which fulfill the wishes of our clients while simultaneously constructing beautiful, sustainable architecture. Ranging from a 1,000 square foot farmhouse to a 30,000 square foot Palladian manor, all designs are first conceived according to the proper scale of the structure in relation to its function and environment. Secondly, we seek to apply correct proportions to the elements of the building within the whole. Finally, we incorporate the correct details as they relate to the client’s chosen style. In tandem, these three principles result in architecture which is aesthetically pleasing and sympathetic to its surroundings.

Today, the firm has designed over 400 projects in Texas and around the United States. The firm is a full-service practice that not only seeks the best in design but also maintains extremely high standards in construction documents, cost control, and construction administration.

Depending upon the client’s needs and wishes, we work in a variety of ways and happily collaborate with other professionals. Whether a small guest cottage or palatial new home, each project is unique and represents a fulfillment of the client’s vision. All in all, commissioning a new building or residence is an exciting experience which the firm strives to make straightforward, engaging, and stimulating.

Larry Boerder, Principal

Larry Boerder is a fourth generation architect. He grew up in Dallas, where as a boy he would spend hours at his father’s drafting table learning to use the tools of the trade such as protractors and T-squares. When he was 16, under his father’s supervision, he designed his first house. In 1976 Boerder graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas and won the AIA School Medal. Qualifying as an Architect in 1979 and establishing his practice Larry E. Boerder Architects in 1988, Boerder has led the way in reestablishing Classical Revival architecture in Dallas and beyond. Boerder has been widely published, on a local, regional and national level and LEBA has been the recipient of four ICAA John Staub awards.

Natalie Boerder, communication and accounts

Growing up in a household dominated by architecture, Natalie had an interest in the visual and applied arts from a young age. Studying Art/ Architectural History and Medieval Studies at SMU, followed by a MA in Art and Architectural History from the Courtauld Institute in London and finally studying for a PhD in Medieval Art and Architecture at the University of St Andrews, Natalie now represents the next generation of LEBA. With a keen eye developed from nearly a decade living and studying art/ architecture in Europe, Natalie not only advises on architectural designs but also takes the lead in managing client relationships.

Billy Burks, Senior draftsman

Billy Burks joined LEBA in 2012, having completed a Bachelors Degree in Architectural Studies, followed by a Masters of Architecture. During his time at LEBA, Burks has worked on projects across the country as well as internationally. Burks prides himself on the speed and accuracy of his Computer Aided Design (CAD) drafting and takes the lead in teaching and mentoring Junior Draftsmen.

With his extensive experience in the technical and structural aspects of architecture, Burks is confident in communicating with contractors, interior designers, landscape designers as well as civil and structural engineers. This gives him the ability to co-ordinate and advance complex projects, particularly when acting in the “Project Architect” role.

Jay Cantrel, Draftsman

Jay Cantrell grew up in Sherman, Texas where he honed his craft sketching and drawing local buildings. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, after which he worked for renowned architect Ralph L. Duesing for 10 years. Following this he obtained his Masters of Architecture at the University of Virgina. Upon graduation he won the Gabriel Prize in Architecture.

At LEBA, Cantrell is part of the design team and, in keeping with the tradition of the firm, is confident working in a wide variety of styles. His ability to rapidly hand render interior elevations is invaluable in communicating specific elements of the design vision to the client. A number of his sketches feature in the upcoming publication Dallas & the New Tradition: The Architecture of Larry E. Boerder.

When not working at LEBA, Cantrell continues to teach at the CAPPA School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Marion F. Clayton, senior draftsman

A Highland Park native and grandson of the renowned Dallas and Park Cities architect Marion Fooshee, Marion F. Clayton brings a wealth of experience in respect of municipal code review as well as an extensive understanding of the key stylistic components of the principal local architectural styles. Having received his Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University, he joined LEBA in 1991, Clayton has always had a particular interest in the structural aspects of architecture and provides particular expertise in matters of roof design, structural components and drainage.

Matthew Piatt, Junior architectural draftsman

Matthew Piatt has had a passionate interest in classical architecture from a young age. Winning the Technological Student Association Architecture Award at 18, he then went to the University of Texas for his Bachelors degree in Architecture, followed by a MADU at the University of Notre Dame, where he developed a particular focus on classical and ecclesiastical architecture. Piatt has a particular interest and command of the classical treaties and combines this with extensive CAD, digital modelling and 3D printing skills.

Jackie Rea, office manager

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Jackie Rea spent 10 years as a business owner in the insurance industry before joining LEBA in 2023. On a day to day basis, Jackie sees to the smooth running of the office as well as ensuring that the front of house experience is among the best.

Craig Vaughn, project architect

Craig Vaughn began working with architects while still at high school. As an undergraduate, studying for his Bachelor of Architecture at Texas A&M, he spent a semester studying in Tuscany, which served as base for extensive architectural travel across Europe. Following graduation, he was able to rapidly become licensed as an Architect, much in part to his previous extensive experience in construction and architecture. Having worked in both the commercial and residential realm, he brings a commercial level of drawing detail and highly advanced CAD skills. Vaughn joined LEBA after a lengthy period as a principal and partner in a leading Dallas residential architecture firm. His project management skills are second to none and he is able to effortlessly guide a project from the early stages of schematic design through to completion.