26 Jun IDF Tastemakers: Michael Hsu, An Advocate For Simple, Edited Design

An advocate for simple, edited design, Michael Hsu is an accomplished architect, an amazing space designer and a true visionary. He is responsible for designing some of the most popular venues and eateries in Austin and is one of the most recognized names in local modern architecture.

Hometown: “I was born in Taipei, Taiwan but grew up in Houston.”

Favorite Trend: “That we’re learning how to be more urban and neighborhood-focused in Austin, with its ups and downs.”

Biggest Inspiration: “My Grandfather, one of the first licensed architects in my home country and my Mother, who found time to paint and be creative in challenging times.”

Biggest Professional Accomplishment: “Building a talented team in my office that can nimbly jump from a delicately designed home to an enormous urban development downtown.”

RELATED: Downtown Comes To Zilker With The Addition of Lamar Union

Personal Milestone: “Having two kids with my wife Kim. I thought I was prepared, but every day is an amazing new adventure.”

Next Big Project: “Projects I’m excited seeing come out of the ground are Lamar Union (big), and Uchi’s new concepts (small).”

Photography by Tania Quintanilla.