Since 2008
About the studio
Sun Collective designs spaces that inspire and connect people.
Vision
We envision a future where architecture goes beyond the art of building to become a foundation for connecting people, communities and the natural world, where the building itself acts like a living organism, responding to the needs and wants of the people inside.
A successful building supports and encourages its occupants to interact with and more fully explore themselves, each other and the world around them.
Mission
Our mission is to give clients sustainable, inspiring spaces that respond to and embody each client's unique values. Blending creativity, current technology and holistic thinking, we create spaces that fit our clients and their needs. Stunning, responsive, intuitive and comfortable are the words we hope clients use once they move in.
Meet the team
Luke Fry
Principal
Luke founded Sun Collective Design Group in 2008 and leads every project personally, from the first lot study to the last site visit. Clients work with him directly, not a hand-off chain.
He graduated from the University of Houston College of Architecture in 2002 with dual bachelor's degrees in Architecture and Environmental Design and a minor in Construction Management. With a long family history in construction, he spent years at Houston architecture firms before going out on his own.
Since then he has designed custom homes from Oak Forest and the Heights to Montrose and Spring Branch (and one in the mountains of Durango, Colorado), townhome developments of every size, apartment renovations across the inner loop, and commercial work from restaurant build-outs to turning a 1960 church into The Spire Club.
Luke also invests in real estate through Sun Collective SRI and builds through Sun Collective Construction, but only on projects he's part of the investment team on. That owner's-eye view shapes every design: he thinks about cost, schedule and long-term ownership from the first sketch, and many clients come back for their second, third and fourth projects.
Design process
- 01
Schematic design
This phase starts the design from your program (the list of spaces you need), budget, site conditions and basic code requirements. For remodels or additions, we measure and document the existing building. The full project team, including any consultants, comes on board here.
- 02
Design development
We refine and finalize the design with your feedback and consultant input, checking code requirements and feasibility along the way, until you approve the design and it's ready for the next stage.Additional meetings or design revisions after this phase are billed as extra services.
- 03
Construction documents
We produce the final set of construction documents needed for bidding, permits and construction. Every design element, code requirement and engineering service is finalized.
- 04
Bidding & permitting
We help you get bids from qualified contractors, issue minor changes or addenda as needed, help you choose a general contractor, and make sure local and national codes are met for permit approval.
- 05
Construction administration
Through construction we visit the site and review the work against the construction documents. Catching contractor mistakes and misreadings early saves you time and money.
From our clients
Luke and I have worked together on several projects. He's top notch and a great guy to work with. I recommend him and his team to other friends and colleagues all the time. Give them a shout for all your design needs.
Leonidas Homes · HouzzI've had the pleasure of working with Luke and Sun Collective on previous projects and have always been impressed with his professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. He is knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with. I highly recommend their services and look forward to working together again!
keithb0328 · GoogleWe love working with Luke and the others at Sun Collective. A partner and I renovate historic and other types of older homes and we always use Sun Collective. They give us fresh ideas and clean, well thought out plans. Because my partner and I have our own ideas too, the folks at Sun Collective are always gracious and encourage our input. Together we create renovated homes that sell quickly.
Dana Kingshill · HouzzExcellent service, Luke is the GOAT. He has even done my personal house. I consider him a longtime friend!
Boris Sanchez · GoogleWe love our garage apartment that Luke designed for us! Great style without breaking the bank. Luke was professional, timely, and delivered exactly what he said he would.
capipkin · HouzzLuke is great!!! I've worked with him on multiple projects, and he has consistently exceeded my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and professionalism are exceptional. Communication is always clear and responsive, and his turnaround times are impressively fast without compromising quality. He understands project requirements quickly, provides practical solutions, and makes the entire process smooth and efficient. … A true pleasure to work with!
Amos Halfon · GoogleLuke is very professional, and attentive. He took everything we asked for and applied it to [our] floorplan. He was flexible with changes that needed to be done too.
Monica Slover · HouzzAs a business owner, I can say Sun Collective was fantastic to work with. Definitely at the top of their game.
Aguila Resources · GoogleSun Collective has done an amazing job on our projects. Their thoughtful design along with attention to detail have made our projects come to life better than we could have expected. So far we have done four projects with these guys and have been very satisfied with every project. These projects have consisted of a 1,600 SF outdoor bar building, a two story pool cabana structure which houses 22 private cabanas for a commercial pool venue, a 36 unit apartment project and most recently a full remodel / change of use project on an architecturally significant church built in 1960 to a super club / event venue.
Andrew E · HouzzLuke is very easy to work with. He stays on top of the project, and makes sure you are comfortable with what he has done throughout the process.
HU-169954 · HouzzSun Collective is a wonderful full service architecture firm. They went above and beyond what was expected for my house. Not only was design amazing and I am always getting compliments on my remodel/addition, but they handled permitting with the city and suggested which contractors to use to complete the job without any hassle. The job was done correctly the first time from using their suggestions. No time nor money was wasted. I highly recommend using Sun Collective.
sweetdisa · HouzzPart of a larger group
SCDG is the architecture studio within the Sun Collective family of companies.
Local
Based in Garden Oaks. Most of our work is across Houston's inner neighborhoods.
Every project type
Custom homes, 2–12 unit developments and larger, multifamily, restaurants, retail, office and medical.