Redefining a Neighborhood without Erasing Its Past
Words Codi Chen | Photos Casey Woods & Tobin Davies
Austin keeps growing skyward and sprawling outward, but tucked between the chaos are neighborhoods like Delwood II, places where history still breathes beneath the shade of decades-old oaks and the quiet curve of post-war homes.
Here, transformation doesn’t mean erasure. For nearly a decade, architects Ada Corral and Camille Jobe have helped guide that transformation, not just as professionals, but as neighbors, ensuring the neighborhood evolves with care, vision, and a deep respect for its roots.
This community is visually defined by its modest concrete cinder block homes speckled with stucco that are deep-rooted with charm. Built for a different era, these compact and compartmentalized houses once suited simpler lives. Today, instead of leveling them for towering new builds, Jobe Corral Architects reimagines what’s already there, as a reminder that even the smallest homes can hold enormous potential.
“Sometimes it’s hard for people to see past what’s in front of them,” Camille refers to the original home designs of this 1940-era neighborhood. “Now, homeowners can have the life they want without sacrificing the character of their homes.”
Through ten residential projects, seven completed and three underway, the duo has redefined not just the houses but also how people experience their homes. Each project is a reflection of Ada and Camille’s belief that homes should grow with its inhabitants without losing what was special to them in the first place.
Their approach is aesthetic, deeply practical, and inherently sustainable. Instead of chasing square footage, they focus on natural light, intuitive flow, and a connection to the outdoors. Skylights and carefully placed windows illuminate spaces naturally, and additions are designed to improve function, not just size.
“We don’t just add on because we can,” Ada says. “We ask questions, like How do you live? How do you want to feel in this space? What do you truly need? We want to help people design a better life.” By incorporating accessory dwelling units and flexible spaces, opening up new possibilities for multi-generational living and more diverse housing options, they offer something Austin desperately needs.
Growth and preservation aren’t opposing forces—they’re creative partners. With every thoughtful renovation and intentional addition, a new version emerges where the past isn’t paved over but carefully carried forward: one home, one story, and one family at a time.
Built to Last: After WWII, Austin saw a boom in modest, concrete block homes that were sturdy, efficient, and built for returning veterans and young families. Often single-story with minimal ornamentation, these homes prioritized function over flash. Today, they’re a hallmark of neighborhoods like Delwood II, offering solid bones, charm, and endless potential for thoughtful renovation.
Contact:
505 W 38th St., Suite B
jobecorral.com
@jobe_corral_architects
