THAT Architecture Firm

Tristan Hall Architecture (THAT) is a full-service architecture, design, and planning practice dedicated to helping clients achieve their vision while prioritizing sustainable solutions. We’re passionate about exceeding expectations at every stage of the design process, working closely with owners, stakeholders, and government agencies to create collaborative, innovative outcomes. Our goal is to unlock the true value and potential of each site, guiding clients toward inspired, responsible design for lasting impact.

 
 
 

Leadership

Tristan Hall, founder of THAT Architecture Firm, is an accomplished designer with over 15-years of experience spanning a wide range of project types including master planning, design competitions, core & shell, higher education, historic preservation, health care, landscape, single-family and multi-family residential, mixed-use, and mission critical data center projects.

Tristan earned his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and a master’s from the Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”). Early in his career, he lived and worked in Yellowstone National Park, where he led numerous studies and projects centered on reducing energy usage, enhancing the performance of existing buildings, and generating onsite electricity to meet demands in remote locations. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep commitment to integrating sustainable design strategies throughout every project.

Tristan is passionate about building collaborative and inspired teams, partnering with colleagues, clients, and organizations who value innovation and long-lasting relationships. His success is rooted in assembling like-minded professionals—ensuring that every project delivers not just exceptional design, but also lasting value through genuine partnerships.

Collaborative Styling.

Engaging with Clients to develop Architectural Style

Rethinking Architectural Style

Architectural style is often given more importance than it deserves. Traditionally, style is defined by how a building organizes its spaces, the selection of materials, and the orientation and placement of key elements. While these characteristics help create a building’s identity, our approach goes beyond surface level aesthetics, focusing on thoughtful design solutions that respond to the unique needs of each client and site. We believe true architecture is shaped by purpose, experience, and context, not just by following stylistic conventions.

 

Our Approach to Style

THAT Architecture Firm does not adhere to a fixed architectural style. Instead, we collaborate closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and aspirations, allowing the design’s aesthetic to evolve naturally throughout the process. This open and inclusive approach fosters true collaboration and results in creative, thoughtful solutions tailored to each project’s challenges and opportunities. The outcome is architecture that is authentic, diverse, and uniquely responsive to both people and place.

Green by Design.

An approach that prioritizes passive and alternative methods

Sustainable designs should increase the performance of the spaces within the building and the building within the environment. At THAT Architecture Firm, we believe that sustainability means more than minimizing environmental impact, it’s about enhancing building performance and the quality of life within every space. Our “Green by Design” philosophy integrates passive design strategies, innovative construction methods, and active building systems to deliver efficient, resilient solutions tailored to your needs. By prioritizing passive strategies and thoughtful construction techniques, we maximize performance while keeping construction costs economically viable. Sustainability isn’t just an add-on, it’s seamlessly woven into every stage of our design process.

Passive Design Strategies

  • Strategic Site Orientation
    Position buildings to maximize winter sun exposure and minimize summer heat gains, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling.

  • Robust Thermal Insulation
    Employ high-quality insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to slow heat transfer and maintain stable indoor temperatures throughout the year.

  • High-Performance Windows and Shading
    Specify energy-efficient windows and utilize overhangs, louvers, or shading devices to harness natural light while controlling glare and unwanted heat gain.

  • Natural Ventilation
    Design operable windows and well-placed vents to facilitate cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air circulation and passive cooling without energy use.

  • Thermal Mass Integration
    Incorporate materials like concrete or stone that absorb and slowly release heat, moderating indoor temperature swings over daily cycles.

  • Use of Local and Climate-Appropriate Materials
    Select materials sourced from the region that inherently perform well with local climatic conditions, reducing energy demand and carbon footprint.

  • Landscape for Microclimate Control
    Integrate trees, vegetation, or water features strategically around the building to provide shade, wind protection, and localized cooling while enhancing comfort.

Alternative Construction Methods

  • Advanced Framing Techniques

    Advanced framing—also known as optimum value engineering (OVE) is a system of wood framing methods designed to optimize material use, reduce labor, and improve energy efficiency.

  • Modular Construction

    Modular construction involves fabricating significant portions of a building off site in factory controlled settings, then transporting modules for assembly on location.

  • Shipping Container Reuse

    Repurposing shipping containers as building blocks—often called "cargotecture" offers a sustainable and highly adaptable construction method.

  • Ready Frame Systems

    Ready Frame systems use advanced digital design and off-site fabrication to deliver pre-cut, labeled framing packages.

  • Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

    High-performance panels offering excellent insulation and rapid assembly.

  • Rammed Earth and Adobe

    Traditional, low-carbon methods gaining traction for environmentally conscious building.

  • Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP)

    Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP) offer exceptional thermal insulation and airtightness, making them an ideal choice for passive design strategies that promote energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Active Design Systems

  • Photovoltaic Solar Panels

    Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, significantly reducing reliance on traditional power sources and lowering energy bills. They are typically installed on rooftops or integrated into building elements (such as awnings or facades).

  • Geothermal Heat pump

    Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) leverage the consistent temperatures found a few feet below the Earth's surface to provide efficient heating, cooling, and hot water.

  • Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) / Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)

    Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while exhausting stale indoor air, significantly improving indoor air quality and comfort. By transferring heat (and in the case of ERVs, moisture) between incoming and outgoing air streams, these systems efficiently pre-condition incoming air reducing the workload on HVAC equipment, lowering energy consumption, and maintaining balanced humidity levels year-round.

  • Smart Home Energy Management Systems

    Smart Home Energy Management Systems automatically monitor and control devices like thermostats, lighting, and appliances to optimize energy use offering real time insights, adapting to your schedule, and reducing both utility costs and carbon footprint through intelligent automation and seamless integration with renewable energy sources.

Design Services.

Diverse experience in a myriad of product types

Architecture

Single-Family Residential
Additions & Renovations
Multi-Family Residential
Affordable Housing
Mixed-Use
Feasibility Studies
Concept Design
ADUs
Infill Sites
Modular Construction
Office & Commercial
Restaurants

Interior Design

Interior Design
Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment
Custom Furniture Design
Space Planning

Professional Services

Peer Review
Design Consulting
Constructability Review
Construction Administration
Permit Expediting

Property Inspection

Home Inspection
Multi-Dwelling
Commercial
Pool & Spa
Infrared Thermography
Pre-closing Walkthrough
Casitas, Pool House, & ADU

Let’s Work Together

We’re excited to learn about your project and discuss how we can support your vision.