Ali Ames, an alumna of the University of Oklahoma’s Architecture program, recently had a project featured in House Beautiful, including on the magazine’s cover. The project is a breathtaking residence in Westlake, Texas. Ames, class of 2012, designed the exterior of the 17,200-square-foot home and collaborated on the interiors with designer Janelle Patton.
House Beautiful magazine cover showcasing work by Ali Ames.
Playfully dubbed the “Modern English Cottage… Mansion,” the home seamlessly blends the quaint charm of an English cottage with sleek modern elegance. Despite its grand scale, the design ensures a warm and inviting atmosphere, embodying both sophistication and livability. Every element of the home was meticulously curated over three years to reflect the homeowners’ personality, creating a space equally suited for intimate family gatherings and high-profile events.
Ali Ames.
Ames’ journey in the design world began in commercial healthcare design before she transitioned to residential work in 2014, driven by her passion for working closely with clients. In 2017, she took on a Project Manager role at Maestri Studio, where she honed her skills in selecting interior finishes and connecting architecture with interior design. This expertise led her to Utah in 2020, where she joined the renowned Studio McGee, further refining her approach to residential design. Now based in Dallas at Lark Interiors, Ames oversees both architectural and interior elements on her projects, including the project featured here, to ensure a cohesive and intentional design process.
Westlake residence exterior by Ali Ames.
The House Beautiful feature highlights the thoughtful craftsmanship behind the Westlake residence, emphasizing Ames’ ability to balance elegance with functionality. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of both architecture and interiors, Ames continues to make a significant impact in the design world, bringing dream homes to life with every project she undertakes.
Westlake residence exterior by Ali Ames.
The Gibbs Design in Action Awards (GDAA) program, led by Dr. Wanda Liebermann, has announced its 2026–2027 funded student projects. The initiative supports design and research work that addresses social, cultural, and economic issues in the built environment through collaboration with faculty and community partners.
The OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) 2024 collaboration with the Historic Threatt Filling Station has been recognized in the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's newly released Byways Report: The Scenic Route to Rural Prosperity – a story-driven publication exploring how road trip culture and place-based tourism can fuel economic growth in rural communities.
The Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Camille Germany, Chief of Staff, has been named the 2026 recipient of the university-wide Jennifer L. Wise Good Stewardship Award.
