Garnett honored with two architecture awards in Fort Worth
Architect Jeff Garnett, who moved to Albany with his family in August 2025, recently earned two honors at the 2025 American Institute of Architects Fort Worth Design Awards. Garnett received a Design Award of Merit for the Elk Edge Retreat and a Studio Award for a concept project known as the Animal Sanctuary.
The Elk Edge Retreat, a 4,800-square-foot ranch home in Somervell County, was praised by judges for its strong connection to the surrounding landscape and its thoughtful use of materials. The home features native limestone, wood, steel and large glass openings designed to frame views of the property while blending the structure into the natural terrain.
Garnett’s second recognition came for the Animal Sanctuary, a conceptual design for a 30-acre campus in Weatherford that would combine dog adoption facilities, equine therapy and mental health programs. The design uses a network of simple buildings, courtyards and walking paths intended to guide visitors through the site while maintaining a calm and natural setting.
Only seven honors were presented during this year’s AIA Fort Worth awards program, making Garnett one of a small group of architects recognized for their work.
Garnett operates his architecture studio out of Glen Rose, where he has completed a number of residential and commercial projects across North Texas. While that studio will remain the base for many of his projects, he said he hopes to establish a West Texas studio in Albany in the future.
Garnett and his wife, Tara, chose Albany after years of passing through the town and discussing the possibility of living there.
“Coming from Glen Rose, we’re no strangers to small-town life, but as it’s grown in recent years, Tara and I found ourselves wanting to raise our kids somewhere even quieter,” Garnett said. “After years of driving through Albany and talking about the ‘what if,’ we finally made the move. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming to us and our kids. I love the unique Texas history here, the architecture around the downtown square, and most of all the people. The strong sense of community makes us grateful to now be part of it. I’m excited about the idea of making Albany the primary home base for my architecture work in West Texas.”
The recent awards mark Garnett’s third consecutive year to receive recognition from AIA Fort Worth, highlighting a growing reputation for architecture that focuses on strong connections between buildings and the landscapes they occupy.
Garnett has also become involved in local projects since moving to Albany. He is currently working with the group behind the proposed Buffalo Hunters and Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Griffin Museum, assisting with architectural design concepts for the future museum that will highlight the frontier history of the area.
