Tour offers closer look at architects’ passions, creative visions

By Kathryn Kent

The 20th Annual AIA Dallas Tour of Homes, presented by Acme Brick and eggersmann Kitchens & Home Living, returns October 24–25, with eight architect-designed residences spanning East Dallas, Turtle Creek, Far North Dallas, Northwest Dallas and Fairview. As the only multi-city tour curated exclusively by architects, the event offers rare public access to exceptional private homes that showcase the vision, craftsmanship and innovation shaping residential architecture across North Texas.

Celebrating two decades of architectural excellence, this year’s anniversary tour features one of the largest homes ever showcased, several homes owned by architects, acclaimed new builds and renovations, and an exclusive Premiere Party home overlooking White Rock Lake. Together, they offer an extraordinary look at the creativity, artistry and stories behind some of the region’s most inspiring residences.

“The AIA Dallas Tour of Homes is one of my favorite events because it celebrates the people behind the architecture,” said 2026 Tour Co-Chair Justin Leal, AIA. “It gives architects and their small businesses an opportunity to showcase their talents, skills and unique design perspectives while connecting their work to the community and highlighting the value of great design.”

That creativity is reflected throughout this year’s tour. Featured homes include a sprawling Fairview estate featuring a full indoor gymnasium and private pond; a contemporary courtyard home that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living; and a thoughtfully reimagined Oglesby Green townhome with a sculptural kitchen, custom wet bar, and refined material palette. 

One home preserves the footprint and character of the original residence while artfully concealing a substantial addition at the rear of the property. From seamless additions that transform existing homes to innovative lighting integrated as a defining architectural feature, each stop offers a distinctive perspective on contemporary living.

Beyond showcasing exceptional design, the tour offers a closer look at the lives, passions and creative vision behind the homes — from residences designed by the architects who live in them to homes shaped by their owners’ love of music, the performing arts and everyday living. Several featured homes have also earned AIA Dallas design awards, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture responds to its surroundings while pushing the boundaries of form, function, and material expression.

Tour Co-Chair Morgan Harrison, AIA, is particularly excited about this year’s architect-owned homes.

“I’m most excited about the number of homes on this year’s tour that were designed by the architects who live in them. It’s such a unique opportunity to see how architects design their own spaces.”

The self-guided tour takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $55 through October 18 and increase to $65 during the tour. Tickets go on sale August 15 at hometourdallas.com. The separately ticketed Premiere Party takes place Thursday, Oct. 22, at a one-of-a-kind residence set along White Rock Lake, designed by Laura Juarez Baggett Studio. 

Created for entertaining, with acoustics tailored for live performance, the home features a dramatic two-story living room and a music room that opens to a covered patio that doubles as a performance stage, reflecting the creative passions of its owners.

Exclusive to the Premiere Party and unavailable during the Tour of Homes, the evening offers guests an intimate opportunity to experience this exceptional residence while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and meet-and-greets with the tour architects. Premiere Party tickets are $150 and include admission to both the Premiere Party and the 20th Annual AIA Dallas Tour of Homes.