about

Through the three essential principles of classical design: scale, proportion, and detail, the team at Larry E. Boerder Architects seeks to design buildings which fulfill the wishes of our clients while simultaneously constructing beautiful, sustainable architecture. Ranging from a 1,000 square foot farmhouse to a 30,000 square foot Palladian manor, all designs are first conceived according to the proper scale of the structure in relation to its function and environment. Secondly, we seek to apply correct proportions to the elements of the building within the whole. Finally, we incorporate the correct details as they relate to the client’s chosen style. In tandem, these three principles result in architecture which is aesthetically pleasing and sympathetic to its surroundings.

Today, the firm has designed over 400 projects in Texas and around the United States. The firm is a full-service practice that not only seeks the best in design but also maintains extremely high standards in construction documents, cost control, and construction administration.

Depending upon the client’s needs and wishes, we work in a variety of ways and happily collaborate with other professionals. Whether a small guest cottage or palatial new home, each project is unique and represents a fulfillment of the client’s vision. All in all, commissioning a new building or residence is an exciting experience which the firm strives to make straightforward, engaging, and stimulating.

Larry Boerder, aia, founder

Larry Boerder is a fourth generation architect. He grew up in Dallas, where as a boy he would spend hours at his father’s drafting table learning to use the tools of the trade such as protractors and T-squares. When he was 16, under his father’s supervision, he designed his first house. In 1976 Boerder graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas and won the AIA School Medal. Qualifying as an Architect in 1979 and establishing his practice Larry E. Boerder Architects in 1988, Boerder has led the way in reestablishing Classical Revival architecture in Dallas and beyond. Boerder has been widely published, on a local, regional and national level and LEBA has been the recipient of four ICAA John Staub awards.

Natalie Boerder, Principal

Growing up in a household dominated by architecture, Natalie had an interest in the visual and applied arts from a young age. Studying Art/ Architectural History and Medieval Studies at SMU, followed by a MA in Art and Architectural History from the Courtauld Institute in London and finally studying for a PhD in Medieval Art and Architecture at the University of St Andrews, Natalie now represents the next generation of LEBA. With a keen eye developed from nearly a decade living and studying art/ architecture in Europe, Natalie not only advises on architectural designs but also takes the lead in managing client relationships.

Lukas Hamilton-Eddy, ceo

A graduate of the University of St Andrews and coming from a legal background, Lukas Hamilton-Eddy remains a practicing Barrister (England and Wales) and Attorney-at-Law (Texas). Becoming in partner in 2025, Hamilton-Eddy leads the day-to-day operations of the business as well as conducting high-level project oversight. Dedicated to cementing LEBA’s position as a hot house for architectural talent in North Texas, his vision for LEBA is of a firm that is inspired by local, national and international references to create traditional architecture that is authentic, elegant and harmonious.

Billy Burks, Senior draftsman

Billy Burks joined LEBA in 2012, having completed a Bachelors Degree in Architectural Studies, followed by a Masters of Architecture. During his time at LEBA, Burks has worked on projects across the country as well as internationally. Burks prides himself on the speed and accuracy of his Computer Aided Design (CAD) drafting and takes the lead in teaching and mentoring Junior Draftsmen.

With his extensive experience in the technical and structural aspects of architecture, Burks is confident in communicating with contractors, interior designers, landscape designers as well as civil and structural engineers. This gives him the ability to co-ordinate and advance complex projects, particularly when acting in the “Project Architect” role.

Jay Cantrell, Draftsman

Jay Cantrell grew up in Sherman, Texas where he honed his craft sketching and drawing local buildings. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, after which he worked for renowned architect Ralph L. Duesing for 10 years. Following this he obtained his Masters of Architecture at the University of Virgina. Upon graduation he won the Gabriel Prize in Architecture.

At LEBA, Cantrell is part of the design team and, in keeping with the tradition of the firm, is confident working in a wide variety of styles. His ability to rapidly hand render interior elevations is invaluable in communicating specific elements of the design vision to the client. A number of his sketches feature in the upcoming publication Dallas & the New Tradition: The Architecture of Larry E. Boerder.

When not working at LEBA, Cantrell continues to teach at the CAPPA School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Marion F. Clayton, senior draftsman

A Highland Park native and grandson of the renowned Dallas and Park Cities architect Marion Fooshee, Marion F. Clayton brings a wealth of experience in respect of municipal code review as well as an extensive understanding of the key stylistic components of the principal local architectural styles. Having received his Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University, he joined LEBA in 1991, Clayton has always had a particular interest in the structural aspects of architecture and provides particular expertise in matters of roof design, structural components and drainage.

Matthew Piatt, Junior architectural draftsman

Matthew Piatt has had a passionate interest in classical architecture from a young age. Winning the Technological Student Association Architecture Award at 18, he then went to the University of Texas for his Bachelors degree in Architecture, followed by a MADU at the University of Notre Dame, where he developed a particular focus on classical and ecclesiastical architecture. Piatt has a particular interest and command of the classical treaties and combines this with extensive CAD, digital modelling and 3D printing skills.

Jackie Rea, accounts and project management

A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Jackie Rea spent 10 years as a business owner in the insurance industry before joining LEBA in 2023. While primarily engaged on the Pencil Point Construction (PPC) side of the business, Jackie provides high level office management and works with the CEO to implement the strategic vision for both companies.

Gabriel rojas, Junior draftsman

Gabriel Rojas grew up in Lima, Perú where he developed an interest in art and architecture at a young age. He began his architectural studies at the University of Lima, and later transferred to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas where he would learn to design in the classical tradition. He has an interest in hand drafting and rendering with watercolor and ink, leading to his work being selected for the ICAA yearly journal: "The Classicist". After obtaining his Bachelors of Architecture in 2025, he would go on to join LEBA.

paul labadie, head of interior architectural design

A lifelong student of Art and Architecture, and a practitioner of drawing, design and sculpture, Labadie has over forty years of workshop and job site experience. His extensive knowledge of woodworking, woodcarving, ornamental plaster, drawing, and design has been accumulated through his carpentry practice in Minnesota, San Francisco and Dallas.

As Head of Interior Architectural Design, Labadie leads the design team in the creation of high-detail interior spaces. Through a lifetime spent conceiving architectural decorative elements, Labadie brings a comprehensive understanding of historical forms, a keen eye for detail and an appreciation of how interior architectural design reflects the exterior and elevates the project as a whole. In 2018, Labadie received the AIA Artist / Craftsman award and has previously been the recipient of three ICAA John Staub Awards for Craftsmanship.

monty gaither, senior draftsman

Monty Gaither’s artistic journey began at a young age, going on to study design and drafting at A&M Commerce and Navarro College before joining LEBA in 2000. Over the course of his time at LEBA, Gaither became experienced in leading and managing complex projects across Dallas and the Park Cities.

As practitioner who is able to move between design and production aspects of a project, Gaither combines an innate feeling for scale and proportion with advanced CAD skills. In this he offers the firm the ability to lead a project from an initial concept floor plant through to completion of the contract documents.

emma mcgowan, office manager-reception

A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Emma McGowan is a commissioned officer in the Texas Army National Guard, where she served six years before joining LEBA in 2025. Alongside managing monthly logistics for a National Guard distribution platoon, as well as the daily administration of the LEBA office, Emma hosts the front of house client experience.