DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors is expanding its Austin office with the appointment of Mark Lakins to Director – Project Development and Gregg Taylerson to Director – Design, who both joined DAHLIN earlier this month. Each designer brings decades of experience leading residential development projects in the Austin area and across the country and will contribute to the continued growth of the firm’s practice throughout Central Texas and the Southwest.
Lakins will champion project development of residential, mixed-use, and custom luxury homes for DAHLIN across the Southwest Region. He is skilled at connecting clients with creative, constructable solutions informed through his comprehensive understanding of how projects come together.
Taylerson will advance residential design for DAHLIN throughout Texas and across the country with his keen eye for detail and thoughtful spatial relationships, especially with large master-planned developments. His hands-on approach and intuitive understanding of construction will make him a trusted partner to DAHLIN’s clients and builders alike.
“The addition of Mark and Gregg is a major leap forward in helping us expand the innovative design work we’re currently doing throughout Texas,” said Michael Padavic, Senior Principal in DAHLIN’s Austin office. “Mark and Gregg both bring deep experience and a strong understanding of the collaborative home design and construction process needed to earn the trust of builders and developers. As a result, they know how to deliver an exceptional experience for clients. I look forward to collaborating with both talented designers, whose contributions to the DAHLIN team will help to expand the scope of our work and our presence throughout Central Texas and beyond.”
Lakins brings 15 years of experience to DAHLIN to lead project development through a designer’s eye and a builder’s mindset. Notable past work includes a remodel of the historic Davis-Sibley house in Austin’s Old Enfield neighborhood, The Residences at Rubi mixed-income housing project in East Austin leveraging the city of Austin’s “Affordability Unlocked” program, several lake houses and cliff hangers in central Texas, and a 400-unit podium housing project in Nashua, N.H. using DOE funding. Lakins holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“Adorning a building only gets you so far,” said Lakins. “The most authentic design approaches begin by being a good listener—and only then making something beautiful out of what you’ve heard. There’s something deeply human about that being DAHLIN’s design philosophy. I think it gives us an edge over other firms, and it’s a mantra I want to repeat.”
With over 30 years of experience in residential design, Taylerson brings to DAHLIN a deep appreciation for how ideas translate from paper to place. Taylerson has designed homes across Texas, California, and beyond that balance beauty, function, and constructability. Notable past work includes townhomes at 4101 Menchaca in Austin, The Grove apartments in Austin, The Overlook at Westlake master-planned community in West Austin, the award-winning Midland master-planned community in Westfield, Ind., and the award-winning Vireo at Esencia 55+ community in Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif. Taylerson is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture/Design and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management from Clemson University.
“In my design, I try to approach the process with joy to create projects that feel both artful and grounded,” said Taylerson. “DAHLIN’s reputation as a firm that creates thoughtful, meaningful work precedes it and is a major reason why I was so drawn to joining this office. I look forward to collaborating with the Austin team and its clients to help deliver functional, beautiful homes to the region.”
DAHLIN has worked throughout the state of Texas for the past two decades on projects ranging from neighborhood residential, multi-family residential, and affordable housing to master-planned and mixed-use developments. The addition of Lakins and Taylerson will build on that foundation by bringing fresh perspectives that complement many of DAHLIN’s core areas of expertise.
This expansion of the Austin office comes three years after DAHLIN established a permanent presence in the Texas state capitol. This strategic growth move reflects DAHLIN’s scalability and commitment to fulfilling the demand for creative design solutions that enrich communities and cultivating the best talent in diverse regions of the country.
About DAHLIN
DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors is a diverse architecture, planning, and interiors practice of 180+ multicultural professionals who share a Passion for Place™. The firm works with developers, municipalities, and private clients, focusing on numerous sectors including homebuilding, multifamily and mixed-use, affordable housing, senior living, commercial, civic, education, healthcare, and interiors. Since 1976, DAHLIN has been committed to excellence in design – best demonstrated through long-term client relationships and award-winning, financially successful, and sustainable design solutions. The firm was included in the 2025 Inc. Regionals list ranking the fastest-growing U.S. companies and maintains locations in Irvine, Pleasanton, and San Diego, California; Bellevue, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Austin, Texas; and Beijing and Shanghai, China. Visit: www.dahlingroup.com.