The art of architecture. The science of construction.
Philosophy
Good buildings are not defined by appearance alone, but by how well their systems work together over time.
High-performance homes result from careful coordination between architecture, structure, enclosure, mechanical systems, and construction execution. Every assembly, transition, and material choice influences how a building manages water, air, vapor, and heat throughout its lifespan.
When systems are disconnected, buildings become dependent on correction, maintenance, and compromise. When coordinated early, they become quieter, more durable, and more resilient.
Southpass Design | Build approaches architecture and construction as a unified process—where design intent, constructability, and building science are considered together from the outset.
What We Value
Clarity in both design and execution is essential to long-term performance. Assemblies should be intentional, transitions should be resolved beforfe construction begins, and materials should support both durability and lengevity. Restraint in design often produces buildings that are quieter, healthier, easier to maintain, and more enduring over time.
Continuity throughout the process allows decisions to remain aligned from concept through completion. By integrating architecture, construction, and interior design under a single point of coordination, communication becomes more efficient, accountability becomes clearer, and unnecessary complexity is reduced before it reaches the field.
The result is a more seamless experience for the client and homes designed to perform as intentionally as they were built.
Southpass Design | Build
Southpass Design | Build is an architect-led residential design | build firm based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by longtime friends Jim Gunn and Blake McGowan, the firm integrates architecture, interior design, construction, financial oversight, and building science into a single coordinated process.
Drawing from backgrounds in architecture, forensic building analysis, finance, and business leadership, Southpass approaches residential construction with an emphasis on constructability, durability, and long-term performance.
The firm’s work is grounded in thoughtful regional design, disciplined execution, and homes designed to respond to both climate and context.
Jim Gunn
Jim Gunn is a Texas architect and interior designer with more than two decades of experience in custom residential architecture and construction.
His work focuses on regional design, building performance, and the integration of architecture with constructability and material longevity.
In addition to architectural practice, Jim has extensive experience in forensic analysis of the built environment, including foundation performance, water intrusion, and construction-related failures.
Blake McGowan
Blake McGowan brings extensive experience in finance, operations, and business leadership to Southpass Design | Build.
With a background in medicine, financial planning, and executive management, he oversees project financial coordination, strategic planning, and operational continuity throughout the design and construction process.