WHO:

Hello and welcome to the ETDesign Studio, LLC. My name is Eluterio Tenorio Jr, pronounced (el ooh teh ree oh). I understand it is a difficult name to pronounce so please feel free to call me El. I first got interested in architecture when I took a drafting and architecture class in 7th grade. It was a combination of two of my favorite subjects, art and science, and I was hooked. In 2001, I graduated from the school of architecture at the University of Texas San Antonio and in 2008 I became a registered architect in the state of Texas. I am just as excited and passionate about architecture now as I was back then.

BACKSTORY:

I started ETDesign Studio, LLC as a passion project while working for a commercial architecture firm back in 2001 designing homes for friends and family on weekends and after hours. I wanted to provide them with an alternative to what local builders were offering at the time. I felt there was a niche for affordable modern homes in the area. Much of what I had seen at that time were high end modern homes. I wanted to challenge myself to see what could be done on a builder's budget. I quickly realized what the issue was. As it turned out, many local builders were not used to the details associated with modern homes. They saw the house was different than what was the norm and the price went up. It was about that time that my father and I formed a construction company www.rivercitybuilders-sa.com to have full control of the construction process. While we keep the two companies separate, we work together much like a design-build company would. This way we have full control from design to construction.

SUSTAINABILITY:

I am also a LEED BD+C and a Build San Antonio Green member. Sustainability plays a huge role in each and every one our projects here at ETDesign Studio. Every project starts with a site analysis, which is a study of the site, its location, the winds, views, noise, trees, topography, traffic, etc. Simple decisions like building orientation, window and door placements, and overhangs make a big difference in the energy consumed for the life of the building. These are things that don’t necessarily cost more, they just have to be thought of up front.