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RELATIONSHIPS
DESIGN
COMMUNITY

RELATIONSHIPS

DESIGN

COMMUNITY

hospitality

Devil’s River Whiskey Distillery

work performed while at open studio architecture

hospitality

Burger Boy

work performed while at open studio architecture

parking garage

San Antonio Food Bank Parking Garage

amenity center

Kallison Ranch Amenity Center

work performed while at open studio architecture

hospitality

TruHome2 Suites Hotel

work performed while at open studio architecture

institutional

ExcellED Montessori School

work performed while at open studio architecture

recreational

Jones N4 CrossFit

work performed while at open studio architecture

hospitality

New Forest Haven

medical office

Almouie Pediatrics

work performed while at open studio architecture

retail

1604 & Bandera Retail Shell Building

work performed while at open studio architecture

multi-family

Seagate Apartments

work performed while at open studio architecture

medical office

Peripheral Vascular Associates

work performed while at open studio architecture

PROJECTS

HOSPITALITY

Hemisfair - New Restaurant Concept
Burger Boy
TruHome2 Suites Hotel
Devils River Whiskey Distillery
New Forest Haven
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RECREATIONAL

Kallison Ranch Amenities Center
Jones N4 Crossfit
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MEDICAL

Almouie Pediatrics
Peripheral Vascular Associates
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MULTI-FAMILY

Seagate Apartments
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RETAIL

Champs Meat Market
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EDUCATIONAL

ExcellED Montessori School
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INDUSTRIAL

San Antonio Food Bank Parking Garage
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SPECIALTY

McAllen Data Center
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LEADERSHIP

Leadership Haley Serna, Founder, Managing Partner Professional Headshot
Leadership RJ Paez, Founder, Managing Partner Professional Headshot

HALEY SERNA   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Founder, Managing Partner

RJ PAEZ   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Founder, Managing Partner

Leadership Haley Serna, Founder, Managing Partner Professional Headshot

HALEY SERNA   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Founder, Managing Partner

Leadership RJ Paez, Founder, Managing Partner Professional Headshot

RJ PAEZ   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Founder, Managing Partner

TEAM

Team Member Diane Morelan, Office Manager Professional Headshot

DIANE MORELAN   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Office Manager

DUSTIN BUCKLEY   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Project Manager

Team Member Katie Gallegos, Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator Professional Headshot

KATIE GALLEGOS   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator

Team Member Diane Morelan, Office Manager Professional Headshot

DIANE MORELAN   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Office Manager

DUSTIN BUCKLEY  Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Project Manager

Team Member Katie Gallegos, Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator Professional Headshot

KATIE GALLEGOS   Dark Grey arrow from Elevate Architecture Main logo pointing to the right.

Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator

CONTACT US

CULTURE

Elevate Architecture was formed to pursue a progressive and passionate approach to the practice of architecture, planning and interior design. Haley Serna and RJ Paez founded Elevate Architecture in an effort to exceed expectations through our relationships, design, and community.

With a collective experience of 25 years in the Architecture and Construction industry, Haley and RJ’s primary objective for the success of each project, is to ensure that the short and long-term actions of the design team align with the project’s goals. This includes establishing an environment with consistent communication, placing all design team members in a position to be successful, and maintaining a collaborative theme between the ownership, design, and construction teams.

HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS

Michael GuerraChief Sustainability Officer, San Antonio Food Bank
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"Haley Serna and the Elevate team have been outstanding in how they have engaged our teams in the design process and in how they have helped us be smart financial stewards to our donors who have invested in our capital expansion projects."
Eric CooperPresident & CEO, San Antonio Food Bank
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“Love these guys! I have worked with Haley on a couple of projects and she has consistently come through for us. She has a humble leadership style that allows for a shared vision. Concepts are not sold, but co-created…”
David Lukert, P.E.KCI Technologies
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"I would highly recommend Elevate Architecture for their exceptional responsiveness, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. They consistently excel in adapting to project-specific constraints, ensuring clear communication, and finding innovative solutions. Working with Haley, RJ and the whole Elevate team is a pleasure, and their skills greatly contribute to successful construction projects."
Geren AndersenCo-Founder and CEO, The Pillars Christian Learning Centers
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"We have worked with Elevate Architecture on several new construction projects in San Antonio and Dallas/Ft. Worth areas. Not only are they great architects, but they are also great people to work with. They are friendly, take the time to understand what you want to accomplish, creative, organized, responsive and committed to your budget."
Kobi GuntherDirector/Shareholder, Harvey-Cleary Builders
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"I enthusiastically recommend Elevate for any construction project. Their collaborative approach and strong commitment to teamwork consistently lead to seamless coordination among the entire team, making them an invaluable asset to any project."
Matt EzellPresident, South Texas Building Partners
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"We have worked with Elevate Architecture on several projects including design-build, CMAR, and hard bid delivery types. Haley, RJ, and the team are professional and knowledgeable team players with a can-do attitude. We have been thrilled with the results and we would recommend them to others without hesitation."
Jose SanchezFounder/Owner, Kulture Fitness
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"My choice to work with Elevate Architecture on my fitness facility was the best decision I could've made. RJ and Amber made sure that I was 100% satisfied with every detail inside my building. Their design, knowledge, and experience made working with my contractor and the City of San Antonio an extremely easy process. I highly recommend Elevate Architecture for all your design needs!"
Kevin Love, P.E.Principal, KLove Engineering
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"In the commercial development arena, it is critical for owners and developers to hire an architect who provides strong leadership. Having worked as a civil engineer and development manager for approximately 26 years, I have learned the architect is the heart and quarterback of the design team. It takes a very strong and focused architect to take the projects to completion while consistently monitoring design, budget and schedule. This is the kind and type of architect you get when you hire or work with Elevate Architecture."
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THINK YOU'D BE A GREAT FIT?

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Contact Us

Address
22610 US Hwy 281 N Ste. 205 | San Antonio, Texas 78258
210.460.7705 | admin@elevate-architecture.com

RELATIONSHIPS

We respect and value our relationships with our clients, employees, and industry colleagues. We believe a thorough understanding of our clients goals coupled with our team’s capabilities and strengths, can result in a successful project experience.

DESIGN

Elevate Architecture’s ambition is to encourage thoughtful design that provides our client or end user with a highly functional and enjoyable space. Each design process is customized per project, based on the clients individual budget, schedule, and specific design requirements.

COMMUNITY

We believe a strong sense of community within the walls of our work environment fosters positive relationships and professional growth. We instill that at Elevate with good communication, prioritizing the personal needs of our Elevate family, and placing them in a position for success. It is important to Elevate that we carry these principles out to our greater professional and personal communities.
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work performed while at open studio architecture

Devil's River Whiskey Distillery

San Antonio, TX

Operating as a full-service, state of the art whiskey distillery and flexible event space has helped this beautiful facility earn the name of “San Antonio’s most versatile venue”. Devil’s River Whiskey Distillery is built in a historical downtown building and open to the public as a restaurant/bar, special events, and tastings space. 

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Devil's River Whiskey Distillery - 1
Devils River Whiskey Distillery View 2
Devils River Whiskey Distillery View 3
Devils River Whiskey Distillery View 4
Devils River Whiskey Distillery View 5

work performed while at open studio architecture

Devil's River Whiskey Distillery

San Antonio, TX

Operating as a full-service, state of the art whiskey distillery and flexible event space has helped this beautiful facility earn the name of “San Antonio’s most versatile venue”. Devil’s River Whiskey Distillery is built in a historical downtown building and open to the public as a restaurant/bar, special events, and tastings space.

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Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: Burger Boy Restaurant. Exterior image showing front of restaurant from street view with wooden awning over outdoor seating with 3 walls of floor to ceiling windows. 1 of 3
Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: Burger Boy Restaurant. Exterior image of the side of the building showing blue and orange walls. 3 of 3
Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: Burger Boy Restaurant. Interior image of inside mural on upper wall inside restaurant. 2 of 3

Burger BOy

San Antonio, TX

2400 sf Addition & Renovation of an existing fast-food building for Burger Boy’s 4th location on Bitters Road, just off Highway 281. Burger Boy is an original San Antonio staple and pride themselves on delivering a hot and fresh burger meal with quick and friendly service.

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Portfolio Image. Parking Garage Project Name: San Antonio Food Bank 3D Realistic Mockup of Design of the exterior parking garage for the San Antonio Food Bank. Showing the scale of building with cars and people walking. Showing the exterior of the west exit of the parking garage with a large sign and landscaping.
Portfolio Image. Parking Garage Project Name: San Antonio Food Bank 3D Realistic Mockup of Design of the parking garage for the San Antonio Food Bank. Showing the scale of building with cars and people walking. Showing the exterior of the main entrance of the parking garage with a large sign and landscaping.
Portfolio Image. Parking Garage Project Name: San Antonio Food Bank 3D Realistic Mockup of Design of the parking garage for the San Antonio Food Bank. Showing the scale of building with cars and people walking.

San Antonio Food Bank Parking Garage

San Antonio, Texas
 
New 96,875 SF Parking Garage 
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Work Example: Kallison Ranch Outdoor Amenities Center adjacent to community pool. Architecture designed an outdoor community gathering place with picnic tables and a vaulted ceiling wooden entrance. 1 of 4
Work Example: Kallison Ranch Outdoor Amenities Center adjacent to community pool. Architecture designed an outdoor community gathering place with picnic tables and a vaulted ceiling wooden entrance. 2 of 4
Work Example: Kallison Ranch Outdoor Amenities Center adjacent to community pool. Architecture designed an outdoor community gathering place with picnic tables and a vaulted ceiling wooden entrance. 3 of 4
Work Example: Kallison Ranch Outdoor Amenities Center adjacent to community pool. Architecture designed an outdoor community gathering place with picnic tables and a vaulted ceiling wooden entrance. 4 of 4

Kallison Ranch Amenity Center

San Antonio, TX

Neighborhood amenity center including covered pavilions, restrooms, storage, and maintenance areas. 

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Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: TruHome2 Suites Hotel. Front entrance of hotel showing design of entrance space with outdoor seating, pull-up driveway and exterior design.
Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: TruHome2 Suites Hotel. Corner view of exterior of the hotel from adjacent street. A black, brown and white building with accents of green lines around building sign.
Portfolio Image. Hospitality Project Name: TruHome2 Suites Hotel. Back corner view of exterior of the hotel from adjacent street. A black, brown and white building with accents of green lines around building sign.

TruHome2 Suites Hotel

San Antonio, TX

New 4-story hotel building w/ 183 guestrooms, pool, gym, and other amenities

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Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: ExcellED Montessori School/Office Building. Front Entrance showing white and brown stone exterior with landscaping and pull-up driveway.
Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: ExcellED Montessori School/Office Building. Close up of front Entrance showing white and brown stone exterior with landscaping and pull-up driveway.
Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: ExcellED Montessori School/Office Building. Front Entrance showing white and brown stone exterior with landscaping and pull-up driveway from the left

ExcellED Montessori School

Fair Oaks, TX

11,500 sf wood framed montessori school

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Portfolio Image. Recreational Project Name: Jones N4 Crossfit Gym. Front entrance metal exterior walls with garage doors on the side with red and blue exterior paint.
Portfolio Image. Recreational Project Name: Jones N4 Crossfit Gym. Front entrance metal exterior walls with garage doors on the side with red and blue exterior paint in a different angle.

Jones N4 Crossfit

San Antonio, TX

New 7,300 sf fitness facility for Jones N4 CrossFit

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New Forest Haven
New Forest Haven Concierge Bar View

NEw Forest Haven

San Antonio, TX

5,595 SF Independent Living Common Areas

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Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: Almouie Pediatrics. Front entrance showing office suite design in a shared commercial office center. With blue strip designs on exterior walls.

ALMOUIE PEDIATRICS

San Antonio, TX

13,000 sf tilt wall shell with partial interior finish-out of medical clinic space.

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Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Gong Chai Restaurant in the 1604 & Bandera Retail Shell Building. Front Entrance showing dark wood exterior of a restaurant with order seating along the corner of the building.
Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Gong Chai Restaurant in the 1604 & Bandera Retail Shell Building. Back of the building showing white stone exterior walls with black metal awnings above back access doors.

1604 & Bandera Retail Shell Building

San Antonio, TX

New 7,200 sf retail shell building

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Thumbnail Size Portfolio Image. Multi-Family Project Name: Seagate Apartments. Front entrance of a 3-story apartment complex. Showing blue and white exterior paint and outdoor landscaping with palm trees and white rocks.

Seagate Apartments

Port Aransas, Texas

20-unit condominium building at the Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Community. 

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Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: Peripheral Vascular Associates Medical Office. Side entrance with brown stone walls with brown and gray sidings.
Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: Peripheral Vascular Associates Medical Office. Side entrance with brown stone walls with brown and gray sidings.
Portfolio Image. Medical Office Project Name: Peripheral Vascular Associates Medical Office. Side entrance with brown stone walls with brown and gray sidings.

Peripheral Vascular Associates

17,000 sf medical office building with a full interior finish out

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Hemisfair - New Restaurant Concept
Hemisfair - New Restaurant Concept

Hemisfair - New Restaurant Concept

San Antonio, TX

Interior remodel of the existing building located in Hemisfair Park for a 2,400 sf 2-story upscale restaurant. In addition to the interior remodel, design services included a new 800 sf first level kitchen addition, and a 300 sf balcony space

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Champs Meat Market
Champs Meat Market View 2
Champs Meat Market View 3
Champs Meat Market View 4
Champs Meat Market View 6
Champs Meat Market View 5

Champs Meat Market

Corpus Christi, Texas

New 5,000 sf meat market
 
We enjoyed working on this 5,000 sf retail finish-out located in Corpus Christi Texas, right off S. Padre Island Drive. The design includes; a retail area with premium meats, as well as wine and other food and drink, a demo area to prepare food for tasting, and a back of house employee area.
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McAllen Data Center
McAllen Data Center 2
McAllen Data Center 3

McAllen Data Center

McAllen, TX

Provide design services for minor interior demolition and renovation to an existing data center in McAllen, Texas.

Haley Serna

Founder, Managing Partner

Haley graduated in 2004 from the University of Texas at San Antonio School of Architecture, and has resided in San Antonio since, happily raising her two sons and establishing her professional practice.

Over the course of her nearly two-decade career, she has acquired a vast range of architectural project experience, including single family and multi-family homes, retail, office, hospitality, recreational and food service facilities. She is knowledgeable in all phases of project development, from initial feasibility planning, to schematics, construction documents, permitting, bidding and construction administration.

These skills and experiences have made Haley an invaluable resource to her clients throughout each project. It is her goal to support a positive and exciting project experience for her clients and team!

RJ PAEZ

Founder, Managing Partner

Born in Laredo, raised in San Antonio, and educated in Lubbock, Texas, RJ Paez prides himself on maintaining a well-balanced perspective in all conditions he is dealt. As a managing partner at Elevate Architecture, RJ utilizes this mindset and his collective skills to assess all challenges and opportunities that a given project may present, with an objective of fulfilling all expectations established by the ownership team.

RJ’s role at Elevate involves administration of operations and production performance as well as establishing and maintaining connections with the development community. RJ has focused experience in project development and management for retail, hospitality, multi-family, recreational, healthcare, and office project types. He is heavily involved in all phases of a project from initial feasibility/schematic design all the way through construction administration, while working collaboratively with engineers, consultants, contractors, and other professionals.

As a co-founder of Elevate Architecture, RJ’s mission was to help assemble an architectural practice focused on establishing a highly collaborative environment where all individuals are placed in a position to enjoy individual and community success. Continued growth and shared success is the idea.

Diane Morelan

Office Manager

Diane was born and raised in Texas. She co-owned and helped manage a business for 27 years before retiring and moving away from San Antonio. In her spare time, Diane enjoys spending time with her daughter and son-in-law. Over her many years of employment, Diane acquired multiple skills in a variety of fields. Since moving back to San Antonio, she has returned to work full time and utilizes her skills daily.

Diane’s roles and responsibilities assist in executing Elevate’s vision and maintaining the overall direction of the company. Her duties at Elevate include financials, management, scheduling, general administrative support as well as implementing and maintaining structure for the employees.

Dustin Buckley

Project Manager

Dustin has family ties to San Antonio dating back to the 1800s. Growing up in the hinterland of San Antonio gave him a unique perspective on architecture and experience in construction. He earned his Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2018, with a certificate in historic preservation.

In his off time, Dustin enjoys playing piano and accordion with his family, spending time with friends, or taking care of a menagerie of animals with his wife at their home in La Vernia.

As a Project Manager, Dustin’s responsibilities include involvement in all phases of design. Dustin’s skills include parti sketching, construction detailing, digital and hand renderings, as well as a thorough knowledge of historic and architectural facts. He uses all of these to facilitate the growth and development of Elevate Architecture.

Professional Experience
2023-Present : Elevate Architecture – Project Manager
2019-2023 : Alamo As-Builts-Designer – Project Lead

Katie Gallegos

Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator

Katie graduated from Texas A&M University, May of 2021, with a bachelor’s degree in University Studies- Architecture. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Texas- San Antonio. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, and exercising.

Katie’s roles and responsibilities include assisting with design, construction document production, and coordinating all marketing efforts for Elevate. Since joining Elevate, Katie has been a valuable asset to our company’s performance, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and enthusiasm in all she does.

Education
Bachelor of Science: University Studies-Architecture - Texas A&M University
Pursuing: Master’s in Architecture – University of Texas-San Antonio

Professional Experience
2022-Present : Elevate Architecture – Architectural Intern & Marketing Administrator

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ELEVATE ARCHITECTURE?

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work performed while at open studio architecture

Devil's River Whiskey Distillery

San Antonio, TX

Operating as a full-service, state of the art whiskey distillery and flexible event space has helped this beautiful facility earn the name of “San Antonio’s most versatile venue”. Devil’s River Whiskey Distillery is built in a historical downtown building and open to the public as a restaurant/bar, special events, and tastings space. 

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Westpointe East Amenity Center

San Antonio, TX

Neighborhood amenity center including covered pavilions, restrooms, storage, and maintenance areas. 

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Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Custom Sounds & Tint. Front Entrance showing gray building with business name in front.
Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Custom Sounds & Tint. Interior shot showing floor plan #4
Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Custom Sounds & Tint. Interior shot showing floor plan #3
Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Custom Sounds & Tint. Interior shot showing floor plan #2
Portfolio Image. Retail Project Name: Custom Sounds & Tint. Interior shot showing floor plan #1

Custom Sounds & TinT

San Antonio, TX

Exterior improvements and Interior remodel of an existing 4,500 sf single story building for customized automotive services. 

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Kallison Ranch Amenity Center

San Antonio, TX

Neighborhood amenity center including covered pavilions, restrooms, storage, and maintenance areas.