Collaborating in design since 2013, partners Jaclyn Duncan and Ryan Duncan formed Duncan Architects to provide a fresh take on architectural design in the RGV. With a strong foundation built on years of experience in competitive markets across the United States, Ryan Duncan and Jaclyn Duncan have a deep understanding of the industry’s best practices and design trends, allowing them to consistently deliver elegant and lasting architectural solutions.
We pride ourselves on our ability to partner with a diverse range of clients spanning the vibrant region of the Rio Grande Valley. Our mission? To craft designs that not only break free from convention but also leave a lasting impact, all while ensuring impeccable quality every step of the way.
Our team thrives on the challenge of creating fresh and innovative designs that stand out in a rapidly evolving architectural landscape. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Rio Grande Valley's cultural, historical, and natural elements, we infuse every project with a distinctive and unique character tailored to our clients' vision. From the initial consultation to the completion of construction, our collaborative process ensures that our clients' dreams become a reality.
We understand that timelessness is a hallmark of quality. Our commitment to high-quality outcomes extends beyond completion - we strive to build spaces that will inspire and function for generations to come. As we continue our journey in the Rio Grande Valley, we look forward to forging new partnerships and shaping the architectural landscape with fresh, innovative designs. Join us, and together, let's create spaces that are visually striking and benefit of the community we proudly serve.
About Us
Jaclyn Gutierrez Duncan
Partner, Principal Designer
A native to the Rio Grande Valley, Jaclyn has returned to the RGV to co-found an architectural practice that contributes to the growth and development in the community that she grew up in.
Jaclyn acquired her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design at Texas A&M University in College Station, and soon after, set her sights on exploring different parts of the country. She earned her Master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, and gained professional experience on both the East and West coasts.
Jaclyn has experience in designing higher education, mixed use, and multi-family residential projects. She is versed in all phases of a project and various construction types. At her previous office, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, Jaclyn worked on Atlas: a mixed-use, high-rise apartment project in downtown Oakland, CA, where she took the project from schematic design and led it through construction administration. On a high-rise luxury condominium project in Honolulu, HI, she managed structural coordination, documentation of the exterior envelope, and various design studies in the amenity areas. Jaclyn’s focus on thoughtful design, thorough documentation, and effective collaboration with the client and construction teams has resulted in delivering high quality architecture that will stand the test of time.
Following five years of working in San Francisco, CA, she returns to the RGV to design projects that bring a contemporary perspective to projects rooted in the area. She strives to design spaces that celebrate the unique qualities that make this place distinctly Texan, both honoring traditions and looking toward the future.
Ryan Duncan, AIA
Partner, Principal Architect
A Registered Architect in Texas, Ryan is a co-founder and Principal Architect of Duncan Architects.
Ryan attained his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in Economics at Kent State University. Ryan then proceeded to the University of Cincinnati to earn a Master’s of Architecture Degree with a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship. Ryan has always had a passion for entrepreneurship, and has helped to co-found multiple successful companies within the AEC industry. His crowning achievement is founding Duncan Architects, and contributing to its ongoing effort of serving architectural clients in the Rio Grande Valley.
Prior to starting Duncan Architects, Ryan’s experience includes various mixed use, commercial, and residential projects. While Project Architect at Handel Architect’s San Francisco office, he oversaw the design and construction of Union House, a 41 unit luxury condominium project in San Francisco. Ryan also led the exterior design and documentation for residential skyscrapers in Seattle and Austin, which were being developed by internationally recognized developers Silverstein Properties, and Tishman Speyer. He is versed in various scales of architectural design, and provides the same attention to detail regardless of use, or scale.
Today, Ryan is a founding partner of Duncan Architects. He strives for a holistic, collaborative approach to the architectural process to provide quality outcomes for projects of all types.