For Merrill Alley, design is all about the people. Her passion for design is driven by building meaningful relationships with clients to create a space that encompasses their desires, collaborating with teams of talented architects and builders to create spaces that are meaningful, and working with skilled craftsmen and makers to bring the vision to life.

Since joining Urbanspace in 2010, Merrill and her team have worked with a diverse group of clients on countless luxury homes in Austin and beyond. Whether the project be residential, hospitality, or boutique commercial, Merrill’s passion for design and meticulous attention to detail are what set the firm’s work apart. 

Most notably, Merrill served as the lead designer for The Modern Austin Residences, Urbanspace’s landmark 56-story luxury condominium tower in downtown Austin. Embracing a human-centered, “inside-out” philosophy, she spearheaded the interior architecture for the entire tower, meticulously planning each residence — from efficient one-bedrooms to expansive penthouses — to ensure exceptional craftsmanship, warmth, and character. In addition to curating the tower’s 19,000 square feet of world-class amenities and custom global artwork, she also led the design team on Modern Bar, the innovative hospitality concept seamlessly integrated at the base of the tower.

Consistently trying to find a balance between work and play, Merrill lives in her corner of Austin with her husband, Tim; daughter, Clark; and their crazy poodle, Charlie.