Photo by Matthew Tilbrook
The Tilbrook family poses for a selfie. Left to right are Matthew, Kaleb, Luke, Lauren and Judah.
Photo by Matthew Tilbrook
With multi-million dollar commercial and residential projects in his portfolio, Tilbrook Also designed the Double J Event Center in Woodcreek.
Balanced on the ridge that cuts across the Texas Hill Country known as the Devil’s Backbone, is the forthcoming restaurant and bar called The Honeysuckle, named for the 1980 film “Honeysuckle Rose” with Willie Nelson, that was filmed on the property.
Designed by Wimberley architect Matthew Tilbrook, the Honeysuckle’s open-air rooftop bar delivers heart-stopping, panoramic views of the Backbone and beyond.
“People travel from all over the United States to experience this stretch of road, and being trusted to design a building in such a recognizable, one-of-a-kind place was deeply rewarding,” Tilbrook said. “The owners gave me the freedom to design something meaningful. They said they wanted a landmark—something iconic— and that’s an opportunity architects don’t get every day.”
Matthew Tilbrook is the founder of Tilbrook Architects. Behind an understated demeanor, I found a fully-engaged listener who trained widely before hanging out his own shingle. After growing up in Abilene, he attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a master’s degree in architecture. His multi-million dollar commercial and residential designs can be found throughout Central Texas, including the new Double J Event Center in Woodcreek.
Tilbrook is known, I’m told, for his highly collaborative design process and for using detailed 3D modeling throughout his work. This approach is especially helpful for clients who find it difficult to visualize plans and elevations on paper alone.
The owners of The Honeysuckle Ryan and Leslie wrote, “Matthew didn’t just design The Honeysuckle. He understood what we were trying to create and elevated it. He translated our vision into a place that feels intentional, timeless and deeply rooted in the Backbone. The project marked a turning point for us.”
Much of Tilbrook’s work comes through word of mouth and repeat clients. Outside of architecture, he is an avid runner and can often be found on the trails around Blue Hole. He and his wife, Lauren Tilbrook, have three sons—Kaleb, Judah and Luke—who attend school in the Wimberley ISD.
His wife Lauren, who previously worked as a missionary in India, runs the stateside operations for their 501(c) 3, the Potter’s Hands. Their ministry supports a network of pastors in India who provide relief to the poor. Their nonprofit has helped Indians start children’s homes, a school for slum children, women’s sewing centers and other self sustainable income programs, in addition to installing water wells and programs focused on food distribution and disaster relief. Matthew’s vision in starting Tilbrook architects was to help fund their ministry.
As construction nears completion on The Honeysuckle, with its restaurant and party room down and open-air bar above, it promises to become a genuine landmark for appreciating the sunsets, rugged nature and, some say, the mystery of the Devil’s Backbone.
To learn more about Matthew Tilbrook and Tilbrook Architects, visit tilbrookarch.com.
