An Architectural Love Letter to Artists
Making Space for Musicians in East Austin
Words by Deven Wilson Photos Courtesy of Leftway Studios
“We’re all about artists first,” Katie Harrington, Leftway Studios co-owner, muses looking over the property from their treetop patio. Fabricated grassy knolls and repurposed tree stumps populate the yard, alien to the typical flat tracts found in the Cesar Chavez neighborhood.
The Leftway Studios motto of “Plug, Play, Stay” lives through their eclectically designed recording studio and rentable tiny home sitting on a large lot that begs for backyard showcases of all kinds.
The two story bungalow studio that rests next to co-owners Katie and Jason Harrington’s home is entirely soundproof, with each nook and cranny turned into a space for recording. Even the shower upstairs is ready for artists to capture that rare acoustics made from tile and shampoo bottles. The studio space, from inside to out, is set up with equipment for artists to record and even shoot video. The lucky visitor might get a chance to go beyond their walls and enter a labyrinth of records from Jason’s (a local radio legend) collection, a truly magical moment that warrants a bit of mystery. Even for the musically challenged, the studio nudges anyone to plug in and experiment.
The real magic of the property, however, comes not only from the detailed work the duo put into the grounds but also from the radiant energy of the couple themselves. Airbnb guests extending their trip and visiting podcasters are happily welcomed to step into their studio space to record. These moments wouldn’t happen without Katie and Jason being the perfect hosts for creatives. The studio itself is a love letter to the spirit of artists who made Austin what it strives to continue to be despite its growing pains. They have a youthful sense to them that makes the studio feel like a playground for artists.
Stepping foot into the cozy tiny home at Leftway Studios (which is rentable through Airbnb), the desire to be anywhere else hurries away and is replaced by a yearning to stay longer than intended. “We designed this place to just have an infinite energy propelling so that it’s challenging to leave,” Jason reveals, citing the design as the source behind the powerful pull of this creator’s hideaway.
Intended to serve as a space for artists to gather and leave no creative stone unturned, the tiny home welcomes travelers to find refuge inside the colorful abode. Every detail is carefully considered to improve the home’s energy, bewitching guests into lingering in its immaculate vibes. Stairs with thoughtfully built-in storage carry guests to the loft that overlooks the living space which has a second bed created from a reclined lounge.
Yet, the glue holding the compound together is the dedication Jason and Katie have for artists. From Austin to around the world, this space is a “labor of love.”
