Yes, We Can Design a Secret Door
If you hear the word “architect”, what comes to your mind? I’m going to bet it’s someone wearing rounded glasses and a black turtleneck, using big words like “juxtaposition” or weird phrases like “marriage of materials”. Am I right? Well, if that’s what you’re looking for—I may not be your person…although, I do love wearing a lot of black…what’s that about anyway?
If, however, you’re looking for someone who believes great design should spark delight and make you smile for no reason, who understands how to design with simplicity in mind, is personable yet professional, and who really enjoys a secret door, welcome. You’re in the right place.
I take design (and sustainability, construction science, livability, and comfort) very seriously, and at the same time, I want every space I create to have a soul—a unique personality that reflects wonder, playfulness, and warmth.
1) Function Comes First – But Personality Is a Close Second
Of course, I will design a home that has all the spaces you want or need, that flows well and keeps the heating bills from emptying your bank account. But I’ll also ask:
What tiny, unnecessary thing would bring you joy every day?
Where would you drink your coffee if you had no obligations?
Do we need a window seat for your cat or dog? The answer is yes.
Because you don’t live in a spreadsheet. You live in a home, and homes should feel good.
2) Let’s Not Be Stuffy – There Are No Silly Ideas
You want:
A disco ball in your garage? Great.
A slide to the basement? Let’s do it.
A bedroom window with a view to the moon? I’m in.
These are the things that make your home deeply personal—that make it yours! Kids have wonderful imaginations, creating magnificent adventures from the moment they wake up until they go to bed, and they so freely enjoy the “silly” and fun things. That seems to get lost as we grow up, but I’m convinced that it never really goes away (we used to be those kids after all); if you’re intentional about it, you can have those joyful feelings even as an adult. Do the things that bring you joy; it’s not frivolous if it makes you deeply happy.
3) I Live for the Weird Stuff
I want to hear about your love for spiral staircases, book towers, Lego-building, and secret rooms. I want to hear about the way your kids build blanket forts in your living room on the weekends, or how you love to can all your home-grown produce each year.
These details, whether weird, charming, or not “the standard”, are where your most loved spaces start.
4) We Can Be Playful and Still Get it Done
Don’t get it twisted here, I’m not designing spaceships or shoe-shaped houses (unless that’s what you really want).
Behind all the playfulness is deep design logic, budget awareness, and a healthy respect for structural integrity.
We can design a home that’s got some whimsy about it, but that also passes inspection with flying colors.
Let’s Build Something that Feels Like You
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t connect with designs you find online, it’s because they weren’t made for you. If you think working with an architect is only for the top-earners in the world, I’m here to tell you that’s just not true. I believe everyone deserves a wonderful home, regardless of budget size. If you just want a home that makes you feel happy and alive, I hear you and I’m ready to help make that happen.
And guess what…you can achieve this without building a new home, and even for your business space. My skills aren’t solely for new construction, and I can successfully integrate your desires into existing spaces. I’m kind of good at this.
Are you curious yet? Let’s talk. I promise to make the process easy and fun—and you might even get a hidden door out of the deal.