From time to time, I come across a client that I think should be a designer. They have great skills of their own and an “aesthetic instinct” that is typically only associated with people in the design profession.

Exterior of Mi-Century Modern Home

A remodel in College Station was one such collaboration between designers and clients. The client’s son, a medical student at Texas A&M, became intriguingly involved in the remodel project. In fact, I often told him that if he is ever looking for a career change, he should head to architecture school. His input on the way the family lived, the products that they would like, layouts of the spaces, selections, etc. made the project truly a collective masterpiece.

Above: Kitchen

Having an exceptionally involved client does change the design process a little. Although projects with extensive client involvement undoubtedly extend the timeline, the added knowledge and input often pushes the designer into new design possibilities. Like I always said, great design is created through collaboration.

Above: Master Bathroom

I am often asked how in the world I manage to do all of the things I do in a single day. Truth is, I’m not the only one with the wheels turning. I have some amazing assistants that without them, my job wouldn’t be possible. Not only do they handle mounds of paperwork, phone calls, drawings, etc., they also add their own valuable insight to ongoing projects.

Above: Guest Bathroom

Ranjani Srinivasan, who now lives in India, did a spectacular job assisting with this particular project. Her thorough research, amazing CAD skills and unique perspectives to design helped elevate this space to an understated modern elegance.

Above: Second Guest Bathroom