About Design Loft: 50 Years of Building Solutions

A Legacy of Listening

Design Loft isn’t just a business; it’s a lifetime of experience. My father started this firm in 1964, building relationships with contractors and homeowners one conversation at a time. As a young boy, I didn’t just watch him draw; I sat in on his meetings, listening to how he turned a client’s vague ideas into a physical reality.

By my early teens, I was at the drafting board. By 1988, my father and I were full-time partners—a collaboration that lasted until he passed away last year. After more than 50 years in this industry, I’ve seen architectural trends come and go, but the core of what we do remains the same: we listen, and then we solve.

Where Others See Roadblocks, We See the Path

I’ve developed a knack for attracting—and solving—the “difficult” projects. Whether it’s a site that seems unbuildable, a strict HOA with a thick book of requirements, or a building department that needs a specialized approach, I thrive on the technical puzzles.

From designing a home with a full-size indoor tennis court to tucking a volleyball court under a garage, I enjoy the challenge of the unusual. But I find just as much satisfaction in the “small” wins: a perfectly scaled workshop, a clever ADU, or an addition that finally makes a house feel like a home.

Straight Talk: “Build the Box First”

I believe in being upfront because your time is too valuable to waste on a design that can’t be built. My philosophy is to “build the box” first. Before we dive into the “dream” phase, we identify the boundaries:

• The Site: What will the land allow?
• The Rules: What are the HOA and building department constraints?
• The Budget: What is realistically achievable?

There is no such thing as a “perfect” house where you get everything without compromise. A successful home is about making informed choices and setting clear priorities. I’ll give you the truth, even when it’s not what you expected to hear, because that honesty is what ensures your project actually makes it across the finish line.

Our Collaborative Process

A great set of plans isn’t just a hurdle for a permit—it’s the instruction manual for your future. I work best with clients who value the step-by-step process and want to collaborate. My goal is to ensure that when your contractor picks up our plans, they have everything they need to build with confidence.

What Clients Actually Say

If you look at our history, you’ll see a few recurring themes: knowledgeable, dependable, and professional. But most importantly, you’ll hear that we listen. We don’t just design buildings; we design the space where your life happens.