LOWER LEVEL LUXURY

BEHIND THE BUILD

Every project starts with a vision. This one began by translating my client’s wants and needs into a design that felt both functional and elevated. Once the design was approved, I sourced the materials and finalized the quote. I’ll be honest… hitting send on that quote gave me major imposter syndrome. It was the largest I’d ever delivered, and in many ways it felt like a turning point in my work.

This project required me to learn many new skills, so I worked in phases. Phase 1 was the bar backsplash — a familiar challenge since I had tackled similar work before. Phase 2 was the fireplace build-out. My clients framed the structure and I took it from there. It was my first time working with large-format tile, and every cut taught me something new. Phase 3 was the walnut slat wall with a hidden door — something I had been dreaming of creating for a while. Having the chance to create it here, and to do so in solid walnut, was an absolute privilege.

This build pushed me further than I imagined, but with every step I grew — as a builder, designer, and creative. I’m deeply grateful to my incredible clients for their trust and patience throughout the process. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step outside your comfort zone, this is it.