Listening, Planning, and Building for the Future
Every renovation I take on at Ross Design starts the same way: by truly understanding the space we’ve been given. I look at its strengths, its quirks, and the hidden potential that may not be obvious at first glance. I explore its history, evaluate its bones, and study how light, function, and flow currently work. Only then can I create something that feels natural, enduring, and right for our clients.
This approach has another benefit: it’s sustainable. Preserving and adapting an existing structure reduces waste, saves resources, and often leads to creative solutions that a blank slate could never inspire. This philosophy is at the core of what’s known as adaptive reuse -transforming an existing building for a new purpose while retaining the character and history that give it character and soul. Whether it’s an old industrial space reborn as vibrant housing or a historic home reimagined as an office, adaptive reuse blends respect for the past with the innovation needed for the future.
Great design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about creating something that has meaning for the people who will call it theirs. So, I begin every project by listening carefully to my clients. I want to know their vision, their goals, and the life they imagine unfolding in that space. Once I’ve absorbed the vision, my team and I roll up our sleeves and get practical. Together, we review surveys, note easements, study floodplain maps, and navigate zoning laws. This groundwork allows us to anticipate challenges early and design with confidence from the start.
Collaboration is key to everything we do. I love it when clients share Pinterest boards, Houzz galleries, or even snapshots from their travels - it gives us a visual language to work with, making the design process more intuitive and rewarding. Sometimes, competing goals surface in these conversations. Far from being a problem, these moments give me a chance to dig deeper, often uncovering solutions that bring everything together more beautifully than expected.
My design philosophy leans toward timelessness. I avoid chasing trends that will feel dated in a few years, instead blending traditional detailing with modern sensibilities. I choose materials that are beautiful now and built to last. Every decision is made with longevity in mind, so my clients can enjoy their spaces for years to come, without feeling the urge to renovate again anytime soon!
I design for today’s needs but with an eye toward tomorrow. As life evolves and technology changes, my spaces are able to adapt, remaining functional, relevant, and deeply connected to the people who inhabit them. For me, that’s the essence of great architecture: a balance of purpose, beauty, and resilience.