Designing from the Outside in

Nature is my greatest muse. Every project I approach begins not with the walls or the floor plan, but with the textures, colors, and organic forms I observe in the world around me. Rather than defaulting to sharp angles and sterile palettes, I let the outdoors guide my creative direction—transforming spaces into environments that feel rooted, intentional, and alive.

My designs are directly influenced by observing natural textures, colors, and shapes. I consciously integrate the outdoors into every project, making nature a vital element in each space.

Outside is where I find most of my design inspiration from. It could be the littlest part in nature or something that takes up a lot of land. I always design with intention, incorporating pieces and inspiration from natural elements. When I’m creating a new concept, I always research the project's location and the surrounding area. Is it in a neighborhood, in the middle of nowhere, or in an urban area? Those are the first questions I ask the client. I then start letting ideas flow, writing them down, and finding inspirational images that can bring my ideas and concept to life. I always ask how I can present this to my client. What can I bring to the table that will make them say, "Wow!"? Could it be a little detail that they have never thought of before that solved their organization, or is it the color palette and materials that I picked out for their entryway foyer? My biggest takeaway is to always think about how you can stand out from a crowd and make yourself seen. This could even be being able to connect with the client in a way that makes them feel comfortable letting you design their home.
I love being able to pull different elements from the outside in to make the space feel more included with the rest of the property. An example of this would be incorporating large windows that allow a scenic view or a skylight that brings in the best lighting in your space. I find that when you bring parts of the outside into your home, your space feels more open and refreshed. It can also be a mood booster, as well as getting natural sunlight first thing in the morning.

Studying abroad in Ireland was a turning point for me. Traveling through the countryside, I saw firsthand how architecture and nature could coexist—how homes seemed to grow out of the land, shaped by local materials and a respect for the environment. That experience sparked my approach: to create spaces where the outside isn't just an afterthought, but a source of inspiration and connection. Designing from the outside in isn’t just a style—it’s a way of honoring the world around us and making every project feel truly alive.

-P