Every designer has their favorite and least favorite projects, but what about the most distinctive? This week, we presented this question to six designers—Ania Agárdy, Elliot Barratt, Catrina Cooper, Gabriela Gargano, Cate Gutter and Maria Khouri—and here’s what they had to say.
Life on the Water
“Designing a three-story floating home in Sausalito for a world-traveling former attorney was one of our most unique and rewarding projects. Renovating a 30-year-old houseboat came with a host of technical challenges—like calculating weight distribution and hauling materials dockside—but it also gave us incredible creative freedom. Our client embraced bold colors, global influences and unconventional materials. The result is a vibrant, eclectic retreat that reflects her adventurous spirit—and watching her walk onto the finished houseboat for the first time was truly unforgettable.” —Catrina Cooper, Loczi Design, San Francisco
Wine Country Connection
“One of my most interesting projects has been the transformation of the private suites, lobby and dining space at Jordan Winery in Healdsburg [in Sonoma County]. The challenge? Create a luxurious, welcoming experience that feels less like a tasting room and more like the living room of a well-traveled wine lover. We infused the space with a sense of quiet European grandeur, mixing antique French furniture, art, tapestry and tactile fabrics that feel as rich as the wines they serve. Every piece tells a story and invites guests to settle in, linger and connect.” —Maria Khouri, Maria Khouri Interiors, San Francisco
Healing Spaces
“We are currently wrapping up our first luxury medical space, and that has been such an incredible opportunity to learn about designing in an entirely new environment. [The project involves a] new client type, new needs from the medical team and patients, and a new concept of flow. Aside from the technical aspects of the design, such as spacing around a dental chair or where various items are located to ensure a highly functional and ergonomic experience, it was also interesting to learn to work with completely new vendors like medical cabinet suppliers. Creating a luxury residential experience in a medical space had plenty of challenges, but was certainly the most interesting we’ve had in a while!” —Gabriela Gargano, Grisoro Studio, New York
Home Is Where the Heart Is
“Creating our breakfast nook by enclosing an unused patio has been one of my favorite and most functional projects to date. The original space had two exterior doors leading to a small, impractical patio, but with the help of my architect father-in-law, we transformed it into a warm, light-filled nook that now serves as the heart of our home. I envisioned a space big enough for our whole family to gather for meals, yet flexible enough for everyday living. We designed a custom table with a durable porcelain top that is ideal for everything from messy art projects with my kids to pancake breakfasts. This little room captures our daily rhythms from shared meals and school project messes to moments of calm. It reminds me that the best design holds space not just for beauty, but for connection.” —Cate Gutter, CWG Design, Charlotte
A Project Abroad
“The most interesting and challenging project I have ever worked on was in Punta del Este, which is a small resort town in Uruguay. It was [a unit in] the first residential development designed by the world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly called Acqua. He was famous for designing commercial spaces like Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo and the Tokyo International Forum, but this was his first residential project. The mere scale of these apartments was overwhelming, with walls measuring [13 feet] from floor to ceiling. My objective was to transform this voluminous space into something more human-scale and cozy. Since it was located in a beach town, I went with the beachy vibe, using all-natural fabrics like linen and cotton and materials like wood, bamboo and rattan. This, along with lots of layers of textures, allowed me to create something organic and integrated with the oceanside environment.” —Ania Agárdy, Luxury Living by Ania Agárdy, Miami
Health and Wellness
“Designing Rekoop, an exclusive wellness members club, stands out as one of the most fascinating [projects I’ve worked on]. What made it so compelling was the chance to apply the same level of detail, intimacy and narrative we typically reserve for luxury residential projects, [but] this time in a commercial space centered on biohacking. Creating a high-end health club meant every decision had to engage the senses. We carefully considered every touchpoint to deliver a holistic, immersive experience, ultimately crafting a sanctuary that felt both indulgent and intentional. What elevated the project even further was the interplay between futuristic wellness technology and ancient philosophies. Balancing the two challenged us creatively, as we designed spaces that stood strong individually while contributing to a cohesive, sensorial journey. From ambient lighting and soundscapes to curated materials and spatial flow, each element was selected to support both mental and physical well-being. Rekoop pushed us beyond design—it asked us to craft an experience. It was a powerful reminder that exceptional interiors don’t just look beautiful; they influence how people feel, move and connect within a space. That’s what made it truly special.” —Elliot Barratt, Elliot James Interiors, Singapore, Dubai and London
