Despite my design training - or maybe because of it - I don’t spend a lot of time designing spaces for my clients. My work focuses on facilitating my clients’ goals and designs. I don’t pick paint colors, I handle rezoning so that a business can start in the right location. I don’t pick the perfect light fixture or the shade of floor stain, I submit drawings for remodel permits and answer questions about the process so that my clients and their tenants can have one less concern as they launch a new endeavor.

If I needed to design I would, but I find that the best way for me to support entrepreneurs and neighborhood scale development is for me to do the paperwork, and I find no less satisfaction in letting my clients take the spotlight on creating really good places that people want to be (and that I want to send all of my friends to!).

My latest project to finish is The Loose Screw in Taylor, Texas, a 40+ tap craft beer joint with a huge front lawn and the kind of good vibes that make for a great place to meet up after work or on the weekend. We remodeled two classrooms at Old Taylor High into a really fun bar, and the owners are already exceeding business expectations. I couldn’t be happier for them, or more pleased that my role was to make sure they could achieve their vision without me getting in the way of it.

I got them the Specific Use Permit (a zoning process) required by the City of Taylor for them to sell beer and wine, I provided the supporting documents for their TABC permit application and I submitted their remodel permit application, including drawings. I also answered questions, weighed in on technical aspects and made sure they had the information they needed to open their dream business, which is booming very early on. And why wouldn’t it, the community really loves this bar! Visit them W-Su. 4pm-10pm at 410 W. 7th Street, Taylor, TX, or check their live music schedule at https://www.facebook.com/The-Loose-Screw-Craft-Beer-House-Garden-697614263928240/.