At Aguilar Design Studio, every project we take on begins with a question: What does it mean to truly live well in your home? We’ve answered that question hundreds of different ways—through custom interiors, thoughtful renovations, and carefully curated furnishings. But building our first custom home from the ground up presented something new: a chance to explore that question on our own terms.
Located on the tranquil shoreline of Lake Tillery, our first luxury spec home marks a meaningful milestone for our team. It reflects not only our design philosophy, but our deep understanding of how a well-designed home should feel—seamless, beautiful, and built for the way you live.
This wasn’t just a project. It was a full-circle expression of who we are as designers, collaborators, and creators of timeless homes.
Why We Chose to Build
There are dozens of factors that influence whether someone renovates or builds new—layout limitations, zoning regulations, cost considerations. What we’ve discovered is that while renovations can breathe new life into a space, the complexity of working within existing structures can sometimes outweigh the benefits.
Renovating an existing home—especially in a major way—often comes with hidden challenges. From adjusting layouts to strengthening old walls and foundations, it can quickly become complicated and expensive. In many cases, starting fresh with a new build is a simpler, more efficient way to create the home you really want.
For this reason, and to showcase what’s possible when design leads from day one, we chose to build new. The result is a fully custom, design-driven home that captures our studio’s values with clarity and confidence.
A Design-Led Experience From the Ground Up
Every inch of the Lake Tillery home was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the way people really live. From the moment you walk through the door, the architecture, layout, and finish selections work together to create a seamless sense of comfort and sophistication.
This home was imagined not for one specific client, but for anyone who values quiet luxury and livable elegance. We leaned into natural light, open living spaces, and high-performance materials that reflect both form and function. Nothing about the home is overly ornate or trendy—it’s the kind of design that feels current today and timeless tomorrow.
As with every project, we focused on subtle luxuries: expertly crafted cabinetry, stone and wood finishes with depth and character, and curated furnishings that elevate the everyday. Even without a specific client, the home feels personal, intentional, and complete.
A Showcase for Our Process
Our decision to build a spec home wasn’t just about design—it was about demonstrating our full capabilities as a design-build studio. From architectural planning and permitting to construction oversight and final styling, this home allowed us to own the process from start to finish.
It also gave us the opportunity to create the kind of space we’re always encouraging our clients to envision—one that balances lifestyle, longevity, and beauty. By removing the usual constraints and timelines, we had the freedom to slow down, refine our details, and explore new ideas. That creative freedom shows in the results.
Building vs. Renovating: What to Consider
If you’re unsure whether to build new or renovate an existing home, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common conversations we have with clients—and often, it comes down to more than aesthetics.
While renovations are ideal for preserving architectural character or reimagining a beloved family home, they often come with unexpected challenges: outdated framing, limited layouts, structural reinforcements, and complex permitting requirements. Enlarging a space, moving walls, or adapting to site constraints quickly adds layers of complexity.
By contrast, building a new home allows us to start fresh—designing with the land in mind, optimizing views and light, and eliminating the inefficiencies of older homes. It also provides clarity around budget, timeline, and scope, helping our clients feel more confident in their investment.
Our Lake Tillery home was designed with this clarity in mind. Every decision—from foundation to finish—was made to reflect the kind of lifestyle our clients are seeking: peaceful, functional, elegant, and enduring.
What This Means for You
This home is more than just a beautiful finished product—it’s a clear expression of what working with Aguilar Design Studio feels like. It’s collaborative, curated, and thoughtful at every stage.
If you’re thinking about building a custom home, this project serves as a window into our process. It’s proof that a home can be tailored without being trendy, luxurious without being overdone, and personal even before a single piece of furniture is moved in.
More importantly, it shows that great design starts long before the first wall is built. It begins with vision, intention, and a team that understands how to bring it all to life
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Whether you’re dreaming of a forever home, a weekend retreat, or simply want a space that better reflects your lifestyle, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Visit our Luxury Custom Builds page to learn more about our approach, or get in touch to explore what’s possible for your home. We’d love to help you create something beautiful—starting from the ground up.
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