Our Firm
Four Square Design Studio is a boutique design firm focusing on residential and small commercial projects. Although we work on a range of types of projects, including new construction, we are particularly known for historically-sensitive additions and renovations, and for our knowledge of historic (19th to mid-20th century) architectural styles and detailing. We also have extensive experience in navigating the Certificate of Appropriateness process mandated by Houston’s historic districts.
We offer an unusually broad range of services and capabilities. We can produce detailed technical drawings for bidding, permitting and construction. Our work doesn’t stop with the shell of the building – we can provide full interior detailing, including cabinetry design, kitchen and bath design, and selection of architectural finishes including tile, flooring, and lighting and plumbing fixtures. We can take that on through to a full interior treatment, including design and selection of color palettes, carpeting, furniture, and accessories. Many of our most successful projects have resulted when we’ve had this type of comprehensive involvement.
We find that older buildings often offer wonderful creative opportunities. Owners, builders, and even other design professionals often overlook the adaptive potential in well-designed older structures. Where others see a tear-down, we often see opportunities for adaptive re-use – a chance to enhance or repurpose an old building to serve a contemporary need, while respecting its original spirit and design. Yet although we have extensive knowledge of and education in historic architectural styles and art history, we are not strict traditionalists. We enjoy the juxtaposition of old and new, and our love and appreciation for modern design often leads us to adopt a contemporary interior treatment in our renovation projects.
More than anything else, we love working with clients who value good design, who share our aesthetic sense, and with whom we can forge an effective collaboration.