Designers and Builders Share Their Goals for 2025
Find out how home professionals plan to push boundaries, improve communications and even infuse joy into their work
It’s that time in the new year when things have finally settled down after the holidays and work schedules are back on track. This is the perfect time to envision the next 12 months. What did you learn from the past year as your business changed and evolved? What do you want to continue to improve? Which new skills or tools would you like to learn or try? What kinds of projects and clients would you like to attract?
When forming goals, looking to peers and collaborators can be helpful. We asked professionals on Houzz about their goals for 2025, both professional and personal. They plan to take on boundary-pushing projects, do more remote work, explore new technologies and embrace gratitude, among other things. You’ll find plenty of ideas here to inspire your own goals.
When forming goals, looking to peers and collaborators can be helpful. We asked professionals on Houzz about their goals for 2025, both professional and personal. They plan to take on boundary-pushing projects, do more remote work, explore new technologies and embrace gratitude, among other things. You’ll find plenty of ideas here to inspire your own goals.
San Francisco architect John Lum is also celebrating a professional milestone and has developed a similar attitude. “We’re focused on bringing more joy and positivity into our work,” he says. “The architectural and planning process, especially around budgets and construction, can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be joyless. And although we do take our work seriously and work hard on perfecting our designs, we think it’s important to be present and enjoy the process.
“Celebrating 30 years of having the studio, we know our clients are relying on our experience and sage advice to help guide them through this process, so we might as well have fun doing it.”
“Celebrating 30 years of having the studio, we know our clients are relying on our experience and sage advice to help guide them through this process, so we might as well have fun doing it.”
2. Push Boundaries
Many designers plan to stretch their boundaries in 2025. This can mean working outside their usual comfort zones, creating a new type of business or expanding certain aspects of their business.
For example, design-build firm Clearcut Construction crafts its cabinets in-house. To firm owner Richard Ryder, pushing boundaries means expanding that part of the business this year. “We are hoping to pursue more cabinet-only projects within another section of our company,” he says. “We’ll still do the high-end remodeling that we’re known for, but also branch off into cabinets-only.”
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Many designers plan to stretch their boundaries in 2025. This can mean working outside their usual comfort zones, creating a new type of business or expanding certain aspects of their business.
For example, design-build firm Clearcut Construction crafts its cabinets in-house. To firm owner Richard Ryder, pushing boundaries means expanding that part of the business this year. “We are hoping to pursue more cabinet-only projects within another section of our company,” he says. “We’ll still do the high-end remodeling that we’re known for, but also branch off into cabinets-only.”
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Design professionals also are looking forward to pushing boundaries by taking on new types of projects that will present new challenges. Michael Winn, owner of Winn Design + Build, is excited to roll out a new modern Scandinavian single-family homes concept to the public.
For DKOR Interiors‘ Ronderos, it’s expanding into some exciting commercial projects, including mixed-use residential buildings.
Vicki Enger of Mountainwood Homes is used to all kinds of home remodeling projects, especially whole-house renovations. But she already can see that in 2025 she’ll be heavily focused on a variety of kitchen remodels. “Looks like 2025 is shaping up to be the year of kitchens,” she says. “I have six new kitchen projects on the horizon for 2025. I’m looking forward to helping cooks with their kitchens!”
For DKOR Interiors‘ Ronderos, it’s expanding into some exciting commercial projects, including mixed-use residential buildings.
Vicki Enger of Mountainwood Homes is used to all kinds of home remodeling projects, especially whole-house renovations. But she already can see that in 2025 she’ll be heavily focused on a variety of kitchen remodels. “Looks like 2025 is shaping up to be the year of kitchens,” she says. “I have six new kitchen projects on the horizon for 2025. I’m looking forward to helping cooks with their kitchens!”
Everyone at Finne Architects is excited to see the biggest project in the history of their firm come to life. “Our Lake Michigan project is the largest and most complex project we have done so far, and I am very excited to see major construction progress in 2025,” principal architect Nils Finne says. “The steel shop drawing process alone has taken nine months.”
Haus Interior Design is pushing boundaries in the other direction by taking on the smallest-size abode it ever has. “We have a client with a beautiful horse farm who has enlisted our services for the design of a new main home and a tiny home for guests,” principal designer Becky Wetzler says. “This will be our first tiny home design, and we’re very excited for the challenge to design an ultracompact space with the same level of care and detail as the primary home.”
Haus Interior Design is pushing boundaries in the other direction by taking on the smallest-size abode it ever has. “We have a client with a beautiful horse farm who has enlisted our services for the design of a new main home and a tiny home for guests,” principal designer Becky Wetzler says. “This will be our first tiny home design, and we’re very excited for the challenge to design an ultracompact space with the same level of care and detail as the primary home.”
In 2025, Lum is taking on a carbon-neutral, self-sustaining three-unit building in Palo Alto, an eight-unit affordable Habitat for Humanity project and a home consisting of two cubic volumes that will be connected by a glass bridge. “It’s super fun to be pushing the envelope, helping people and also enjoying the process,” he says.
Architectural designer Milford Cushman is looking forward to working on two out-of-the-ordinary projects in 2025. “We will continue with the extraordinary master planning, predesign and schematic design scope of services with the Vermont Studio Center’s Johnson, Vermont, campus,” he says. “We also have a remarkable handcrafted residential project in Woodstock, Vermont, for a very discerning and discriminating client.”
Architectural designer Milford Cushman is looking forward to working on two out-of-the-ordinary projects in 2025. “We will continue with the extraordinary master planning, predesign and schematic design scope of services with the Vermont Studio Center’s Johnson, Vermont, campus,” he says. “We also have a remarkable handcrafted residential project in Woodstock, Vermont, for a very discerning and discriminating client.”
3. Expand and Improve Remote Work
Interior designer Joni Spear is expanding her boundaries geographically. “I am excited to be embarking on new projects across the country for 2025,” she says. “I have learned that working remotely is highly successful and very convenient for clients. People are seeing my projects on Houzz and asking for similar looks. It’s a simple process that only requires them to provide photos and measurements, and we have the ability to ship anywhere.”
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Interior designer Joni Spear is expanding her boundaries geographically. “I am excited to be embarking on new projects across the country for 2025,” she says. “I have learned that working remotely is highly successful and very convenient for clients. People are seeing my projects on Houzz and asking for similar looks. It’s a simple process that only requires them to provide photos and measurements, and we have the ability to ship anywhere.”
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Interior designer Wendy Glaister is always improving and tailoring the remote design experience for current and future clients. “We have more work outside our immediate region and have invested quite a bit in making remote meetings and presentations more personal in feeling,” she says.
Finne’s Seattle-based firm also continues to improve the remote design process. “I work diligently to fine-tune our process for working with clients and projects located thousands of miles away from Seattle,” he says. “Clearly, the challenge of communication with both clients and contractors is of utmost importance. Sometimes it takes several conversation attempts with clients before the real issues and concerns become apparent.”
Finne’s Seattle-based firm also continues to improve the remote design process. “I work diligently to fine-tune our process for working with clients and projects located thousands of miles away from Seattle,” he says. “Clearly, the challenge of communication with both clients and contractors is of utmost importance. Sometimes it takes several conversation attempts with clients before the real issues and concerns become apparent.”
4. Attract the Right Clients
“Regardless of your business stage, there’s always room to improve your internal and client-facing systems,” Colleen Slack of Fox Interiors says. “We’re currently refining our ideal client avatar to align our systems with the next phase of growth, ensuring they support us as we take on increasingly complex projects.”
Kitchen and bath designer Alison Griffin never found the time to create a website. Instead, all her clients find her through referrals or her Houzz profile. “I don’t have a lot of time for social media, so I primarily use Houzz as my interface on the internet,” she says. Now she’s subscribed to a Houzz Pro package that will create a website for her. “Houzz is going to build my website by pulling information like reviews and photos from my Houzz account and host it for me,” she says.
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“Regardless of your business stage, there’s always room to improve your internal and client-facing systems,” Colleen Slack of Fox Interiors says. “We’re currently refining our ideal client avatar to align our systems with the next phase of growth, ensuring they support us as we take on increasingly complex projects.”
Kitchen and bath designer Alison Griffin never found the time to create a website. Instead, all her clients find her through referrals or her Houzz profile. “I don’t have a lot of time for social media, so I primarily use Houzz as my interface on the internet,” she says. Now she’s subscribed to a Houzz Pro package that will create a website for her. “Houzz is going to build my website by pulling information like reviews and photos from my Houzz account and host it for me,” she says.
5 of the Best Tips for Turning Leads Into Customers
Designs Northwest Architects is working on a new website slated to launch in March. One section will highlight a firm specialty: resilient homes. “I am very excited about the direction our new website is taking,” principal architect Dan Nelson says. “We will be featuring a passive house, a rammed-earth house, an ICF [insulated concrete forms] house, a fire-wise house and houses designed to mitigate the impact of flooding and landslides.”
5. Boost Teamwork and Collaboration
Teamwork, team building and collaborations are an aspect of design work that pros are focused on for 2025. One of Winn’s goals for his design-build firm is to “continue to expand both our design and production teams with smart and talented people with a passion for their craft.”
Slack improved the way she builds her team in 2024, and 2025 will be about nurturing it. “Once your team is in place, take the time to understand each member’s personality, strengths and weaknesses,” she says. “Then focus on supporting their growth and creating an environment where they can truly thrive. Not everyone thinks or works the same way, and it’s essential to embrace and adapt to those differences.”
Teamwork, team building and collaborations are an aspect of design work that pros are focused on for 2025. One of Winn’s goals for his design-build firm is to “continue to expand both our design and production teams with smart and talented people with a passion for their craft.”
Slack improved the way she builds her team in 2024, and 2025 will be about nurturing it. “Once your team is in place, take the time to understand each member’s personality, strengths and weaknesses,” she says. “Then focus on supporting their growth and creating an environment where they can truly thrive. Not everyone thinks or works the same way, and it’s essential to embrace and adapt to those differences.”
Teamwork also means participating and listening when collaborating with other design professionals. Glaister says she’ll be keeping an open mind and learning from other team members. “I’d like to continue collaboration with clients, architects and builders on ground-up projects,” she says. “The team atmosphere is really fun and encouraging to us all. Great minds don’t always think alike, and I believe that makes a better project.”
Losing trusted business partners during the pandemic inspired architect John Conroy of Princeton Design Collaborative to expand his network. “2024 was a year of connecting for us, making new business alliances and finding people we can have in our inner circle of collaborators,” he says. “So we can say 2024 was a time for building new alliances” and that 2025 will be a time to strengthen those connections and continue to make new ones.
Losing trusted business partners during the pandemic inspired architect John Conroy of Princeton Design Collaborative to expand his network. “2024 was a year of connecting for us, making new business alliances and finding people we can have in our inner circle of collaborators,” he says. “So we can say 2024 was a time for building new alliances” and that 2025 will be a time to strengthen those connections and continue to make new ones.
Ryder’s perspective on teamwork looks far into the future. He and his wife and business partner, Monica, have set a goal to transition into a business structure that can be handed down to their sons. “Our oldest is already involved in our planning by doing all of our architectural renderings,” Ryder says. “While we don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon, it’s best to set yourself up for success when the time comes. This means getting more people involved and delegating as needed.”
6. Improve Communications
Even as the methods they use to communicate change with the times, design professionals are always improving their communication skills. “For decades, we have practiced with the appreciation of our client’s unique intelligence, values and creativity,” Cushman says. “Increasingly, because we are such deep listeners, we serve as valuable and trusted design concierges and editors within the context as a full-service design firm.”
Glaister finds honesty and transparency to be the best policy, even when it’s difficult. “I have started to be more clear in my communication with clients when they get upset or frustrated about the project,” she says. “I used to just keep quiet and absorb it, but now, if something is said that is not accurate, I calmly remind them of my earlier advice that may have been ignored and for my preference for respectful interactions. Not always, but when I really feel like I could use someone to stand up for me, I am standing up for myself. Overall, it’s met with great reception, actually improving client relationships.”
Even as the methods they use to communicate change with the times, design professionals are always improving their communication skills. “For decades, we have practiced with the appreciation of our client’s unique intelligence, values and creativity,” Cushman says. “Increasingly, because we are such deep listeners, we serve as valuable and trusted design concierges and editors within the context as a full-service design firm.”
Glaister finds honesty and transparency to be the best policy, even when it’s difficult. “I have started to be more clear in my communication with clients when they get upset or frustrated about the project,” she says. “I used to just keep quiet and absorb it, but now, if something is said that is not accurate, I calmly remind them of my earlier advice that may have been ignored and for my preference for respectful interactions. Not always, but when I really feel like I could use someone to stand up for me, I am standing up for myself. Overall, it’s met with great reception, actually improving client relationships.”
Customization isn’t limited to physical designs, it’s also a way to personalize communication and processes for each client. Interior designer Lisa Tharp finds that assessing the appropriate type of communication each client requires during the design process elevates the level of service her firm can provide.
“For example, the busy professional client may want a streamlined process with less involvement, relying more heavily on the design firm’s expertise,” she says. “The experienced collector, on the other hand, views our firm as a creative partner and enjoys collaborating to personalize their living environment.”
Tharp plans to continue to tailor communications this year, as the results of careful listening and assessing have paid off. “The ability to tailor the experience for them personally — from how we learn about their goals to how we estimate their investment to how we present our concepts — further solidifies trust and ensures a more rewarding design journey for all,” she says.
“For example, the busy professional client may want a streamlined process with less involvement, relying more heavily on the design firm’s expertise,” she says. “The experienced collector, on the other hand, views our firm as a creative partner and enjoys collaborating to personalize their living environment.”
Tharp plans to continue to tailor communications this year, as the results of careful listening and assessing have paid off. “The ability to tailor the experience for them personally — from how we learn about their goals to how we estimate their investment to how we present our concepts — further solidifies trust and ensures a more rewarding design journey for all,” she says.
7. Keep Up With Technology
Professionals are looking at new ways to present their ideas and designs to clients. “We are interested in exploring the 3D rendering tool in 2025 that Houzz Pro offers,” Wetzler says.
Design professionals find keeping up with new, more realistic ways of rendering spaces important when communicating ideas to clients.
“Although architectural drawings are the foundation of our work, we find ourselves drawing many, many highly detailed renderings in order to show clients the three-dimensional reality of their project,” Finne says. “For our large new custom house project on Lake Michigan, we have already completed at least 50 renders of exterior and interior views, including details.”
Clients appreciate the power of realistic 3D renderings. “Recently, a client walked into a completed house project and said, ‘I feel like I have walked into the render,’” Finne says.
Communicate Your Design Vision with 3D Photorealistic Renders
Professionals are looking at new ways to present their ideas and designs to clients. “We are interested in exploring the 3D rendering tool in 2025 that Houzz Pro offers,” Wetzler says.
Design professionals find keeping up with new, more realistic ways of rendering spaces important when communicating ideas to clients.
“Although architectural drawings are the foundation of our work, we find ourselves drawing many, many highly detailed renderings in order to show clients the three-dimensional reality of their project,” Finne says. “For our large new custom house project on Lake Michigan, we have already completed at least 50 renders of exterior and interior views, including details.”
Clients appreciate the power of realistic 3D renderings. “Recently, a client walked into a completed house project and said, ‘I feel like I have walked into the render,’” Finne says.
Communicate Your Design Vision with 3D Photorealistic Renders
Design professionals are also looking at how to incorporate artificial intelligence and virtual reality into their practices. “My goals for 2025 include exploring incorporating VR into our design process to enhance our client experience,” Winn says.
“This year I am learning new rendering software to change the way I work. I plan on embracing AI and VR,” Griffin says. “Someday soon the people who grew up using VR headsets will be the homeowners, and they will expect to put them on and virtually walk through the design. I don’t want to get left behind.”
“This year I am learning new rendering software to change the way I work. I plan on embracing AI and VR,” Griffin says. “Someday soon the people who grew up using VR headsets will be the homeowners, and they will expect to put them on and virtually walk through the design. I don’t want to get left behind.”
Keeping up with technology also applies to materials, systems and practices. Continuing education helps designers and builders stay on top of the latest innovations.
“I have seen an increased interest in passive-house design principles,” architect Iva Saller of Four Brothers Design + Build says. “I completed the LEED AP exam when it first emerged a long time ago, and I’m interested in expanding my knowledge in this area.”
“I have seen an increased interest in passive-house design principles,” architect Iva Saller of Four Brothers Design + Build says. “I completed the LEED AP exam when it first emerged a long time ago, and I’m interested in expanding my knowledge in this area.”
8. Promote Wellness
Whether at the office or outside of work, design professionals are looking to promote and improve wellness. “We are doubling our office space, including standing desks, treadmill walking pads and a protein snack drawer. It’s the little things,” Glaister says.
Whether at the office or outside of work, design professionals are looking to promote and improve wellness. “We are doubling our office space, including standing desks, treadmill walking pads and a protein snack drawer. It’s the little things,” Glaister says.
A better work-life balance that allows more time for hobbies and other passions is also important for maintaining wellness. “Personally, I’d like to be better at a practice of little creative things I can do to de-stress — more exercise and perhaps some watercolor,” Glaister says.
As an aspiring cabaret singer, Lum plans on dedicating more time to his pipes. “I also plan to sing more often,” he says. “The performance and vulnerability can be challenging but rewarding.”
As an aspiring cabaret singer, Lum plans on dedicating more time to his pipes. “I also plan to sing more often,” he says. “The performance and vulnerability can be challenging but rewarding.”
9. Take Time to Travel
Taking time out for trips is another personal goal that design professionals have for 2025. Travel not only provides much-needed breaks, but also lots of inspiration.
“One of my personal goals is to plan our family’s vacation to New Zealand, where we will be celebrating my wife’s 50th birthday,” Winn says.
Taking time out for trips is another personal goal that design professionals have for 2025. Travel not only provides much-needed breaks, but also lots of inspiration.
“One of my personal goals is to plan our family’s vacation to New Zealand, where we will be celebrating my wife’s 50th birthday,” Winn says.
10. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude was a common goal among many design professionals. Cushman is thankful for teamwork. One of his personal goals for 2025 is “to lean into being nimble, and grateful for the trust and collaboration we have with our clients and their contractors.”
“A lot of us have a daily gratitude practice — I’ve added a daily top ‘glimmer’ to mine,” landscape architect Inge Daniels says. “A glimmer is a fleeting, micro-moment of joy — for me it can be the light hitting the trees just so or the sound and sight of birds taking wing. Recalling it at the end of the day rekindles that moment and keeps me looking for more the next day.”
Practicing gratitude was a common goal among many design professionals. Cushman is thankful for teamwork. One of his personal goals for 2025 is “to lean into being nimble, and grateful for the trust and collaboration we have with our clients and their contractors.”
“A lot of us have a daily gratitude practice — I’ve added a daily top ‘glimmer’ to mine,” landscape architect Inge Daniels says. “A glimmer is a fleeting, micro-moment of joy — for me it can be the light hitting the trees just so or the sound and sight of birds taking wing. Recalling it at the end of the day rekindles that moment and keeps me looking for more the next day.”
“Personally, I’m hoping to enjoy all that I have, including being grateful for all the wonders of San Francisco and Bolinas, where I split my time,” Lum says. “And most excitingly, we just got a new puppy, Djuna [seen here], so we have our hands full!”
Design professionals also plan on paying that gratitude forward by giving back this year. Ryder says he wants to “be more intentional about giving to nonprofits, especially those related to living conditions and those who are most vulnerable.”
Your turn: What are your goals for the new year and beyond? Please keep the conversation going in the Comments.
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Design professionals also plan on paying that gratitude forward by giving back this year. Ryder says he wants to “be more intentional about giving to nonprofits, especially those related to living conditions and those who are most vulnerable.”
Your turn: What are your goals for the new year and beyond? Please keep the conversation going in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Let’s commence this list with fun and joy. Major milestones had some designers changing their attitudes and their rules. For example, DKOR Interiors is celebrating its 20-year anniversary by injecting more fun into its work.
“I have learned to be more playful in design. What felt like taking risk before now feels more like having fun,” firm founder Ivonne Ronderos says. “I don’t feel so caught up in what’s right and wrong unless it has to do with balance and proportion. This includes stronger color combinations, mixtures in styles and finishes and the introduction of lots of collectibles and conversation pieces as accessories rather than using a ton of vases and boxes.”