Would-Be is where design meets real life—uneven progress, muddy boots, and all.

As an architect, I spend my days helping others imagine what’s possible. This site is about what it’s like to do that for my own family home here in the Pacific Northwest—with kids underfoot, limited time, and a deep love for plants, materials, and well designed spaces.

There are no big reveals or tidy before-and-after shots. Just the honest, evolving story of designing a home and garden from the ground up—with an eye for Pacific Northwest plants, climate-specific materials, and a design-informed perspective that goes a bit deeper than the average DIY blog.

In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping how we live and work, I’ve found myself drawn to the opposite: digging holes, moving rocks, planting trees. It’s not a rejection of AI—I use it all the time, and it helps me make better decisions, stay organized, and tell this story. But alongside all the automation and acceleration, there’s something grounding about slow, physical, imperfect work. If I had unlimited resources, I could hire it all out. If I had none, I couldn’t do it at all. But in this middle space, with just enough means and a willingness to get dirty, I’ve found a kind of possibilities—and a lot of joy.

Curious where to begin? Start with our Spring Walk 2025, or the brief history of this crazy place.