The best homes are a natural extension of ourselves. A great residential design holds space for us to rest, laugh, celebrate, and come together. Whether we throw a party for friends, lounge in the sun, learn a new recipe, or showcase our favorite art, the right design can make a house feel like a home.

At Bspk Design, a commitment to craft and learning how a client wants to live has allowed us to create homes that reflect their authentic selves. In an interview with Principal Roman Reiterer, he explores his early inspirations, why he loves Los Angeles, and how residential design has shaped who he is today.

Why did you choose to study furniture making and interior design?

I was always drawn to creating, even as a young kid. I had an early interest in furniture making and interior design because of a love for making. My father had a passion for working with metal, and my initial interest stems from an appreciation for the work of early modernists. They were able to achieve a Gesamtkunstwerk, the creative process where different art forms are combined to create a single cohesive whole.

Austria had a very different education system, especially when I went to study. The prevailing idea at the time was to establish an educated workforce without having to go to university. It wasn’t enough for me to really see architecture in the way that was interesting to me. I wanted to start educating myself to get to the point where I can make something. And that, for me, was the most logical first step. It’s why I chose to go down this path.

What was it like moving to Los Angeles from Austria?

The first time I came to Los Angeles was early 1978. I was five years old at the time. My mother's sister, my aunt, was living here with her husband. They just had a child, so we came to visit. In 1978, someone from Vienna flying all the way to Los Angeles was a pretty big deal. It really left an impression on me, and I felt a type of freedom I’d never experienced before. In Los Angeles, there are really no limitations, culturally or otherwise, and you can be whatever you want to be. No one is going to tell you how and when. And I’ve always loved that about the city.

Now, after living here for so many years, I have a deeper appreciation for that freedom. I went to UCLA for school, then ended up working for one of my professors after graduation. I started practicing closely with an interior designer who specialized in high-end residences, and I was able to see more sides of the city. Los Angeles is welcoming and open in a way that has transformed who I am and how I work.

How did you meet Chris, and why did you decide to start a practice together?

After working on interiors and residential projects, I decided to start my own practice in 2003. It’s crazy to think it’s been 20 years now since that decision. I was self-employed, and when it came to drafting and the actual execution of the plans, I knew how much time it took. With a desire to spend my time focusing on the design and client relationship, I worked with drafters and others during those early years. That’s how I met Chris in 2006; we worked together on a series of plans as he was working full-time. Our first collaboration together lasted for three years, and it was fantastic. We then paused our work as he wanted to spend more time with his new wife and child.

In 2017, we happened to meet again as I was looking for a conference space to meet with clients and contractors. While in Culver City looking at a space, there was Chris sitting in the office window next to the street! I was excited to reconnect, and shortly thereafter he left the firm he was at to start Bspk Design together with me. We officially opened the practice in 2018, and it’s been a wonderful journey. We founded the practice because we have a love for craft, connecting with clients, and residential design.

What are some recent projects you’ve been working on?

We have two projects that will be finishing up this year. One is the Courtyard House, a modern home for hosting family gatherings that needed to adhere to feng shui principles. To connect Eastern and Western design philosophies, we took inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style residences, creating sweeping horizontal rooflines and dramatic eaves.

The other project is a bit unusual for us. It is a remodel of a home in Arcadia that is actually transitional. It veers a bit away from a modern and minimalist aesthetic to showcase our range. We’re very excited about it, and for the opportunity to work on the furniture and furnishings in the house as well.

Another project that’s underway is an addition to a Gregory Ain house that’s in the Mar Vista Tract. That development was designed by Ain in collaboration with Joseph Johnson and Alfred Day. The Tract was planned in 1947 for a hundred houses on a 60-acre site. The first stage was 52 houses, which turned out to be the final stage. Our work is an entirely glass addition to one of Ain’s houses.

What is your ideal type of client?

Clients come in very different forms and shapes. The process is conceptually the same for us because it's client driven. However, it feels different every single time. From a macro point of view, maybe a person who likes to explore and is curious of the process, what could come of it. Even if we don't know the end product. We enjoy working with clients with curiosity and those that want to try a path that’s not yet predetermined. Sometimes it really is about the journey and where that can take us, the richness that comes from that.

Then, on the other hand, we have clients like developers who are completely hands off. We come up with a design and fit the program, and that works perfectly for us too. So it varies. But when it comes to the end user, as long as a person brings their curiosity and trust, we inevitably end up with an interesting project. Clients bring their own personal touch and ideas to the table, and with that, we can bring our expertise to make really beautiful and impactful home designs come to life.

You’ve built up a body of residential work. What are some major takeaways from designing homes?

I learned to trust my gut and how to really connect with clients. I’ve also learned a type of patience of not forcing something, but to let something come to you. I think that comes with experience. When I was younger, I was quick to try and find a solution. Instead, I’ve learned to step back, absorb, and to keep building trust.

Designing a home for someone is one of the most personal and rewarding experiences I’ve ever known. Whether we are working on a project in Los Angeles or around the world, I’ve found a deep sense of joy and satisfaction in getting to help clients realize their dream home. It’s both about how they want to live, and about finding the right design choices that resonate with someone. With all the projects we currently have underway, I’m excited for what’s next!

Residential Design & Delight: Roman Reiterer on Creating a Home Tailored to You