Notes From Our Journey
From twenty-six years of building custom homes on Lake Texoma, here we share about our process and what we've learned about design, materials, engineering, and the decisions that shape a home built to last for generations — the questions clients ask us most often, and the answers we give around the table in our design center.
Elevating Living: The Art of Observation Spaces in Custom Homes

Ceci Bates

In most homes, the best view is often just a fleeting moment of appreciation — a brief pause to show guests or a picturesque backdrop that goes mostly unnoticed. All too frequently, these vistas lack the thoughtful touch needed to make them living spaces, not just sights to pass by.
At Ceci Bates Custom Homes, we approach this distinctly. Every home is an opportunity to transform these potential moments of beauty into genuine living spaces. Architect Roberth Jordan, with his global experience and thoughtful design philosophy, brings this vision to life. A recent project perched on a hill above Lake Texoma exemplifies this approach. Here, Jordan designed a home with an observation deck at its apex, emphasizing the stunning views the property boasts.
This observation deck wasn’t just an architectural flourish; it was a deliberate space tailored to its owner’s lifestyle. The deck featured a balcony that opened to the lake’s expansive vistas, a small library that invited leisurely afternoons, and accessibility features like an elevator to ensure ease of access. The inclusion of a powder room meant uninterrupted time up high was possible, without journeys through the rest of the home. This was more than just a viewing platform; it was a retreat.
By embedding usability into beauty, Roberth Jordan crafted a space where the owner could truly dwell — absorbing the serene views while immersed in a favorite book, with every comfort close at hand. This is what it means to design for how an owner wants to live. It transcends mere visual enjoyment and creates an active, lived-in relationship with a home’s surroundings.
Ultimately, the best homes are those where the most picturesque spaces also become the most personally meaningful. To explore how Ceci Bates Custom Homes designs homes around how you wish to live, we invite you to learn more about our process at cecibates.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ceci Bates create observation spaces in homes? ▼
Ceci Bates integrates observation spaces by designing areas like observation decks that combine stunning views with practical features, ensuring comfort and usability. For example, including amenities such as a small library and elevator in a Lake Texoma project.
What makes Roberth Jordan’s architectural design unique at Ceci Bates? ▼
Roberth Jordan integrates his international design experience with an understanding of client lifestyle, as seen in designs like observation decks with amenities that cater to long hours spent enjoying views.
Why is an observation space important in custom home design? ▼
An observation space elevates the living experience by transforming beautiful views into usable areas where homeowners can relax, enjoy, and connect with their surroundings in comfort.
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Service Areas
Custom homes near Lake Texoma’s north shore
Lakeside builds along the western shoreline
Custom homes in the greater Denison area
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