Notes From Our Journey

In the realm of home building, the term “custom” often rings hollow. It usually signifies limited selections from a catalog rather than a design attuned to the distinct rhythms of daily life. True custom building extends beyond finishes to the fabric of how one wishes to live—a concept embraced by Ceci Bates in a recent project that wove a passion for restoring Volkswagen cars into the home’s very structure.

When a couple approached us about building a home near Lake Texoma, they shared their story of years spent collecting and restoring Volkswagen vehicles. Their collection included a cherished Karmann Ghia, several classic Beetles, and a vintage bus that served as both a hobby and a way of life. Initially envisioning a detached workshop, separate from their living space, they were open to reimagining how their passion for restoration could be integrated into daily life.

Our architect, Roberth Jordan, saw an opportunity to blend this unique interest into the home itself. He designed a garage as an integral part of the living space, connecting the workshop seamlessly with the home’s indoor and outdoor areas. This included a bay door opening to the rear yard, facilitating natural ventilation and inviting a cool summer breeze. The workshop, rather than an isolated structure, became an extension of the home: heated, cooled, and insulated for year-round use, closely connected to the outdoor kitchen on the adjoining patio.

This thoughtful integration allowed the couple to transition smoothly from their kitchen to their workshop, into the outdoor space, and back into their living area—uniting their day-to-day routines and hobbies without ever leaving the comfort of home. Constructing this as part of the home itself, rather than a separate building, was not only more cost-effective but also enriched their lifestyle.

The project underscores what it means to truly build custom—a home tailored to how one chooses to live, rather than simply offering surface-level choices. At Ceci Bates, we believe in designing around life’s passions and daily rituals. If our approach speaks to how you envision life in your own custom home, we welcome you to explore our design process further at cecibates.com.