A House, A Fire, and a New Beginning
My journey in the U.S. began in Austin, Texas, where I focused my studies and research on experience-driven design, architecture in dialogue with nature, sustainability, and woodworking.
Since then, these ideas have remained at the heart of how I think about spaces.
After graduation, I worked across Texas and New York City before settling in Los Angeles. Here, I practiced experience-driven design in the retail and food service world—working on projects that ranged from large shopping centers to smaller stores, food halls, and restaurants.
With a little savings, I bought a small 700 sq. ft. home in Pasadena. It became a personal experiment—an opportunity to explore uplifted living, a deeper connection to nature, sustainability, and the hands-on craft of woodworking.
Read more about the project “A House For…”
As the renovation evolved, it reached a point where so much custom work was needed that I decided to step away from my full-time job, build my own home with my own hands, and take on freelance architectural work focused on custom homes and restaurant improvements.
Through that process, I built a home tailored entirely to my family’s needs—a home full of meaning, memories, and stories.
But alongside that joy, I lived through the same struggle so many in our generation know:
The fight against inflation.
The pressure to give up dreaming and yield to price as the only concern.
The painful realization that, even after years of hard work, homeownership can feel out of reach for so many.
That experience stayed with me.
Then came the fire.
This was the sky over our neighborhood as the fires moved closer. Like many, I was scared—uncertain if our home would be next. When the winds calmed and the fires were contained, I felt both relief and a heavy awareness of how much had been lost around us.
Our home was nearly lost, while the construction was nearing the end.
Many neighbors weren't as lucky—and their homes were gone.
Seeing how fragile everything could be, and how much rebuilding would be needed, became the final push.
It made clear that design isn’t just about beauty or ambition—it’s about care, resilience, and building back meaningfully.
That’s when I put down my saws and hammers and officially started Yoann Design Make.
Today, we focus on two things:
In the short term, helping neighbors and communities rebuild after the fire—offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and simply being here when needed.
In the long run, continuing to design thoughtful, custom homes (mid to mid-high level) that seek out what truly matters—creating spaces that are sensory-driven, human, and enduring, without losing sight of the real challenges people face.
We’re here for those who still believe in moving upward—those who want to build something personal, something lasting.
Let’s explore what’s possible, together.
And for those still finding their footing after loss:
I'm local, and I care.
I'm here if you need guidance—or simply have questions.