Designing for the Desert

In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Dustin Ence, architect, builder, and founder of Dustin Brent Design Build and Sagewood Homes, to explore what actually makes a home feel good—and why so many homes fall short. Dustin shares how working across both design and construction gives him a unique perspective on what gets lost between the blueprint and the finished space, and why being involved in the entire process allows him to protect the original vision of a home.The conversation breaks down the difference between homes that look good and homes that feel right, and why factors like proportion, circulation, natural light, and material honesty play a much bigger role than most people realize. They explore why bigger homes often feel worse to live in, how small design decisions can ripple into major issues during construction, and why designing in response to the landscape—especially in the desert—creates spaces that feel more grounded and intuitive. Dustin also shares common mistakes homeowners make, from overcomplicating design to choosing materials that imitate rather than express their true nature. By the end of this episode, you may start to understand why certain spaces feel effortless while others feel off, and how thoughtful design can create a home that truly supports the way you live.More Room to Think:Dustin EnceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbdesignbuild/Website: https://dbdesign.build/LiLi Tile https://lilitile.comRoom to Think https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/Loved this episode? Let us know!Subscribe to Room to ThinkIf you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram