Interior design is an integral part of the process from the outset, ensuring continuity with the architecture. “It’s natural to consider the interiors of a home in its beginning stages,” he says. “By doing so, one leads the other and balances the architectural scale and proportions.

Werner also often incorporates the natural elements of water and light in his designs. “Today, in my design practice, I like incorporating walkways over water, or walkways over a sunken garden; it’s akin to the idea of walking on water. It creates a dynamic experience, and with the right design, a walkway over water can be exhilarating.”

Natural features of the site were left intact to help integrate the structure into its surroundings. Time spent in Japan further enhanced Werner’s understanding of the impact water can have within an architectural setting. “Japan was a game-changer for me. Their exquisite gardens with koi ponds and sculptural Japanese pines are intrinsically beautiful and approach a new level of refinement,” he says.

The ocean provides the perfect background while playing the piano. Clerestory windows infuse the space with more natural light. He also discovered the major impact of light within a home design while visiting the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. With its oculus, or opening to the sky, as the only light source in its rotunda, Werner marveled at how light traveled throughout the interior spaces. “The whole idea of lighting in design was like a button going off,” he says. “It’s important to know how light travels through a space, and how to incorporate it in a design. As a part of this process, Werner avoids over-lighting and often uses a system from Lutron that subtly changes color and intensity to match the time of day outdoors. True interior architecture is how Werner describes his version of interior design. The holistic approach of Garret Cord Werner Architecture | Interiors has earned the firm a broad following, possibly due to Werner’s