The Art of Living Beautifully with Turkel Design

The most beautiful homes reflect the people who inhabit them. For some, that means generous spaces for entertaining family and friends, while others envision a secluded retreat devoted to creative pursuits or a cherished collection. Creating a home that accommodates those ambitions demands an architectural approach as singular as its occupants, with every decision—from the placement of a window to the proportions of a room—reflecting their habits and passions. For Turkel Design, that ethos informs an innovative approach to custom residential architecture that has yielded more than 300 projects in sought-after locales like Aspen, Martha’s Vineyard, Palm Springs, Jackson Hole, Palo Alto, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

Founded in 2008 and led by partners Joel Turkel, Meelena Turkel, and Jake Wright, the award-winning practice combines the creative freedom of bespoke architecture with the efficiencies of prefabricated construction to create highly individualized homes that reflect each client’s lifestyle and the distinctive character of their surroundings. The firm’s architects collaborate closely with clients to develop thoughtful floor plans and personalized amenities, which can run the gamut from dedicated art studios to expansive indoor-outdoor gathering spaces for large families. Though each Turkel Design residence possesses its own inimitable character, a common sensibility emerges through warm natural materials and expansive windows that flood interiors with sunlight while celebrating untamed landscapes.

Across its repertoire of completed residences in North America, the firm demonstrates how its adaptable architectural approach can realize remarkably different visions of a life well lived. Here are three compelling examples from its portfolio. 

Mulmur Hills Farm | East Mulmur, Ontario

Seeking a frequent escape from Toronto, the owners enlisted Turkel Design to create a rustic getaway that would accommodate several generations of their growing family while honoring the site’s agricultural heritage. Perched on a gentle hillside overlooking a 19th-century barn, the two-bedroom residence invites fireside gatherings and a closer connection to nature. A wall of locally sourced granite organizes the interiors, while laminated Douglas fir beams and expansive glazing practically bring the surrounding woodlands inside. The owners’ creative pursuits inspired a cantilevered studio dedicated to yoga and painting, complete with a custom platform that offers sweeping meadow views. A lightwell connects the studio to a breakfast nook below, which features a built-in banquette and shelving for books and board games. Elsewhere, a generous kitchen island encourages three generations to prepare meals together.

Thunder Road Reaches | Jackson Hole, WY

Inspired by the sprawling farm compounds of their native Texas, the owners of this 10,000-square-foot retreat envisioned a year-round gathering place for their growing family. Turkel Design orchestrated a series of structures along a meandering tributary of the Snake River, with exteriors clad in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese wood-charring technique that protects the timber while giving it a deeply textured, charcoal finish. The darkened timber complements the surrounding aspen groves; its gently angled roofs frame sweeping views toward Grand Teton. The main residence offers ample communal spaces, including a generous kitchen and après-ski bar. A separate gear barn caters to the family’s more rambunctious pursuits, outfitted with billiard tables for lively gatherings and a custom fireplace for relaxing afterward. The versatile structure also showcases the owners’ classic car collection behind large bifold doors and houses fly-fishing equipment for summer excursions along the river. 

Veil House | Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Nestled amid black oak and tupelo trees, this Martha’s Vineyard dwelling reflects its owners’ desire for a summer home that nurtures creative inspiration and wellbeing. Commissioned by a doctor and a visual artist, the 2,820-square-foot residence embraces its coastal surroundings through expansive glazing that affords picturesque views of Vineyard Sound from nearly every room—a feature the artist finds particularly inspiring. To navigate local regulations limiting ocean-facing facades to 50 percent glass, Turkel Design devised an ingenious system of sliding screens, or “veils,” that reveal certain windows while concealing others, allowing the owners to adjust sunlight and privacy throughout the day. Positioned along the outer edge of the deep roof overhangs, the screens create a sheltered passage between rooms, with views toward a stone garden and the surf beyond.

From intimate coastal retreats to expansive mountain compounds, Turkel Design demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can enrich daily life and accommodate the passions that make every homeowner unique. Its collaborative approach and innovative construction methods offer the freedom to create a residence that reflects each client’s aspirations and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings. Discover how Turkel Design can help realize your vision for a life well lived at turkeldesign.com.