The team wowed the judges with their take on a bath that’s seamless but not sterile. Its surfaces are sleek but not cold, it offers privacy but beckons nature in, and the entire space exudes warmth and style. The free-flowing layout also imparts a home-spa feel, complemented by a tub that fits neatly into an alcove among the trees, giving the lucky user the feeling of enjoying a relaxing soak in the great outdoors.

The bath is noteworthy for its ability to capture an atmosphere that’s as inviting as that of a living space, and the carefully chosen materials add even more tactile beauty.

“I think what makes it successful is that it’s seamless,” says Jeannie. “You don’t see the shell of the space and the interior separately. We tried to blend the two at the beginning of the project and straight on to the end.”

The importance of “good bones” was never lost on the team. They paid close attention to the selection and execution of materials and other final touches. But first, Alex and Callan created a brilliant surface on which to build. Their acute understanding of structure and form allowed strong architectural details, such as the colonnade of windows, to stand out. Jeannie then gave it an aesthetic touch, with organic materials, a pleasing color palette, and handsome finishes.

“It’s a very clever design,” notes judge Clinton Smith. “I love the planes of materials and the simple, clean lines.” Adds judge Pamola Powell: “I really like how the slat flooring picks up the colors in the wood cabinets and the ceiling.”

The bath benefited from a tried-and-true formula for any interior: An architect and designer who collaborated throughout every stage of design. “If a designer joins a project too late, the ceilings might not be high enough, the walls might not be wide enough, or the molding might be too deep to accommodate a favorite piece of furniture,” Jeannie explains.

To ensure that such details are addressed, communication is essential. “Our philosophy is to truly listen to our clients. When a team of people are listening, they hear a lot more,” she says. “We listen and watch and talk it out among one another, and then we go back to the office and compare notes.”

“Most clients do not realize the amount of detail that goes into building a home or office space,” Jeannie says. “There are so many opportunities for things to fall through the cracks.”

Planning the project from every angle helps avoid having to make changes and renovations later, and in turn, can save money and precious hours. “Clients who have gone through the process can attest to how well it works,” adds Jeannie, whose insider wisdom might just inspire even more winning rooms.