Custom

By Brad Shapiro, President/CEO of Shapiro & Company Architects One of the most common misconceptions many custom-homeowners assume is that an architect’s role ends when the drawings are complete and construction begins. In reality, breaking that connection can have detrimental impacts on the quality of your custom home. Site conditions shift, materials change, and details that seemed resolved on paper often require interpretation in the field. Without continued architectural

By Brad Shapiro, President/CEO of Shapiro & Company Architects For most homeowners, working with an architect is unfamiliar territory. There is a general understanding that architects design the home, but they don't realize how an architect's guidance can extend beyond the drawings. The value is not just in the design itself, but in how the process is managed, their industry expertise, and the answers they can provide to some of the most stressful unknowns in the custom home

Designing a custom home is one of the most personal and meaningful projects you can take on. It's less about square footage, it's about creating a home that reflects how you live, what you value, and how you want to feel every day. At its best, the custom home process is not overwhelming. It should be a thoughtful, collaborative, and clear experience, guided by designers who understand who you are and how you live. When approached the right way, designing a custom home become

On a temperate afternoon walk, passing by this charming custom home might have you thinking you're in the hillsides of England. In reality, this beautiful English cottage-inspired home resides in a quiet neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. Design Inspiration and Bespoke Materials Nearly 20 years ago, Architect Brad Shapiro came back from a trip to England with his head swirling with architectural inspiration. Inspiration and opportunity met when he returned; a custom client w

When most people begin designing a custom home, architecture and interior design are treated as separate steps. The home is designed first, and the interiors are addressed later. And that approach works, but it might be limiting what your home could become. By the time interior decisions begin, many of the key elements are already set. Room sizes, window placement, ceiling conditions, and even lighting infrastructure have been established. At that point, interior design becom

For many families, building a custom home begins long before the first drawing is made. It starts with an idea of how life should feel inside the home. Morning light in the kitchen. Children moving easily between indoor and outdoor spaces. A place for family gatherings that feels welcoming and comfortable rather than formal. An architect plays a central role in shaping those experiences. The architect listens carefully, studies the land, and gradually translates a family’s pr

For most firms, claiming the "home of the year" title might just be an arguable opinion stated to boast a recent design. For Shapiro & Company, the title "Home of the Year" is a statement of fact. The National Association of Home Builders is one of the industry leaders in residential design, making themselves a top authority with their annual Best in American Living Awards. This award series receives applications from across the country with a panel of judges who are leaders

The Architectural Digest PRO Directory is " the industry’s premier roster of design talent, curated by the editors of Architectural Digest " highlighting the top design firms in the country-- and Shapiro & Company has made the cut. In November of 2025, Shapiro & Company was delighted to announce their inclusion into this exclusive directory, sharing connections with the top designers in the U.S.. As the only architecture firm to represent the state of Tennessee, this honor wa

3 Custom Homes win National Awards in "Best in American Living"

Désirée Masturzi has been recognized by the Memphis Business Journal in their Women Who Lead series. Since 2021, Memphis Business Journal’s Women Who Lead has recognized over 400 extraordinary women professionals. These remarkable honorees aren’t just leaders- they’re glass-ceiling shatterers and trailblazers shaping a diverse array of local specialties. MBJ’s editorial team handpicked the dynamic women in this installment for their standout leadership qualities, aiming to ce