Looking Back and Moving Forward

As we step into 2025, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible projects and partnerships we’ve had the privilege to be part of. At Creates Cool, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and thoughtful design to transform lives and spaces. Last year, we took on some exciting challenges, grew as a team, and refined the way we work — all thanks to you.

While most of our work continues to be rooted in San Francisco and the Bay Area, it’s been rewarding to take on projects across the country. Whether it’s helping families create their dream homes or supporting small businesses as they expand into new spaces, our goal has always been to design with purpose and intention.

Reflecting on 2024: A Few Highlights
There were so many memorable moments last year, but a few stand out:

• Stoa Bar: Designing Stoa in San Francisco was such a rewarding experience. To see it named one of the Top 50 Bars in the World is a testament to the creativity and passion of their entire team.
• Midrise in SoMa: Our midrise project in SoMa is a labor of love, utilizing new Senate bills to secure housing bonuses and expedited permitting. It’s exciting to work on something so innovative and impactful.

Overcoming Challenges
Of course, not every moment was easy. Our work with Anchored Tiny Homes came with its share of difficulties, but I’m proud of how we navigated it. We stood by our clients, offering discounted services to ensure their ADU projects could move forward. Almost all of those projects are now approved and under construction, which feels like making the best of a very difficult situation.

Commitment to Excellence
Last year, I put a lot of focus on improving how we work. Internally, we’ve been refining our processes to create designs that are not only beautiful but also efficient and precise. Externally, we’ve worked closely with city jurisdictions, finding ways to streamline permitting for smoother project timelines. These improvements are all about delivering the best experience for you, our clients.

Giving Back
Community is at the heart of everything we do. One of my proudest moments last year was biking to Los Angeles as part of the AIDS/LGBT fundraiser. It was a humbling experience, and I’m already gearing up for this year’s ride. You can learn more or donate HERE.

Our team also participated in the Chairity event, where we transformed a forgotten item into a show-stopping piece. Seeing our design being bid on and raising funds for local causes was so rewarding.

What’s Next in 2025

• Innovative Projects: We’re embracing new challenges in residential and commercial design, pushing boundaries to create spaces that are functional, inspiring, and uniquely tailored to each client.
• Playful Products: Our travel backgammon and cribbage sets are almost here! Look for them in gift shops soon, and get ready to bring a bit of fun and design into your travels.
• Expanding Collaboration: We’re excited to work with both new and returning clients, bringing their visions to life with thoughtful, creative, and personalized designs.

Thank you for being part of our journey. I’m so excited about the opportunities ahead and can’t wait to create even more inspiring spaces together. Here’s to a year of collaboration, creativity, and growth!