voyage Raleigh talks with toby witte
North Carolina’s Triangle Area online magazine, Voyage Raleigh, recently sat down with author Toby Witte for an in-depth interview. They discussed his background, his work as founder and principal of the design powerhouse Wittehaus, and his award-winning book, Supersizing Bliss, which explores how thoughtful home design can contribute to a richer, more meaningful life.
“I’m most proud of the relationships we build with our clients and collaborators. We’re trying to create more than beautiful houses—we want to create places that provide a stage for happiness, and we want the process of creating those places to be just as rewarding as living in them.”
Some Excerpts
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“My book, Supersizing Bliss: How We Have Betrayed Our Homes and the Happiness We Seek, has become an important part of the Wittehaus story. The book explores the idea that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, and that our homes should be designed around the things that genuinely contribute to a meaningful and joyful life. It has also been a wonderful way for me to connect with our clients before we even begin working together. It gives them insights, ideas, and a different way of thinking about what a home can be, while also helping them articulate what they want from their own environment. In many ways, the book serves as a starting point for anyone considering a truly custom-designed home.”
“What sets us apart is that we’re not interested in simply making houses that look modern. We’re interested in creating architecture that has a meaningful impact on how people live. Every home is designed specifically for its site, its climate, and the people who will inhabit it. We pay close attention to natural light, materials, energy performance, connection to nature, and the way spaces can influence our sense of well-being. Sustainability is integrated into the design from the beginning rather than treated as an add-on.”