We recently had the chance to connect with Aaron Barnard and have shared our conversation below.
Aaron, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I write and record music. I find having another creative outlet has a positive impact on my design process. Having a parallel creative process helps me stay fresh and inspired. It reminds me that creativity isn’t limited to one discipline—it’s a skill that can be nurtured from many directions. When I step away from design to make music, I often return with new energy, new ideas, and a clearer perspective. It’s a great way to keep my creativity sustainable over the long term.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aaron Barnard, and I’m a home designer and the owner of Beacon Home Design. We focus on residential projects and take pride in being versatile with styles—from modern to traditional and everything in between. What really drives us is the idea of changing the game a bit—elevating the overall quality of residential architecture and making great design more attainable for more people.
I came into design in kind of an unconventional way. My grandfather was an architect, so I was around it growing up, but I’m completely self-taught. I started out as a carpenter, which I think is a creative process in its own right. I’ve always loved to draw and make things, and working with my hands gave me a real understanding of how homes actually come together.
While I was working as a carpenter, a local structural engineer handed me a copy of Revit to try out. I instantly fell in love with it—and that was the beginning of my design journey. From there, Beacon Home Design just grew naturally out of that passion for creating and problem-solving through design.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Earlier in my career, I was pretty guarded about how I worked—the tools I used, the systems I built, and the methods that gave me an edge. As a designer and entrepreneur, that kind of secrecy felt necessary at the time. It was about survival and standing out in a competitive industry.
But over time, that mindset has shifted. We’ve established ourselves as a leader in the field, and I’ve realized that holding things too close doesn’t actually move the industry forward. Now, I’m much more focused on sharing what I’ve learned—whether it’s design process, business structure, or creative strategy—in hopes that others can build on it.
I think architecture, as a whole, has lost some of its soul over the last 50 years. There’s been so much emphasis on building faster and cheaper that creativity and craftsmanship have taken a back seat. My hope is that by being more open and collaborative, we can help bring that artistry and intentionality back to residential design.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Pursue your interests, and when you find something you enjoy, put in the time and work to improve. The process of self improvement in an activity that is interesting to you will turn into a passion. In my experience, this is the one of life’s most rewarding gifts.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they’d say self-improvement really matters to me. I’m always looking for ways to grow—whether that’s learning something new, refining my craft, or becoming a better leader. I don’t like feeling stagnant. I’m the kind of person who’s always analyzing what’s working, what isn’t, and how I can take the next step forward.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I played a meaningful role in raising the standard of residential architecture in our area—that I helped bring more thoughtfulness, creativity, and quality to the homes being built. More than anything, I’d love for the homes I’ve designed to stand as a lasting legacy—places that serve families and communities well for decades to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Beaconhomedesign.com
- Instagram: @beacongomedesign.fl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GFap5LmsS/
