We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniel & Rome Lima-stanley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniel & Rome below.
Hi Daniel & Rome, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The Bryan Project stands out as one of our most impactful endeavors to date. It began when we connected with homeowners who had recently relocated from Minnesota to Texas, purchasing a condo near Downtown. Their vision aligned perfectly with our passion: designing and remodeling spaces using sustainable materials, with a focus on wellness to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also support overall well-being.
This project was particularly meaningful as it required a complete redesign with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The clients were committed to using eco-friendly materials, including low-VOC paints, 100% recycled PET plastics, and LEED-certified wallpaper. Additionally, they prioritized future accessibility, prompting us to design a new furniture layout and wider door openings to accommodate a motorized wheelchair.
One unique challenge involved integrating an oxygenator in the bedroom. Initially, the hose created a tripping hazard by running across the floor to the bathroom. Our solution was to incorporate a half wall with a concealed duct system, allowing the hose to be safely hidden while remaining accessible for maintenance.
Another key aspect was creating a multifunctional space for hosting and private work. We transformed an open den into a sophisticated office that doubles as a guest room. Given the lack of windows, we installed one above the new wall to bring natural light from the living area and added mirrors to reflect it, ensuring occupants can experience the natural day-night cycle even in an interior room.
For us, while aesthetic appeal is crucial, our top priority is designing spaces that truly serve their inhabitants. We constantly ask ourselves: Why not make our homes not only visually appealing but also tailored to our needs, enhancing our overall well-being?
The Bryan Project allowed us to seamlessly blend sustainable materials with functional design, enabling our clients to live healthier lives in a space that genuinely supports their lifestyle. This project reinforces our belief that great design extends beyond visual appeal—it’s about crafting environments that positively impact both physical and mental well-being.
In essence, the Bryan Project exemplifies our philosophy: homes should be partners in helping inhabitants live their best lives, supporting physical health, uplifting spirits, and enhancing day-to-day experiences. This approach to design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about facilitating life-changing improvements in how people interact with their living environments.
Daniel & Rome, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who might not be familiar with Lima-Stanley Design, we’re an award-winning Dallas-based design firm specializing in healthy interior and landscape design. Our mission is to create environments that not only reflect your aesthetic preferences but also support your holistic wellness. We believe that your home should be a sanctuary—an extension of your well-being—and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver through our comprehensive approach to design.
We got into this industry driven by a passion for creating spaces that inspire and support better living. After finishing our certifications at the New York Institute of Art and Design, we realized that many homes lacked a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, and that’s when Lima-Stanley Design was born. We wanted to offer something unique—a holistic design process that considers every aspect of your living environment, inside and out. This led us to develop our signature services: interior construction design, interior space planning, kitchen and bathroom design, furniture layouts, landscape design, outdoor kitchen design, pool design, landscape lighting design, and project fulfillment.
What truly sets us apart from other firms is our ability to integrate interior and landscape design into a cohesive, wellness-focused experience. Offering this combined service, allows us to create spaces that flow naturally from the inside out. Having both an interior and landscape designer on each project brings a unique perspective that ensures every detail works in harmony to support a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Our values—integrity, innovation, and impact—are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating truth and a better world through our work, crafting spaces that inspire well-being, and delivering design solutions that lead to healthier, more harmonious living experiences.
One of the common challenges we see with homeowners is the improper use of space—whether it’s poor layout, imbalance in colors, or lack of sustainable materials. We also encounter issues like insufficient ventilation and lighting, furniture that’s out of scale, disorganization, and overwhelming outdoor spaces. Our job is to solve these problems by reimagining your spaces in a way that not only looks great but also functions perfectly for your lifestyle. This includes everything from selecting low-maintenance materials that ease your upkeep burdens to designing outdoor spaces that truly feel like extensions of your home.
We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and it’s always our priority to see a project through to successful completion. This dedication has earned us accolades, such as the Contractor of the Year 2023 award for residential interior projects under $100,000 from the National Association of Remodeling Industry, and recognition by the Interior Design Society as a 2023 Salute to the Stars award recipient. We’re also proud of our continued education and certifications, including Well AP, Healthy Materials, and Sustainable Practices from Parsons School of Design, Remodeling Project Management from National Association or Remodeling Industry and upcoming certifications like LEED Homes and SITES Sustainable and Landscape Development.
At Lima-Stanley Design, our goal is to enrich your living experience while contributing positively to our planet. Whether it’s enhancing your interiors with health-centric designs or sculpting serene outdoor spaces, we’re dedicated to helping you flourish in an environment that’s thoughtfully and sustainably designed. After all, your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
For us, the search for a cofounder didn’t go very far— we are not only business partners but also life partners. We met in 2015 and got married in 2016, and this September, we’ll be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary. From the beginning, it was clear that our partnership would extend beyond just marriage; we’d be sharing a business too. We knew that to make this work, we’d need to establish boundaries and treat our business relationship with the same care and respect as our marriage. Being business partners with your spouse requires a unique balance, but our shared passion for sustainable, wellness-focused design has made it an incredibly rewarding journey.
Originally, Lima-Stanley Design was envisioned as an interior design studio only, and that’s what it was from 2018 to 2019. However, like all living things, our company grew and evolved. It was Rome’s visionary expertise that led Daniel to go back to school and obtain his landscape designer certification. After becoming certified, it took another year for Daniel to leave his full-time job and fully embrace his role as the principal landscape designer and co-owner of Lima-Stanley Design.
As for Rome, the turning point came during the pandemic when he was furloughed from his full-time job. This unexpected change solidified his role in the company as the principal interior designer and co-owner. Rome’s background in economic science and business administration has been instrumental in the company’s year-over-year growth. What makes Rome unique is his ability to balance the technical and analytical sides of his brain with his creative instincts. This duality has been key in developing processes and strategies that have not only scaled the company but also resulted in beautifully designed spaces that resonate with our clients.
Daniel, on the other hand, brings exceptional interpersonal skills to the table. He has a natural ability to connect with homeowners, making them feel comfortable enough to share their concerns and aspirations. This connection allows Daniel to dig deep into the underlying issues with their existing spaces and set realistic expectations for the design process. He also brings a boundless creativity—what some might call a “head in the clouds” approach—that ensures no idea is off-limits when crafting innovative design solutions.
Together, our individual strengths complement each other perfectly, allowing Lima-Stanley Design to not only deliver successful projects but also continue to grow and evolve as a company. Our shared vision and commitment to sustainability and well-being have made this partnership—both personal and professional—a truly special one.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
When it comes to our management and entrepreneurial philosophy, a few key resources have significantly shaped our approach at Lima-Stanley Design. These books have not only influenced how we run our business but also how we approach our work and interact with our clients.
One instrumental book is “Traction” by Gino Wickman. This book introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which has provided us with a clear framework for managing and growing our business. “Traction” has helped us establish strong foundations by implementing systems that keep us organized, focused, and aligned with our long-term goals. It’s all about getting everyone on the same page, and this has been crucial as we’ve expanded our services and brought on new team members. The discipline and structure that “Traction” provides have been key to our ability to scale the business while staying true to our mission.
Another significant resource is “The Business of Design” by Keith Granet. This book has been a guide for navigating the unique challenges of running a design firm. From understanding the business side of creativity to managing client relationships and projects effectively, Granet’s insights have been invaluable. It’s helped us strike the right balance between creativity and business acumen, ensuring that we can deliver beautiful, thoughtful designs while also maintaining a thriving, sustainable business.
Finally, “Wellness by Design” by Jamie Gold has deeply resonated with our core mission at Lima-Stanley Design. This book emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that enhance physical and mental well-being—a philosophy that is at the heart of what we do. “Wellness by Design” has inspired us to push the boundaries of traditional design by integrating wellness principles into every aspect of our projects, from the materials we choose to the way we approach space planning and outdoor environments. It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that support a healthier, happier life.
These resources have collectively shaped how we think about our business, our projects, and our clients. They’ve given us the tools and insights to run a company that not only delivers exceptional designs but also makes a positive impact on the lives of our clients and the environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.limastanleydesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limastanleydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limastanleydesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/limastanleydesign/
