Designing the “West Coast Retreat” home: A builder and designer’s collaboration in The Foothills

The West Coast Retreat is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between Karly Parker Interior Design and builder Jeff Windley of Windley Contracting. Karly, a resident of The Foothills herself, has designed many of the community’s homes and brings a deep understanding of how to create interiors that feel both livable and inspired by their natural surroundings. Paired with Jeff’s experience building custom homes in The Foothills, the project was guided by a shared vision of craftsmanship, functionality, and connection to place. Together, they’ve created a home that is both refined and deeply rooted in its environment.

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From the Collaborators

How do you approach a project like this alongside one another? Anything you’ve learned through the years from working with each other?

We approach projects like this with open communication and mutual respect for each other’s expertise. Collaboration is key! From the beginning, we align on a shared vision and then work through the details together, balancing aesthetics, function, and feasibility. One thing we’ve learned from working together is how important it is to trust the process and allow each team member to contribute in their own way. That’s when truly great design happens.

What is the feeling you get when a project like this comes to life?

It’s incredibly rewarding—a mix of gratitude and excitement. Seeing the design come to life after months (or years) of planning and decision-making is so fulfilling. But more than that, it’s knowing we have created a home that reflects the people who will live in it. That’s what gives us the deepest sense of accomplishment.

How does The Foothills influence the way you collaborate?

The Foothills have a very distinctive character. The views, the natural surroundings, and the sense of community all influence our approach. It encourages us to think holistically about the home and how it integrates with its environment. That connection to nature and lifestyle becomes a shared focus from the outset, shaping both the architecture and the interior design in a way that feels seamless.

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Questions for the Builder

Jeff, what makes this home stand out from others you’ve built in The Foothills?

This home stands out because of the thoughtful consideration behind every decision. Working with the design team showed a high level of care and attention, and the clients had a clear vision for how they wanted to live in the space. The result is a home that feels both refined and grounded, perfectly suited to its surroundings.

Were there any challenges in the construction that led to creative solutions?

Definitely. Every custom build comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s the slope of the land or material availability. In this case, coordinating the structural elements with some of the unique interior features required creative thinking. But those moments are often where the best solutions and the most interesting details emerge.

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How do you balance the technical side of building with the vision of the designer and homeowner?

It starts with listening. We make a point of understanding the design intent and the homeowner’s priorities, and then we look for ways to bring that to life without compromising on quality or code. It’s a balance of problem-solving and craftsmanship, always with the end goal in mind: building a home that people love living in.

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Questions for the Interior Designer

Karly, what inspired your design direction for this particular home?

The inspiration came from the landscape and the clients themselves. We wanted the interiors to feel connected to the natural environment, drawing in warmth, texture, and tones that reflect the surrounding scenery. At the same time, we considered how the clients live day to day and designed with both functionality and longevity in mind.

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How do you ensure the interior design reflects both the architecture and the lifestyle of the client? Does the location play a role in those decisions?

Absolutely. We always approach a project with the architecture in mind—considering how light moves through the space, how lines guide the eye, and how materials interact. We layer in elements that speak to the client’s lifestyle: how they gather, relax, and move through their day. Being in The Foothills, there’s also a strong indoor-outdoor connection, so we make sure the interiors support that.

Is there a space or feature in this home that you’re especially proud of — and why?

The kitchen and living room are especially meaningful. They are truly the heart of the home and were designed to bring people together. The way the materials, textures, and layout all flow makes it feel effortless but intentional. It’s a space that will age beautifully, and more importantly, it’s a space that feels good to be in.

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To explore more of Karly’s fantastic Interior design work, visit karlyparker.com. To learn more about Jeff and Windley Contracting, visit windleycontracting.com.

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