Today we’d like to introduce you to Toby Witte.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story really started in Germany, where I grew up around architecture, craftsmanship, and the idea that the way we build our homes matters. I eventually came to the U.S. and studied architecture at UNC Charlotte, graduating cum laude, and over the years I’ve worked across design, construction, and building science. Before starting Wittehaus in 2017, I ran design-build companies for more than a decade, which gave me a pretty hands-on understanding of both the creative and practical sides of building. I started Wittehaus because I wanted to bring those experiences together and focus on what I’m most passionate about: designing modern homes that are beautiful, highly functional, and energy efficient. Today, I work with a small number of visionary clients throughout the Southeast, guiding them from the early stages of finding a property and developing a concept all the way through construction and beyond. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have the work recognized through awards and publications, but what continues to motivate me most is the opportunity to create homes that genuinely improve the way people live.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No one said it was going to be easy. I can’t help but dream big, and I’m probably burdened with ambition. When you want to be the best at what you do, the road is never going to be completely smooth. There have certainly been setbacks, difficult projects, and moments when things didn’t go the way I had hoped. But I’ve learned that one of the most important parts of the process is surrounding yourself with the right people. I put a lot of attention into finding and aligning with the best people to work with—both the talented folks who help turn our ideas into reality and the clients who share our vision and are willing to push boundaries with us. Ultimately, my goal is to create places that provide a stage for happiness. That sense of joy and well-being doesn’t just begin when the house is finished—it starts during the process of creating it. On our most recent project, Deb, the homeowner, confided in us that designing and building her home had been one of the happiest times of her life. Hearing that meant more to me than any award ever could. It reminded me that what we’re really trying to create isn’t simply beautiful architecture, but an experience and a place that can enrich someone’s life.
We’ve been impressed with Wittehaus, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Wittehaus is a modern residential design studio focused on creating innovative, energy-efficient luxury homes. We work with a small number of visionary clients throughout the Southeast and provide creative design services and construction consultation, guiding them through the entire process—from finding the right property and developing the initial concept to construction and completion.
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.
I’m particularly proud that Wittehaus has developed a reputation for bringing together design excellence and building performance. Our work has been recognized with numerous awards and published by outlets including Dwell, Architectural Digest, Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. But ultimately, 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.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
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. It encourages people to look beyond square footage, trends, and conventional expectations and instead ask a more fundamental question: What kind of life do I want my home to support? That conversation is often where the most interesting design begins.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.witteha.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wittehaus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wittehaus
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wittehaus/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wittehaus
- Other: https://www.supersizingbliss.com/
