Clients living in an Asheville neighborhood where multi-million-dollar homes abound owned a typical 1960s ranch. When the roof showed signs of wear, they asked for a consultation on a suitable replacement. They were enthusiastic about my suggestion of black Ludowici tile and decided the house also needed an exterior renovation. My challenge was finding a solution to satisfy the stylistic preferences of both the husband and wife, a concept that would satisfy his clean, minimalist contemporary aesthetic and her deep connection to the lines and character of Japanese design. Together, we found the sweet spot, and when the renovation was completed, the couple took an extended vacation in Italy. There, they fell in love with the intimacy of small courtyards built of local stone and the soothing sound and sight of a water feature. On their return, they called and asked me to design an Italianate courtyard within their freshly completed Japanese-inspired renovation. The results of this winding design process are stunning, and the home has been transformed into a jewel in its setting