The Robinson Residence
A Tale of Two Homes

When Steve Robinson was designing his home, he didn’t want to be bothered with the details. Any details. He needed a design firm that listened to his needs and who he could trust to implement his vision. According to Robinson, a busy CEO of a growing technology company, he found his partner in Starr Design Group.

“I wanted a house that was aesthetically beautiful and which I felt equally comfortable showcasing to professional business associates as well as walking around barefoot after a morning of surfing,” said Robinson. “I have a dichotomous lifestyle and needed a home to reflect both sides of my life.”

Robinson turned to Jonathan Starr after working with other designers and finding it difficult for them to comprehend his vision. “Jon got it right away,” added Robinson. “He showed me multiple looks of my home, all of which hit the money. When I saw his vision, I let him decide how to make it all work. Jon has a solution for everything. Nothing is too hard.”

The three-story home has panoramic views from Malibu to Catalina, and boasts one of the best walk streets in Manhattan Beach. A theme of open space runs throughout the home, with door systems that move entire walls to bring the ocean air in. Rich mahogany and bleached Douglas fir showcase the interior’s natural beauty and overflow to the outside balcony. A downstairs office and playroom leads directly to the beach.

“Once Jon put design on paper, I said I wasn’t involved anymore. He took responsibility for everything – from hardware on the cabinets and showerheads to building the house,” said Robinson. “Jon connected with me on my lifestyle. He’s also good at keeping me out of the building process. He is unbelievably honest and measures success not in money, but in the homes he designs."

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