Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Titus.
Hi Don, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The design of homes has always been my passion; it’s what attracted me at a young age to the architectural profession. Around age twelve I was geeking out over floor plans in home magazines, and soon after that drawing my own for the “dream home” I wanted my family to live in. (With five kids, in the dream home we each got our own bedroom.) I took my first drafting class at 14, and loved it!
I studied architecture at the University of Oregon, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in 2002, and (starting while still in school) worked with various architecture and design firms for nearly nine years before starting my own business in early 2009. I began as a residential designer, then architect after becoming licensed, and finally founded Haven Architecture Studio in 2025.
At Haven, we collaborate with homeowners, real estate developers, businesses, non-profits, and general contractors to create buildings where people love to live, work, and play. We believe the quality of our lives is directly correlated with the quality of our environments, and that everyone deserves to live in a home they can love. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help our clients accomplish that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road! To begin with, while I’d always envisioned myself starting my own business, at the time I actually started it I was NOT ready; I was essentially forced into it, as there was a major economic recession happening, I was laid off, and no one was hiring. From the beginning, there were many aspects of running a business that I knew nothing about, and had to learn along the way. Another difficulty was that I hadn’t yet become licensed as an architect, and going through that process while also trying to run a business was very challenging. Lastly, learning how to be self-employed as a person with ADHD – which I was diagnosed with only a few years ago – has also been a struggle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Haven Architecture Studio Inc.?
Our primary focus is on designing places for people to live – custom homes and ADUs, as well as townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, apartments, etc. We do this in collaboration with homeowners, on their own homes, as well as with real estate developers to create places other people will love to live. We also do some work with businesses and non-profit organizations, to design the places that serve their teams and their customers. Our work includes new construction, renovations/re-designs, and additions. We love to work with people who recognize how much well-designed buildings can enrich the lives of those who live and work in them.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love making and listening to music, and building with LEGO.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.havenarch.studio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haven-arch-studio
