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THE GOLD STANDARD

For more than 28 years, The Design Standard has specialized in luxury residential design throughout Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Southwest Florida.

We believe the greatest expression of any individual or family is their home. It's where life's most meaningful moments unfold, where traditions are established, and where memories are shared with family and friends for generations.

Our role is to carefully listen, understand your vision, and transform your ideas into a home that reflects who you are and how you want to live.

Whether designing a waterfront estate in Naples, a luxury retreat on Marco Island, or a custom residence within one of Southwest Florida's premier golf communities, every project begins with understanding the culture of your home and the lifestyle it is meant to support.

HIDDEN

The Process

HIDDEN

Our Team

HIDDEN

Awards

OUR PROCESS

The Design Standard's distinctive home designs are captured from the unique style of each client...just like you. 

We understand the luxury lifestyle demands a perspective beyond just building rooms, but made-to-live residences, your private spaces tailored to your lifestyle.  

TDS is committed to delivering exceptional architectural designs through our proven four step process summarized below.

Consultation.
Initial Courtesy Consult

  • Courtesy consult to establish the scope of the project, understand the client's vision and expectations.
  • Present fee structure
  • Preliminary design genres review
  • Understanding permit process
  • Timeline goals

Phase 01.
Vision Casting

Every exceptional home begins with understanding the people who will live there.
We invest time getting to know you, your family, your routines, and your aspirations.

During this discovery phase, we also evaluate your property, studying the site's topography, natural surroundings, view corridors, and the movement of sunlight throughout the day.

This foundational understanding allows us to begin crafting a home uniquely tailored to your lifestyle and property.


Phase 02.
Concept Design

Once your vision is clearly established, we begin transforming ideas into architectural concepts.

This phase includes:

  • Preliminary floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Home siting studies
  • Outdoor living concepts
  • View optimization
  • Natural light analysis

Our goal is to establish the home's aesthetic character while carefully balancing beauty, functionality, privacy, and connection to the surrounding environment.


Phase 03.
Design Development

With the concept approved, we refine every detail.

Comprehensive architectural documents are developed to coordinate all aspects of the project and ensure every element supports the original vision.

This phase includes:

  • Detailed floor plans
  • Architectural specifications
  • Exterior detailing
  • Coordination with consultants
  • Systems integration

The result is a cohesive design package that serves as the roadmap for construction.


Phase 04.
Construction Documents

The final phase prepares the project for construction.

Completed architectural plans are submitted for structural engineering and technical review. We coordinate closely with engineers and consultants to verify every component of the project, including:

  • Structural systems
  • Window and door packages
  • Roof truss design
  • Building code compliance
  • Construction coordination

We also offer ongoing site visits throughout construction to help ensure the project remains aligned with the design intent.

Available inspection schedules include weekly or monthly site visits based on project requirements.



OUR TEAM

HENRY GONZALEZ
Founder | Senior Partner

For more than 28 years, Henry Gonzalez has dedicated his career to creating luxury residences that reflect the unique lifestyles, aspirations, and personalities of the families who call them home.

Henry believes a home is the greatest expression of an individual and family. It is where life's most meaningful moments unfold, traditions are established, and memories are shared with those closest to us. This philosophy has guided every project throughout his career and remains the foundation of The Design Standard today.

Known for his attentive, client-focused approach, Henry begins each project by listening. Understanding how a client lives, entertains, relaxes, and experiences their home allows him to create designs that are both beautiful and deeply personal.

Whether designing a custom waterfront estate, a luxury golf community residence, or a transformative renovation, Henry remains personally involved throughout the design process, ensuring every detail aligns with the client's vision and expectations.

His commitment to exceptional service, thoughtful design, and uncompromising standards has earned the trust of homeowners throughout Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, and Southwest Florida's most prestigious communities.

"A truly exceptional home is more than architecture—it is a reflection of the people who live within it."

BENJAMIN GONZALEZ
Design Partner

Having grown up immersed in the world of residential design, architecture, and construction, Benjamin Gonzalez brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and modern design thinking to The Design Standard.

Benjamin plays an integral role in the development of each project, contributing to architectural planning, design development, site coordination, and construction oversight. His understanding of proportion, scale, structural integration, and architectural detailing helps ensure that every residence achieves both aesthetic beauty and functional excellence.

Working closely alongside clients, consultants, engineers, and builders, Benjamin helps guide projects from concept through construction, maintaining the integrity of the original design vision at every stage. His passion for thoughtful design and commitment to continuous growth allows him to blend timeless architectural principles with contemporary luxury living, creating homes that feel sophisticated, welcoming, and enduring.

Together, Henry and Benjamin combine decades of experience, a shared passion for exceptional design, and a commitment to creating homes that become part of a family's legacy for generations to come.


AWARDS

From these communities (and other Residential Remodels), we have been honored with numerous awards and recognition for our work.

In 2002, after only a few years in business, we received:

  • The Abaco Model - Sand Dollar Award "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family Home $1,250,001 - $1,750,000
  • Private Residence - Sand Dollar Award "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family Home $1,750,001 - $2,000,000
  • Parade of Homes Winner - "Superior Home Award" LBIA - Lee County Building Industry Association.

Then the very next year in 2003:

  • Santa Maria Model - Pinnacle Award "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family"
  • Sand Dollar Award "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family Home $700,001 - $900,000
    "Superior Home Award" Best Exterior, Landscape, Kitchen, Bath, Livability, Interior Design, Outdoor Living and Pool.
  • Cay Sal Model - Sand Dollar Award
    "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family Home ​$1,750,001 - $2,500,000

A few years later we received:

  • Santa Maria Model - Pinnacle Award "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family
  • Sand Dollar Award - "Product Design of the Year" - Single Family Home $700,001 - $900,000
  • Superior Home Award - Best Exterior, Landscape, Kitchen, Bath, Livability, Interior Design, Outdoor Living and Pool.

OFFICE LOCATION

The Design Standard

1350 Monroe Street, Suite 163
Fort Myers, Florida 33901

Phone

239.288.7254

Contact Us

ESSENTIALS

>CODE PLANS EXAMINER LIC. #PX1389
>LEE COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTOR LIC. #BN2426

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