Many architects and designers cite Frank Lloyd Wright as an inspiration, perhaps none more so than Thomas Owens Sr., founder/CEO, Owens Design Consultants. A documentary on the legendary architect and designer has spurred a long career in the field, including 30 years at Owens’ namesake firm. Hotel Business caught up with Owens to discuss his journey and his company’s work. —Adam Perkowsky
Have you always been interested in architecture and design? What piqued your interest?
When I was 10 years old, I spent the night at a friend’s house, and we watched a documentary on Frank Lloyd Wright designing the Marin County Civic Center near San Rafael in California. I had an epiphany, went home and told my mother I wanted to be an architect. That was all I have thought about since that day.
Besides architecture, I also have a license as a civil engineer and my bachelor’s degree is in art. I have had a few sculpture commissions as an artist.
What was your first job in design?
My first job in design was for a local accountant in the city I lived in at the time. It was a 5,850-sq.-ft. building with a brick facade and white columns. The client was pretty adamant about what he wanted from me. The fact that I was making money on my own by doing what I loved made it even more special.
Can you tell us about your career journey leading up to creating your own design firm?
I started out in a civil engineering firm designing subdivisions and commercial centers. Lots of Costcos in those days. I did home design on the side and even subbed out drafting services. In those days, we actually did hand-drafting. I wasn’t fulfilled, though. Doing the small home design was fun, but we would call those ADUs (accessory dwelling units) today.
I got a license as a civil engineer, then as a land surveyor, then a bachelor’s degree in art and a Master of Architecture. To this day, I always find something new to explore.
What was it like when you first went out on your own with your namesake company?
It scared me. I had four kids, two in diapers. My office was my son’s bedroom, and I would work until 2:00 a.m., get a few hours of rest and then would be back at it at 6:00 a.m. before taking the kids to school. Life was fast and hectic, but we made it, and we just celebrated our 30th anniversary this past Dec. 5.
What type of services does Owens Design Consultants offer to its clients?
We are a full-service design firm. We do surveying (in California only), civil engineering, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineering, architecture and energy compliance. The only thing we don’t provide is geotechnical engineering. We pretty much do it all. We also have a printing company, and many of my staff—and me—have graphic arts degrees.
Can you tell us about some of the hotel projects your company has worked on?
Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA, was the largest. The owner hired a firm to do the room interiors and, after many errors, they brought me in to finish the buildings and the site design. They were also going to install a 1 MW photovoltaic system, a large-scale solar installation, which we did the design work for, but they sold the property before it was built.
Since 2020, not much has been done that has been built. We did several preliminary designs, one for a Hampton Inn and one for Coral Reef, a 155-room hotel, but with the inflation like it was, both died on the vine. There has been some hesitance in the market over the past few years, but I think 2026 will bring a much better environment. We currently have two apartment complexes on the boards and a few quick-service restaurants in the chutes. We do a lot of restaurant work, so that will keep us busy.
What was the best piece of advice you have received along your career journey?
Learn as much as you can. Become a polymath. Creativity spawns from knowledge outside of your discipline. There are links everywhere, and when we draw from those links, solutions to our problems come more easily.
As designers, I feel we are obligated to seek knowledge beyond our comfort zone. That’s where the best work comes from.
What advice would you give young people interested in a career in design?
Back to my previous answer. Anyone searching for the right career in design should explore what a polymath is and become one as quickly as possible. It will help their career more than anything I could tell them.
What do you like to do in your free time?
That’s the $64,000 question. I don’t watch TV, but I have so many hobbies and interests that I wear people out just telling them about them. I can paint, but I don’t. I do blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics, photography, sculpture and design. I make jewelry, cast precious metals, play a banjo and guitar (badly), bake artisan bread, write, restore Packard automobiles, garden, take care of my mini orchard and play with grandchildren. Although I have retired from coaching wrestling, I still go to watch my grandkids wrestle. And I do it all with my pal, Frank Dog Wright, my German Shepherd.
