Nikola Stokanic Approach
From Pencil Lines to Skylines:
The Art of Building a Home
KNOW YOUR VISION
Unique Private Spaces Built on Personal Stories
Life has changed and so are we.
Especially here in the U.S., the way people live, work, and move through the world looks completely different than it did just a few generations ago.
At the start of the 20th century, the heart of the home was the family dining table. The rhythm was clear: the wife stayed at home and cooked, the husband went to work and provided, and they came together for a shared meal. That table wasn’t just furniture it was the anchor of daily life.
But today, things are different. Families look different. Routines are different. And most importantly, people have very different visions of what “home” should feel like. Private space is exactly that-private. It should reflect your habits, your lifestyle, your priorities, your hedonism even. That’s where my work begins.
Transform every space into a moment of hedonism in a fast-paced world.
Nikola Stokanic, architect
STOKANIC APPROACH
Nikola Stokanic architect, interior designer, home builder
My approach is about finding that sweet spot between functionality, practicality, and pleasure.
Every space should serve the people who live or work in it, not the other way around. And to do that, no two spaces can be the same.
Every design I create is fully customized. I start by listening. Listening to my clients, their needs, their daily routines, their quirks, and their aspirations. I firmly believe that communication is everything. The better we understand each other, the better the outcome.
But here’s something I’ve learned after 20 years in this field: most people are not as open to new ideas as they think they are. And it’s not their fault-it’s how the human brain works.
We crave familiarity. Our brains are designed to learn, yes, but once they lock into a pattern, they want to stick with it. We live most of our lives on autopilot-climbing stairs, opening doors, pulling curtains-without a second thought. These everyday routines become subconscious rituals.
That’s why introducing something new can feel uncomfortable at first. But innovation often does.
Rejected sketches by Gustave Eiffel
When Gustave Eiffel unveiled the Eiffel Tower design, Parisians were horrified even desipointed. The bold steel structure felt like a monstrous disruption in the heart of a classical city. But today? The Eiffel Tower is a global icon-one of the most beloved landmarks in the world. What once felt foreign became a symbol of brilliance.
Design That Teaches You How to Live Better, Not Just Look Better
That story is at the core of my approach. I believe part of my job is to guide people toward better living – even if it takes time to adjust. I explain why a certain design choice makes sense. I walk clients through the reasoning and the benefits. And even if it takes a little getting used to, the long-term impact is always worth it.
So no, I’m not just designing spaces. I’m helping reshape lifestyles. I’m building better, smarter environments that reflect who you are and who you want to become. That’s my approach.