Friendly triumph

Casey adds that Gary Davis also challenged him. “He warned me from the beginning, saying, ‘You can’t build a little cabin — you can’t underdevelop this lot.’”

Mather visited Casey’s house to understand his lifestyle so he could design a home that fits the way Casey lives. “It’s always good to see what people have to live with. There are so many things they love about where they are, and what they don’t love, too,” Mather says.

“He loves to entertain, and knowing the views we had from this house, the outdoor living space was a key piece. It had to have an expansive deck because of views and weather,” he adds. A music room was also important since Casey plays guitar with a group including Buffington. “He wanted a place where the guys can chill out, bring in equipment and play. We achieved that downstairs where it’s darker and more ideal for that type of gathering.”

The way Casey lives is also different now than when he purchased the lot in 1996. “When I first did my cloud designs in 1996, it had kid bedrooms one and two,” he adds. “But when I moved to building the house, I said let’s do a wine cellar here, workout room here. My lifestyle changed.”

Building friendships

In the end, it may be Casey’s home, but as close friends, Buffington and Mather get to enjoy the space as well. This home was fun to develop, Buffington adds. “Todd was very involved. He brought a lot of good ideas to the table and Brian wasn’t afraid to work off Todd’s ideas,” Buffington says. “It’s fun working with a designer that is creative.”

The home is a success because of Mather’s professionalism and foresight, and Buffington’s flexibility and nimbleness, Casey adds.

Mather’s favorite part of the house is that Casey is happy with the home. “That is the most successful part of the house,” he says. “We achieved his goal.”