Luxury Leaders: 2021 With L. Lumpkins Architects

Lloyd Lumpkins, owner of L. Lumpkins Architects, has designed some of the most beautiful luxury homes in Dallas. From his gorgeous design of the Italianate Renaissance mansion at 10121 Waller to the HGTV’s “Ultimate House” competitor, a French Renaissance Chateau at 5139 Seneca, he’s the go-to architect for pure luxury. He’s also our go-to resource when we’re on deadline, returns our late night calls, ensures we describe architectural details correctly, and is a Candysdirt.com advertiser. If anyone knows what’s going on in luxury architecture, it’s Lloyd Lumpkins.

CandysDirt.com What are clients asking L. Lumpkins Architects for in their homes that is new or different in 2021?

Lloyd Lumpkins: Home sizes are continuing to fall, and multifunction spaces continue to be important.  We have seen a couple of homes combining lesser-used elements into one area – like a formal dining/library/zoom conference room.

CD: Are there new materials you are suggesting, and if so, for any particular reasons?

LL: No, just a continuity of materials.  The trend to arbitrarily apply materials on a design is unfortunately back. I think it’s in response to the all-white brick boxes falling out of favor.  When materials are grouped together, they help build a sense of continuity and a cohesive design. They can focus attention on the important elements of the home rather than the busy scatter-shot result of an arbitrary application of materials for the sake of realtor sell elements.

CD:  Are we seeing even larger homes because of remote work and college kids and grandparents being on the same property now, and perhaps for the future?

LL: Actually, smaller homes are still prevalent, with multi-use spaces ruling the day.  I am seeing most clients trimming back 10,000 square-foot-homes to 8,000 or 9,000 square feet.  I see it as a trimming of waste to make money invested in the homes more efficient. 

We have done a couple of homes with dual masters (one up and one down) for multigenerational households and shared living families.

CD: Have you been asked to design more outdoor spaces with greater amenities due to remote work and people not traveling?

LL: No more than we typically do.  We have always designed whole properties with homes that are integral to the overall property design. It is something our clients have come to expect and what separates us from the “builder/home designers.”   

CD: What are the main trends to be aware of this year?

LL: The stripped-down, amorphous, white boxes are dead.  Designs in a definable style are back. Modern interpretations will reign the day, but classically-designed French and Italian are making a comeback.