A Conversation with Ho & Lacy: Crafting Home as a Sacred Space
Jackie and John are a husband-and-wife duo redefining what it means to design a home. With a shared passion for creating spaces that blend history, sustainability, and deeply personal details, they bring a harmonious vision to every project. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with them on a recent project, where their thoughtful approach and creative expertise have elevated every aspect of the design. Their work is a testament to the belief that a home is more than a place—it’s a sacred space that tells a story.
Q: Starting a business as a couple is a bold move! What inspired you both, and how has this journey influenced your designs?
Jackie: Starting this venture together felt like an extension of who we are as a couple. Architecture, to us, is deeply personal—it’s about shaping the spaces that shape people’s lives. Sharing that vision made it easy to take the leap. Our journey as partners has only deepened our designs, allowing us to create homes that feel harmonious and intentional, reflecting a sense of respect and understanding for what makes a house truly a home.
Q: When a project resonates deeply, it’s magic. Can you share a story of a home where everything aligned with your values?
John: Endurance House in Minneapolis is one of those rare projects where everything clicked. The clients brought us in to transform a historic home, and their trust and openness made all the difference. We were able to honor the home’s heritage while infusing it with elements that perfectly fit their lifestyle. The result is a space that feels timeless yet deeply personal. It’s a project that reminds us of the power of collaboration and shared curiosity.
Q: How do you navigate blending your individual strengths—where do your talents complement, or even challenge, each other?
John: One of the key lessons we’ve learned is the importance of defining a single leader for each project. It ensures clarity, avoids too many cooks in the kitchen, and helps us move forward when we hit a challenge. That balance has been critical for keeping our projects future-proof and grounded in objectivity.
“We approach each project together, aligning on the big picture, but we’ve learned to lean into our strengths. John’s expertise in architectural history and construction innovation gives him this uncanny ability to marry precision with creativity. I thrive in versatility—balancing financial planning with crafting tactile, sensory-driven material palettes.”
Q: San Francisco is a unique canvas. How does the city itself inspire or challenge your architectural approach?
John: San Francisco is like no other city—a living patchwork of architectural styles and histories. Designing here means working within that layered context while adapting to the steep sites and the city’s ever-changing needs. It’s challenging but also incredibly rewarding to blend a home’s historic foundation with a client’s modern vision. The city’s quirks and complexity push us to be innovative, and that’s what makes every project so exciting.
Q: Sustainability in design is more important than ever. Which innovations are exciting you, and how do you bring them into your projects?
Jackie: Sustainability is about more than materials—it’s about creating homes that endure, culturally and physically. We’re especially excited by advancements in passive design principles and the use of reclaimed materials. These approaches don’t just reduce environmental impact; they also add depth and history to the spaces we create. It’s about crafting homes that feel as though they’ve always belonged.
“San Francisco is like no other city—a living patchwork of architectural styles and histories. Designing here means working within that layered context while adapting to the steep sites and the city’s ever-changing needs. ”
Q: Sustainability in design is more important than ever. Which innovations are exciting you, and how do you bring them into your projects?
Jackie: Sustainability is about more than materials—it’s about creating homes that endure, culturally and physically. We’re especially excited by advancements in passive design principles and the use of reclaimed materials. These approaches don’t just reduce environmental impact; they also add depth and history to the spaces we create. It’s about crafting homes that feel as though they’ve always belonged.
Q: Tell us about the recent project you’re collaborating on with Heirloom Builders. What has been a highlight for you so far?
Jackie: This project has been a dream collaboration. Working with a talented client who’s also an interior designer has allowed us to co-create every detail. Partnering with Zach and the Heirloom Builders team has been equally rewarding—they understand our design intent and elevate it with proactive communication and thoughtful solutions.
John: One of my favorite details is the full-length skylight in the upstairs bathroom. It’s going to flood the space with natural light, enhancing the beautiful finishes and creating this serene, almost sacred atmosphere. Collaborations like this remind us why we love what we do.
Q: What’s your personal mantra or guiding principle that you turn to when a design challenge arises?
“START WITH THE SOUL”
“DETAILS DEFINE THE WHOLE”
Jackie: “Start with the soul.” It’s easy to get caught up in constraints or trends, but when we center on what makes the home meaningful for the client, the right solutions always emerge.
John: Mine is a little more practical: “Details define the whole.” It’s the small moments—how light falls in a space or how a material feels under your hand—that make the biggest impact.
Q: The industry is always evolving—what pressing challenges are you taking on as a team, and how do you see them shaping the future of architecture?
John: In San Francisco, we feel a responsibility to design with integrity, especially with the housing crisis and rising construction costs. Homes here are part of a larger community, and designing thoughtfully means respecting the city’s past, present, and future.
Jackie: There’s a real risk in chasing quick profits with generic designs that lack soul. We believe in creating homes that connect to their neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging that lasts generations. It’s about honoring the people and stories behind every project.
