Our Story
Heartwood House was founded by Mike and Patti Brown with a shared belief that homes should be intentional, personal, and built to last.
With over 16 years of experience in construction and residential design, Mike began his career in the design-build world. There, he learned that great homes require more than drawings—they require an understanding of how spaces are built, how materials perform, and how details come together in the field. His technical background ensures that every Heartwood plan is practical, build-ready, and thoughtfully detailed.
Patti brings a complementary focus on how a home feels and functions in everyday life—how spaces flow, how families gather, and how thoughtful design supports real living. Together, they founded Heartwood House to blend architectural expertise with livable, meaningful design.
Today, Heartwood House acts as a comprehensive design studio. Our team collaborates to bring each project to life—from custom home designs and detailed architectural renderings to the fabrication of home finishes and decor.
We believe a home is more than a structure. It is where stories are written, traditions are built, and legacy takes root.
Our Team
Mike Brown
Mike brings a builder’s perspective to the design process. With nearly 15 years of experience in the architectural field, his background encompasses not just drawing, but commercial and residential design-build. This means he understands a project from the first sketch to the final nail. He combines high-level design thinking with the practical realities of construction, ensuring that every home we design is as buildable as it is beautiful.
Lead Designer & Owner
Patti Brown
While Mike focuses on the structure, Patti focuses on the soul of the home. With a background in product design and home décor, she brings a vital perspective to the design process: livability. Patti sits in on design consultations, acting as the bridge between technical architecture and daily life. She ensures that every floor plan isn't just impressive on paper, but functions effortlessly for the families who live there.
Creative Director & Co-Owner
DesignerNatalie Brown
Natalie joins Heartwood with a background in commercial architecture, bringing a level of rigorous professionalism and detail to our residential projects. Having originally trained under Mike during her first internship, she shares the Heartwood philosophy implicitly. She combines her commercial technical experience with a genuine passion for the personal, intimate scale of residential design.
Brayden Roth
Brayden brings a hands-on perspective to the drafting table. With a background in construction and field experience prior to joining Heartwood, he understands how lines on paper translate to lumber and steel. Currently finishing his degree in Architecture, Brayden specializes in bridging the gap between design theory and constructability, ensuring our plans are practical for the builders who will bring them to life.
Designer
Sara Morris
Sara serves as the vital link between our online presence and our physical studio. On the brand side, she manages our social media and client community, ensuring our story is shared clearly. On the operations side, she is hands-on in the shop—assisting with painting, finishing, and shipping. Her dual focus ensures that the quality and care we showcase online is exactly what arrives at your doorstep.
Brand & Operations Coordinator
Graphic DesignerDane Benton
Dane applies his graphic expertise to the tangible side of our business. He is responsible for the creative design of our product line, crafting the typography, layouts, and artwork for our custom signs and home décor. His eye for detail ensures that every physical piece we create carries a polished, artistic touch.
Eliza Wilkins
Eliza manages the finishing touches that define the Heartwood atmosphere. Primarily overseeing our candle and home goods line, she ensures that the sensory experience of our brand is consistent and inviting. Her work reminds us that a home is defined not just by walls, but by the warmth within them.
Production Creative
Mark Benton
Mark anchors the physical craftsmanship of Heartwood. Leading our wood production, he brings a maker’s eye to the team. His dedication to quality fabrication ensures that the tangible pieces of our brand—from custom signage to décor—are built with the same integrity as our structures.
Production Creative