An Invitation

The meaning behind Folding Oaks.

I'll spare you the philosophical details on phenomenology, as rich as they are, but have you ever noticed that certain spaces make you feel something? You can't always explain it, yet you remember them clearly. I'd bet you can recall a place that caught your attention and held it. But why?

As strange as it may sound, a quote summarized by Alain de Botton captures this idea perfectly:

"If we put so much effort into building monuments to remember our loved ones, we owe it to ourselves to do much better when we design for the living."

That thought changed how I view design. I remember walking a path lined with oak trees, how inviting it felt, and how it naturally drew me in. It was a place I wanted to be. While asking why might sound philosophical, it's actually deeply practical.

Homes are among the most complex buildings to get right because they aren't just utilitarian structures. They're reflections of who we are and how we live. Good design creates continuity between self and place. A home becomes a part of our story, a sense of belonging, rooted in comfort and intention.

Folding Oaks was founded on that idea: creating homes that feel inviting, offering opportunities for memories, and uniquely yours.