Design South Homes, Inc.

Design South Homes, Inc. is a custom home design-build firm based in Mount Dora, Florida, serving homeowners throughout Central Florida. Founded by residential designer and master custom builder Philip Crotwell, the firm integrates custom home plans, interior design and construction for luxury homes and estate residences. Its specialties also include historic preservation. Its residential designs span coastal, French country, modern and contemporary styles, with featured homes including farmhouse and Mediterranean designs.

The firm approaches each home around the owner’s needs, lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, treating interior design as an integral part of the overall creative process. Its emphasis is on individuality, functionality and coordinated interiors and exteriors rather than a single signature look. Initial consultations address project objectives, budget and the homeowner’s vision, followed by a design phase that includes site evaluation, conceptual space planning, floor plans, elevations and 3D cabinet designs. Homeowners select products and finishes in the firm’s Mount Dora design studio, with detailed specifications and an illustrated selections package prepared before construction. The team remains involved from preconstruction planning through the build. Its stated service area includes Mount Dora, Eustis, Tavares, Sorrento, Zellwood, Apopka, Howey-in-the-Hills, Grand Island and Leesburg.