Committed to design in California's San Jacinto Mountains

This is a rare place ... I continue to be inspired by this mountain, its slopes, ridges and valleys;
its forests grasslands and chapparral; its footprints of towns, camps, and ranches,
this all within the distinct changing seasons, a wealth and diversity of environments,
compressed into so compact, yet wild, a mountain island.

I have been designing primarily residential projects (houses, remodels and additions) in the Idyllwild area since 1987. My emphasis is on site-specificity in design, sensitively working with the natural features of the landscape in a way that enhances the owner’s opportunity to appreciate both the interior environment and the outside spaces. As the sole proprietor of David J. Lilieholm, Design, I provide an integral design package; site planning, sculpting and access, solving the client’s unique building program with site and view, specifying all aspects of interior and exterior details and finish materials, an exploration of lighting effects, energy efficiency, sustainable and green resources, and creating landscape features (including decking, patios, walls, gates and plantings). I work directly with county building officials, and required engineers to provide a complete service from concept through construction.

Although I have completed numerous projects in the San Jacinto Mountain area, I feel inspired to further hone my design skills in this stimulating local environment that also includes rich cultural and historical dimensions. I continue to be impressed by the intelligence and sensitivity of my clients, the beauty and dynamism of the land, the fulfilling lifestyle of a stimulating artistic community and the potential for innovative design that all combine to express what living “on the Hill” can be all about.

Through time many people have come to this mountain to establish a long term home of beauty in this place of inspiration. My goal is to collaborate with clients to create an integrated design of house and land, expressing and combining the unique power of each site with the clients’ unique sheltering desires.

Master of Architecture Degree, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 1987

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, University of Montana,  Missoula, MT, 1983

Originally from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey and settled to the Idyllwild area in 1987.