In this series, we spotlight the visionaries behind thoughtfully crafted homes — from interior designers to builders and beyond. We dive into their creative process, uncovering the inspiration, collaboration, and craftsmanship that bring each project to life. Kicking off the series is Jesse Willits of Oxford Shepard, a design-build general contractor known for seamlessly blending form and function to create exceptional living spaces.
From Hammer to Design: Jesse’s Journey into the Build World
Jesse’s path to construction and design began early, influenced by his father’s work as a home builder. But it wasn’t a straight shot to the family trade.
“As a kid, I was always drawn to the arts. My father was a home builder, so I saw firsthand how spaces are put together, from beginning to end. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t want to have anything to do with construction after high school. I was into music, as many in Nashville tend to be, and it wasn’t until I started to make the connection between the art and the science of construction before my interest spawned.”
After college, Jesse picked up a hammer again to make ends meet, but what started as a job quickly turned into a passion. He discovered a love for the design phase of construction, where creativity and technical skill intersect.
“The idea of blending my construction background with the finesse approach of interior design was very appealing to me. My creativity was stimulated, my skills were being utilized, and when I linked up with the other owners here at Oxford Shepard — that’s when the magic happened.”
Design Philosophy: Function, Beauty, and Putting Clients First
When it comes to design, Jesse embraces versatility.
“I’m drawn to functionality and simplicity. But I’m still a sucker for a bold statement and spaces that are flat-out beautiful. I endeavor to achieve the combination of both with every project we do.”
At Oxford Shepard, the client’s vision is at the heart of every project.
“Even if I personally am not reflected in the design, that’s okay — it’s their home, and ultimately they need to love it. To put it simply, good design is good design, and it can come in a variety of styles.”
The Joy of Problem-Solving in Design and Build
Jesse thrives on the challenges that come with custom building, especially when working within constraints like space limitations.
“I really love a good space problem. As builders and designers, we are, by nature, problem solvers — that’s what I love to do. Residential condos and penthouses uniquely provide this challenge because making the space larger really isn’t an option.”
Hardwood Trends and the Power of Flooring in Design
While Oxford Shepard stays trend-neutral to let clients steer the stylistic ship, Jesse has a soft spot for the timeless elegance of hardwood.
“We are doing plenty of light, muted white oak floors right now, and they are lovely. Pairing that with a complementary warmer-toned species such as walnut in the cabinetry and millwork is a personal favorite. We’ve also had a few projects that have gone full throttle on the white oak in a more monochromatic fashion — which is gorgeous, especially with great art and lighting details and a variety of natural stone.”
For Jesse, flooring is foundational to design.
“The flooring is the foundation, if you will, of the entire space. If ignored, the floor plane can ruin everything else you are trying to create with the project. Conversely, if properly integrated, a good floor sets the stage for a beautiful space.”
Crafting Distinct Luxury Spaces with Textures Nashville
Oxford Shepard has partnered with Textures Nashville on several high-end projects, including a series of luxury penthouses, where finding the right flooring was crucial.
“This was a custom flooring goose chase, but Textures made it easy to quickly come to the right product and finish for each space. Each penthouse required its own personality, and the hardwood helped us achieve that successfully.”
The ability to customize was a game-changer for Jesse and his team.
“The experience received is unmatched. From the showroom to the people, and the product itself — it’s all top-notch. Makes my job easy. And as a custom builder, the advantages of being able to customize the flooring finish if necessary are wonderful.”
Advice for Homeowners: Take Your Time with Flooring
Jesse’s advice for homeowners selecting flooring is simple but invaluable:
“Floors are something you don’t want to change very often, so take your time. Get plenty of samples, and as with anything else, make sure you take a cohesive approach to selections. Don’t make choices in a vacuum — every design decision impacts another. Choices should be made with the big picture in mind.”
Looking Ahead: Oxford Shepard’s Vision for the Future
With an ever-evolving industry and new opportunities to blend design and construction, Jesse remains excited about the future of Oxford Shepard.
“We’re always learning, growing, and looking for ways to make each project better than the last. It’s a privilege to help people bring their vision to life, and we take that responsibility seriously — while still having a lot of fun along the way.”
We’re thrilled to kick off our Collaborative Creators series with Jesse Willits and Oxford Shepard. Their thoughtful approach to design, dedication to craftsmanship, and client-first philosophy make them true standouts in the world of design-build.
Photography Credit: Photographer – Joseph Bradshaw | Flooring – Textures F-01 European White Oak
